Mormonism is the 1980s

This page is intended to give you an idea about what Mormonism experienced in the 1980s. It is not necessarily intended to be a deep dive on the Mormon faith, but does provide a brief overview of the belief system..

  • One of the fastest growing denominations 
  • One of the richest Christian denominations
  • The birth rate among Mormons is nearly twice than the national average
  • Created in 1830 by Joseph Smith in upstate New York
  • Reagan had close connections with the Mormon Church, appointing many individuals from the church to powerful political positions
    • David Fischer, the President's longtime personal assistant
    • Rex E. Lee, the former United States Solicitor General
    • Richard Wirthlin, Mr. Reagan's political adviser and poll taker
  • The FBI and CIA often recruited young Mormons due their conservative nature, experience overseas, and ability to speak different languages
  • 1978, the Mormon church’s president, Spencer Kimball, revealed that God came to him and instructed him to allow Black men full status in the church
  • In 1876, Brigham Young brought members to Salt Lake
    • Because of this, 70% of Utah’s population is Mormon
  • If there is an America that embodies the vision that Ronald Reagan has for his country - a nation of pious, striving, self-reliant and politically conservative ''traditional'' families where men work hard at their jobs and women work hard in the home raising their children - it is in Mormon country.” - Lindsey, Robert. “THE MORMONS; GROWTH, PROSPERITY AND CONTROVERSY.” New York Times. January 12, 1986.
  • General Beliefs:
    • Purpose: help members get to heaven. 
    • Jesus will someday return to rule the earth. When He does, He will turn for help to members of His ''only true church.'' 
    • All humans will be resurrected physically and joined with their spirits; if found worthy, they may also be reunited with their families. 
    • Everyone will be admitted to one of three heavenly kingdoms, but only the most worthy will be eligible for the highest of these kingdoms. 
    • Some will become godlike and redeem other planets, just as thousands of years ago Jesus was sent to earth to become its Redeemer.
    • The teachings and directives of the church should not be questioned