The LCS Factor

[djohnson(XLCmember)]

Igzy on my initial thread I mentioned some behaviors and asked this question: "What role, if any, do you think the LCS played in the development of these behaviors?"

I think it is clear that Matt and Thankful think idolatry in the LCS is a cause of some problems among the second generation. I don't think it can be argued that idolatry does not exist in the LCS. It's self-evident. Lee is idolized by many including the high priesthood in Anaheim. Nor do I think it can be credibly argued that where idolatry exists people will not be negatively affected. Obviously idolatry will have an adverse effect on people and their children.

Is idolatry the only issue? I don't think so. Was everyone involved? I have no way of knowing this and neither does anyone else. How can we know the hearts and minds of thousands of people?

I am well aware that my original thread starting question falls within the realm of social science and that social science is considered a "soft science" in terms of arriving at conclusive irrefutable data. I opened this thread not because I thought some conclusive cause and effect item would be discovered but because I thought it would be a good idea to explore the issue. We do know environment plays a significant role in child development and subsequent adult behaviors. And since the LCS was such a pervasive environment it surely played a role. We may never determine the exact measure of that role but we might be wiser for the exploration. I think the number of readers of this thread is an indication that the issue is of high interest to many.