I agree with Richard Eyre in his criticism of the article and of the lack of a display of faith in that article. However, I depart from the criticisms expressed in one respect, in that I feel that the article did much good, especially considering the audience for which he was writing in The Atlantic. I think it helped soften the feelings of many in that audience toward the Church, and for that I applaud Coppins. I feel that The Atlantic would not have published an article that bore fervent testimony of the gospel. For those inclined to criticize, remember that it was the apostasy, with its easy-to-swallow doctrine, that enabled Christianity to spread as far as it did and which paved the way for the acceptance of the restoration of the gospel.
Rachel OliphantFebruary 1, 2021
I think Brother Eyre missed the point of Coppins' piece. I've followed Coppins for several years so I may have a better idea of his "motives" and I find him a highly respectable and wise voice. I also understand the need to discuss the nuanced parallels between the "Mormon" and "American" ideal. Among my middle-aged LDS contemporaries, there is an awakening/realization that as much as we can desire and strive for the "ideal", it is becoming harder and harder to achieve.
Jack RossJanuary 31, 2021
I believe Eyre and those who have commented here have missed the point. Copping was not writing an article for a church magazine or Meridian. He was writing for a secular magazine. We can’t expect him to say the things he would say if he did write for a church magazine. The article wasn’t perfect, but for the venue he was using, he did a decent job. I’m sure it was a struggle for him. Any of us, including Richard Eyre, would struggle to do as well if given the opportunity.
Bonnie HoltJanuary 31, 2021
You expressed my feelings exactly. The author missed a wonderful opportunity by being afraid (in my estimation) to stand tall for Jesus Christ and His prophets and correctly state their motivation! I fear he is straddling the world view versus the church with his employment as a journalist needing to please his employer. He should have declined the assignment. Sad.
Ruth TautuaaJanuary 29, 2021
I agree. I read the article and thought he was still trying to fit in with friends or co-workers. It took him a while to even introduce the correct name of the church, let alone use it properly. He kept saying 'Mormon' throughout the article, when he should have known the prophet has emphasized that we need to use the proper church name. If WE don't use it, how can we expect others to use it? It was generally positive, but in my view, lacking conviction. Instead of inspiring me, it left me disappointed.
Penelope Anne JohnsonJanuary 29, 2021
It is my understanding that any attempts to be accepted into our communities and to gain credibility is so that we can more effectively serve those communities, particularly with our unique ability to respond in emergency situations.
LeeJanuary 29, 2021
I read the article in the "Atlantic" and was quite interested in reading an article about the church, knowing that Mr. Coppin was both a member of the church as well as a journalist for the well respected magazine, the "Atlantic". I was disappointed in the direction the article took, with our so-called drive to "fit in". If anything, we have never been encouraged to "fit in", but to do things that will have an impact for good. It's never been about "fitting in". Perhaps it's his goal though. Disappointing article.
DCJanuary 29, 2021
I thought I was the only one who didn't like the article! After reading all the comments, I am glad to have company!
vickieJanuary 29, 2021
sometimes in doing our missionary duties i think we work at trying to attract people to the church by trying to appear every day and regular. we are not every day nor regular. We believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in that realm it makes us different. i believe we need to attract people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.....and if their soul is ready and aided by the Holy Spirit ...they will go that way....and then they will be different.
CarolJanuary 28, 2021
I was disappointed in the article by Coppins. I thought it had "attitude," and not in a positive way. I thought Coppins was trying to pander to journalist colleagues and an elitist audience.
Kathy WilsonJanuary 28, 2021
Coppins’ article left me uncomfortable and your response articulated the reasons why. Thank you!
TeresaJanuary 28, 2021
To be honest, I didn't know what to think about it, but the further I read the more I didn't feel good about it. Like mentioned above, whether Coppin really believes these things or was just writing for his audience, he missed the mark for me. Thanks Elder Eyre for pointing these things out.
Cyndi H.January 28, 2021
Thank you for this response to his article. That was my feeling as I read his article, that he was trying to figure out how the Church fit into the world and that our goal was to assimilate and be accepted. I felt exactly as you, as that has never been the goal of our Church. Our goal is to follow Christ and do what He would have us do. Now, do we want to be good neighbors? Yes. Do we recognize and offer humanitarian aid around the world to help our brother and sisters? Yes. Do we support loving others the way that Christ loves us? Yes. And the best way we can love others is to help them come to Christ and feel His love by being an example and helping them find their path to His restored Church.
Jan NielsenJanuary 28, 2021
After reading Mr. Copplin's article I also came a way with the same feelings your expressed in your article.
R C CopelandJanuary 28, 2021
Nailed it, Richard! Nailed it! All except the gurp about Mutt Romney....
Gary LawrenceJanuary 28, 2021
Very good insights, Rick. Thank you.
David MJanuary 28, 2021
"It is always dangerous, and by definition judgmental, to make assumptions about motives—."
Are you talking about Coppins, or your commentary?
But thank you for raising an interesting point for discussion.
While your assessment of what drives the Church is ideally correct, we can't deny that most of us individually long to be accepted by friends, neighbors and society, and that drives some behaviors (such as Pres. Hinckley's Mike Wallace interviews, or us happily inviting neighbors to the ward halloween party, but avoiding inviting them to sacrament meeting or to meet with the missionaries). There's nothing wrong with that. It's ok if what motivates our public behaviors is less aggressive than what drives our private worship (you know, milk before meat). I think what Coppins described is what many non-LDS Americans would perceive (if they care). I'm not offended by that because I believe that my closest non-LDS friends over the years would judge my behaviors to be driven by my desire to follow the Savior. I think that's what matters most to me and to them. 'All politics are local.'
Dick HerrinJanuary 28, 2021
Sadly true. Coppins had the opportunity to say important things and share insights about the church and the gospel, but he missed it. His perspective that the Church seeks to be a part of the mainstream can only become more perilous as that mainstream moves further away from the values and principles that are heart of the gospel that members work hard to live each day. That gap will widen and we simply can’t go there with him or anyone else.
MaryJanuary 28, 2021
When did Jesus focus on the perfect family? If He were to come and walk on earth today as he did 2000 years ago, I see him comforting the outliers. Those who feel alienated in the church because they don't fit that perfect family mold. I see him comforting the homosexuals and the transgenders and the single and divorced because the church makes them feel less than due to their fixation on the idea of the perfect family. You resent the author's accusations of the church's motives and then you accuse the author of less than honorable motives, instead of just disagreeing with his conclusions.
Duane BoyceJanuary 28, 2021
This perfectly captures at least part of my reaction to the article. Very well said and very much appreciated.
MaureenJanuary 28, 2021
Well stated, Bro. Eyre, and I might add an observance of mine after 73 years of membership in both the LDS Church and American society:. I've watched with gleeful surprise as entertainment swung noticeably in the direction of family values following, not preceding, LDS public statements and positions. Likewise, the trend toward use of "gosh" rather than its previous common sacrilegious exclamation. Who is following whom when spirits and conscience kick in? We must never lose sight of our real goals and stick firmly by the Savior's standards.
steven gaisfordJanuary 28, 2021
I appreciate your take on Brother Coppin's article. I was raised in the church and taught to strive to be like the Savior, not to strive to fit in. We are taught to be in the world but not of the world.
Juliann BradshawJanuary 28, 2021
I have to conclude that it is Coppins who is auditioning—for full acceptance into his secular brand of modern journalism
I felt the same way. I did not find the article edifying or uplifting and perhaps that was because it felt self serving. He had the audience and the opportunity. It could have been so much more.
Candy HuntJanuary 28, 2021
Well said. I was not impressed with the article, having read it before all the commentaries came out. In addition to your accurate perspective, I thought it was meandering and that it trivialized sacred things.
SarahJanuary 28, 2021
Thanks for sharing...I agree completely.
PennieJanuary 28, 2021
Thank you. That was my gut reaction as well. I was somewhat appalled that he made himself a voice for the Church. He is really out in left field
Linda HardyJanuary 28, 2021
This reminds me of an experience from twenty years ago. My daughter was taking an American History class in college, where the students had to write a weekly short essay. one week my daughter wrote about the reasons the Latter-day Saints left Nauvoo and crossed the plains. Her teacher said that she was wrong about the reasons. Religious persecution was not a valid reason. Apparently, all history has been about economic reasons. I guess we all have blind spots and tunnel vision about something.
KCJanuary 28, 2021
As a member of a stake Communications Committee, formerly public affairs, we are such a small part of the function of the church. However, the Church was tasked early on by the Lord to reach out to those in positions of influence as well as befriend those of all stations.
Fulfilling our duty as a church to take care of the needy, spread the gospel, safeguard our families and freedoms, etc requires a massive effort to partner with individuals and organizations, governments and businesses. This happens on individual, family auxiliary/quorum, ward, stake, regional, and church wide levels. Every one of us makes inroads and impressions.
We’re not going to make many friends by trying to “look hip” as they used to say, or even just “fit in”. We must “reflect righteousness and articulateness” and be “seen as distinct and different [from]the world. “
Our goodness and reflection of Christ draws people and comes from the same Spirit, but how each of us acts and who we reach is unique.
Collectively that may have looked Rockwellian in contrast to the world, but we shouldn’t allow stereotypes, or labels—even “Mormon”. We are a peculiar people because we are His.
AnnetteJanuary 28, 2021
Bingo!
Patricia (Floyd ESM) SchellJanuary 28, 2021
Good job Elder Eyre. I hope his article wasn't "editorialized" by someone making it fit the magazine. I'm hoping we can stop being concerned by how we look and BE who we are.
LoraJanuary 28, 2021
Thank you! The many good points of that article melted away as I considered the underlying misinformation. I don't know if Coppin truly believes these things or was just 'writing for his audience', but his work was terribly misleading. I'm glad you have taken the time to point these issues out. Our modern media will require greater and more careful discernment for processing it as we move forward in this dispensation.
Comments | Return to Story
David HallFebruary 2, 2021
I agree with Richard Eyre in his criticism of the article and of the lack of a display of faith in that article. However, I depart from the criticisms expressed in one respect, in that I feel that the article did much good, especially considering the audience for which he was writing in The Atlantic. I think it helped soften the feelings of many in that audience toward the Church, and for that I applaud Coppins. I feel that The Atlantic would not have published an article that bore fervent testimony of the gospel. For those inclined to criticize, remember that it was the apostasy, with its easy-to-swallow doctrine, that enabled Christianity to spread as far as it did and which paved the way for the acceptance of the restoration of the gospel.
Rachel OliphantFebruary 1, 2021
I think Brother Eyre missed the point of Coppins' piece. I've followed Coppins for several years so I may have a better idea of his "motives" and I find him a highly respectable and wise voice. I also understand the need to discuss the nuanced parallels between the "Mormon" and "American" ideal. Among my middle-aged LDS contemporaries, there is an awakening/realization that as much as we can desire and strive for the "ideal", it is becoming harder and harder to achieve.
Jack RossJanuary 31, 2021
I believe Eyre and those who have commented here have missed the point. Copping was not writing an article for a church magazine or Meridian. He was writing for a secular magazine. We can’t expect him to say the things he would say if he did write for a church magazine. The article wasn’t perfect, but for the venue he was using, he did a decent job. I’m sure it was a struggle for him. Any of us, including Richard Eyre, would struggle to do as well if given the opportunity.
Bonnie HoltJanuary 31, 2021
You expressed my feelings exactly. The author missed a wonderful opportunity by being afraid (in my estimation) to stand tall for Jesus Christ and His prophets and correctly state their motivation! I fear he is straddling the world view versus the church with his employment as a journalist needing to please his employer. He should have declined the assignment. Sad.
Ruth TautuaaJanuary 29, 2021
I agree. I read the article and thought he was still trying to fit in with friends or co-workers. It took him a while to even introduce the correct name of the church, let alone use it properly. He kept saying 'Mormon' throughout the article, when he should have known the prophet has emphasized that we need to use the proper church name. If WE don't use it, how can we expect others to use it? It was generally positive, but in my view, lacking conviction. Instead of inspiring me, it left me disappointed.
Penelope Anne JohnsonJanuary 29, 2021
It is my understanding that any attempts to be accepted into our communities and to gain credibility is so that we can more effectively serve those communities, particularly with our unique ability to respond in emergency situations.
LeeJanuary 29, 2021
I read the article in the "Atlantic" and was quite interested in reading an article about the church, knowing that Mr. Coppin was both a member of the church as well as a journalist for the well respected magazine, the "Atlantic". I was disappointed in the direction the article took, with our so-called drive to "fit in". If anything, we have never been encouraged to "fit in", but to do things that will have an impact for good. It's never been about "fitting in". Perhaps it's his goal though. Disappointing article.
DCJanuary 29, 2021
I thought I was the only one who didn't like the article! After reading all the comments, I am glad to have company!
vickieJanuary 29, 2021
sometimes in doing our missionary duties i think we work at trying to attract people to the church by trying to appear every day and regular. we are not every day nor regular. We believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in that realm it makes us different. i believe we need to attract people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.....and if their soul is ready and aided by the Holy Spirit ...they will go that way....and then they will be different.
CarolJanuary 28, 2021
I was disappointed in the article by Coppins. I thought it had "attitude," and not in a positive way. I thought Coppins was trying to pander to journalist colleagues and an elitist audience.
Kathy WilsonJanuary 28, 2021
Coppins’ article left me uncomfortable and your response articulated the reasons why. Thank you!
TeresaJanuary 28, 2021
To be honest, I didn't know what to think about it, but the further I read the more I didn't feel good about it. Like mentioned above, whether Coppin really believes these things or was just writing for his audience, he missed the mark for me. Thanks Elder Eyre for pointing these things out.
Cyndi H.January 28, 2021
Thank you for this response to his article. That was my feeling as I read his article, that he was trying to figure out how the Church fit into the world and that our goal was to assimilate and be accepted. I felt exactly as you, as that has never been the goal of our Church. Our goal is to follow Christ and do what He would have us do. Now, do we want to be good neighbors? Yes. Do we recognize and offer humanitarian aid around the world to help our brother and sisters? Yes. Do we support loving others the way that Christ loves us? Yes. And the best way we can love others is to help them come to Christ and feel His love by being an example and helping them find their path to His restored Church.
Jan NielsenJanuary 28, 2021
After reading Mr. Copplin's article I also came a way with the same feelings your expressed in your article.
R C CopelandJanuary 28, 2021
Nailed it, Richard! Nailed it! All except the gurp about Mutt Romney....
Gary LawrenceJanuary 28, 2021
Very good insights, Rick. Thank you.
David MJanuary 28, 2021
"It is always dangerous, and by definition judgmental, to make assumptions about motives—." Are you talking about Coppins, or your commentary? But thank you for raising an interesting point for discussion. While your assessment of what drives the Church is ideally correct, we can't deny that most of us individually long to be accepted by friends, neighbors and society, and that drives some behaviors (such as Pres. Hinckley's Mike Wallace interviews, or us happily inviting neighbors to the ward halloween party, but avoiding inviting them to sacrament meeting or to meet with the missionaries). There's nothing wrong with that. It's ok if what motivates our public behaviors is less aggressive than what drives our private worship (you know, milk before meat). I think what Coppins described is what many non-LDS Americans would perceive (if they care). I'm not offended by that because I believe that my closest non-LDS friends over the years would judge my behaviors to be driven by my desire to follow the Savior. I think that's what matters most to me and to them. 'All politics are local.'
Dick HerrinJanuary 28, 2021
Sadly true. Coppins had the opportunity to say important things and share insights about the church and the gospel, but he missed it. His perspective that the Church seeks to be a part of the mainstream can only become more perilous as that mainstream moves further away from the values and principles that are heart of the gospel that members work hard to live each day. That gap will widen and we simply can’t go there with him or anyone else.
MaryJanuary 28, 2021
When did Jesus focus on the perfect family? If He were to come and walk on earth today as he did 2000 years ago, I see him comforting the outliers. Those who feel alienated in the church because they don't fit that perfect family mold. I see him comforting the homosexuals and the transgenders and the single and divorced because the church makes them feel less than due to their fixation on the idea of the perfect family. You resent the author's accusations of the church's motives and then you accuse the author of less than honorable motives, instead of just disagreeing with his conclusions.
Duane BoyceJanuary 28, 2021
This perfectly captures at least part of my reaction to the article. Very well said and very much appreciated.
MaureenJanuary 28, 2021
Well stated, Bro. Eyre, and I might add an observance of mine after 73 years of membership in both the LDS Church and American society:. I've watched with gleeful surprise as entertainment swung noticeably in the direction of family values following, not preceding, LDS public statements and positions. Likewise, the trend toward use of "gosh" rather than its previous common sacrilegious exclamation. Who is following whom when spirits and conscience kick in? We must never lose sight of our real goals and stick firmly by the Savior's standards.
steven gaisfordJanuary 28, 2021
I appreciate your take on Brother Coppin's article. I was raised in the church and taught to strive to be like the Savior, not to strive to fit in. We are taught to be in the world but not of the world.
Juliann BradshawJanuary 28, 2021
I have to conclude that it is Coppins who is auditioning—for full acceptance into his secular brand of modern journalism I felt the same way. I did not find the article edifying or uplifting and perhaps that was because it felt self serving. He had the audience and the opportunity. It could have been so much more.
Candy HuntJanuary 28, 2021
Well said. I was not impressed with the article, having read it before all the commentaries came out. In addition to your accurate perspective, I thought it was meandering and that it trivialized sacred things.
SarahJanuary 28, 2021
Thanks for sharing...I agree completely.
PennieJanuary 28, 2021
Thank you. That was my gut reaction as well. I was somewhat appalled that he made himself a voice for the Church. He is really out in left field
Linda HardyJanuary 28, 2021
This reminds me of an experience from twenty years ago. My daughter was taking an American History class in college, where the students had to write a weekly short essay. one week my daughter wrote about the reasons the Latter-day Saints left Nauvoo and crossed the plains. Her teacher said that she was wrong about the reasons. Religious persecution was not a valid reason. Apparently, all history has been about economic reasons. I guess we all have blind spots and tunnel vision about something.
KCJanuary 28, 2021
As a member of a stake Communications Committee, formerly public affairs, we are such a small part of the function of the church. However, the Church was tasked early on by the Lord to reach out to those in positions of influence as well as befriend those of all stations. Fulfilling our duty as a church to take care of the needy, spread the gospel, safeguard our families and freedoms, etc requires a massive effort to partner with individuals and organizations, governments and businesses. This happens on individual, family auxiliary/quorum, ward, stake, regional, and church wide levels. Every one of us makes inroads and impressions. We’re not going to make many friends by trying to “look hip” as they used to say, or even just “fit in”. We must “reflect righteousness and articulateness” and be “seen as distinct and different [from]the world. “ Our goodness and reflection of Christ draws people and comes from the same Spirit, but how each of us acts and who we reach is unique. Collectively that may have looked Rockwellian in contrast to the world, but we shouldn’t allow stereotypes, or labels—even “Mormon”. We are a peculiar people because we are His.
AnnetteJanuary 28, 2021
Bingo!
Patricia (Floyd ESM) SchellJanuary 28, 2021
Good job Elder Eyre. I hope his article wasn't "editorialized" by someone making it fit the magazine. I'm hoping we can stop being concerned by how we look and BE who we are.
LoraJanuary 28, 2021
Thank you! The many good points of that article melted away as I considered the underlying misinformation. I don't know if Coppin truly believes these things or was just 'writing for his audience', but his work was terribly misleading. I'm glad you have taken the time to point these issues out. Our modern media will require greater and more careful discernment for processing it as we move forward in this dispensation.
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