boblloyd91

True, but there's also been a considerable secularization of society since then as well. Critics are always trumpeting how much the church is declining and look to reduced baptisms as evidence of this. It looks like this year has shown improvement, and this is in spite of numerous negative stories and shows about the church. I'm not saying that everything is coming up roses, but that people who want to use the yearly statistical report as evidence of the imminent downfall of the church will have to look elsewhere this year to validate their narrative

Yep, read that yesterday, that's a great website

That's always a good question. I think it's interesting though that this indicates an increase in converts, which is something our critics said is a thing of the past

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2022-statistical-report-april-2023-conference It looks like some good numbers!

Dan Peterson discussed this over in his blog https://www.patheos.com/blogs/danpeterson/2022/12/stained-swords-false-prophecy-and-accurate-history.html If I'm reading things right, there were already alterations made by the artist himself. Call me cynical, but it seems the trib makes its money catering to angry/bitter ex members and other folks who live in Utah that don't like the church or its values. This is basically an example of that.

I've read quite a bit about the New Apostolic movement around 2012. They are definitely interesting. As a Latter Day Saint, I was disturbed to read about their views on my faith, claiming it was demonic. However in real practice things are a bit more murky as some high profile leaders of this movement are close friends of Glenn Beck (Lance Wallnau is one that comes to mind). They also were supportive of Mitt Romney's campaign. I know that many of them prophesied that Trump would win in 2020, which obviously never happened. I think you bring up a fair point that we need to look beyond what's going on beyond our denominational community and see what else is going on.

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/11/25/after-nearly-60-years-salt-lake/ Apparently the Tanners outfit is shutting down. Thoughts?