What does it cost when you're forbidden from seeing, reading, or knowing anything outside of the authorized script?

In this episode, I share three devastating moments of information control that shattered my trust in church leadership:

The God Makers 2 moment - Sitting in my laundry room, sobbing, watching video evidence of Gordon B. Hinckley doing things members would be excommunicated for—while he was protected and later became prophet.

The Thomas S. Monson betrayal - Realizing the leader I'd revered, whose books I devoured as divine truth, used theology as a tool for control and wealth. "That is, in my bones, what I consider to be evil."

The Relief Society release - Punished and silenced for authentic spiritual teaching that opened women's hearts, while leaders who consumed forbidden information kept power unchecked.

Religious information control is abuse. If you're forbidden to consume outside sources—books, films, news, even the internet—while leaders have unrestricted access, that's manipulation, not protection.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How information control rewrites your reality and breeds self-doubt
• Why "anti-Mormon literature" bans are tools of institutional control, not spiritual protection
• The profound spiritual betrayal of being punished for seeking truth
• Practical steps to reclaim your right to read, listen, learn, and research without shame
• Why the Divine is not threatened by your curiosity—abusive systems are

Your path to healing:

• Name the sources you were warned never to see—was it truth that was dangerous, or their control?
• Track your reactions: What topics still trigger fear or guilt? Those are signals of old programming.
• Reclaim your right to read, listen, and learn without apology or permission.

God is not honored by your ignorance. God is honored when you seek, question, and hunger for real truth—even if it shakes what you've been taught.

Resources mentioned:

• Take the Sacred Intimacy Snapshot at InnerLightCompanion.com
• Download the free meditation for processing spiritual betrayal at InnerLightCompanion.com

What was your forbidden source? What did you explore that helped you answer questions you'd been forbidden to ask? Share your story on Instagram @inner_light_companion or email tamara@innerlightcompanion.com

Next episode: Freedom in Daily Life Decisions - When even your clothing, food, sleep, and time are controlled

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🌿 The Inner Light Companion is hosted by Tamara Ridge, LMFT — guiding spiritually curious souls into deeper connection, intuitive healing, and divine remembrance.

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Website & Guest Submissions: www.innerlightcompanion.com
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