Mormon Leader Cautions of ‘Gospel Extremism’

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Mormon leader is warning followers not to practice "gospel extremism" such as expensive preparations for catastrophic scenarios. Quentin L. Cook, a member of a top leadership council called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said Saturday during a church conference that extremism includes people advocating for changes to the faith's health guidelines that include prohibition on drinking coffee or alcohol.

He also singled out people who make "expensive preparation for end of days scenarios," in an apparent reference to preppers. "If we turn a health law or any other principle into a form of religious fanaticism, we are looking beyond the mark," Cook said. Storing away enough food and water in case of disaster, job loss or something worse is part of the fundamental teachings of the religion. The belief that regular history will someday end, bringing a second coming of Jesus, is embedded in the minds of Mormons and the church's official name.

Cook delivered his speech during a twice-yearly conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in which leaders provide spiritual instruction and guidance to members in attendance or watching live broadcasts.