1847: Mormon Church in Decline in Utah? w/ Dr. Ryan Cragun
Jan 3, 2024
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Dr. Ryan Cragun, sociologist, discusses the decline of the Mormon Church in Utah and worldwide, questioning the accuracy of membership numbers and exploring factors contributing to the decline. The controversy surrounding the church's membership data is also explored, along with the impact of migration, secularization, and individuals leaving the church. The podcast touches on the reasons behind recent temple construction announcements, analyzes a specific book, and discusses the growth of the Mormon Church in Africa. The hosts express appreciation for Dr. Cragun's work and encourage donations.
Migration of non-LDS individuals into Utah is diluting the percentage of Mormons in the state.
Secularization and changing religious attitudes are leading to a decline in religious affiliation, not just among Mormons.
Increased religious diversity in Utah is decreasing the percentage of Mormons, as non-LDS religious groups establish a presence.
The LDS Church in Utah is facing challenges from both secularization and fundamentalism, impacting its growth and membership retention.
Deep dives
Migration and non-LDS newcomers
One major factor contributing to the decline in the percentage of Mormons in Utah is migration. While some LDS members do move out of the state, the influx of non-LDS individuals moving in has a significant impact. Many newcomers to Utah are not members of the LDS Church, which dilutes the overall percentage of Mormons in the state.
Shifting religious landscape
Another factor is the changing religious landscape in Utah. It's clear that there has been a decline in religious affiliation overall, not just among Mormons. Younger generations are becoming less religious, and this trend is seen across the Western developed world. Utah is not immune to this shift, and it has led to a decrease in the percentage of Mormons in the state.
Increased religious diversity
The increase in religious diversity in Utah is also contributing to the decline in the percentage of Mormons. As more non-LDS religious groups establish a presence in the state, the religious landscape becomes more diverse. This diversity leads to a decrease in the percentage of any one religious group, including Mormons.
Conclusion
In summary, the decline in the percentage of Mormons in Utah can be attributed to a combination of factors: migration, a shifting religious landscape, and increased religious diversity. These factors have resulted in a more diverse and less LDS-dominant population in the state of Utah.
Migration and Dilution
The podcast discusses the impact of migration on the growth of the Mormon Church in Utah. The influx of non-Mormons into the state is diluting the percentage of LDS church membership and challenging the notion of Mormon exceptionalism.
Secularization and Decline
Secularization is identified as a significant factor contributing to the decline of the Mormon Church in Utah. Modernization and changing attitudes towards religion, particularly among younger people, are leading to a decrease in religious affiliation.
Fertility Rates and Population Decline
The decline in fertility rates among members of the LDS Church in Utah is affecting the percentage of the population that identifies as Mormon. As the fertility rates decrease and fewer children are retained in the church, the overall growth of the population is declining.
Challenges and the Future
The LDS Church in Utah is facing challenges from both secularization and fundamentalism. While modernization and changing societal values contribute to the decline, there is also a rise in fundamentalist movements within the church. The church must navigate these challenges while aiming to retain members and address changing demographics.
