Active Mormons: A Sizeable Percentage Beyond Surface Numbers

Introduction

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The statistics regarding active members among Mormons, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), are often shrouded in controversy and misinformation. This article aims to delve into the complexities of this issue, providing a nuanced understanding based on both official data and personal observations, particularly from an ex-Mormon perspective.

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Official Data and Insider Insights

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The leadership of the LDS Church claims that approximately 99.35% of its members are active. However, a more in-depth look into the records stored in their comprehensive database reveals a different story. According to internal reports, out of the 17 million members that the church announced, only 5 million are actually active. This means that the inactivity rate for the church is approximately 70% globally.

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The decline in membership is further highlighted by an annual growth rate of 0.1%, indicating a population that is actually declining. It is alarming to note that 65% of all new members baptized into the church leave within the first year. This suggests a significant disengagement and attrition rate, challenging the oft-cited statistics of high activity rates.

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Defining Activeness

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Defining "active" members can be a subjective matter. According to my own experience and those of others within the church, activeness is often defined as regular participation in religious meetings and witnessing activities. Informal witnessing and being kind to strangers are considered important aspects of active participation, even if such activities are not as formal or overt.

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However, regular participation in activities like going door-to-door is largely limited to a small number of males, making it less representative of the broader member base. In general, the percentage of members who regularly attend meetings and participate in these types of activities is more accurately around 82%. Beyond that, the term "active" may stretch to include those who are generally good and kind, even if their participation is less frequent.

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Global Perspective and Additional Insights

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It is important to note that the concept of activeness can vary based on geographical and cultural factors. In the United States, for example, a more accurate estimate is that only 30% of members might be considered truly active. This number is lower when compared to the church's own claims of 99.35% and even the 82% mentioned above.

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The complexity of these statistics and the lack of transparency from church leadership add to the confusion. While the church boasts about its large membership, the reality of active participation often falls short of these claims. This disparity between reported numbers and actual engagement raises questions about the effectiveness of the church's outreach and retention strategies.

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Conclusion

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The figure of active members among Mormons is a far cry from the misleading statistics often presented by the church. Understanding the nuanced definitions and contextual factors is crucial for gaining a realistic perspective. The active Mormon percentage is well below the high numbers often quoted, with an inactivity rate of approximately 70% and a growth rate of 0.1%, indicating a population on the decline.

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It is essential for non-Mormons and even those within the faith to critically evaluate the data and the definitions used to describe church membership and activeness. The truth often lies beneath the surface, in the detailed records and experiences of members themselves.