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What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:46 pm
by _Everybody Wang Chung
Last night I was telling my daughter about her pioneer heritage and what I knew about her pioneer ancestors.

After much reflection, I don't think my early Mormon pioneer ancestors would recognize what has become of the Church (namely, a culturally bland, conservative, corporate, Republican organization). I don't think they would feel welcome or get along with us at all.

Let's face it, the early Mormons were a pretty rebellious, colorful bunch of counter-culture radicals. They printed their own money, formed their own alphabet, tried to start their own country, formed their own army, practiced plural marriage, etc.

I kind of miss those guys.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:10 pm
by _Baker
Agree with your points. I think they would be shocked that "gathering to zion" has taken on such a different meaning. They would likely also be shocked that we are still awaiting the second coming. Integration with the gentiles would be another surprise, as would the lapse of continuing revelation.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:36 pm
by _Everybody Wang Chung
Baker wrote:Agree with your points. I think they would be shocked that "gathering to zion" has taken on such a different meaning. They would likely also be shocked that we are still awaiting the second coming. Integration with the gentiles would be another surprise, as would the lapse of continuing revelation.


Great points about the second coming, "gathering to zion" and integration with the gentiles. I'm sure there would be lots of things about the Church that Pioneers would be shocked at.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:47 pm
by _GR33N
Everybody Wang Chung wrote:After much reflection, I don't think my early Mormon pioneer ancestors would recognize what has become of the Church (namely, a culturally bland, conservative, corporate, Republican organization).


I tend to agree, but what do you think has brought the church to this point? Is it the leadership or the backsliding membership?

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 12:45 am
by _Everybody Wang Chung
GR33N wrote:
Everybody Wang Chung wrote:After much reflection, I don't think my early Mormon pioneer ancestors would recognize what has become of the Church (namely, a culturally bland, conservative, corporate, Republican organization).


I tend to agree, but what do you think has brought the church to this point? Is it the leadership or the backsliding membership?



I honestly have no idea. Most members would tell you that Jesus has brought the Church to this point (eyes rolling a little).

I tend to think it is the corporate mentality that has slowly shaped the Church and the fact that the Church is really trying to fit in and be more mainstream.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 1:27 pm
by _Runtu
GR33N wrote:I tend to agree, but what do you think has brought the church to this point? Is it the leadership or the backsliding membership?


I think it's correlation and the budget process that have made the church into one long, boring sacrament meeting.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 1:57 pm
by _Buffalo
They'd be wondering why Jesus hadn't come already. Everyone was expecting him in the 19th century.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 2:15 pm
by _harmony
GR33N wrote:
I tend to agree, but what do you think has brought the church to this point? Is it the leadership or the backsliding membership?


Follow the prophet.

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 3:55 pm
by _Joseph
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/pdf/088-54-57.pdf


Pioneers or criminals running away to escape the law in the US?

Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 3:58 pm
by _Runtu
Joseph wrote:https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/pdf/088-54-57.pdf


Pioneers or criminals running away to escape the law in the US?


I nominate this as the silliest post of the year, thus far.