u/American_Psycho11

The LDS church is fast approaching a demographic crisis. Growth in the US is shrinking and practically non-existent Europe, while most growth is happening in Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, and Africa. Before long, the majority of members realistically will be outside the US.

But the church is still overwhelmingly led and culturally shaped by old white (mostly) American men from Utah, and the non Americans are all based out of Utah. Even with efforts to become more international, it still feels very American and Utah-centric.

So what happens long term if most members no longer culturally relate to the leadership? Will members in places like Brazil or the Philippines continue to follow a church so centered in Utah culture, or does leadership eventually have to become much more international too?

How do you see this looking and playing out?

I know many people who said they felt a confirmation by the Spirit and that's why they believed so strongly, and missionaries essentially say "the Spirit will confirm" the truthfulness, how do you justify and reconcile that with everything else that causes faith issues?

I don't believe for a minute anymore that the church and it's history is true, but I have several memories particularly on my mission years ago, where I felt what I thought was the Spirit testifying to me. This is has been bothering me for some time particularly as I move further and further away from it all.

Just curious how other people who have felt similar feel since leaving.