Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
demographic factors, convert baptism rates, LDS missions, Mormon studies, religion
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Economics
Abstract
It is a well-known fact that the success of the missionary effort of the Church is highly correlated with economic prosperity. Specifically, the convert baptism rates are higher in less prosperous nations than in relatively wealthy nations. Opponents of the Church have cited this fact in support of the claim that the church appeals to potential members because of its relatively wealthy membership rather than because of any spiritual experiences or “House-of-Israel” arguments. Church adherents assert that poor nations more readily accept the church because of “unmeasurables” such as humility and heritage (i.e. descendants of the Nephite/Lamanite populations). This study was an attempt to reconcile empirical data with speculative hypotheses to determine which group, if any, is correct.
Recommended Citation
Clay, Darin G. and Showalter, Dr. Mark
(2013)
"ANALYSIS OF THE STRENGTH AND INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN DETERMINING CONVERT BAPTISM RATES IN LDS MISSIONS,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 193.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/193