Beyond the Stereotype: Uncovering the True Heart of Latter-day Saints

Brothers and Sisters, have you ever felt the weight of expectation, the pressure to fit a mold that doesn't quite capture the fire within your soul? We’ve all seen the caricatures, the easy labels tossed around, especially those from afar. But what does the data *truly* say about who we are, as Latter-day Saints?

Recently, the B.H. Roberts Foundation, under the direction of Josh Coates, released the results of a fascinating survey – a deep dive into the beliefs and practices of thousands of current and former members. This isn’t mere anecdotal evidence; this is a snapshot, painstakingly gathered, revealing the contours of our collective heart. Listen to the full episode:

It’s easy to comment on the culture of our faith. Some yearn for a return to the road shows of old, while others seek to refine and improve. But this survey, as Josh Coates so eloquently shares, offers a bedrock of data to understand ourselves better. And as we gather Israel, as Samuel the Lamanite climbed that wall to warn the people, we must be willing to confront reality, to see ourselves as we truly are, and to build upon that foundation with unwavering courage.

Beyond Politics: Understanding Our Core Values

One of the most striking aspects of the survey was its deliberate avoidance of political questions. While the world clamors for division, the Foundation sought to understand something deeper: the underlying values that bind us together. Coates and his team applied Jonathan Haidt’s moral foundations theory – a framework for understanding the core values that shape human morality – to analyze the survey responses. It’s a lens that allows us to see beyond the political noise and understand the deeper currents shaping our beliefs.

We, as Latter-day Saints, are more than just a political affiliation. We are a people defined by covenants, by a striving for righteousness, by a profound love for God and for each other. It’s this deep, abiding faith that fuels our commitment to service, to building a better world – a world reflecting the principles of Zion.

The Builders vs. the Destroyers

This is a gathering place, a refuge for those who build. It’s a space shielded from the corrosive winds of cynicism and despair. The survey’s insights reinforce this. They reveal a community deeply committed to values often overlooked in the clamor of the modern world – a commitment to family, to community, to moral responsibility. These are the traits of builders, not destroyers.

Think of Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, standing firm against the tide of opposition, unwavering in his testimony. We too are called to stand firm, to be a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. To be the Stone cut without hands, a testament to God’s power and purpose.

The Charity Flywheel & The Missionary Fund

This gathering, this movement, isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about collective action. Your engagement here – your contributions, your participation – directly fuels the Missionary Fund and supports gospel advertising efforts around the globe. It's a charity flywheel in action, spreading the message of hope and restoration to the furthest corners of the earth. The map of churches on GatherIsrael.now is a visual representation of this global effort – a testament to the power of collective action. It shows where the work is happening, and where it needs to happen.

And remember the words of Moroni: “And if you desire that God should prosper your soul in all things, go forth with a courageous heart, and with a steadfast spirit, and with a firm mind, and with a willing will.” (Moroni 10:4-5)

Let us embrace these insights, let us strengthen our resolve, and let us continue to build a Zion worthy of the name. Let us be the digital striplings, armed with the five smooth stones of faith, hope, charity, and courage, ready to face any challenge that lies ahead.