The Shift.

[Fence Sitter]

In the Tyler Livingston thread, Everybody Wang Chung observed that:

Is it just me or are most of the "Contributors" over at MAD now ex-Mormon? To just name a few, Teancum, California Boy, ttribe, Analytics, HappyJackWagon, Tacenda, Sunstoned and Craig Speechly are all very critical of Church.

It occurred to me that in real life I know a lot more people who have left the church than people who have joined it.

It wasn't too long ago that members were talking about who was joining the church, now it seems most membership conversations are about the latest person or family to leave.

20 years ago, I would have guessed that easily 90% of my extended family (well over 100 people) were fully active members, I think that number is now below 50% with age being a huge factor.

Quite the shift in a short time.

[Philo Sofee]

I have also noticed a defensive shift in teaching as well. It is now stay in the boat, stay on the covenant path, not like it was in my heyday thrust in the sickle with your might the field is ready to harvest...

[malkie]

I don't have a large extended family, but of 10 adults, 9 of whom apart from me who were all faithful not too long ago, 3 are now disbelievers, and 1 who was very committed seems now to be quite apathetic. Effectively we are at 50% also.

[malkie]

I have also noticed a defensive shift in teaching as well. It is now stay in the boat, stay on the covenant path, not like it was in my heyday thrust in the sickle with your might the field is ready to harvest...

Most members were never gung-ho on missionary work, as far as I could ever see. Perhaps the brethren have finally realized that all that "every member a missionary" does is make people feel guilty and resentful.

[drumdude]

I have also noticed a defensive shift in teaching as well. It is now stay in the boat, stay on the covenant path, not like it was in my heyday thrust in the sickle with your might the field is ready to harvest...

Most members were never gung-ho on missionary work, as far as I could ever see. Perhaps the brethren have finally realized that all that "every member a missionary" does is make people feel guilty and resentful.

Home teaching is no longer a source of guilt. Skipping 3rd hour is no longer a source of guilt.

They’re making it easier thinking that will help stem the tide.