Have LDS members changed?

[Solon]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

The percentages of LDS may have been higher but I bet the percentage of active members was much lower.

I don't know either way, so I'll take your word for it. Seems like this is another facet of these changes over time.

[BYU71]

I think the Democrats moved away from Utah values rather than Utah moving away from the democrats.

There used to be plenty of moderate to conservative democrats in prominent positions in the democratic party. Folks like Rocky Anderson are more the face of the democratic party for Utahns than say an Evan Bayh.

As for how "momons" vote. There is the cultural mormon and the so called "active" mormon. When you ask questions concerning how "mormons" feel or act, perhaps you should distinguish between the two.

[Sleeping in EQ]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

The posts from BDB and Solon a few weeks ago about how Heber J. Grant asked all LDS to vote against repeal of prohibition, and a majority rejected his request and Utah became the state that cast the clinching vote for repeal, has stuck with me. I can't remember when I've read something more surprising about LDS culture. It's surprising because I don't think that would happen now on any issue. The leades speak, and virtually all active LDS do what they say. That mantra is repeated here all the time. Ironically, BDB posted about the prohibition situation as an example of why LDS must always do as they're told, like children.

Do you agree with me that today the prohibition vote would go dramatically the other way if the prophet gave the same instruction? If so, why have LDS stopped thinking for themselves and acting per their own consciences?

Mauss takes on the issues at play here in his The Angel and the Beehive.