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New LDS ad campaign touts the 'Truth Restored'

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Tom | 1:07 a.m. April 4, 2008
I think that these ads are great. I have seen them and they are 100 times better than our old "isn't it about time?" commercials which only June and Ward Cleaver could actually relate to. These are real, hard hitting, and meaningful, and I think people will respond. Kudos to the missionary department on this.
cradletograveCatholic | 1:26 a.m. April 4, 2008
I've never felt the truth was lost.
best wishes | 5:40 a.m. April 4, 2008
Now that this campaign has been successfully tested in the US, as an european I hope soon or later something like that will take place overseas too. Dan
Comments continue below
McBaptized | 5:57 a.m. April 4, 2008
As a convert to the LDS church (who also happened to marketing major), I have to admit I was surprised to read an article that talks about missionary work in marketing terms.

Suddenly it felt like I was studied, tested, segmented, targeted and "sold" something.

For me, conversion was an intensely personal and spiritual matter that motivated me to make many substantial changes in my life -- and as New Year's resolutions have repeatedly shown, real change isn't the easiest thing to get most of us to do.

But I after I recovered from my initial surprise, I saw the wisdom in this approach. Different groups have varying concerns, and varying ways they should be approached. Tithing is a sacred sacrifice and should be used prudently, and producing and pouring generic ads over an entire population probably isn't always the most efficient use of resources.

And just as inspiration can prompt us to visit with a stranger or a friend, I'm sure it can prompt us to use our education to build the kingdom as well.

Still, for me it is like what they say about the making of sausages... and I'm not sure I want to know. :-(
Joseph | 6:43 a.m. April 4, 2008
Finally! No scripts! Yes, let the people tell it. That is the most powerful. The bit about better retention is silly though. That is up to the members to do. Not some hands-off ad campaign. Christians reach out to other who are different than them.
Mahonri | 6:59 a.m. April 4, 2008
This is great. Now I will be able to get accurate inforamation from LDS sources rather than having to go to the anti-mormons for accurate historical records and photocopies.
Mayhem Mike | 7:08 a.m. April 4, 2008
I think the Church is "spot on" with this advertising approach. So many people are searching for answers to life's tough challenges and they need to know that others, with similar questions, have found peace. If, after viewing the ads, people only learn more about the Church's doctrines and gain a better understanding of us, as a people, the program will have been a success.
Mohan | 7:12 a.m. April 4, 2008
This is a great approach. Before you can convey a message to anyone you need to first gain their interest and their attention. How many are there who never understood how much truth had been lost, or who have no idea where to turn for answers to questions they always thought were unanswerable? First, get a persons attention, then teach them. To anyone who has never heard the message of the restoration, take this opportunity, come discover what you have been missing. Find out for yourself. I thing this is a great campaign that will continue to achieve wonderful results.
Truth? | 7:17 a.m. April 4, 2008
Please be careful when using the word truth. People expect you to do what you say. Don't forget accidentally to tell the whole story. People are hurt when they discover later how much of the truth was left out; when they were taught the gospel like me. So much of the history was left out. Please don't lie to me anymore.
Nick | 7:31 a.m. April 4, 2008
Since all religions are based on selling something, it's no surprise that religion turns to marketing experts to help sell their products.

It's a beautiful morning. I'm going to enjoy it and leave superstitious beliefs to the marketers and their customers.

I'm not buying any of it.
ScottAZ | 7:32 a.m. April 4, 2008
I am very much looking forward to seeing the ad. The best way that we can draw people to the Truth is to live the Truth every day. For me, my interest in the Church was greatly inluenced by the people in the Church, their examples of genuinely striving to live the Gospel every day...not just Sundays. My hope is that this ad will lead many to investigate the Church.
DeLaval Milker | 7:34 a.m. April 4, 2008
It's interesting to hear it all put in terms more relevant to a corporation or political campaign. Cold and impersonal numbers. Could 'ad buy' money be better used somewhere else?
And this truth...as the Catholic noted above, for that person at least it wasn't lost. Yet it is called truth, this elusive quantity. Many claim it, yet it manifests itself differently among all those who do.
Ha! | 7:40 a.m. April 4, 2008
I miss those old ads that ended with "brought to you by... THE MORMONS".

and why mormons.org? Wasnt there a movement a couple years ago that mormons wanted to be called LDS? Yet, they adopt the Mormon Times and others names. Goodness!
re:truth | 7:56 a.m. April 4, 2008
Are you referring to truths that were left out or peoples conclusions on historical facts. Certainly everything that Joseph Smith did or said is not taught in Sunday School. Some of it is very controversial and we have to in many cases try and connect dots. Depending upon the lenses you choose to look through will determine what dots you'll choose to connect. There is no such thing as unbiased history. Everyone has an agenda and everyone has a point to emphasize. So...History is a very poor way to to really determine if Joseph is a Prophet. You can pick up histories and reach different conclusions. The truth of the matter is that he either saw the vision or he lied. He translated the Book of Mormon form gold plates or he didn't. Revelation not history (slanted or not) is the only sure source.
Naha | 7:56 a.m. April 4, 2008
I am grateful for the restored truths of the Gospel. I believe the Bible as it came directly from the original writers. However multiple translations and the Nicean Council have contributed to "plain and precious" teachings, principles, and doctrine being altered or omitted. Revelation and restoration has corrected that. Truth is available for all.
Dean | 8:06 a.m. April 4, 2008
Jesus did not hire a marketing firm. His ministry was personal, one at a time. That is why he commissioned "apostles" - literally, people "sent forth" to minister one at a time the way he did.

This mass marketing campaign is evidence that the Church doesn't care about individuals. If they did, they would "market" one at a time the way Jesus did. Instead, this mass marketing approach reveals that the Church is a big business, and it is all about the mass numbers. You are just a number to the Church and to the god they try to sell you.

And it is deceptive. They target people with problems and addictions, but they don't have a proven program for helping people with these things. Instead, they just claim that if you attend your meetings and pay your tithing, everything will take care of itself. That isn't true. I know from personal experience.
Robert from NC | 8:14 a.m. April 4, 2008
There is a saying, "He who knows not, and knows NOT that he knows not, is a fool, shun him. He who knows NOT and KNOWS that he KNOWS not, can be taught, teach him. He who knows, and KNOWS that he knows, is wise, follow him."

Before I converted to the LDS church 30 years ago, I was in the group of fools who didn't know much about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt something was essentially wrong with the religion I had grown up with. I had fallen away many times only to come back and recieve very little for my trouble. It seemed to me that in reality the people who claimed to be "Good Christians" were often more evil than the people who didn't go to church.

Since I have been a member of the LDS Church I have recieved help, love, and guidance from my fellow members. If a person wants to know what heaven is like go to the LDS church, learn the truth, and fellowship with some of the sweetest, smartest, caring people I have ever known.
Crathes | 8:36 a.m. April 4, 2008
I thought Elder Ballard claimed the Mormon church was not "selling" anything. If that were the case, why the need for a marketing campaign? If the Mormon church leaders were really inspired, why the need for marketing experts, testing, etc.? Could not their prophets determine what will work best? Are they too busy with their mall? And why would Jesus what $1.5 bil spent on a mall? Is that what His church and followers would do with money? Or, would they feed the poor, clothe the naked, etc.?

In any case, if the church is so great, why the need to sell it at all?
Dear Dean, | 8:39 a.m. April 4, 2008
You bring up a great point. It would be nice if the Church could commission people to "go forth", and minister to people one at a time. That sounds like what I did. Paying my own way, knocking on thousands of doors, and speaking to thousands of people, bearing my testimony in person, one on one. That sounds to me like the missionary program. It's not about the numbers, it's about the people and the lives that are changed.
My observation on those who join | 8:50 a.m. April 4, 2008
My observation on those who join the LDS church (I am a member, been on a mission, etc.):

Like this statement or not, I believe it is true...those who join are USUALLY "broken" or "defective" in some way. Now many of you will write back and tell me I'm wrong. Of course there are many exceptions. I've lived 14 years outside of Utah and seen a number of people join the church. I think almost all of them joined because they thought it could help them financially or emotionally somehow (this was certainly true in Thailand, years ago as a missionary). They almost all had serious issues. "Regular" people simply are not interested.

The other thing I wanted to say is about the comment on the "whole truth" being presented. I have now been "exposed" to many portions of the missing information and I would say to anyone contemplating joining...dig into the history and doctrines yourself. I'm not saying don't join, but be careful, you are NOT being told the whole story, especially about early church history and "foundational" events. The REAL stories are still good ones, but what you are told is sanitized.
Christopher Jones-Newprt Beach, | 8:55 a.m. April 4, 2008
I look forward to seeing the results of this campaign--However I am continually disappointed that the Church doesn't make greater use of that magnificent document "The Proclamaion on the Family". Why not reprint that Nationally. Talk about a profound statement of Mormon Doctrine----Wow!
History? | 8:58 a.m. April 4, 2008
Wasn't it said that "history is the version of truth that survived." Sometimes a person has to look beyond the various accounts of history to make their decisions and judgments.
Stay Away... PLEASE... | 9:00 a.m. April 4, 2008
We don't need Mormon lies and mythology expounded. There is absolutely no proof of your "doctrine."

"These people" hate all other religions and sacred places of worship. The ONLY interest you have in non-mormon people is in converting them. If you won't get the conversion... you despise them.
re: Dean (resp fr diligentdave) | 8:58 a.m. April 4, 2008
Dean said: Jesus did not hire a marketing firm. His ministry was personal, one at a time. That is why he commissioned "apostles" - literally, people "sent forth" to minister one at a time the way he did.

This mass marketing campaign is evidence that the Church doesn't care about individuals. If they did, they would "market" one at a time the way Jesus did."

Dean, apostles today do minister in many instances, "one at a time". And "caring about individuals"? We DO "market", if you will, "one at a time". We have over 50,000 missionaries out worldwide contacting individuals and families.

Revelation from God in our time tells us-

"Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature."

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:62)

This ("mass marketing message") is part of the "sending".

On a much lightr note and 'Tongue-in-Cheek' - this advertising effort goes along with Calvin Grondahl's humorous Mormon cartoon book title, "Marketing Precedes The Miracle".
Slick | 8:58 a.m. April 4, 2008
Don't forget, we get their 10% too. I'm beginning to believe the church is actually profit based.
Anonymous | 9:00 a.m. April 4, 2008
What I have observed from the Mormon church is that it appears to be "restoring" itself daily.

This is of course, fine but it seems to me the bottom line "truth" in the Mormon church is and always will be:

Either one solitary man was telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about seer stones, hats, disappearing plates, white salamanders, etc. or -
made the entire thing up.
Ernest T. Bass | 9:08 a.m. April 4, 2008
McBaptised: missionary work is marketing.
It is so true
FYI | 9:08 a.m. April 4, 2008
Just so you are aware, the Church does have programs for problems with addictions etc. They are very helpful.

Mr. Brandt | 9:07 a.m. April 4, 2008
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is exactly what it claims to be - truth restored. If this marketing campaign helps people come in contact with the Church, or to want to better their situation or understand life's "terrible questions," then I say go for it. We need to use every appropriate means to teach people the gospel, and I think this is appropriate. The people in the ads aren't acting - they are honest and sincere in what they say. They aren't selling anything - they're sharing their beliefs. What could be more genuine than that?
re: Dean | 9:14 a.m. April 4, 2008
Have you ever seen those young men in white shirts and ties walking around in pairs? Or a picture of the 12 men that help lead the church- aka the 12 apostles... yes, Chirst is still commissioning "apostles"- literally.
The marketing ad is made to spark interest. It's a promotional tool designed to get people to talk with the missionaries or friends the next time they have a chance. One can't just see the advertisement and go get baptized. That's a very interactive and personal process.

As to being deceptive? Once baptized there's a lot more required of a person than going to meetings and paying tithing; and things won't ever "take care" of themselves. That requires hard work.
Wrong | 9:17 a.m. April 4, 2008
Dean - The world markets sex and materialism in very slick and deceptive ways. The marketing program described is simply to get people to inquire. Then the face to face personal approach is used.

As far as truth goes, each person receives truth in different ways. That is why there is a 'line upon line' approach to teaching truth. Even in the days of the New Testament, Paul told members of the gospel that they were fed 'milk' because they were not ready to receive 'meat.'

There is no difference in today's world. They must understand fundamentals before they can move on. As one who went through this approach I can say that had I known everything up front I may not have joined with the church because I would not have been able to digest the 'meat.' I took the 'milk' and over time was able to digest more. Feast upon the words of the prophets. In time, the little things understood give way to greater understanding.
CougarKeith | 9:13 a.m. April 4, 2008
As a 13 year Convert from the Buffalo,NY area, I can say I knew "Truth had been taken from the earth", it's right in the NEW TESTAMENT in Acts 3:21, and Paul Warns the people in Galations 1:6-12! This was written in the 1st century for the people in the first century! Then in Rev 14:6 an Angel is seen Having the everlasting Gospel to preach to them on the earth? Figure it out along with the other 20 or so scriptures warning of the "Falling Away" and "False Teachers" IN THE 1ST & 2ND CENTURY! Even Jesus Warns the apostles and people in the gospels, and their are scriptures in the OLD TESTAMENT like Amos 8:11-12. It was a hard thing for me to believe HF & Son would appear to a 14 year old boy, but after careful study and coming to a knowledge the Book of Mormon was OF GOD or the Devil, I was and am willing to bet my life on which one of them it was from. I KNOW "Truth Has Been Restored" to the earth, because an Apostasy did take place, authority was lost, and it has been Restored. I KNOW IT!
JWK | 9:17 a.m. April 4, 2008
History of the Church. It makes sense that it should be 'Gods' as later it states in Genesis 'let us go down' indicating more than one. Also, I learned several years ago that the word for God, Elohim, is a plural word in Hebrew.
when the trouble starts | 9:27 a.m. April 4, 2008
Mormons have their "truth."

Mainstream Christians have their "truth."

Trouble occurs when things overlap and the mistake of proselytism takes over.
HeSaid | 9:21 a.m. April 4, 2008
He said be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

We must keep up with the times. I think the man upstairs will use any good honest means to get the message out. Internet, Marketing, Missionaries, and good examples.

A religion that doesn't require the sacrifice of all earthly things never can produce faith sufficient unto life eternal.

If you want you don't want life eternal then maybe an hour long meeting is right for you or maybe a drive-thru church. I hear they have some in California.
bottom line | 9:28 a.m. April 4, 2008
It always gets down to either Joseph Smith was telling the truth or was lying.
Ernest T. Bass | 9:21 a.m. April 4, 2008
Will the Book of Abraham be discussed as part of 'truth' restored?
Former Catholic | 9:28 a.m. April 4, 2008
I used to have a problem with a lot of things in "religion" as a whole. Go to church, say confession, do the Rosary as many times as the Priest told you for pennance, and go on your merry way because a Man has Absolved You from your sins? It just didn't feel right to me anyway. Well one day I ordered a Book of Mormon, it sat on my book shelf for about 8 years, then I called the Missionaries in 1994. They showed me where Jesus was in the Book of Mormon (3rd Nephi 11 page 427) I read from there to the end of the book and the beginning to 3rd Nephi 11 in a week, I couldn't put it down! The Spirit hit me so hard I felt the Holy Ghost's POWER, REAL POWER for the first time in my life! After tackling smoking and some doctrinal questions I was baptized and haven't looked back, although I went through a disfellowshipment for a time. But through that I LEARNED WHAT REPENTANCE and FORGIVENESS FROM THE SAVIOR and what the Atonement IS REALLY ABOUT! I am Grateful for "Truth Restored"!
...the forest for the trees | 9:24 a.m. April 4, 2008
I can't believe that many of you can't see the point of the marketing. This isn't a new idea to propogate one's beliefs. And this isn't a substitution for one-to-one interaction. The "about the numbers" comment is highly irresponsable, and demonstrates a lack of vision and dare I say a lack of conviction.
The church and its members have nothing to hide. From what I understand God is not a respector of persons, if this is His Church then why wouldn't He want all His children to participate in it?
To Dean | 9:34 a.m. April 4, 2008
"Jesus didn't hire a marketing firm"

Sorry, he did, they're called missionaries and lay workers. Best PR anyone could get.
Dave | 9:30 a.m. April 4, 2008
The Commitment Pattern taught to missionaries in the MTC is the best sales training I ever had.

You have to be able to sell yourself as a missionary and that the message you have is worth the time they'll invest by inviting you into their home. That's where the selling stops because you don't have to sell the truthfullness of the actual message itself, the Spirit testifies of the truth of the message to those who are ready to hear it.

Humility is the key folks, if you're here posting negative things you should find better things to do than to try and tear down the good around you. Try and see how many people you can get to smile at you today for a change instead of always worrying about yourselves and how bad things are for you.


Oren | 9:39 a.m. April 4, 2008
For those of you thinking one side is "selling" and you're not "buying". You seem to have missed the point. No one is selling anything. It's free for the price of listening and making a decision.
James | 9:40 a.m. April 4, 2008
I wouldn't necessarily critique those "Family" T.V. spots the Church used to run. In Puerto Rico most anyone we talked to had both seen them and liked them.
Blue | 9:46 a.m. April 4, 2008
Broken people are humble people. Its the humility that allows a person to hear the truth. Didn't Jesus teach the broken people?
Re: Crathes | 9:52 a.m. April 4, 2008
Man i'm sorry but you have no idea what you are talking about. First off the city creek development is being donated by outside money from members with in the faith. The church has said that no tithing will be used for that project. Second, the church has done more to feed the poor and clothe the naked than almost any organization in the world. The humanitarian effort in the church is one of the most incredible things i've ever seen. Get your facts straight. Read into things more before you go on making ridiculous comments.
Eternal | 9:49 a.m. April 4, 2008
"Some things that are true are not very useful."
-Apostle Boyd K. Packer

"Some Truths are best left unsaid..."
-Apostle Russell M. Nelson
dear Truth? | 9:49 a.m. April 4, 2008
obviously YOU CAN"T HANDLE THE TRUTH



sorry, I just call'em like I see'em
filth | 9:54 a.m. April 4, 2008
It's the same ones, every time, every time there is a story about the church, the same obsessed people get on here and give their snipes and filthy two cents. Your hate is so obvious and out of place that you actually do a dis-service to whatever point you're trying to make.

We've heard it all, we've disputed it all, take your anger to Darfur and fight some real evil people and do some good in the world.
Re: Slick | 10:05 a.m. April 4, 2008
If the LDS Church is for profit only why not increase tithing to 50%?


firststone | 10:04 a.m. April 4, 2008
Very convincing ads. I'm converting.

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