Thank you Simon for providing one of the many tools used in my escape.
It was indeed a long, self inflicted prison sentence.
I was previously an elder and saw my fair share of the good ole boys network, favoritism, cronyism, whatever you would like to call it. It's amazing how much some of them think of themselves, but they fail to realize that their power is all an illusion without the religion. Them minus the religion equals nothing.
I awakened a few years ago and wondered when I would see the light, come to my senses and end all connections with the society.
After many years and supposed friendships, many have a hard time as I did with walking away and not looking back. I do feel sorry for those who choose to stay because they feel there is nothing else, but we all have the freedom of choice and I know that making certain choices can be hard. In the end it's all for the best.