The ‘Utah Family Miracle’ and Why It Matters

[Michie]

Utah ranks at the top of many rankings of state performance across America. But perhaps the Beehive State is best known for its top rankings on the economic front. The “Utah economic miracle” — marked by exceptional economic growth, a favorable business climate and high rates of economic mobility — has garnered attention across the nation and helps explain why Utah’s economy ranks No. 1 among all 50 states, according to U.S. News & World Report.

While Utah’s sky-high economic performance has gotten a lot of attention, the state has also gotten high marks when it comes to happiness. Numerous surveys of happiness put Utah in the top 10 states for emotional well-being. In fact, Gallup ranked Utah No. 1 for well-being in a recent study focusing on the emotional health, life evaluation, healthy behaviors, physical health and work environments of men and women across the nation. These rankings suggest that Utah has pioneered a unique path combining prosperity and happiness in the 21st century.

The strength of “the Utah way” can be attributed, in part, to the state’s unique civic, religious and political endowments, including unusually high levels of social capital and low levels of government regulation. But Utah’s material and emotional success is also attributable to the strength and stability of its families.

No state in the union has as many men, women and children in married households as the Beehive State. In 2021, 55% of adults in Utah (ages 18-55) were married and 82% of its children were living in married-couple families. This compares to a national average of 45% of adults married and 75% of kids living in married families. Utah’s regional family strength is visible in this graphic, which shows how the state compares to other Mountain West states.

Continued below.

The ‘Utah Family Miracle’ and Why It Matters

Utah ranks at the top of many rankings of state performance across America. But perhaps the Beehive State is best known for its top rankings on the economic front. The “Utah economic miracle” — marked by exceptional economic growth, a favorable business climate and high rates of economic...

ifstudies.org

 

[Rescued One]

Utah ranks at the top of many rankings of state performance across America. But perhaps the Beehive State is best known for its top rankings on the economic front. The “Utah economic miracle” — marked by exceptional economic growth, a favorable business climate and high rates of economic mobility — has garnered attention across the nation and helps explain why Utah’s economy ranks No. 1 among all 50 states, according to U.S. News & World Report.

While Utah’s sky-high economic performance has gotten a lot of attention, the state has also gotten high marks when it comes to happiness. Numerous surveys of happiness put Utah in the top 10 states for emotional well-being. In fact, Gallup ranked Utah No. 1 for well-being in a recent study focusing on the emotional health, life evaluation, healthy behaviors, physical health and work environments of men and women across the nation. These rankings suggest that Utah has pioneered a unique path combining prosperity and happiness in the 21st century.

The strength of “the Utah way” can be attributed, in part, to the state’s unique civic, religious and political endowments, including unusually high levels of social capital and low levels of government regulation. But Utah’s material and emotional success is also attributable to the strength and stability of its families.

No state in the union has as many men, women and children in married households as the Beehive State. In 2021, 55% of adults in Utah (ages 18-55) were married and 82% of its children were living in married-couple families. This compares to a national average of 45% of adults married and 75% of kids living in married families. Utah’s regional family strength is visible in this graphic, which shows how the state compares to other Mountain West states.

Continued below.

The ‘Utah Family Miracle’ and Why It Matters

Utah ranks at the top of many rankings of state performance across America. But perhaps the Beehive State is best known for its top rankings on the economic front. The “Utah economic miracle” — marked by exceptional economic growth, a favorable business climate and high rates of economic...

ifstudies.org

Don't get me started! Mormons dominate the state. They believe that if they obey Joseph Smith's multiple commandments they will still be married for eternity and will still be having children. They are supposed to promote Mormonism, etc. Those Mormon women who don't marry worthy husbands, weren't attractive enough, lacked talents, etc. never fit in. Wives should never say anything bad about their husbands(all good husbands hold the Melchizedek Priesthood), 12 yr. old boys are ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood, children are baptized at age 8 (usually by their fathers). If the ward (congregational) bishop asks you to serve in any capacity it is the same as obeying God; you don't say, "No!" They deny the Trinity. Three gods are in their godhead; the father and son both have resurrected, glorified bodies of flesh and bone.

 

[mourningdove~]

I have personally known some very kind and caring Mormons ... as friends ...
but yes, when you look alittle deeper, one finds their theology to be "way off".

 

[Rescued One]

I have personally known some very kind and caring Mormons ... as friends ...
but yes, when you look alittle deeper, one finds their theology to be "way off".

And I only listed a few of their false teachings. I didn't mention the Book of Mormon verse that says all non-Mormon churches are of the devil.

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 14:10
10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the harlot of all the earth.

 

[mourningdove~]

And I only listed a few of their false teachings. I didn't mention the Book of Mormon verse that says all non-Mormon churches are of the devil.

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 14:10
10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the harlot of all the earth.

Yes. And how about the belief that Jesus and satan are brothers?!?!


Where I previously lived, the Mormons made a decision to build a temple there.
Many of the Christian churches became very concerned, knowing that a temple also meant more 'missionaries' in the area.

Some churches began preparing their congregations by instructing them on Mormon beliefs.
The Baptist church I was attending ran a long teaching series, on the false beliefs of Mormonism. It was very good.
I think it was very helpful to many of us there, as Mormonism does work hard to present itself as "Christian" ...
speaking familiar "Christianese" which can make it confusing at times to know what they really believe.

The first time I went in my neighbors house, I saw a picture of Jesus posted on their refrigerator.
I was very surprised. It was a nice picture.
But then later I learned that they do not know Jesus as we do.

Again, the Mormons I knew were very nice people; moral, upstanding citizens. Very good neighbors, co-workers.
But they've just 'got it' wrong ...

( )

 

[Rescued One]

Yes. And how about the belief that Jesus and satan are brothers?!?!


Where I previously lived, the Mormons made a decision to build a temple there.
Many of the Christian churches became very concerned, knowing that a temple also meant more 'missionaries' in the area.

Some churches began preparing their congregations by instructing them on Mormon beliefs.
The Baptist church I was attending ran a long teaching series, on the false beliefs of Mormonism. It was very good.
I think it was very helpful to many of us there, as Mormonism does work hard to present itself as "Christian" ...
speaking familiar "Christianese" which can make it confusing at times to know what they really believe.

The first time I went in my neighbors house, I saw a picture of Jesus posted on their refrigerator.
I was very surprised. It was a nice picture.
But then later I learned that they do not know Jesus as we do.

Again, the Mormons I knew were very nice people; moral, upstanding citizens. Very good neighbors, co-workers.
But they've just 'got it' wrong ...

( )

What you just told me makes me so happy! Not about Jesus and Satan, but that your church was informing people. I love people of all faiths, but want the true Jesus to be glorified. I was a Mormon convert for several years before becoming a Christian. They baptized me quickly without explaining or even mentioning their extra-biblical beliefs.. I'm going to bow out of Michie's thread because I feel I hijacked it,

 

[Michie]

What you just told me makes me so happy! I love people of all faiths, but want the true Jesus to be glorified. I was a Mormon convert for several years before becoming a Christian. They baptized me quickly without explaining or even mentioning their extra-biblical beliefs.. I'm going to bow out of Michie's thread because I feel I hijacked it,

It’s okay @Rescued One.

 

[Rescued One]

It’s okay @Rescued One.

Thanks.

 

[RileyG]

I have personally known some very kind and caring Mormons ... as friends ...
but yes, when you look alittle deeper, one finds their theology to be "way off".

I've read both Mormonism for Dummies and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Mormonism. Interesting, unorthodox, theology.

 

[RileyG]

Prayers for Utah that they come to the truth faith and abandon Mormonism.

 

[Rescued One]

Prayers for Utah that they come to the truth faith and abandon Mormonism.

They are VERY brainwashed starting at age three and repeatedly told that Mormonism is superior to all religions.

 

[mourningdove~]

What you just told me makes me so happy! Not about Jesus and Satan, but that your church was informing people. I love people of all faiths, but want the true Jesus to be glorified. I was a Mormon convert for several years before becoming a Christian. They baptized me quickly without explaining or even mentioning their extra-biblical beliefs.. I'm going to bow out of Michie's thread because I feel I hijacked it,

So you are definitely a "Rescued One" ... praise the Lord!

And I hope and pray that those Morman friends I have known will one day be rescued, too ...

"With God all things are possible."

 

[RileyG]

They are VERY brainwashed starting at age three and repeatedly told that Mormonism is superior to all religions.

It has interesting origins, that's for sure. The Book of Mormon is a very difficult read.

 

[Mountainmike]

Not everything is bad.
The Mormon sense of community, family and helping others is need, is an example for others.
Shame about the theology!

 

[Rescued One]

Not everything is bad.
The Mormon sense of community, family and helping others is need, is an example for others.
Shame about the theology!

Non-Mormons can learn and have learned from Jesus to love others. "Love thy neighbor as thyself," and read your Bible:

Ephesians 4
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil. 28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

If 90% of your neighbors are Mormon, and your salvation is said to depend literally on your obedience to that church, you will get a sense of community.

My sister was a member for 25 years. The one person who was appointed to speak at her funeral after after she died of cancer, came up to me afterwards and said that it was my sister's fault that her husband was a child molester. While my sister was dying her home
teachers told her she would not be with their 2 highest gods "heavenly father" and "christ." She would be happy in the lowest kingdom of glory (the "Telestial kingdom".) Please don't praise Mormons at a Christian site.

 

[Mountainmike]

Non-Mormons can learn and have learned from Jesus to love others. "Love thy neighbor as thyself," and read your Bible:

Ephesians 4
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil. 28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

If 90% of your neighbors are Mormon, and your salvation is said to depend literally on your obedience to that church, you will get a sense of community.

My sister was a member for 25 years. The one person who was appointed to speak at her funeral after after she died of cancer, came up to me afterwards and said that it was my sister's fault that her husband was a child molester. While my sister was dying her home
teachers told her she would not be with their 2 highest gods "heavenly father" and "christ." She would be happy in the lowest kingdom of glory (the "Telestial kingdom".) Please don't praise Mormons at a Christian site.

Which is tragic.
Bad people do very bad things. I am sure many parents also blame the catholic church for the fate of their children who were molested, despite the fact that the most dangerous place for children statistically by far, is in the home at the hands of family or friends.

All I am Saying is Catholics are extremely bad at community, and we have much to learn from some Protestants and evangelicals . I’ve been a member of catholic parishes in which nobody spoke to me for years.

Many protestant and evangelical groups ( and in this case cult) are so much more welcoming, and it is part of their appeal.

We can - and we must - do a lot better. Not least to lure people back to the true faith.
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another”

 

[mourningdove~]

All I am Saying is Catholics are extremely bad at community, and we have much to learn from some Protestants and evangelicals . I’ve been a member of catholic parishes in which nobody spoke to me for years.

Many protestant and evangelical groups ( and in this case cult) are so much more welcoming, and it is part of their appeal.

We can - and we must - do a lot better. Not least to lure people back to the true faith.
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another”

Yes.

As a recent revert, I find myself now struggling with this issue of community.
It is done so noticeably different in Catholic vs Protestant churches.

But the need to belong to a 'community' seems to be something the Mormons understand. They will 'swoop in' and offer a sense of community ("family") to the lonely, the troubled, the down and outter ... take them into their homes ... and make them part of the 'family'. I don't doubt the motive is to grow their church ... and I think maybe they get 'points' for bringing in new converts (?) ... but it is an effective way to get converts to their faith. Offer a person a sense of "family". I've watched it happen ...

I think many of us want that sense of community ... family ... in the church that we attend and support.
While the Mormons I have known have been very kind, helpful, welcoming ... I do know their religion is very "works based".
And so, while I appreciated our friendships, I also suspected there may have been other motives for the way they did things ...

 

[Michie]

I like the friendly aspect of some Protestant Churches but a lot of them are overwhelming, a saccharine sweetness that can be quite irritating and pressure filled. While I think the Catholic Church is the extreme opposite. Most find their sweet spot by joining groups of interest, Bible study, volunteering, etc. I was really kind of enjoying my space when I became Catholic. If I had questions, I asked, read the bulletin, and went from there.

 

[Mountainmike]

I like the friendly aspect of some Protestant Churches but a lot of them are overwhelming, a saccharine sweetness that can be quite irritating and pressure filled. While I think the Catholic Church is the extreme opposite. Most find their sweet spot by joining groups of interest, Bible study, volunteering, etc. I was really kind of enjoying my space when I became Catholic. If I had questions, I asked, read the bulletin, and went from there.

I have to admit, in another life I might have been a desert hermit!
I find God in silence and quiet meditation. Or plain chant.

I used to dislike some of the synthetic community in protestant, particularly evangelical, in jumping on strangers who just want to observe to begin with!

It doesn’t alter the fact in my Portuguese parish I had no idea of even the names of the main supporters of liturgy, like the cantor, until he was seriously ill, and his name surfaced on the parish WhatsApp group.
I don’t recollect a single event there with “after mass refreshment” where I could mingle and say hello in several years! Yet they all know each other . How? I think they grew up together.

 

[Michie]

I have to admit, in another life I might have been a desert hermit!
I find God in silence and quiet meditation. Or plain chant.

I used to dislike some of the synthetic community in protestant, particularly evangelical, in jumping on strangers who just want to observe to begin with!

It doesn’t alter the fact in my Portuguese parish I had no idea of even the names of the main supporters of liturgy, like the cantor, until he was seriously ill, and his name surfaced on the parish WhatsApp group.
I don’t recollect a single event there with “after mass refreshment” where I could mingle and say hello in several years! Yet they all know each other . How? I think they grew up together.

Well the gatherings, etc. are what’s supposed incorporate someone into the community. Is it cliquish? It certainly is. I remember someone here saying converts like me was ruining her Church. So much for the Great Commission and converts tainting the cradle club. Anyway, I like the space the Church gives. But a lot of converts expect the same types of things they were used to in their former Churches and I just do not see that happening to the frenzied extreme some other Churches go to. Catholicism is more subdued. It’s just not in the culture it seems. Nobody is going to try to corral us into their lives as a brownie point. We just need to find our niche.