sociological. He communicates to his children in such a way that they may use these principles for their benefit. It was not necessary for Moses to have a Ph.D. in physics or to understand all the principles of physics in order for him to open the waters of the Red Sea. Neither was it necessary for Joseph Smith to have a Ph.D. in sociology or twenty years’ experience as a CEO in order to set up a church with an effective organization that would grow and flourish. But physical principles were involved in the controlling of the waters of the Red Sea, and sociological principles are involved in the organization and functioning of the LDS Church.

I have faith that God achieves his purposes using sociological principles, and thatareas as family solidarity, obedience to laws, and the payment of legal debts. Likewise, the way churches are organized can have a profound influence on the lives of their members. For example, a church organized with a lay clergy, as is the LDS Church, is far different from a church led by a paid ministry, as are most other Christian denominations.

The connection between social and religious aspects of life may be illustrated with two classic studies of LDS people. Seldon Bacon (1957) compared the alcoholic consumption patterns of Orthodox Jews, Protestants, and Latter-day Saints. This study was featured in the most popular introductory sociology textbook of its day (Broom and Selznick 1958, pp. 49–50). Bacon found that many Orthodox Jews drank a glass or two of wine with