Episode Details

Why do so many Americans have a negative view of the LDS Church?This episode of Mormon News Roundup breaks down the data, polling, and public perception behind Mormonism’s reputation problem.This is not just a personal story or anecdotal criticism. Multiple national surveys show that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is viewed less favorably than most mainstream religious groups in the United States.A major Pew Research survey found that roughly 25% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Latter-day Saints, while only 15% hold a favorable view, with the remainder neutral or unfamiliar. A YouGov poll ranking 35 belief systems placed Mormonism near the bottom, with a net favorability score of –21.These surveys don’t measure legal guilt or theological truth claims.They measure how people feel—and the data is clear.In this episode, I count down the Top 10 reasons many Americans don’t like Mormonism, rooted in history, doctrine, and institutional behavior, including:• Polygamy and its ongoing doctrinal legacy• The Church’s treatment of LGBTQ members• Political activism against LGBTQ civil rights• Secretive temple rituals viewed as cult-like• Aggressive missionary practices• Excommunication and silencing of critics• Deep institutional patriarchy• The priesthood and temple ban on Black members• Non-Trinitarian theology and changing revelation• Extreme wealth, limited transparency, and the Ensign Peak scandalThis episode makes an important distinction: individual Mormons are often sincere, kind people. But institutions are judged by their actions—and polling shows that many Americans are responding negatively to the LDS Church as an institution.Whether you’re a believing member, former member, or simply curious about religion and public perception, this episode explains why Mormonism struggles with favorability in modern America—and why those perceptions didn’t come out of nowhere.🔔 Subscribe to Mormon News RoundupIndependent analysis of Mormonism, church leadership, history, and current events.💬 Comment belowWhich of these reasons do you think has done the most damage to the Church’s public image?Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.