When our family moved to Salt Lake City in 2012 to help plant Gospel Grace Church, we discovered a culture of extreme contradictions. The “Happy Valley” between the mountain ranges may have a reputation for family, religion, and the blessed life, but underneath the surface, many people are anything but happy.
The purported family values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints (LDS) seem oxymoronic in light of Utah’s skyrocketing porn consumption, widespread anti-depressant usage, and prolific plastic surgeries (breast implants for high-school graduate gifts, tummy tucks for middle-aged moms, and facelifts or Botox treatments for anyone seeking that youthful boost). Despite its projected perfection, Utah has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation.
My husband, a reserve chaplain in the Air Force, was hired in 2013 to provide counseling at the local base because of a cluster of suicides in the civilian sector. Confidentiality prevented him from sharing information with me, but his disturbed soul confirmed all the statistics. I am haunted by the vacant eyes and empty laughter of all the sad people in Happy Valley.
If you know Latter–day Saints, you might assume they have it all together and don’t need you. They give the impression that “the best are blessed.” Most are obedient to their system of religion because of promised reward, but when suffering comes instead of blessings, they can become disillusioned. This is just the moment a Christian can share gospel hope with them.
If you want to speak loving truth to your LDS friend, here are some factors to keep in mind.... Read More
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