What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

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_Everybody Wang Chung
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What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post 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.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."

Daniel C. Peterson, 2014
_Baker
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post 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.
"I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. ... Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I." - Joseph Smith, 1844
_Everybody Wang Chung
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post 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.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."

Daniel C. Peterson, 2014
_GR33N
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post 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?
Then saith He to Thomas... be not faithless, but believing. - John 20:27
_Everybody Wang Chung
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post 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.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."

Daniel C. Peterson, 2014
_Runtu
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post 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.
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If you just talk, I find that your mouth comes out with stuff. -- Karl Pilkington
_Buffalo
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post by _Buffalo »

They'd be wondering why Jesus hadn't come already. Everyone was expecting him in the 19th century.
Parley P. Pratt wrote:We must lie to support brother Joseph, it is our duty to do so.

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

Post 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.
(Nevo, Jan 23) And the Melchizedek Priesthood may not have been restored until the summer of 1830, several months after the organization of the Church.
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Re: What Would a Pioneer Think of the Church Today?

Post by _Joseph »

https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/pdf/088-54-57.pdf


Pioneers or criminals running away to escape the law in the US?
"This is how INGORNAT these fools are!" - darricktevenson

Bow your head and mutter, what in hell am I doing here?

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

Post 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.
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If you just talk, I find that your mouth comes out with stuff. -- Karl Pilkington
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