LDS Church and Mormonism

Russell M. Nelson became president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in 2018 at the age of 93. After serving for 7 years, Nelson passed away on September 27, 2025, at age 101. He was an outstanding surgeon and a pioneer in human open-heart surgery before rising through the ranks of the LDS Church. During his leadership, Nelson implemented many changes to the LDS Church and Mormonism. These included removing the name “Mormon” from what members of the church can call themselves.

Other changes Nelson made included rejecting the Boy Scouts after they admitted openly gay members, while lifting some restrictions on LGBTQ members of the church. He also promoted the LDS Church’s acceptance of people of color, which, until 1978, was not permitted. Racism runs counter to the teachings of the Bible. Galatians 3:26-29 clearly states that there are no racial, gender, or national distinctions among Christians. Romans 1:24-27 emphasizes that God’s plan for sexual expression is to be within the exclusive bond of a man and woman in marriage. Romans 6 leaves no doubt that God desires His children to be free from sin.

Over 40% of the American population identifies as “none” when asked about their religion. Much of this is because churches have moved away from the idea of dying to sin to live a new life. Like the LDS Church and Mormonism, many American denominations teach beliefs that come from leading theologians rather than the Bible. The real answer to faith is the “Restoration Movement,” which teaches “we will speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.” This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it is the only answer to the challenges Christians face today. 

— John N. Clayton © 2025

Reference: Wikipedia.org Here and Here