Elder Anderson - Church experiencing explosive growth.

[_Lemmie]

There is no explosive growth.

MG, could you look into that? it's more than I have time for...

Me too.

Question...how would you know whether or not the Book of Mormon plays a major part in the conversion process?

Why should I believe you over Elder Anderson?

At Stake Conference this last weekend, Saturday night and Sunday morning, the theme was 'conversion'. There were quite a few people that pointed to the Book of Mormon as being their conversion and/or re-conversion tool.

Pardon me if I don't look to you as being any sort of a 'go to' in regards to the Book of Mormon being a tool of conversion.

Regards,
MG

No problem, but I'm a little nonplussed that you would think that 'talk' of using the Book of Mormon as a conversion tool at a stake conference is evidence of actual use. But of course as a Mormon, you are obligated to believe whatever your leaders say, without argument or disagreement, kind of like little sheep being led to slaughter. No need to think for yourself, or consider another person's opinion. In fact, your church is pretty clear that anyone not in your cult should not be listened to, so... obey!

You do bring up a good point, how would YOU know whether the BM is used as a part of the conversion process? Since you suggested I don't, clearly you have some evidence to present. Please present your evidence, statistical analysis is best. Thoughts?

Pardon me as well if I don't look to YOU as being any sort of 'go to' with regard to using the BM as a 'tool of conversion'. Regards.

I noticed you didn't really address my question about stats. I can understand you saying you don't have time to look into it, that explains a lot about your process! But that's ok, if it is too difficult for you to research, then how about we agree that Elder A. is exaggerating as a way to motivate his flock, and he really doesn't have any evidence to support his assertion? If you don't agree, then by all means, present evidence that his statistical statement is supported, but it's understandable if you can't... you know, the issues you have with belief and all. However, he made the statement and you referred to it, so who else should support it but a good Mormon? Surely you have SOME evidence to present? Thoughts?

[_mentalgymnast]

...how about we agree that Elder A. is exaggerating as a way to motivate his flock...

Nah.

But if you can prove it, great.

The evidence that I have seen and heard over the years does point towards the fact that the Book of Mormon plays a key role in conversion for many people. As I've stated many times on this board, the Book of Mormon plays an important part for me as I move along the conversion process/path step by step, line upon line, here a little...there a little.

So when Elder Anderson talks about the Book of Mormon being keystone in conversion to Christ, I can give him the benefit of a doubt that he's telling the truth.

I don't have the slightest reason in this big wide world to take your word for anything, however.

Regards,
MG

[_Lemmie]

I don't have the slightest reason in this big wide world to take your word for anything, however.

Regards,
MG

Ah, so you finally got my point; likewise, I don't have the slightest reason in this big wide world to take your word for anything, EVER.

Please remember this the next time you decide to drop in with your requests for other people to do your research. Your obsequious fakery is more obvious than you think.

Ever so pleasant REGARDS to you also,
L

[Guest]

The only thing explosive at LDS Inc these days is Thommy Monson's explosive diarrhea that fills his Depends® daily.

[_canpakes]

'Explosive growth'?

This is not usually a term associated with good outcomes. Cases in point:

- Forest fires
- Market bubbles
- Cancerous tumors
- Algal blooms
- Insect populations

Perhaps more careful wording should be considered.

[Guest]

The evidence that I have seen and heard over the years does point towards the fact that the Book of Mormon plays a key role in conversion for many people.

The evidence that I have seen and heard over the years is that very few people convert to Mormonism because of the Book of Mormon. The majority of members have been converted through the indoctrination process which commenced from the moment they were born to Mormon parents. Most convert baptisms arrive out of something other than a testimony of the Book of Mormon - they like the missionaries, they like the sense of community, the idea of being a family forever appeals to them, it's a potential source of welfare, they're lonely or grieving and can find comfort in the local members, it's a good social network etc. A lot of that wears off once callings and tithing kick in and the attention they've had in the lead up to baptism suddenly dissipates and the ward focus moves on to the next golden prospect.

Indoctrination not the Book of Mormon is what drives conversion.
That's the reason why the Church closed the gap year for missionary age.
That's the reason why Marriage and Child Rearing are drummed into youth.
It's why the focus of a mission is the conversion of the missionary.

The reason the Brethren are banging the theme of 'conversion' this year with Missionaries and ward members is because the Book of Mormon hasn't been converting people.

The Church isn't experiencing explosive growth. Activity is seriously diminished at around 36% of membership (20% in Europe). Convert retention is abysmal.

[_Maksutov]

'Explosive growth'?

This is not usually a term associated with good outcomes. Cases in point:

- Forest fires
- Market bubbles
- Cancerous tumors
- Algal blooms
- Insect populations

Perhaps more careful wording should be considered.

Ebola

[_James or Not]

'Explosive growth'?

This is not usually a term associated with good outcomes. Cases in point:

- Forest fires
- Market bubbles
- Cancerous tumors
- Algal blooms
- Insect populations

Perhaps more careful wording should be considered.

Ebola

**snort**

[_Racer]

With the explosive growth of the church and of missionary work across the world, he added, “the power of the marvelous work and a wonder is right before our eyes.”

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8656 ... tml?pg=all

Explosive growth?

Sure. Why not. I'll bite. Maybe the church is experiencing explosive growth, but are they experiencing explosive retention? My guess would be "no". Its like publicly bragging about the massive amounts of water you are harvesting, but failing to mention you are using a giant sieve to harvest the water.

[_mentalgymnast]

Indoctrination not the Book of Mormon is what drives conversion.

The reason the Brethren are banging the theme of 'conversion' this year with Missionaries and ward members is because the Book of Mormon hasn't been converting people.

You, of course, are welcome to that opinion. Doesn't make it true however.

Making a definitive judgement call again?

Someone might believe you...

Regards,
MG