Defying Gravity… And High-Demand Religion

I have been thinking a lot about the story of Wicked lately, especially after watching the movie with my husband. The story resonates deeply with I and many other former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more-so referred to as "ex-Mormons." This masterpiece of a story, which reimagines the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz, has become a metaphorical lens through which individuals deconstruct and examine their experiences within a high-demand religion, particularly the LDS Church. Themes of identity, questioning authority, societal rejection, and the complexities of morality reverberate throughout the narrative, paralleling the journeys of those who leave a faith steeped in tradition and dogma.

1. The Search for Authenticity

At its core, Wicked is about two individuals… Elphaba and Glinda… navigating a society that demands conformity. Elphaba, the "wicked" witch, represents those who refuse to comply with the expectations placed upon them, while Glinda epitomizes the archetype of someone striving to meet societal standards. For ex-Mormons, this mirrors the internal struggle of reconciling personal authenticity with the external pressure to conform to church teachings.

I for one, remember taking Glindas side multiple times on my journey of religion before leaving and in the decision making process of leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…. The Church places a heavy emphasis on adhering to prescribed roles, particularly in terms of gender, family, and spirituality. Members are encouraged to present a polished image of themselves… akin to Glinda’s bubbly and immaculate persona… while suppressing doubts or divergent beliefs. Elphaba’s journey of self-discovery, her refusal to abandon her ideals, and her ultimate rejection of the Wizard’s oppressive regime resonate with those who have chosen to leave a faith that no longer aligns with their personal truths.

2. Questioning Authority and Doctrine

One of the pivotal moments in Wicked occurs when Elphaba begins to question the Wizard’s regime and its corrupt practices. She discovers that the so-called “great and powerful” Wizard is, in reality, a manipulative figure using fear and propaganda to maintain control. For many ex-Mormons, this mirrors the experience of unearthing historical or doctrinal issues within the LDS Church… such as discrepancies in Joseph Smith’s accounts of the First Vision, the institution of polygamy, or the Church’s historical stances on race and gender.

Just as Elphaba’s disillusionment with the Wizard prompts her to rebel, ex-Mormons often experience a similar moment of reckoning. The realization that the institution they once trusted implicitly may not be as infallible as they believed can be both liberating and devastating. Elphaba’s line, “I’m through accepting limits ‘cause someone says they’re so,” from the iconic song Defying Gravity, becomes an anthem for those choosing to step away from a prescribed path.

– “It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap!"

3. The Role of Propaganda and Marginalization

Elphaba’s transformation into the "Wicked Witch of the West" is not a result of her actions but of the narrative imposed upon her by those in power. She is vilified for her refusal to conform and for exposing inconvenient truths. Similarly, those who leave the LDS Church often find themselves labeled as "apostates" or "anti-Mormons," regardless of their intentions. They are frequently portrayed as bitter, sinful, or deceived, a stigma that can alienate them from family and friends who remain within the faith.

This dynamic mirrors the way the Wizard and his administration manipulate public perception to maintain control. Elphaba’s "wickedness" is a construct, much like the narratives that can surround those who leave Mormonism. The story challenges audiences to reconsider who defines good and evil and why. For ex-Mormons, this is a poignant reminder of the ways in which religious institutions can wield narratives to discredit dissenters and preserve their authority.

4. The Complexity of Relationships

The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is central to Wicked. Despite their differences, the two share a deep bond that is tested as they choose divergent paths. This parallels the experiences of ex-Mormons who navigate relationships with loved ones who remain in the Church. Glinda’s initial inability to fully understand Elphaba’s choices mirrors the difficulty that faithful members often have in comprehending why someone would leave the Church.

Yet, their enduring love and mutual respect reflect the possibility of maintaining meaningful connections despite differing beliefs. This is a hopeful message for those striving to bridge the gap between their post-Mormon identity and their relationships with believing family and friends. – “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”.

5. Reclaiming Power and Defying Expectations

Elphaba’s journey is one of empowerment. By the end of the musical, she fully embraces her identity, reclaiming the narrative imposed upon her and rejecting the labels of "wickedness" that others have ascribed. For ex-Mormons, this resonates as a metaphor for reclaiming autonomy and self-worth after leaving a system that often defines individuals by their adherence to its tenets.

The act of "defying gravity" is particularly symbolic. It represents breaking free from societal and institutional expectations, challenging the notion that one must conform to be valued or "saved." This is especially significant in Mormonism, where salvation is often tied to strict adherence to Church teachings and ordinances. Choosing to leave the Church can feel like an act of rebellion but also one of profound self-liberation.

– “Everyone deserves the chance to fly."

6. The Pain of Alienation

Leaving the LDS Church often comes with a profound sense of loss. Community, identity, and purpose can feel stripped away, much like Elphaba’s exile from Oz. The musical doesn’t shy away from the pain of rejection, nor does it paint Elphaba’s path as easy or without sacrifice. For ex-Mormons, this is a reminder that while leaving a faith tradition can be empowering, it is also fraught with challenges, including feelings of isolation and grief.

Elphaba’s loneliness is palpable, as is her yearning to be understood. The haunting ballad I’m Not That Girl captures the bittersweet emotions of realizing one’s path is diverging from what was once hoped or expected. For ex-Mormons, this can echo the sorrow of realizing that the life they envisioned within the Church is no longer attainable or desirable.

7. Redefining Good and Evil

One of the most profound messages of Wicked is its deconstruction of binary moralities. The audience comes to see that Elphaba, though labeled as "wicked," is far more nuanced and morally upright than many of the so-called "good" characters. This challenges the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil, a framework often present in Mormon teachings. When one leaves… no one mourns the “wicked”.

In the LDS Church, members are often taught that obedience is paramount and that deviation from prescribed norms leads to spiritual peril. Wicked invites audiences to question such binaries, suggesting that morality is far more complex and that dissent can be an act of profound integrity. For ex-Mormons, this is a validating perspective, affirming that leaving the Church is not an inherently "bad" or "sinful" act but often a deeply considered moral choice.

8. Hope for Reconciliation

The ending of Wicked offers a bittersweet resolution. While Elphaba and Glinda part ways, they do so with a sense of mutual understanding and love. This reflects the hope that, despite the pain and division that can accompany a faith transition, reconciliation and mutual respect are possible. For ex-Mormons, this is a reminder that while their journey may take them away from the Church, it does not have to sever all ties with those they love.

Wicked is a profoundly layered narrative that speaks volumes to the experiences of those who have left the LDS Church. Its themes of authenticity, questioning authority, societal rejection, and the complexity of human relationships provide a rich story through which ex-Mormons can explore and articulate their own journeys. Like Elphaba, they face the challenge of forging a new identity, often in the face of misunderstanding and opposition. And like Elphaba, they have the opportunity to rise above these challenges, defying the gravity of societal and religious expectations …and reclaiming their power.