TBM Family Should be Defensive

[Give It Time]

I would love something like the fifth Sunday, getting rid of Sunday School and having a social hour. Alternatively, just turn Fast and Testimony meeting into a potluck lunch or breakfast. People can fast other times. Science is discovering fasting is healthy. I'm not worried about the church finding some other time to keep us in lockstep on this. We're wonderfully efficient, that way.

Also, other religions actually have a moment during the main meeting where taking a few moments and turning and talking to your neighbor is actually part of the service.

[Jeffret]

I think one of problems why the church is losing people is that the sense of community has disappeared. It is easier to ask question when you are not as connected socially, so now days, we not only have internet with ready access to information to make one doubt, but the lack of any strong community ties, makes it much easier to entertain doubts. Then lack of a strong community makes it easier to leave. The only people with strong community ties are those in leadership positions that forces them to get to know people. Back in the old days, before the block when there were six or so meetings a week, people got to know pretty much everyone in their ward, even if they didn't have a calling. Now, you get to know a few who are in leadership positions and then those you interact with outside of church because of your calling. It was worth it to me to stay active just for the social and community aspects.

I've been saying this for quite a while and I'm confident it hasn't gotten any better. I think it is somewhat different in some parts of Utah where the community is the church and the church is the community. Elsewhere, I think the sense of community in the church has really declined over the last few decades. As church headquarters has sought to simplify, correlate, and centralize everything, they've stripped much of the sense of community out. It makes for nice, easily replicated, controlled units but it really reduces the amount people feel connected to their local people.

Attendance at church, any church, is driven by the social aspects. No matter how much someone might say that they're interested in the truth, or they're there for the doctrine, it's almost always mostly about the social engagement and the community.

[redjay]

[/quote]
Attendance at church, any church, is driven by the social aspects. No matter how much someone might say that they're interested in the truth, or they're there for the doctrine, it's almost always mostly about the social engagement and the community.
[/quote]

Social validation and community are hugely important. I look around in my ward, far from the morridor, and I have no one in my demographic in my congregation. So take away the belief in 'the one true church' and what's left?

[2bizE]

I can't imagine any measures that will more effectively keep family in church that have not already been tried.

I would appreciate if if they served coffee and tea.

Corsair, I can think of a long list of things the church hasn't tried.
Tithing optional
Church length optional
Coffee, tea, and alcohol optional
Separate weddings and sealings
Priesthood to women
Real Common consent

[Corsair]

Corsair, I can think of a long list of things the church hasn't tried.
Tithing optional
Church length optional
Coffee, tea, and alcohol optional
Separate weddings and sealings
Priesthood to women
Real Common consent

This is a good list and I have absolutely incorporated many of these into my personal life (tithing non-payment, in particular). What would the church still have that is unique and compelling if these are removed? Why would someone stick with the LDS church if they gave up these virtue signals? I am almost saying this tongue in cheek since I am fairly indifferent to the the success or even existence of the church at this point.

[Linked]

Corsair, I can think of a long list of things the church hasn't tried.
Tithing optional
Church length optional
Coffee, tea, and alcohol optional
Separate weddings and sealings
Priesthood to women
Real Common consent

This is a good list and I have absolutely incorporated many of these into my personal life (tithing non-payment, in particular). What would the church still have that is unique and compelling if these are removed? Why would someone stick with the LDS church if they gave up these virtue signals? I am almost saying this tongue in cheek since I am fairly indifferent to the the success or even existence of the church at this point.

There are a few things left that make the church compelling

Family/Tribe
Capital T True
Still claim saving ordinances
Prophet that speaks with God

All but family require a belief in what the church is selling, so if you don't believe only family is left.