The LDS Church relies heavily on the cultivation of guilt and shame as tools of compliance. Members are constantly reminded of their obligation to “perfect” themselves, and the expectation of flawless living is woven so deeply into the culture that even minor deviations from the prescribed norm are viewed with suspicion—as warning signs of possible apostasy.

This obsession with personal “worthiness” doesn’t inspire healthy growth; it smothers individuality and self-expression. Members quickly learn to edit themselves, to fit their words and behaviors into the narrowest boundaries of acceptability. The result is not a diverse community of believers, but a regimented body trained to think and act alike. In this way, the system functions brilliantly—not to nurture the authentic development of the individual, but to preserve conformity and the illusion of unity at all costs.