Devout by David Archuleta

While I’m still game for a good Mormon exit story, I’ve become all too familiar with the genre, having heard the same tale over and over again. Starting with my own, some three decades ago. It goes something like this:

You’re gay and tired of pretending you’re not. You have brown skin and are tired of being called “cursed.” You’re a straight white man and just plain tired. You’re a woman.

Whatever your problem—and the options are endless—you’re at your wit’s end. Nevertheless, you try to hang on. You bury your doubts, subject yourself to painful interviews, mind-numbing lessons, and the well-meaning (and not so well-meaning) efforts of church members. Finally, in a last-ditch effort to salvage your faith, you throw yourself into gospel study. Ironically, as the truth about “the one true church” is revealed, you lose your faith. At a surprising speed. In a matter of weeks. Or even days. (Read Bill Reel’s new book and you could be on the road to authenticity inside of an afternoon.)

So it was in this spirit that I approached David Archuleta’s new memoir, Devout.

What can I say…just when you think you’ve read them all.

While much of David’s story feels familiar, his ordeal is made large by his exceptional situation and the hard light it shines on the leaders of the LDS Church.

It’s difficult not to ache for this shy kid who, at twelve years old, is plunged into the public eye. His undeniable talent and success make him a Mormon poster boy. But behind the scenes, his LDS relatives remain either toxic or unavailable. His church leaders only seem interested in the PR he can provide. And—in a twisted turn on Mormon expectations—it’s the show-biz professionals who become his sole nurturers. Meanwhile, his budding sexuality reveals a deeper secret. He is gay.

Despite the remarkable situation he finds himself in, David’s narrative remains down to earth. He demonstrates genuine affection for his family, his fellow church members, the missionaries he serves with in Chile, and the women he dutifully tries to court. This is not a bitter exit story.

However, Archuleta is not so generous with the LDS General Authorities who treat him like a PR machine. Can you blame him? Consider Elder M. Russell Ballard’s desperate attempt to keep their church poster boy in the fold. In their final exchange the elderly apostle claims that it is OK for David to be gay so long as he remains celibate. Even going so far to say that kissing is allowed. (For David.)

Archuleta replies, “You know what, if this is really the stance the church has, it would be really helpful for all these people who are contemplating ending their lives to know that it’s OK for them, too…. Why isn’t a stance like this said publicly?” When the old man fails to answer, David asks himself, Or was an exception being offered just for me?

I understand there are long queues for Devout in Utah public libraries. To those of you in line, I promise this book is worth the wait. Or, budget permitting, the expense. –And extra good karma comes with shopping at your neighborhood independent bookstore! 🙂