Changes to the church in the next 5 years

We have lost many members over the past five years, but this kind of autumnal change is actually part of the Church’s evolution.

Most of the people that I know that have left are the very people that could have helped bring about the changes mentioned in the article had they stayed. That or they are the type of people that the author imagines will exist after the evolution. I’ve often worried that after the silent exodus is over most of the people that remain are going to be the ones that resisted the types of changes that would have made the departing group feel welcome.

Short term, people leaving might have delayed the evolution. Long term, evolution is inevitable. I suppose if enough people left it might prompt change, as I understand it Kate Kelly recently argued as much.

Those tied to the past either by immutable hagiography or by the constant shadow of cynicism will continue leaving Mormonism as its leaders reveal their human foibles and Mormon history unearths more ugly skeletons.

I’m not sure what to make of this statement. I feel the statement is painting the people that leave in a negative light and I don’t see that as an evolution of thought, we already do that today.

I like some of the things on her list. Myself? I’d like to see a church that is more accepting of people with differing beliefs, both inside and outside of the church.

I like the way she responds to some of the comments.

Someone commented to the effect of “Why are you spending so much time speculating on things like this? ” and “I expected better of a BYU professor”. Her response was, “I agree with your basic conclusion, though I suspect you think too highly of BYU professors.” GREAT response (IMHO)!

The next generation will have their own faith crisis issues…not the essay topics…but a new generational faith conundrum…and may still very well be blindsided by what we don’t see now is coming.

Agreed. The younger generations will have their crises. I’m already seeing it with the youth in my ward and stake. There is a definite spiritual aspect to it – but also a physical and monetary aspect to it. Lots more girls want to work and go to college vs being full time moms. Many girls don’t want kids or want fewer kids much later. Neither gender wants to get married as young – which probably means more pre-marital sex and the church consequences that go with it. Even kids from orthodox families don’t understand why we can just let LGBT people have full access to the church. This will be a different type of faith crisis I believe.

On a philosophical note – I read something that pointed out that death is a good thing. Without death and the constant church of old vs new ideas we’d make absolutely no progress at all as a species. Interesting thought. Probably applies to organizations as well.