Google Gemini imagines the autograph signing ceremony in front of the Salt Lake Temple.
An investigative examination of the newest Mormon apostle’s
conspicuous absence of religious scholarship
On February 12, 2026, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ordained Clark G. Gilbert as its newest apostle—a man the church now considers a “prophet, seer, and revelator” authorized to speak for God to over 17 million members worldwide. His credentials for this sacred calling? A doctorate in business administration from Harvard, expertise in “disruptive innovation,” and a career managing newspapers and educational institutions.
Theology degree? None. Biblical languages training? Zero. Seminary education? Absent. Religious scholarship? Nonexistent.
The question practically screams from Gilbert’s carefully curated biography: How does a business professor become a prophet?
The Curriculum Vitae of a Corporate Prophet
Gilbert’s educational pedigree is impressive by secular standards. According to the Church’s official announcement and multiple news sources, he holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brigham Young University (1994), a master’s degree in East Asian studies from Stanford University (1995), and a doctorate in business administration from Harvard University (2001).
His published academic work focuses exclusively on corporate strategy and “disruptive innovation”—the kind of business-school jargon that fills Harvard Business Review articles. His research collaborations with Clayton Christensen yielded papers on resource allocation and how companies respond to market disruptions. A search through academic databases reveals publications on newspaper digital transitions and organizational change management.
What you will not find: a single peer-reviewed article on biblical exegesis, systematic theology, church history, comparative religion, or philosophical ethics. Not one theological monograph. No commentary on scripture. No engagement with two millennia of Christian thought.
The Peculiar Pattern of LDS Apostolic Credentials
Gilbert’s appointment continues a striking pattern within LDS leadership. Modern Christian theological apologists undergo rigorous academic and spiritual formation—earning Master of Divinity degrees, Doctorates in Theology, or PhDs in biblical studies from accredited seminaries. They study systematic theology, biblical languages (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic), church history, hermeneutics, and apologetics under qualified scholars. Men like R.C. Sproul studied at the Free University of Amsterdam; John MacArthur earned his Doctor of Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary; James White holds multiple graduate degrees in theology. In stark contrast, Mormon apostles arrive at their posts from boardrooms and courtrooms rather than seminaries and divinity schools, with no formal theological training required.
The current Quorum of the Twelve includes former surgeons, attorneys, pilots, and businessmen. The rare exception was Jeffrey R. Holland, whom Gilbert replaces. Holland held graduate degrees in religious education and actually served as dean of BYU’s College of Religious Education—a background conspicuously unusual among his peers.
This stands in dramatic contrast to virtually every other Christian tradition. Orthodox seminaries require mastery of Greek patristics. Catholic priests study Aquinas and canon law. Protestant ministers learn Hebrew and Greek, wrestling with textual criticism and hermeneutics.
Mormon apostles learn spreadsheets.
What Qualifies a Prophet?
The LDS Church explicitly rejects the necessity of theological training. The church’s official position, articulated through various statements, emphasizes that apostles are “chosen through inspiration” rather than academic preparation. They are called, the church teaches, to be “special witnesses of Jesus Christ”—a calling that apparently requires no formal study of the Christ about whom they witness.
Consider the absurdity of this position in light of biblical precedent. The Apostle Paul—whom Mormons claim to revere—spent years under Gamaliel’s tutelage, studying at the feet of Judaism’s most distinguished teacher (Acts 22:3). Paul could claim he was “educated strictly according to our ancestral law” and had “advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age” (Galatians 1:14). His letters reveal mastery of the Old Testament, Greek philosophy, rabbinic argumentation, and Christian theology. Paul didn’t stumble into apostleship from a law firm or business school; he came equipped with decades of intensive scriptural and theological training, which Christ then redirected and refined during Paul’s three years in Arabia (Galatians 1:17-18). The result was doctrinal precision, biblical authority, and theological depth that have shaped Christianity for two thousand years.
This theological anti-intellectualism has deep roots in Mormon culture. Joseph Smith himself had minimal formal education, and the tradition of calling “everyday men” to positions of spiritual authority remains a point of pride. As one church publication states, apostles come “from a variety of fields, including law, business, medicine, academia, and the judiciary.”
Notice what’s missing from that list: theology.
The Education Commissioner Who Doesn’t Believe in Theological Education
Perhaps the most striking irony of Gilbert’s appointment is his previous role. As Commissioner of the Church Educational System since 2021, Gilbert has overseen BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, Ensign College, and the church’s worldwide seminary program. He directed the religious education of hundreds of thousands of young Latter-day Saints.
Critics within the Mormon academic community have been vocal about his tenure. A February 2025 analysis in The Utah Monthly noted that “seminary teachers are simply not qualified to teach college-level classes on theology and scripture,” adding that Gilbert’s policies created “a culture on campus that places limits on students’ freedom and capacity to grapple with life’s most deeply complex and difficult questions.”
One BYU religion professor with a PhD in Biblical studies reportedly stated, “I love the scriptures too much to teach them the way [the administration] wants me to.” This tension between scholarly inquiry and institutional orthodoxy has defined Gilbert’s educational leadership.
The Newsweek report on Gilbert’s appointment documented significant online backlash. Reddit users criticized his BYU tenure, with one writing that Gilbert “has tirelessly created an environment of fear among both students and faculty by punishing their livelihoods for holding dissenting opinions.”
The Business Model of Revelation
Gilbert’s background in corporate disruption theory may explain his appointment better than any religious qualification could. His expertise lies not in understanding ancient texts but in organizational transformation—rebranding and repositioning institutions for changing markets.
Under his leadership, BYU-Pathway Worldwide expanded to serve over 288,000 students in 180 countries—a scaling problem an MBA solves better than a theologian. The church manages over $100 billion in assets and runs a global organization with complex logistical demands. It may need executives more than exegetes.
LDS Apostle Selection: The Official Process vs. Insider Speculation
The Official LDS Position
According to official Church sources, the process for selecting new apostles is straightforward and divinely directed. When an apostle dies, the First Presidency (or senior apostle if the prophet has died) calls the Quorum of the Twelve together to prayerfully consider a replacement. The President theoretically receives revelation about whom to call, discusses it with the Quorum, and they vote unanimously to sustain the choice. The Church emphasizes that selection is “based on divine direction, continuity, and seniority as God inspires the calling of new apostles”.
The Real Selection Criteria: Corporate Competence and Loyalty
However, ex-Mormon commentators and LDS insiders paint a very different picture of how apostles are actually chosen. The pattern reveals less about divine revelation and more about corporate management criteria.
Grant Palmer’s Insider Information
Grant Palmer, a renowned LDS historian, shared stunning information from a General Authority source about the apostle selection process. According to this insider:[beggarsbread]
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Financial incentive: Each new member of the Quorum of the Twelve receives one million dollars to take care of financial obligations, allowing them to “fully focus on the ministry.”
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Primary criterion: The “overriding consideration” is whether candidates are “church-broke”—meaning, will they do whatever they are told without question.
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Belief is secondary: Members of the top 15 have “varying levels of belief based upon their own personal knowledge of church history and intuition,” with this shift from “rank and file TBM status to a more nuanced belief or no belief” occurring “within a few years after being called to the Q12”[beggarsbread]
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Senior dominance: The senior half of the Quorum dominates junior members, with “specific ways that they assert themselves over the junior members”[beggarsbread]
A stark contrast to when Jesus commissioned the original twelve apostles to preach and heal, he instructed them to take no money, extra clothes, or supplies for their journey (Matthew 10:9-10; Mark 6:8-9; Luke 9:3). This command was meant to encourage complete dependence on God’s provision, focus on their ministry mission, and to rely on hospitality from others, emphasizing that the worker is worthy of their food.
The Corporate Executive Model
Multiple observers note that LDS apostle selection resembles corporate C-suite hiring more than divine calling. The pattern shows:
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Proven track record: In the last 50 years, every apostle called has had “at minimum, 25 years of dedicated church service” and “a high-level calling in the church beforehand” such as Area Authority, regional representative, mission president, or BYU president. [archive.timesandseasons]
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Tryout period: Some recently promoted General Authorities appear to be “given tryouts to see how they might work out at the highest levels.” [archive.timesandseasons]
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Management competence: The Church screens for demonstrated leadership competence and accomplishment in secular careers, promoting people who show capability and are “on board with all the things that they want you to be.”
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Cross-training: Like corporations rotating high-potential executives through various divisions, the LDS hierarchy gives promising leaders “exposure to various aspects of the business.”
Why Clark Gilbert? Speculation from Critics
The Official Narrative
Church sources emphasize Gilbert’s qualifications as CES Commissioner, his Harvard Business School credentials, his presidency of BYU-Idaho, and his management of Deseret Media. At 55, he represents a younger generation and could serve 30-40 years, shaping Church policy well into the 2050s and 2060s. publicsquaremag+2
Critical Analysis: The Real Reasons
Benjamin Park, a history professor at Sam Houston State University, called Gilbert’s selection “particularly consequential” based on what he’s accomplished in “other high-profile jobs.” Here’s what critics observe: [kuer]
1. Control Over Education and Messaging
As CES Commissioner since 2021, Gilbert has overseen the Church’s entire educational apparatus—seminaries, institutes, and Church universities. His appointment ensures continuity in controlling the narrative taught to young Latter-day Saints. He has emphasized that “learning in the Church is inseparable from discipleship,” signaling alignment of “curriculum, hiring and student support with revealed priorities.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist+1
2. Media and Public Relations Expertise
Gilbert’s background managing Deseret Media and Deseret News gives him a sophisticated understanding of controlling public messaging and managing the Church’s image. In an era of increasing scrutiny from ex-Mormon podcasts, social media critics, and investigative journalism, having a media-savvy apostle is strategically valuable. [kuer]
3. Business Acumen and Corporate Mindset
His Harvard Business School professorship and business background fit the corporate management model that the Church increasingly resembles. The LDS hierarchy needs executives who can manage a multi-billion-dollar organization, not just spiritual leaders. wikipedia+1
4. Proven Loyalty and Orthodoxy
Gilbert represents “someone with an orthodox view on church values,” even if “his appointment comes with some controversy.” His track record shows he’s reliably “church broke”—willing to enforce institutional priorities without questioning problematic doctrines or policies. [kuer]
5. Demographic and Geographic Calculation
Born in Oakland, California, but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Gilbert provides Western U.S. representation while being safely within the Mormon cultural corridor. He’s not a risky international pick that might challenge American LDS cultural dominance. thechurchnews+1
6. Youth Engagement Strategy
In his first message as an apostle, Gilbert specifically targeted young adults, noting “a hastening happening across the Church” with unprecedented numbers attending Church universities, serving missions, and gathering in institutes. This suggests his apostolic assignment may focus on youth retention—a critical concern as younger generations leave in increasing numbers. [thechurchnews]
The Bottom Line
The official narrative claims divine revelation directs apostle selection. The reality appears far more mundane: the Church hierarchy selects proven corporate managers who demonstrate loyalty, competence in administration, and willingness to maintain institutional control. Gilbert’s selection reflects strategic calculation about educational control, media management, and youth retention—not heavenly visions about God’s chosen servant.
As one Times & Seasons commenter noted, the likelihood of “someone being called to the Quorum of the Twelve from outside the ranks of the current general authorities is extraordinarily low…bordering on impossibility.” The LDS Church doesn’t call random faithful members based on revelation; it promotes proven insiders who’ve demonstrated they’re “church broke” and can be trusted to protect the institution above all else. archive.timesandseasons+1
Conclusion: The Prophet as CEO
Gilbert’s appointment raises uncomfortable questions that faithful Latter-day Saints rarely confront. If apostles are truly prophets, seers, and revelators—if they genuinely speak for God—shouldn’t they demonstrate some preparation for this sacred task beyond corporate management?
Every other major religious tradition requires its highest leaders to immerse themselves in theological study, learn the original languages of sacred texts, and engage with their faith’s intellectual heritage. The LDS Church alone treats such preparation as irrelevant.
Gilbert is, by all accounts, an effective administrator. Whether those qualifications make him a prophet is well beyond the pay grade of this author.
Sources: LDS Newsroom (newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org); Newsweek (February 13, 2026); The Church News (thechurchnews.com); Deseret News; The Utah Monthly; Wikipedia