To the LDS, America is the place where Jesus Christ will return and where the millennial will take place. They, therefore, see themselves as responsible for keeping and building the land will become the Kingdom of God. This may sound familiar in a different context: it is our responsibility as humans to take care of the earth because we are the animals most capable of doing so, and so that future generations will have needed resources available to them. Many Americans see it as their responsibility as citizens, to care for and protect American soil. This mission is shared by LDS, Greenpeace, the National Wildlife Federation, etc. (In contradiction to this, Mormons have the largest family sizes in America completely ignoring the problem overpopulation has caused our planet.)
Family structure is very important to LDS. Marriage is monogamous and adultery is strictly prohibited. They practice traditional roles: husbands take care of the finances, wives take care of the home and children, and children are expected to be responsible for chores. The family is a very close knit group. This is what Americans commonly refer to as “family values”.
LDS’s have a strong work ethic. The consist of mainly working middle-class. Most of the nicknames associated with Utah are related to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that first settled in the territory. Deseret, in The Book of Mormon is actually a honeybee. This nickname commemorates the industry of the people of Utah. The beehive was adopted, in 1847, as an official emblem and represents the qualities of industry, perseverance, thrift, stability, and self-reliance.
Mormons have also built universities, created welfare programs, and encourage “all things in moderation”, a recent phrase that floats around dieting Americans.
However, not all of the influence has been positive. In addition to being close knit families, they are a close knit community. An LDS will give business to another LDS before considering an outsider. This keeps the Mormon economy separate and afloat regardless of the mainstream economy. The majority of Mormons will read and watch media that is operated by LDS. Mormons do not seek individualism, so that the community may flourish.
For good or for bad, the Latter Day Saint religious community has left its impression on North America, especially in the west.
Reading of further intrest:
A Morman family is forced to choose between the church and their homosexual son.
A brief introduction to Mormonism
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