Brittney Griffith

      Globalization and the LDS Church

At this point and time in our world globalization is in an integral part of survival for organizations such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons. The boundaries that separate the people of the world have started to fade due to factors like interdependence of states through the economy and politics, as well as the advancement of technology. The affects felt from the globalization of the LDS church have been, as I see it, a very positive one, however there are some negative effects of globalization in general that cannot be ignored. But I do believe globalization has ample more positive affects than negative ones. Because of this I believe the efforts of the church to increase globalization is a good thing and will aid in its continued success.
In David J. Samue'ls book Comparative Politics he defined globalization as, "The spread of political, economic, and cultural dynamics among governments, groups, and individuals beyond the borders of any one particular country" (Samuels). Starting in 1830 at the founding of the LDS church there were six members in one country. Today there are members in over 162 countries and had over 11 million members in the year 2000 (Goodman). The church globalizes through a common topic, the gospel in which it teaches. Because of this many other products from the spread of the church have become clear but not all of them necessarily positive.
Although it was very hard to viable negative points against globalization of the church I did find one major problem that should be noted. The biggest issue I saw with globalization of the lds church which was founded in one county, the United States, is that it may have the tendency to blend cultures. Although the work the church does for other countries as well as missionary work is very beneficial to the country itself and its people, it also meshes cultures and takes away the uniqueness that cultures are valued for (Stief). This is a very troubling issue because with a world progressing so fast to becoming unified as a human race and world through our social, economic, political, and technological advancements, we run the threat of losing everything has makes us different, so that we don't all become the same. Even though this causes concerns however, I happen to be a member of the LDS church and know they are intent on keeping cultures alive and stable. They don't want to tear things down they want to enrich lives and build things up.
On the other hand, I found multiple positive effects of LDS globalization. The most prominent effect was one, the ability to give almost all people the ability to hear and learn of this gospel and its Savior Jesus Christ. This gospel gives hope and faith to not those who just need it but to everyone no matter race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation, past transgressions,  or future ones, it is a church for everyone. The second thing that came to mind was the church's humanitarian services system  The system set up by the church has done extraordinary things for the world and not just for its members. The church has set programs up all over the world to teach the people self-reliance so they can have a better quality of life, they're giving people meaning. They're also setting up insensitive to bring areas that are lacking things lack drinkable water, infant care, and food production, as well as immunization (Wrigley). Along  Another benefit is where the church goes technology goes. The church is bringing new ways to survive and learn through its technological fields and it is benefiting many countries and peoples who have not had the benefits of what technology can do, especially through medical and science advancements. We are able to save many lives as well as increase quality of life for people all over the world (Wrigley).
In my opinion, the positives out way the effects that are negative. So much benefit has come from the globalization of the church, not just for those who believe and become or already are members of the church. The LDS church helps everyone and that is amazing. Putting the temporal needs aside, I feel the spiritual benefit that people have profited from the globalization of the church is astounding, it is changing the world in so much of a good way.


Works Cited
Goodman, Kristen L., and Douglas A. Hooper. "Global Mormonism." Global Mormonism RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.
Samuels, David J. Comparative Politics. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 1967. 343-73. Print.
Stief, Collin. "Globalization." About.com Geography. N.p., 7 July 2008. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.
Wrigley, Heather W. "Church Makes Immunizations an Official Initiative, Provides Social Mobilization." - Church News and Events. N.p., 13 June 2012. Web. 05 Dec. 2012.