In this emotional and deeply honest episode, Eve and her parents, Neal and Christa, share their powerful story of faith, devotion, awakening, and transformation. Raised in a multi-generational Mormon household, Eve and her family lived and breathed the teachings of the LDS Church—until the cracks began to show.
From Neal’s time as a bishop and Christa’s strong belief in Mormon womanhood, to Eve’s mission and eventual faith transition, this conversation explores:
The impact of religious upbringing and cultural expectations
The emotional toll of unaddressed questions and historical issues How Gospel Topics Essays, polyandry, and the church’s lack of transparency triggered a faith crisis
Eve’s pivotal role in helping her parents deconstruct their beliefs
The cost—and freedom—of walking away
Heartfelt, raw, and eye-opening, this interview shines a light on the complexity of leaving a high-demand religion and finding connection, purpose, and joy on the other side.
2 Responses
Neal, Christa and Eve’s story is amazing. Neal and Christa are outstanding parents! I mean the best ever. They listened to their daughters, gave them a voice, supported them and loved them to the moon and back. The process of their deconstruction was respectful to everyone. I appreciate Neals’ input on the life of a Bishop, the stress, the reality of what the job entails. What this family was expected to do for that church is abuse! And to think the church is flush with money yet Missionarys have to pay to go! Really? More abuse. I am never Mormon but raised a Christian Scientist. These podcasts have helped me realize the abase I experienced until the age of 12. I am now 70 years old, last year I had hip issues and didn’t even think of taking the most basic medications. I am very educated and a retired Naval Officer. When my friends said, “Why didn’t you even take a Tylenol like the doctor suggested?”. I forgot he said it and it didn’t even come to mind. I asked myself why in the hell did I not do that? I have been listening to Mormon Stories for 2 years and it has helped me see the long term impact Christian Science has had on my life. Like LDS, the no drinking and smoking was a great foundation the residual issues have been harmful. Also I want to thank Neal for his work supporting housing for under privileged in Houston. John and Margie, keep up the great work!
I really enjoy the stories of seemingly everyday LDS people who just put 2 and 2 together. I can relate super well to them, and although they aren’t youtube celebrities, went through extreme trials, or are related to mormon royalty, their stories are in a way, more important. Thank you to the Rackleffs for being so open!