The Mormon Church Called Me Chosen... and Cursed
Cults to Consciousness
Jul 22
The Mormon Church Called Me Chosen... and Cursed
The Mormon Church Called Me Chosen... and Cursed

Cults to Consciousness
Jul 22
In this episode, Ember Hudson shares her deeply personal journey of growing up Native American within the LDS Church, where she faced conflicting teachings about her identity, worth, and heritage. Her story reveals the emotional and spiritual toll of navigating a faith that both celebrated and stigmatized her Indigenous roots, ultimately leading her to reclaim her cultural identity on her own terms.
Ember Hudson recounts the painful contradictions of being a Native American woman in the LDS Church, where doctrines about Lamanites and skin color left her feeling cursed yet chosen. She describes a bishop praising her for appearing lighter, a traumatic temple experience that triggered a panic attack, and the church's Indian Placement Program that stripped children of their culture. Ember contrasts Mormon teachings with her Native beliefs, criticizing the church's performative multiculturalism and tokenization of Indigenous peoples. Her crisis of faith deepened after her patriarchal blessing, leading her to research high-demand religions and eventually resign to protect her daughter. After leaving, she found healing by reconnecting with her heritage, inspired by her grandmother, and getting a traditional facial tattoo. Ember also discusses historical atrocities tied to Mormon expansion, including the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and emphasizes the importance of defining one's own identity beyond imposed labels. She encourages listeners to live for today and reclaim their authentic selves.
05:44
05:44
The church's narrative made me feel cursed yet chosen.
26:32
26:32
I started life at a deficit and could never be enough.
44:06
44:06
The church uses Native cultures as props, not as respected traditions.
1:04:09
1:04:09
Live for today rather than fear the afterlife.
1:07:27
1:07:27
Living in the present and finding personal truth is essential.
