‘OBEDIENCE CULTURE’: HOW AMERICAN ECCLESIASTICAL TRENDS HAVE MATERIALLY COMPROMISED THE NATION’S MORAL LEADERSHIP Speaking generally, “obedience culture” values conformity over competence, unflinching faith over critical thinking, and institutional loyalty over human dignity. I examine the ascendancy of obedience culture within LDS and other U.S. religious communities and explore its recent, forcible extension into American public policy. I argue that obedience culture influences have deteriorated America’s moral leadership. The Patriot Act and U.S. military and civilian action in Iraq are two examples. I also suggest a course of action to engage the greater LDS community on a more robust basis.

GLENN CORNETT and J. BONNER RITCHIE