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SALT LAKE CITY — With Mormonism becoming an ever more prevalent topic of discussion among Americans in recent years, the Pew Research Forum has released a first-of-its kind survey of Mormons. Its findings may be surprising even to devout members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The survey, which will be released Thursday, was conducted between Oct. 25 and Nov. 16, 2011 among a sample of more than 1,000 members of the LDS Church from across the country. It is being highlighted in a five-part series by the Deseret News.
Deseret News:
About this ad 'Mormons in America' Pew survey explores beliefs, attitudes of LDS Church members
This article is the first in a five-part series examining the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life's release of a groundbreaking new survey focusing exclusively on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their beliefs, values, perceptions and political preferences.Among the "surprises," the survey found that a majority of church members — 73 percent — believe that working to help the poor is "essential to being a good Mormon." The Good Samaritan ideal ranks just behind the consensus that all "good Mormons" believe Joseph Smith, the church's first leader, saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.
"To be honest, I found the strong sentiment that 'working to help the poor' is essential to being a good Mormon refreshing and a little surprising," David Campbell, an LDS Church member and associate professor at the University of Notre Dame, told the Deseret News. "As a Mormon, I would hope it would be that way, but I wasn't sure what to expect. It's good to see the church's genuine compassion for the poor and needy reflected in these numbers."
Other surprising findings include:
- 57 percent of Mormons said that most or all of their close friends are other Mormons (this number was significantly higher in Utah, where the number climbed to 73 percent);
- 32 percent of respondents say not watching R-rated movies is essential to being a good Mormon
- 27 percent of respondents say they believe in yoga not just as exercise but as a spiritual practice
- 11 percent of respondents say they believe in reincarnation
More detailed information about the survey can be found in the Deseret News article, ‘Mormons in America' Pew survey explores beliefs, attitudes of LDS Church members.
Email: jormond@ksl.com
