Quote:
Originally Posted by rameumptom
The experience of being LDS is an intense experience. It isn't like many Christian churches, where you sit in a pew for an hour a week, and then go about your own life the rest of the time. Being a Mormon requires committment to accept callings that may be above your comfort level. Expectations of keeping commandments, serving, doing family history, attending the temple, etc., can overwhelm many people - particularly if they mistake the busy stuff with the actual gospel.
|
There is a saying that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. This is generally true in most organizations, including churches. I've read repeatedly, often here, that 40% of LDS are active, and 60% inactive. Of the active, perhaps half are truly diehard (this is my own guess), which means the church is right on track with most other churches.
Instead of formal callings, with all members expected to do something, our leaders informally ask members to pitch in with particular ministries. The most sincere members do as much as an active LDS person with callings does, I would imagine. Others do some, but not as much, and some are pew-warmers.
Where you may have a point is that it is hard to be active without pitching in, so you may have fewer pew-warmers--they simply go inactive.
Quote:
|
Others leave because they forget the testimonies they once received, and begin believing the words of those who oppose us. If they believe we are of the devil, then their efforts against us are doing God a favor. Sadly, they do not realize that they do the same thing that Jesus told his apostles would happen to them, as apostates would kill them thinking they were doing God a service (Matthew 24).
|
Those who see themselves as Orthodox will always do this to those seen as heretics. Consider how you might respond to the FLDS.