[Nell]

Welcome to the forum, alwayscurious!

You are asking the right questions. Regardless of age and status in the LC, the new members who come aboard ask the same questions you are troubled by...and more. When I asked those same questions a long time ago, I really already knew the answers. That's when I started planning my "exit strategy". I didn't call it that, and it really wasn't something conscious that I did, but the thought that kept coming up was "how do I get out of this?" and "this is wrong".

The social aspect of the Local Church is powerful. The thought of walking away from the only "family" and "society" you have ever known is frightening. You have an extended (biological) family that can be a real help to you. Get to know them. You're family so you're already accepted...without explanations. That's where I would start. Visit other churches. When I did that, I couldn't get past the teachings about "denominations" (You know the ones that LC isn't, but really is?) But I kept going anyway. The point is to meet people and not the way people meet. (Wow! That sounded profound! :-))

The thing about having a plan...it's just a plan. You may never need it. But it helps you to think things through and know there is a path forward. The thought "I'll lose everything" becomes "I can always do this ...". It's not easy, but it's a start. You will find a lot of people here who have walked this path before you...and lived to tell about it!

As for your questions, this forum is literally FULL of discussions on those very topics...and more!

Again, welcome. You are not alone and we're glad you're here.

Nell