Certainly, there is a latter-day parallel. We currently see a trend among many churches to loosen their standards in an attempt to appeal to a larger audience. Homosexuality is no longer condemned because that might drive away some homosexuals. Other sexual sin must be allowed so as not to offend those in the congregation who may be guilty of serious sin. Sometimes, these churches have received all manner of wickedness as if in a popularity contest. However, such "open-minded" doctrine amounts to nothing more than flattery with a flaxen cord (2 Nephi 26:22). Inevitably, their attempts to loosen standards only allow Satan to tighten his grip.
On the other hand, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to take a hard line against sin. One would think that such "closed-mindedness" would drive people away. Yet, while condemning all manner of wickedness, this church is not losing its members, but gaining them by the thousands. The congregations steadily enlarge and the baptisms continue. Such success is dependent not on the loosening of standards but to holding fast to standards of righteousness, hereby proving that the only kind of popularity we should seek is popularity with God.