The Great California Mormon Census: Are We Outnumbering the Hollywood Actors Yet?
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, surfboards, and... surprisingly, a whole lotta Latter-day Saints (LDS)! That's right, folks. Beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, there's a thriving Mormon community. But just how many of us are there? Buckle up, truth-seekers, because we're about to dive into the fascinating, and slightly elusive, world of Mormon numerology in California.
Counting California's Saints: The Mission, Maybe Impossible?
Let's be honest, getting an exact headcount on anything in California is a challenge. It's like trying to count grains of sand on Venice Beach – there's just so much going on! But fear not, intrepid data detectives, we've got some pretty darn good estimates.
Here's the hot tea: According to various sources, the number of LDS folks in California sits somewhere around 730,000. That's a pretty sizable chunk of the population, folks. We're talking more members than there are stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (and let's face it, some of those stars are practically faded memories at this point).
Why the fuzziness? Unlike the census, which counts everyone, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints keeps its membership numbers close to the vest. But hey, that just adds to the mystery, right?
Mormons vs. Everyone Else: A Californians vs. The Chosen Ones Throwdown?
Hold on to your surfboards, folks, because this is where things get interesting. With a population of roughly 39 million, California is a melting pot of cultures and beliefs. So, how do the Mormons stack up?
Well, if we do some back-of-the-napkin math (because let's be real, who wants to break out a calculator on a beautiful California day?), that means LDS members make up about 1.8% of the state's population. Not exactly a majority, but definitely a significant presence.
So, what does this mean? It means that your friendly neighborhood Californian might just surprise you with a Book of Mormon tucked under their arm next to their copy of "The Alchemist." You might even find yourself invited to a potluck featuring both Jello molds and delicious ethnic dishes – a true California fusion experience!
The Future of California Mormonism: More Sunshine, More Saints?
California's got a lot going for it – great weather, stunning scenery, and now, a thriving LDS community. So, what's next for California Mormonism?
Here are a few predictions, delivered with the utmost scientific certainty (read: tongue firmly in cheek):
- Missionary work goes Hollywood: Forget knocking on doors, the next generation of missionaries will be handing out inspirational tracts on Venice Beach and giving motivational speeches on muscle beach.
- Temple Tourism Boom: California's already a tourist hotspot, but with 8 temples scattered across the state, expect to see even more visitors flocking to experience the unique Mormon temple experience (and maybe do a little sightseeing while they're at it).
- The Great California Jello Mold Showdown: This might be entirely fictional, but wouldn't it be amazing to see LDS communities across the state battle it out for Jello mold supremacy? We're talking multi-tiered masterpieces, exotic flavor combinations, and enough Jello to rival a Hollywood swimming pool scene.
So, there you have it, folks. The truth about California's LDS population – it's big, it's vibrant, and it's got a healthy dose of sunshine and humor. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for Jello and a good beach read.
