I can’t emphasize enough how much the lds church looked down on this kind of music 10-20 years ago. It was viewed as other churches trying to be more exciting to emotionally manipulate youth into staying in church. I suspect when I’m an old man the lds church I once knew won’t even exist anymore and will feel a lot like today’s evangelical churches.

"You're not making (Mormonism) better, you're making rock n' roll worse!"
-Hank Hill

(I may have inserted the Mormonism part)

As a professional who has worked both in corporate marketing and entertainment for over 25 years - remember this is a corporation so all of this is calculated and sent down from the top based on the study of competitors.

I think the church will try anything to appeal to young people as long as it doesn’t actually mean addressing the doctrines that are pushing young people away. Is anyone leaving because they don’t like the music? I think it’s more about the way the church treats women and LGBT people as well as its horrible history on racism and polygamy. Tank top garments and pop music aren’t going to solve those problems.

20 years ago, they wouldn’t let someone play a guitar at my dad’s funeral that was held in a Mormon church. They said it was irreverent.

One thing's for sure, the Mormon Church is never doing what it says it's doing.

Such a Mormon vibe of  you-are-never-good-enough.   The band is called "Strive to Be."  Really?

The Eternal MLM...such a revelation.

Nemo is expressing the cultural teachings of the church correctly. He is explaining common understandings of average active members.

We weren't even allowed to listen to this kind of up beat music as a missionary. Couldn't own the music.

Stay vigilant and stay vocal!
Don't let this organization gaslight folks into forgetting it's many lies.

Hearing the word "worship" as a child born in the late 70s in the church is cringe. "Worship" was not a word used nor encouraged growing up.  We honored our Lord. We didn't worship him.

I have been out for 2 decades now, it amazes me how much the church is transforming.

I attended Provo MTC, from the UK, and found the culture shift quite difficult - there is no way in the happy-clappy world I would have joined in with this public show of awkward uncoolness

I think the world needs even more Jared x Nemo videos!

As someone who was Mormon for 30+ years. 1000% folding your arms and bowing your head is a Mormon thing.

I remember talking with my mom about her friends that went to a church that did the whole Hillsong songs and she said that we would rather be reverent and be humble in our worship.

I still remember when I got really into Christian metal music when I went to college. My sister, who had just gotten home from her mission, heard me listening to this music in the kitchen. She came in all angry and told me to stop listening to it because it was evil. I was like “What? They’re singing about Christ.” I was so confused because this music spoke to my spirit in a way that no Disney or broadway song ever could, but that kind of music was acceptable for personal ‘worship’.

💯 my mom would roll in her grave if she could see this music. Absolutely taboo in LDS in 80s and 90s. It was a differentiator between LDS and other churches

Utah cultural influence… Lots of creators and good PR from local choirs and such that have been dipping their toes into mainstream media spotlights through viral videos and popular tv competitions such as “America’s Got Talent” and “One Voice Children’s Choir” around 10 years ago.

The arts are BIG here and the wealthier families are always involved- there are sure to be GA’s with family and friend connections to these programs and the good publicity it brings.

These Hillsong-like shows started a little while ago during FSY gatherings at BYU and other locations, I can’t remember if it was last year or the year before. It was the first time I saw it.

As a violinist/pianist with many ward callings and performances within church programs and LDS from birth- I second what Nemo is saying.

This is VERY different from how we were raised.  We were openly discouraged and not allowed to include more “lively” instruments and styles of music that were perceived as too loud and irreverent for church approved activities especially if performed at a church location.

On the one hand, I’m happy for the added diversity and inclusivity for the members now… and it also feels very gaslighting for all of us who grew up being told to view this type of worship as less-than and offensive to “the spirit”

Just the fact they're saying "God" instead of "Heavenly Father"... what is happening?

I hereby place one genuine external vote for more collabs! The balance of doctrinal nerdery brings something special.