Austin Fife shares his personal journey of faith and doubt in an open letter addressed to critics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the CES Letter Foundation and Mormon Stories. He recounts a pivotal moment in January 2014 when he lost his faith, confessing to his wife that he no longer believed in God or the Church. This admission marked a significant turning point in his life, leading to feelings of confusion and loss as he grappled with the implications of his disbelief.

Fife’s wife responded to his crisis of faith with unexpected support, expressing excitement for his faith journey rather than panic or defensiveness. She made a promise to him: if he could find more light and truth outside the Church, she would follow him on that path. This promise became a cornerstone of their relationship as they navigated the complexities of faith and belief together.

Over the course of ten years, Fife engaged in extensive research and exploration of various perspectives on faith, including reading the CES Letter multiple times and listening to numerous interviews with ex-Mormons and critical Christians. His search was characterized by a desire for understanding and truth, leading him to confront and reexamine his previous beliefs. Despite initially feeling settled in atheism or agnosticism, he encountered ideas and questions that prompted him to reconsider his stance.

Fife highlights that his journey was not merely about rejecting the Church but rather about seeking deeper truths and understanding. He expresses that his exploration has been honest and exhaustive, indicating a commitment to finding answers to the troubling questions that arose during his search. The letter serves as a reflection on the complexities of faith, the challenges of doubt, and the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in the face of uncertainty.

The letter is also a tribute to E. Roland Brown, suggesting a connection to the broader community of individuals who have grappled with similar issues of faith and belief. Fife’s narrative emphasizes the significance of personal journeys in the quest for truth and the impact of supportive relationships in navigating the challenges of faith transitions. Through his experiences, he illustrates the ongoing struggle between belief and doubt, and the transformative power of seeking light and truth in one’s life.

READ THE TRUTH AND LIGHT LETTER HERE

Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
~ Colossians 3:1-3, LEB ~

Christ’s perfect love changes everything in ways that are profound and transformative. According to Oswald Chambers, before we can fully submit our lives to the care of our Heavenly Father, we often experience a crisis. This crisis is essential because it forces us to confront our own unresponsiveness to the gentler nudges of God—moments when our Heavenly Father has been trying to get our attention, urging us to come unto Christ and follow the Savior.

When we find ourselves in such a crisis—be it spiritual, mental, or emotional—we stand at a crossroads. We must decide whether to truly come unto Christ and commit ourselves to faithful obedience, thereby losing our life for His sake, or to continue along our own path, seeking fulfillment in our terms and ultimately setting ourselves against God’s will.

These moments of crisis strip us bare, revealing our fears, doubts, and anxieties. It’s within this vulnerable state that we are called to surrender our will to Christ fully and irrevocably. In doing so, we undergo a spiritual rebirth, putting to death the natural man that is at enmity with God and rising as a new creation. Our old life dies, enabling us to live a new, real life—one that may appear invisible to others but is profoundly real and pleasing to God. Through this transformation, we become fashioned after the image and likeness of Christ.

Despite our fallibility and waywardness, Christ’s perfect and steadfast love for us remains unwavering. His love means everything because it possesses a power and depth beyond our comprehension. The Atonement, being the greatest event ever, makes it possible for all people to be forgiven of sin and to dwell with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for eternity. Through His infinite suffering, Jesus has perfect empathy for each one of us.

As we accept Christ’s perfect love and follow His teachings faithfully, our lives begin to reflect His power and grace. By committing to live within His perfect love, we bring glory to our Heavenly Father. In moments of crisis, choosing to follow Christ changes everything—our hearts, minds, and spirits. His love flows through us, becoming a beacon of hope for others who are weary and burdened, inviting them to come unto Christ, deny themselves, and take on His yoke of righteousness.

There is nothing that Jesus Christ cannot change, manage, or conquer because He is the Son of the Living God. If you are facing a crisis today, feeling the gentle nudge of our Heavenly Father, know that this is an invitation to experience a profound transformation. Embrace this opportunity to live a new life, transformed by the power of the Atonement. My own life changed when I realized the need to fully give my heart, mind, and strength over to God’s will and care. Christ’s perfect love changes everything, and it can change your life too.

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