Strange. I had much the opposite experience.
I was on my way out when some of my agnostic ex-Mormon friends began to mock the LDS church. I was struck at how unfair and mean-spirited they sounded. That got me to look more closely at other things they said. Far from being disinterested seekers after truth, they were just as partisan, closed-minded, and unreasoning as they accused religious people (Mormons and non-Mormons alike) of being. That was a turning point for me.
The more vitriolic the accuser, the less convincing the accusation.
I’m not saying vitrol necessarily but pointing out absurdities and contradictions in a way that made me mad enough to take a hard look.
Of course, those that were mocking were not atheists/agnostics either.
I’m sorry you stayed in. You shouldn’t base your eternity based upon a few people. You should take a real hard look. Life in Christ is so much sweeter than life in the LDS.
I have also noticed a big difference in tone between ex-Mo atheists and non-mo believers.
It does no good for Mormons to leave Mormonism and not become Christians. That is pointless.
You will also find that mockery isn’t really my style. I much prefer to take a moderate tone and discuss the issues. You will not see me use terms like “Joe Smith” or ever lie about LDS doctrine. I know enough about the LDS to debate solidly without mockery. But I do think there can and is a time and place for satire.
Those who made me mad enough to investigate Mormonism more thoroughly DID have an affect on me leaving. Sometimes we need a 2x4 to the head in order to think and see things for what they really are.
All is NOT well in Zion...
That's just ONE of the results of finding out MORMONism is untrue.
Taught to 'believe' that ONLY MORMONism is correct; when hey find out it's not, the old teaching is still there, so they do not know WHAT (if anything) to believe.
I warms my heart to know you care so.
Anti-Mormon material led me to a testimony of the Church.