Deseret News | Jehovah's Witnesses are fastest-growing U.S. faith; LDS are fourth-largest U.S. faith

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Jehovah's Witnesses are fastest-growing U.S. faith; LDS are fourth-largest U.S. faith

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Patriot | 8:07 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Brian:
A perfect example of using statistics to prove a point that is not correct. How do you know what these previous members have become, where they are or whatever. To apply such erroneous rates to the LDS church as a whole is nonsense. Those that are not coming out are not forgotten, they prayed for, sought after worked with and for. Please get your figures correct before presenting them as facts. I am sure these people of the LDS faith would like nothing more than to have every member of record attending and sharing in the gospel. Give them a break and what does it matter to any of you how many members any church has. Live and let live.

Gene | 8:15 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

The growth rate is OUTSTANDING and that is reflected in the number meeting houses and Temples being build at this time. No question I have seen this first hand and believe the righteous are growing in hordes.

Anonymous | 8:26 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Iï¿½ve read (sigh) all these posts and have heard the consensus of the LDS faithful saying ï¿½what does it matter about numbersï¿½ and ï¿½just leave us alone.ï¿½ Well I am going to be a bit juvenile but you have historically demonstrated it is all about numbers and in Utah you will throw that into non-members faces on a daily basis furthermore you just want to be left alone, well ladies and gentlemen you have 60.000 young men that wont leave the rest of us alone.

Let it rest and practice how you want but just LEAVE THE REST OF US ALONE.

Comments continue below

Jennie | 8:37 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

The Jehovahs, Witnesses" seem to come to my house two once a couple times a year. I think their kind of freaky and make me a bit uncomfortable. I just wish they we would leave me alone, I think they should know we are an LDS neighborhood and not come to the door but anyway they are kind of scary in their believes and would not think they would be taking LDS members away, at least all my neighbors are still LDS and have asked these people not to come back to our street. I do not think they are a bigger church than us since everybody I know is LDS.

LDS Statistics from the 1980s | 8:38 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I find it curious that the LDS Church used to issue far more statistics through the early 1980's than it has for the past decade. Check out the May issues of the Ensign that reported on the statistics issued at the April General Conferences if you do not believe me. The most troublesome later omissions were the number of priesthood holders and the number of endowments performed that would provide a "reality check" against the touted gross membership "growth" numbers, and the ward, branch, and temple creation numbers.

Clyde Dale | 8:42 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

The chap who calls himself trouble up the way has not understood that the article says that the JWs are the FASTEST GROWING, and that the LDS are the FOURTH LARGEST.

On the basis of this report no comparison can be made with the statistics provides because they are apples and bananas.

Isn't edumacation wunningfull?

JT | 8:52 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Burr....if you seen it in real time in 1975 did you remember the time Jerusalem was surrounded --the first time...false alarm hmmm...3 yrs later they were completely captive by the babylonians....hmmmm ...could this be the second go round? What a coincidence....but I guess you don't pay much attention to real prophecy...just your own ideas...

Vernal roid | 8:58 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

A battle over religion? Humm, Are we no better than the religions that battle in the middle east?

wcd | 9:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

What church did Jusus Christ belong to? What do you mean there are no true churches?

joe smith | 9:36 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I cant believe people waste time bickering over trivial things, maybe we should all get out and just make the world a better place through actions not words. I weep for some of you.

Anonymous | 9:47 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Mt father in law is a Jehovah's Witness. He came from a wealthy background, is an ivy league educated psychiatrist and afer converting, he became a lifetime medical missionary for the JW's. I met my husband in college almost 30 years ago and his father has been the fulltime medical missionary as long as I have known him.

And he seems to be such a happy, happy man! Being a Jehovah's Witness is undoubtedly the joy of his life. But it certainly would not be mine.

Lilly Bryant | 9:55 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Joe Smith,

This is not so trivial and of much importance, if you should refer to it as trivial then let it be and let those of us us have found the truth alone. The world is what is but mormonism is the keystone to the resurrection.

BTW, it is so informal calling you Joe could I please refer to you as Joseph instead? So not cool in taking our lords name into vein!

Peace train, man | 9:57 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Hey guy! We are the best! nobody can compare to us. We know it all, and the rest of the world should know this as well. We do things better, we eat better. we sleep better and we pray better. So unless you are like us then you just better plan to catch the nearest train or bus of your preference and go to the devil.

Anonymous in South Jordan | 10:07 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Why did the DN filter out my comment on Jehovah's Witness coming to my home?

I was respectful to their missionaries when they came to my home a few years ago, and told them I would listen to their message if they would say the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag? I did not say anything abusive or off-topic. They could not do it and I guess I can respect that, but I appreciate those who have defended our country so we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

Beth from Orem | 10:09 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I think all of you from out of state need to stay of the post. We in Utah know who we are and what we should be doing. Youï¿½re doing the same thing to this state as youï¿½ve done to BYU. We donï¿½t need your influence and I would suggest you need a little influence from us.

Spanky | 10:10 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Catholics...."We're number 1, we're the true church!"

Mormons...."We're number 1, we're the true church!"

Jehovah's Witnesses.."We're number 1, we're the true church!"

Baptists..."We're number 1, we're the true church!"

On and on.

Yeah, okay.

Emmy | 10:17 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

The J-Dubs missies should stop treking through my neighborhood a couple times a year and I might start respecting them, They can be intrusive and should recognize we are an LDS neighborhood and not need to be bothered. It is amazing they would put out this effort for so little return, They must be desperate.

Thanks,
Emmy

joe smith | 10:19 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Ms. Bryant or or should I call you lillian? what are you talking about? are you so blind that you feel that argueing over meaningless statistics actually matters to our salvation? come on! instead of sitting on your pedastal thinking you are better then everyone else why dont you get out and do something about it. FYI paying fast offerings dosent count as service to our fellow men. may i indulge you in a rather famous scripture: "when you are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your god."

Mariah L. from Lehi | 10:38 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I have a Jehovahï¿½s Witness neighbor who will not let her kids come over to our house and play with my kids because they are LDS. It is fine for our kids to play over their house under her supervision but just because we are LDS??? We have standards upon standards.

Now I can understand not letting the kids go to the Catholic families houses down the street because god knows what is going on, I wonï¿½t even let my kids go down and play with those kids.

I guess am OK on religion lines but it bothers me the JW thinks she is better than me because sheï¿½s not.

Anonymous | 10:51 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Mariah L.,

Your posting is thick with sarcasm. I assume that you are not LDS and are trying to make a point... So you feel that members of the LDS church whom you know think that they are better than you and won't let their kids play at your house...

"Peter", have you ever read Ender's Shadow?

Anonymous | 10:56 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Emmy or Mariah L., which is it?

So you don't like LDS missionaries proselyting... Actually, you don't seem to like members of the LDS church at all since you are masquerading as one and posting ignorant comments. Do you really think your veiled attacks are effective?

re: Columbia | 10:58 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

There is sufficient biblical documentation that the humble and pure in heart respond well to the message of Christ. The parable of the rich man in the 4 gospels is a good read.

Just maybe the reason for the "lower class" success in 3rd world countries is due to this lesson that the Savior himself tried to teach us.

The reason that the gospel message is spreading faster in 3rd world countries is due to this very thing. Pride destroys and our own country is getting a good dose of it right now. Look around. The average home built this past year was 5 years ago parade home! Gotta have granite counter tops! Gotta have theatre! Gotta have bonus room above garage! Gotta have 4 car garage so I can buy more cars! Gotta have something, anything, imported in that is exotic to put in my house!

The pride cycle that the Book of Mormon warns about is alive and well in the US ! We are desperately in need of humility. Good for those in 3rd world countries that have the blessing of humility in their lives! Bless them for allowing their hearts to receive the message of Christ.

Anonymous | 11:11 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

The truth is in scripture and for those who whish to follow the bounty will be plentiful. It is unfortunate the media tries to reduce our numbers but God does not care about how man may tries to minimize him. Truth, truth and truth----this is what the LDS religion is all about and everyone knows it. Why else would there be so much interst in it.

What difference does it make? | 11:11 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

It really doesn't matter which religion is the fastest growing or which one is the largest. I believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be the Lord's true church with all my heart, and I believe it has always been the true church irregardless of all this. But while I also believe other faiths to only have part of the truth, I commend them for their work in striving to teach people to live righteous lives, so why speak badly about them like that?

Amazed and Ashamed | 11:13 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I am amazed and ashamed at any LDS member who talks so insultingly towards the JWs. I served an LDS mission for two years and was grateful for anyone who would let us in their door. How wonderful on a hot summer's day to be invited in for refreshment and discussion. How can we as LDS members condemn the Jehovah's Witnesses for coming to our homes and neighborhoods and then expect that anyone would just let our missionaries in their doors. That attitude is neive and ignorant. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in what they do, in some cases much more fervently than some of us LDS members. When we hear stories about the hardships our missionaries are going through, our heart goes out to them. Well if we're not careful, we will find ourselves on the other side where we are causing hardships for missionaries of other faiths. Whom do we really serve? Our late beloved President Hinckley repeatedly admonished us to be good neighbors regardless of one another's religious affiliation. If we are really striving to live by the spirit, we need to change our attitudes. In quite generic terms: What Would Jesus Do?

Anonymous | 11:22 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Amazed and Ashamed,

Don't be taken in by many of the negative posts that seem to be from LDS members. I think I hear the howling of a wolf, but I only see sheep around me...

Anonymous | 11:36 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

I'm you next door neighbuor. Please quit knocking. I do not hear you.

Greg Zellers | 11:42 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Most of you really should think again, from all faiths.
Didn't a great leader once say "we're all on the same team, brg what you have and let's see if we can add to it"

Uh , how about "by their works ye shall Know them"

when you get on your high horses don't you ever wonder WWJD?

I am personally a carnal disobedient, just trying my best.

you guys seem to be casting alot of stones

You each DO NOT sound very confident as you hurl
attacks against each others faith

grzellers | 11:43 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Can we not just respect another for their faith ?

Oh by the way I came from a litle branch in the middle of German Catholics ,Baptists, Methodists, Jehovahs witnesses and many others.

There are many NOBEL and GREAT ones among them,
really good people.

I moved to the west 1 yr ago and was hurt to see how some inactives and nonmembers have NOT been treated, my biggest culture shock!

You are only fooling yourself to think that ach of us with our "hidden" faults are really that much different from "the fllen"

And for the statstics of inactives:
When you actually BELIEVE what you say then you
NEVER GIVE UP

Terri Dance Salisbury Missouri | 11:44 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

To Will, and Trouble,
I know for certain Parley P. Pratt's autobiography tells very detailed information about the lingering death from the wound received by at least one of the men hit by bullets fired by Joseph Smith at Carthage Jail (out of the gun brought by Cyrus Wheelock--which belonged to John Taylor). Buddy Youngreen can give good details too. Nothing about Carthage will hurt your testimony, the more you know from primary source material the less you can be deceived or confused by poorly trained or prepared teachers at church or enemies of the church. It is hard to say who does more damage....
As to Jehovah's Witnesses... whatever of Truth they disseminate to the public, God will bless them for it.

#s? | 11:49 p.m. Feb. 16, 2008

Who cares about numbers. What I know is the great good the LDS church does for this whole world. Any time any kind of disaster strikes the church is the first to send out aid. I have never seen anyone ever turned away. To those of you bashing the church, the church would be there for you also if you ever needed it. Why are so many so willing to condemn? Look in the mirror are you perfect?

Rico | 12:29 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Yawn

Elder Haynes, Sr. Missionary | 12:34 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

I have read a number of posts that say the LDS church isn't as big as our announced numbers. Consider: 125 operating temples, 30K people being helped by the Perpetual Education Fund, hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to many thousands w/o regard to their faith, a new chapel built everyday, 340 worldwide missions, a welfare program the envy of even governments in the number of people helped, 53K voluntary missionaries, a family history program again the envy of the world, and much more. This all takes money. If the church is as small as many posters say, there is no way in the world this much good could be accomplished. It would cost much more than 10% tithing w/ such small numbers some posters suggest. Go ahead and judge us, but do it honestly. Charity never faileth. I invite all other churches to do as much good and be so charitable. Lets go about doing good and stop all of this bickering.

to #s? | 12:44 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Amen. I agree with you.

to #s? | 1:07 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Sorry. I Don't agree with you.

Dave | 1:48 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

In response to trouble. Review your LDS Church history and get your conspiracty theories straight.

Rich | 7:19 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Elder Haynes:

Can you document the LDS church's financial contributions on humanitarian aid? I think you have been sold a bill of goods. The church does not release its' financials.

Must Read | 8:05 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

In response to Dave, please educate yourself. It's easy in this day and age. First, I get a copy of the book "In Sacred Lonliness" by Todd Compton. Then read Bushman's book "Rough Stone Rolling". Then do a little deductive reasoning. Think outside the box, really. I don't mean this as a slam. I was like you until I investigated. I still believe in the Church and Joseph Smith but I have a different take on the history. History does matter to many people (especially those not LDS). Investigators do come into this information and it is real, not made up by "anti Mormons". The truth will set you free if you are properly grounded. That is one reason (there are others too) why the LDS Church is having more and more trouble attracting new converts--because many people know about the weird LDS history. The LDS Church has made no real effort to set the record straight about these things (polygamy & other items) and many people, even good LDS, get frustrated and leave because they see the dishonesty, they can handle the truth about the history and still believe but not the dishonesty and whitewashing of the history.

Stretches in Every Religion | 8:56 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

I noticed some posts making fun of the false prophesies of the JWs. Have you not read the several from LDS Prophets? More than a couple statements in the LDS Church had the Savior returning already too. Every religion has aspects of it that require followers to turn off the logic and turn on the faith. As a matter of fact most of aspects of every religion requires that.

bun | 9:09 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

So what? Does it matter whether you're the fastest
growing false religion or true religion? Gangs are
growing faster than anything else.

Great | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Every church reports membership numbers that includes people belonging to their faith whether active or inactive. Talk to any preacher. Membership is membership. I can see the Costco warehouse membership people saying well we have over 10 million members but only 40 percent come regularly, 20 percent come occasionally, 10 percent rarely and the other 30 percent never come out. The metric here is membership, not activity. I'm sick of LDS members getting so defensive everytime someone questions them or knocks them. Let it go. Show me your religion by your works, not by ranting and raving everytime someone says, well Joe Smith practiced polygamy.....who cares. Just live the way you have been taught and quit arguing.

Daniel | 9:36 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Even though the rate of growth for the JW's is the fastest in the US, the truth is that:
01) LDS Church is much bigger and much more important in the Americas than the JW, which is only a pale shadow over here.
02) The very opposite true for the rest of the world.

I'm not sure why it matters | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

I respect the JW's. They respect us LDS. I just don't know what the folks who posted, have against any form of organized religion - except their own. What really happenedat Catrhridge? A prophet was murdered. That's what happened. Get oer it, the LDS are here, Jw's are here Catholics are here and you are here. Deal with it.

Bible Basher | 10:01 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

You folks are all a HOOT! My dogma is better than yours. "Pot" meet "Kettle!"

Richard | 10:25 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

As far as counting church members, in order to be Catholic, all you need is to be baptised as a baby. You never have to show up to mass or anything ever again in your life.

America! | 10:45 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

What a great country. Where else could you have this kind of debate? Europe doesn't care about religion. In the middle east, they just bomb each other over religion. In China, don't talk about religion. Here we are having a debate about who's the fastest growing or has the best retention. I'm just glad we get to practice it however and whereever (except in schools) we want. Hopefully we never lose it.

HA HA! | 10:50 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

I am JEHOVAH WITNESS and you guys are all just jealous of us because someday you will be the smallest church in the world. We are the true church. We don't worship false prophets!

Elder Haynes, Sr. Missionary | 11:08 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Rich, How about this for a start from the lds.org newsroom:
In 2005 ï¿½ dubbed the "year of natural disasters" by the World Health Organization ï¿½ the Church responded to emergencies in 67 countries, distributing 1.7 million hygiene, school, newborn and cleaning kits; 7.6 million pounds of food; 260,000 blankets; 1.3 million pounds of medical supplies and 2 million pounds of clothing, said Garry Flake, director of Church Emergency Response.
Do the math, and that is just for one year.
If we are as small as some would have others believe just that one year would be impossible. Come on everyone, lets spend more time doing good than arguing. Then everyone will be better off.

Elder Haynes, Sr. Missionary | 11:36 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

Oh, and Rich from the Denver Post:

Welfare needs often spill over to humanitarian needs. Between 1985 and 2006, the Church donated cash of more than $201 million and goods of more than $705 million in disaster relief to 163 countries.

And from the Newsroom again: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducts humanitarian activities worldwide. From 1985 to 2006 Humanitarian Services provided more than $900 million in total assistance to needy individuals in 163 countries.

I hope these sources assuage your concerns about me being sold a bill of goods. But, thanks for your concern.

A pretty good model for all of us and our churches, great or small, to follow. Helping others just seems like such a better activity than stirring up contention like some on this post go about doing.

daveday | 11:39 a.m. Feb. 17, 2008

This story is just wrong. I belong to the fastest growing religious group (and second largest) in the United States. We call ourselves Non-practicing Catholics.

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