If You Were Head of a Failing Denomination, What Would You Do
The denomination called Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints former was known as the Mormons. They formally changed their name and scolded anyone calling them "Mormons." I'll use the name Mormon anyway.
While Mormons have many local churches that are doing well and have secretly squirreled away an amount guesstimated at as much as $100 Billion, things do not seem to be going the way its leaders want them to go. While the denomination has more money that it can find uses for, it is failing in the ways its leaders most want to succeed.
We need to review the organization. It is run by 12 "Apostles". The head functions much like a Pope but is called The Prophet. The Prophet is the one who hears from God and whatever he "hears" is ordered as the denomination's position. This, of course, changes when a new Prophet comes on board which happened recently.
The new Prophet and the 12 Apostles seem to see the denomination as in a point of crisis. Its official new releases tell of rapid growth. Reports from around the world point to rapid decline. The denomination's founding and history tell of direct contact with God who directed it to start and grow. This history, including polygamists Joeseph Smith and Brigham Young is increasing scoffed at as nonsense. Young "missionaries" are often not finishing their two-years of selling the faith. Several popular podcasts lampoon all aspects of the denomination.
The logical response to these problems is to simply admit the truth that the numbers are falling, there is no way to prove Joseph Smith was asked by God to start the Mormon truth. Then, promise the public the denomination will be an honest broker going forward.
Instead, The Prophet and Apostles have decided to increase their dishonesty. It's as if they shout false things louder false things will be believed. They are doing two strange things. One is to sue podcaster "Mormon Stories" for using the name Mormon in its title. The Mormons claim they "own" the name "Mormon" even though they forbid others referring to them with this term.
The other is to announce that The Prophet has heard from God himself the end of the world is eminent. This old trick is widely recognized as a ruse. Yet, solemn meetings are being held across the country where plans are being made.
Comments
Post a Comment