A Spring Morning in Salt Lake City
On a quiet, gray spring morning in Salt Lake City, the empty downtown Temple Square carries an eerie post-apocalyptic quality. With the tabernacle doors locked and the temple cloaked in darkness, I navigate through an underground parking garage to reach the Church Administration Building. As I pass through security, my temperature is checked, and I’m ushered into a mahogany-walled conference room. Finally, a side door opens, and a 95-year-old man in a suit greets me with a hygienic elbow bump.
“We always start our meetings with a word of prayer,” Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, states. “So, if we may?”
The official reason for our meeting is the Mormon bicentennial, commemorating a movement that began in upstate New York two centuries ago. While my notebook is filled with questions about the Church’s future, the tensions within the faith, and the changes Nelson has implemented, I realize there’s something more I’m seeking.
Amid a world engulfed by chaos, this religious encounter feels like a return to a childhood song: Follow the prophet, don’t go astray… Follow the prophet, he knows the way.
Nelson, considered God’s messenger on Earth by Mormons, welcomes me with a message of silver linings. In the face of lockdowns and pandemic ravages, he preaches an optimistic gospel. Reciting a passage from the Book of Mormon, he reminds me of joy in the midst of sorrow. This unwavering optimism feels quintessentially Mormon, often seen as overly earnest by outsiders.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, once viewed with skepticism, has defied expectations to become one of the fastest-growing religions worldwide. Despite predictions of its collapse, it boasts financial reserves of over $100 billion and boasts millions of followers globally.
Mormons have long been recognized for their resilience against Trumpism, evident in Utah’s unusual distaste for Donald Trump. With Mormons in Arizona potentially influencing voting behavior, the faith remains a significant entity in American politics.
Efforts to explain the Mormons’ resistance often cite the connectedness and trust within Mormon communities. Scholars propose that their structure and historical persecution have instilled a resilience against divisive politics.
Russell M. Nelson, a former cardiothoracic surgeon turned prophet, emphasizes the importance of the Church’s teachings. Echoing the sentiment that good actions are motivated by faith, not deeds alone, Nelson underscores the intrinsic connection between doctrine and practice within the faith.
While Mormonism seeks full acceptance into American society, its history is marked by struggles against persecution and marginalization. The Church’s commitment to its religious principles amidst changing times is vital for its continued growth and relevance in the 21st century.
As the future unfolds for Mormonism, key issues surrounding race, gender, and LGBTQ rights are at the forefront of the Church’s evolution. Reforms initiated by Nelson reflect a delicate balance between tradition and progress, highlighting the Church’s enduring commitment to its core values.
As America grapples with division and uncertainty, Mormons face a unique reckoning with their identity and purpose. The deep-seated desire for acceptance and relevance must be balanced against the risk of losing the distinctiveness that defines Mormonism.
Ultimately, the story of the Latter-day Saints is a testament to faith, resilience, and a quest for meaningful contributions to a world in turmoil. As the Church navigates its third century, the challenge lies in preserving its essence while embracing the evolving demands of a rapidly changing society.
