Deseret News | Mormons successfully entering mainstream culture

Reader comments
Mormons successfully entering mainstream culture

Page:
1
2
Next >

not surprising | 6:00 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

This is not surprising. Mormonism is an American religion and reflects secularism to the best of its abilities. Mormons should succeed in the American economy.

Oh, no..... | 6:13 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I don't wanna be "mainstream" -- I've lived in it all over this great country.
It's a polluted stream, and needs cleanup.

Cats | 7:34 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Being in the world but not of the world is a balancing act.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Forget "culture." Forget "mainstream."

"Mainstream" is a word invented by the cool kids so they can exclude the uncool kids.

Richard Judkins | 8:33 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

"They tend to be a tolerant people. They have to." I live in California and I am a gay man and my experience suggests Mormons are anything but tolerant.

Dogs | 8:34 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

To Cats,

Thanks for you wisdom. Are you a philosophy major.

Anonymous | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I agree, I don't want mormons to be mainstream.

Instereo | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Anybody with get up and go, got up and went.

Jeff R, | 8:49 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Well expect to see a large boom in LDS membership soon. The church has had steady growth over the last century and though we have had some problems with retaining the members we baptize, the growth remains strong. Expect the LDS membership in the US boom in the next decade. Maybye even double what it is today. Same goes for all over the world.

Swim against the current | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I agee! I don't want Mormons to be mainstream. This article is a pretty tame, no real substance article. Yes, mormon individuals are intergrated into almost all major cities around the United States and just as in any other religion, some are considered weird, some are basically invisible, some are not living their religion and some are highly respected in their communities for the high standards and charitable acts. I would say the bigger difference in that the church is being accepted for the charitable contributions and high standards. I think the church is respected for not entering into the mainstream. I hope that continues!

Al | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Yes, we baptize many but are unable to retain them in activity. I believe they should know what is really expected of them as members before they are baptized. Most of what is talked about in some of our meetings is "how do we reactivate so and so"
The numbers really don't tell the story.

In the Mainstream | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

The popular world message is "God helps those who help themselves" very similiar to the Mormon message of works righteousness. This could lead to a boom in in LDS growth.

Why be mainstream? | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Why would we want to be mainstream? Why not hold to a higher standard and ask others to make the jump rather than cave in so that we can be mainstream or the same as everybody else?

I've always loved what President Hinckley said, (paraphrasing) "take all the good that you have and that you know, and this church will add to it and make it better."

If the world wants to view us as being different...so be it. Different is good!

Anonymous | 9:51 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Who cares? I'm lds and i could give a rats-bottom about being main stream. If people join the church because of popularity then they are joinin for the wrong reasons

To Richard | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I would assume you find blacks and hispanics to be anything but tolerant as well? Because they supported your intolerant proposition out there in great numbers as well.

In fact, I guess anyone who doesn't want to change the definition of marriage to your definition is intolerant.

You should write for a dictionary.

Distorted Views in Utah | 10:06 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Hey, I am former Utahn, live in the south now, and I am blown away by the distorted views of what people think mainstream really is. In my area, more than 70% of people attend church regularly. They participate one night, usually wednesdays, in some youth and bible study. They go on service missions around the world. They pay a "tith" to their churches. The don't promote immorality. They pray as families and go to church as families. They tend to do so in numbers that match or surpass those in Utah.

Some of you all need to take the blinders off, and realize that there are many non-lds people practicing christianity very faithfully. Being mainstream in many of these communities means doing the exact same things you all do every week.

You can faithfully keep all your covenants and do your church service, and still live amonng what I guess some of you would call infidels.... very scary attitude some of you all have. Pride comes to mind as well. Not having the fullness of the gospel doesn't mean they don't have a lot of it, and live it.

Get over yourselves.

provojoe | 10:21 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

The real question is are non-Mormons assimilating in Utah. Doesn't seem so. Also, we wouldn't be so mainstream if we didn't scoff at some of our most precious doctrines - like pacifism and the law of consecration.

Re: Richard Judkins | 10:23 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

"I live in California and I am a gay man and my experience suggests Mormons are anything but tolerant."

Along with the other 52.2% of Californians who aren't "tolerant."

Here's something to consider: If over half of one of the most liberal states in America thinks that what you want is wrong, maybe it's time to think about what you're doing.

RE: The mainstream | 10:56 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

On the surface Mormonism can adapt very well into the mainstream culture,but not into mainstream Biblical Christianity,which is the ultimate goal of the LDS religion.

Atlanta LDS transplant from West | 11:03 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Amen Distorted, Utah does get a little wrapped up :)

We all need to live our own religion as it is taught and not be judgmental, hypocritical, or half-assed about it. (Now I have committed a cowgirl act in that I am not living the part about controlling my mouth.) :)

As I live the gospel more fully, I have better relationships with non-LDS and they with me.

More Christ-like (and no swearing) is the goal.

Lord, help Thou mine un-belief!

JGoldenIncarnate | 11:27 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Then there's people like me. A convert, in a rual town, white collar, but poor as dirt.....LOL

Dr Econ | 11:43 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

The latest study says Utah is the "happiest state". The research suggests that strong, traditional families are the primary driver behind Utah's success. Sounds good to me.

RE: LDS transplant from west | 12:06 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

More Christ-like( and no swearing) is the goal. Which is good,but,"That is you confess with your mouth,"Jesus is Lord, " and beleive in your heart that God raised from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) is the best. The confession of faith,of course knowing who the Lord is essential.

Lighten up folks | 12:25 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Utah is now the happiest state with more non members now living there.

Rynn | 1:34 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Re: Distorted Views in Utah

Agreed. We have an adult family member who is convinced that literally every non-member in the world is morally bankrupt.

Yes, there are some people in society who do questionable things, but there are also plenty of good people out there. Doing good things.

So it's just silly to think that everyone outside of the LDS religion has low standards.
Every group has it's good people and every group has it's not so good people.

Really? | 2:05 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I am old enough to have seen how many articles stating "Mormons entering the mainstream" WHATEVER!! Hope springs eternal, but really...the question of becoming "mainstream" begs the question, is that the desirable outcome? It also makes me think, who says Mormons aren't "mainstream"...
I work at a high tech company get along with my co-workers and my kids enjoy a great realm of friends mormon and non-...is that "in the mainstream"???

RE: Distorted Views in Utah | 2:14 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

You had to move out of Utah to realize that truth? It looks like you need to take the blinders off. Your comments show your own ignorance not ours.

Caveman | 2:23 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I'm just wondering what Mormons truly believe in? It seems to change just a bit with each decade. Maybe progressing after all. At least I hope so.

To: Distorted Views | 2:39 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I live in Utah and what you described is my view of lots of Christians in the bible belt. I would say you are painting with a very broad brush. Anyone who has served a mission where there is a large concentration of protestants knows that there are some very devout ones. I think 70% might be stretching it a mite. But I'm not sure where you get the chip on your shoulder. Lighten up, dude!

Hey Caveman | 2:40 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Huh? Example, please.

To: Rynn | 2:46 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

"Agreed. We have an adult family member who is convinced that literally every non-member in the world is morally bankrupt."

And that is representative of all members of the LDS church? Or is this family member the exception to the rule? Anyone who has served a mission (and that's an awful lot of members of the church) recognizes the good that is in other religions and that the world is full of good people doing the best they can with the knowledge they have. I wouldn't smear a whole religion based on the actions of an ignorant few. By doing so, your doing the exact same thing you are accusing the LDS of doing.

Levi | 2:51 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

To: Jeff R - what if it does the opposite?

Anonymous | 2:52 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

A former BYU professor claiming that Mormons are "mainstream"??

Who woulda' thunk it?

HA HA HA! What self-delusion you Mormons suffer from!

Stop the Madness | 3:07 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Why, just the other day I saw a Mormon pumping gas. Another one buying tacos. And yet another withdrawing money from an ATM! What in the Sam Hill is going on around here? Mormons running willy nilly in the streets of my fair city. Assimilating and even interacting with the multitude of unwashed, ignoramii like myself. Jeezers I need a drink now....

Kenny | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Mainstream? Not mainstream? Depends on what stream you are paddling your boat in.I think you have "the mormons out west" then you have the mormons everywhere else.Same religion but there are differences in how they live.My guess is that the small town mormon in Utah is different than those along the Ogden-Salt Lake-Provo corridor.I read the comment that all non mormons in the world are morally bankrupt.Mormons do not have a corner on morality.How could any reasonable person believe such an idea.I'm active LDS in Michigan and my "stream" is full of faithfull "fish" of all religions who I share a common community based on moral values and trust.My stream is not polluted as some misguided people would asume.

Molli | 3:40 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I am mormon and my preference is to live in a community that is not predominately mormon. Does that make me mainstream? I have a professional career and the only mormon in my company. Does that make me mainstream? These kinds of articles are so STUPID! How the heck can someone really exist today without being able to exist IN the world! Doesn't mean I have to be worldy, but I am certainly glad that I am able to function in my daily life with mainstream America!

re: Dr Econ | 4:19 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I like that...Utah - the happiest place to live in America.

It's also something like #3 largest Meth user per capata and is one of the top 5 for bankrupcies.

It's one of the top 5 for child abuse...

Just depends on how you are measuring happy...

Ted | 4:33 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

This is another example of why people laugh at Mormons. Like we're not supposed to live in society? Why, just the other day I was on an AIRPLANE of all things! If "Mormon Times" can't do any better than this insipid tripe it should fold it's self-righteous tent and steal quietly into the night.

RE: re: Dr Econ | 4:41 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Satan works hardest where the GOOD people are.

premies | 4:49 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

So any talk of them being Christian and/or mainstream previous to this has been premature?

Not Me | 4:54 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I don't understand why being "mainstream" is such a good thing. I'd rather do my own thing.

ALL AMERICAN HAWK | 4:59 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

THIS EX-CALIFORNIAN AND HIS FAMILY LOVE UTAH!WITH THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE OF CALIFORNIA FORCING US TO LEAVE THE ONCE-GOLDEN STATE.MY KIDS ARE THRIVING IN THE JORDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT AND MY WIFE AND I HAVE
FOUND BETTER JOBS HERE.WE ARE ACTIVE IN THE LDS
CHURCH BUT WE HAVE ALSO FOUND NON-LDS FRIENDS HERE.
'NUF SAID!

RE: Jeff R. | 5:03 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

""Well expect to see a large boom in LDS membership soon. The church has had steady growth over the last century and though we have had some problems with retaining the members we baptize, the growth remains strong. Expect the LDS membership in the US boom in the next decade. Maybye even double what it is today. Same goes for all over the world.""

Jeff I expect the exact opposite. The church is closing and consolidating missions all over Europe. I think the church will start to decline in membership.

Best thing that EVER happened | 5:35 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Born and raised in Utah.

We OutMigrated 22 years ago for a "Good paying job" after college to be an Aerospace Engineer in Seattle.

I kept all my values and have since been blessed by becoming much, much more Liberal.

I've learned to be:

tolerant of others different from myself,
open-minded to anothers point of view,
accepting of different lifestyles,
much more generous,
Looking for and seeing the goodness in people
and over-looking their bad.

I've learned to view EVERYONE as a Child of God.
Not just the Mormons.

Chapter 2.

We moved back to Utah 2 years ago.
Sadly, my experience has shown that Utah Mormons are everything negative others say we are.

No-where near Zion
....

RE: Politcal correct mainstream | 5:49 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I liked in better in the old days,when Joseph Smith said all their creeds were corrupt and abomination. Then it was clearer where the Mormon Church stood versus creeds and Christians,now with new political correectness agenda of the Mormon church, You have to be alert. Afterall a creed is a Biblical statement of faith,Like Peter in (Mt 16:18)"Though art the Christ,the Son of the living God."

Doug G | 6:15 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I've noticed the subtle mainstreaming and rebranding of the church for some time. Little and not so little things, like the disappearance of the spire thingy from the lawns of the buildings, the appearance of the steeple that looks out of place on the otherwise bunkerlike buildings, the JESUS CHRIST capitals in the name. Also the offering of the bible instead of BOM, or no reference to either, in the warm fuzzy tv ads. Christian mainstream is political power on the right, and that's where the church wants to be.

Jim | 6:25 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Beyond me those that think that the LDS will REALLY grow in numbers.

Are there that many people that believe in being conned?

If so, then somebody will have to change the History of the Americas to make all the 'stories' true.

northwest reader | 6:31 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Dear "Best thing that EVER happened". Please be careful on your judgements. I am sure you are fully aware of Matthew 6. It still applies today.

Learn to enjoy where you are. If you are as celestial as you seem to be, you can do much good even in Utah. I sincerely wish you the best!

RE: Best thing that EVER happene | 6:49 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I don't care whether you live in Utah or out, people are people. Some people are rude and others are not. Try driving in southern California where there aren't a lot of mormons, wow, non-mormons must be such jerks. The actions of the few should not condemn the whole.

Chapter 2:
Being more liberal is good? Wow, you really were messed up. Next you will tell me that all those coservative mormons have caused ALL your problems in life too right?!

Chapter 3 | 8:04 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

RE 6:49

Give up the booze man!

Page:
1
2
Next >

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.