My problem with Romney’s religious beliefs is that if he were elected as POTUS that would be used as a tool by the Mormons to seduce others to join their cult.
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Yep. And they need the numbers. People are leaving in droves. You just have to attend any evangelical church in the SLC area or Provo area to see the pews full of ex-mos.
That is quite a switch since when i was last active in church. What has caused this? I read your tag line and assume you have thought about this quite a bit.
That is quite a switch since when i was last active in church. What has caused this?
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The main inflence in those leaving the LDS is the internet. LDS conversion numbers, espeicially here in the US, peaked in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, before almost everyone had the internet. Information that previously was difficult to verify (LDS church leader quotes and Temple ordinances) is easily available.
Additionally, the internet has allowed ex-Mormons to share their stories and many believe that has made leaving the LDS feel less lonely. Often, there is a feeling that you are the only one going through this. Discussion boards and online support groups have changed that.
The Churches in Utah especially have become sensitive to the needs and problems of someone transitioning out of Mormonism, and their pastors have become more versed in the culture of Mormonism and how to help people.
Finally, there have been several new ministries to Mormons that focus on bringing the LDS to Christ rather than just telling of the problems of the LDS. These ministries help with the transition from Mormonism to Christianity.
I have several friends who are either in ministry to Mormons (via web, print, TV, and/or one on one) or who are pastors of Christian churches in the SLC to Provo area. They have seen a dramatic increase in the last 10 years or so formerly “active” Mormons leaving and coming to faith in Jesus alone. There are a couple of churches specifically designed to transition people out of Mormonism, explaining terms, dealing with family/friend loss, and using biblical context to explain theology.