The Radical Transformation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Journey Through 25 Years of Change
As I reflect on the evolution of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the last 25 years, it becomes evident that the church of the 1980s and 1990s that I grew up in — no longer exists. What was once an institution focused on love and eternal families has undergone a slow but radical transformation, with its core teachings and values being challenged and eroded over time.
A friend of mine recently shared their experiences with the church and how his kids are responding to it, describing how disconnected they felt from its teachings and how the leaders seemed out of touch with the younger generation. This disconnect between the church’s leadership and its members has only widened as the church’s focus has shifted towards passing judgment and engaging in culture wars.
The church, which once promised the blessings of forever families and eternal covenants, now seems to be moving towards an environment of a “Covenant Path” of conditional love and acceptance. Senior church members face the heart-wrenching reality that their children and grandchildren are distancing themselves from the faith.
The once cherished concept of forever families is now being taught by hardliner church leaders as conditional, turning the modern Mormon heaven into a place of sorrow and separation.
This radical transformation has been particularly damaging to the church’s relationship with Generation Alpha and Gen Z. Many young people are increasingly disenchanted with the church’s focus and being on the wrong side of culture wars, driving away talented LGBTQ+ artists and alienating once-celebrated members like David Archuleta. It’s often said when the culture makers leave, the culture dies. We are seeing this happen in realtime.
The future generation of believers is less likely to connect with the bigotry and hate disguised as gospel doctrine, as exemplified by leaders such as Dallin H. Oaks, Jeffrey Holland, Boyd K. Packer, and Spencer W. Kimball and the current prophet Russel M Nelson. The internet has given young people the tools to compile a long list of hateful and bigoted statements made by general authorities, shedding light on the deep-rooted prejudice that still exists within the church’s leadership.
As we look back on the slow but radical transformation of the LDS church, we must ask ourselves whether this trajectory will continue on its current divisive path, or if there is hope for reconciliation and a return to the original teachings of love, unity, and acceptance. Can the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rekindle its connection with future generations and create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all? The answer to this question will determine the church’s relevance and impact in the years to come.
Moving forward, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faces a critical crossroads. With dwindling numbers of young people identifying with the faith and a growing gap between the leadership’s priorities and the concerns of the younger generation, the church must reassess its values and direction if it wishes to survive and thrive in the modern world and into the 21st and 22nd century.
One of the key challenges facing the church is its continued involvement in culture wars, which has alienated many young people and created a reputation for intolerance and judgment. Instead of clinging to outdated beliefs and divisive rhetoric of the last century, the church must strive for inclusivity and understanding, embracing the diverse range of experiences and perspectives that exist within its community.
The LDS church is one that claims “continued revelation,” and let’s be honest, the concept of the existence of eternal gay families isn’t the paradigm-shattering concept that the remnants of the Silent Generation in church leadership make it out to be. There obviously is a place for our LGBTQ+ members in the plan of salvation, since Heavenly Father created so many of His children to come to this earth exactly as they are –– LGBTQ+ — and if He created them this way, there is obviously a place for them in the Plan of Salvation. It appears that our Prophets and Church Leaders are in a position where their own bigotries, mingled with scripture and culture war, prevent Heavenly Father from revealing His truths.
By re-centering its focus on the Christ centerd principles of love, unity, and acceptance, the church has the potential to rebuild bridges with younger generations and foster an environment in which everyone feels welcome and valued. This may involve reevaluating controversial doctrines and policies, as well as holding church leaders accountable for their words and actions where they were “speaking as men” and doing so in a spirit of bigotry and hate, and attributing it to Heavenly Father.
Additionally, the church should invest in programs and initiatives aimed at engaging with and supporting young people, providing them with opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and fellowship that resonate with their experiences and values. This could include developing more inclusive curricula and resources, as well as providing spaces for open and honest conversations about the challenges and questions facing the younger generation.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a crucial turning point in its history. The radical transformation it has undergone over the past 25 years has left it at risk of losing touch with the very people it seeks to serve. By returning to its core values of love, eternal families, Christ-like living, and actively working to create a more inclusive and compassionate community, the church has the opportunity to reestablish its relevance and inspire future generations of believers. The choices it makes in the coming years will ultimately determine the legacy it leaves behind.