Understanding Deseret Nation and Its Connection to the LDS Church

Deseret Nation, often seen as a hashtag or slick packaging term on platforms like Twitter, is not a literal nation. Rather, it is a loose affiliation of online Mormons which has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly within the LDS (Latter-day Saints) community. This group has sparked both enthusiastic support and controversy within the larger Mormon community.

What is Deseret Nation?

The term "Deseret Nation" is a reference to the proposed state that would have existed in the American West. In 1849, the Mormon pioneers named their provisional state 'Deseret', which is derived from a scriptural term that means 'honeybee'. The honeybee was a symbol of industriousness and cooperation, embodying the core values of the Mormon community. Today, Deseret Nation is used as a hashtag to aggregate and discuss content related to Mormon culture and the Church.

Deseret Nation on Twitter showcases a community where Latter-day Saints can follow posts and discussions that align with their beliefs and interests. It has become a platform for members to share, discuss, and engage in conversations about various topics related to the LDS faith, including theology, culture, and community challenges. Essentially, it is a cultural space where the community can find relevance and discussions that reflect their shared experiences.

The Controversies and Support

The emergence of Deseret Nation has certainly not been without controversy. Critics, particularly from progressive members of the Mormon community, view it as a form of nationalism, which they believe contradicts the church’s core principles. They argue that the hashtag promotes a narrow and exclusionary view of Mormonism, which might alienate members of other faiths or cultural backgrounds.

However, supporters of Deseret Nation maintain that it is not about politics or nationalism as traditionally understood. They argue that the term "nation" here refers to a shared cultural identity and heritage stemming from their Mormon roots. To further illustrate this point, Dustin Turner, a church member and former Ted Cruz staffer, states, 'It’s not 'nationalism'; it’s more about cultural identity.' He compares it to other similar movements such as 'Red Sox Nation,' which denotes a shared love and community among fans of the baseball team.

Brett Cain, a 28-year-old Washington State Fish and Wildlife official, initially had similar concerns but was reassured by the explanation provided to him. He now sees it as a positive initiative, stating, 'Nationalism doesn’t sound so good… but it was explained to be a Deseret Nation—not in terms of country or borders—but a group of people with common culture and that culture is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.'

From Controversy to Community

For those who support Deseret Nation, it represents a space where they can find comfort, understanding, and community. It serves as a platform for discussions and conversations that reflect their shared experiences as Latter-day Saints. Whether through social media posts, forums, or online events, Deseret Nation offers a virtual space for members to deepen their bond and unity within the faith.

While the broader Mormon community is divided on the issue, it is clear that Deseret Nation has become a significant force within the online Mormon community. It has facilitated a space where members can engage with each other and with content that resonates with their cultural and spiritual identities.

Despite the controversies, the impact of Deseret Nation continues to shape the conversation within the LDS community and beyond. As more discussions and dialogues emerge, it will be interesting to see how this movement evolves and impacts the larger Mormon landscape.