Maybe so. The sad part is that his religion has terrified him out of allowing himself to experience anything enough to sort it all out and be at peace about it. Saving himself for marriage?!?

Maybe. But by your own description, your socialization was not as all-encompassing as his and many others. If every family member and virtually everyone you grow up with is an outwardly obedient member of this micromanaging church, and if you also see all that as your core source for family and loving relationships, it is much more of an act of courage to up and leave all that. Knowing your friends might even feel compelked to shun you to remain in good standing with the church if you are excommunicated. I am reminded of what the lead singer of Neon Trees went through when he decided he needed to reject the church's command that he remain celibate. His successful Mormon band promptly broke up.

@MikeInBatonRouge All very true. Possibly I came down too hard on a 30 year old that deeply indoctrinated. Thank you for reminding me. I had to reread the post to remember what my comment was about and think I must have been baked.

@rainmanjr It is easy to jest feel tired of all the religious nonsense and react by saying "screw 'em all.!" I have to remind myself that my beef is with the mean-spirited people trying to oppress others, not the genuinely kind ones who are just duped and are themselves victimized by it.

@MikeInBatonRouge To a degree, that I understand and relate.
(To your first reply.)
To your second reply.
Very true.