Here’s one take on the experience of being a Mormon missionary:
The true meaning and essence of the mission is to make a young man go through two years of complete and living hell. The worse the experience is, the more the child believes he has sacrificed, therefore solidifying the investment value of a completed mission. When the elder finally returns to the flock what else is there to do but protect the investment? After all, he paid for it with two years of blood, sweat and tears. He purchased the investment with the currency of youth. You’re only 20 once. The idea that the best part of your golden youth was squandered knocking on doors hassling people with religious propaganda is unbearable. Return missionaries are all too willing to adopt the company line, close ranks with other returned missionaries and protect the precious investment. At least this was my experience.
Tough to tell from the outside. There’s a lot of stuff on the internet about the Mormon mission experience, but, unsurprisingly, it’s affected by selection bias. Ex mormons can tell some horror stories. Current Mormons still active in the church tend to report much more positive memories, but here’s an evaluation of the pluses and minuses of the missionary experience by believing Mormons.
That seems fair. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that interpretation. Two years with the only gains being some emotional experiences and learning to sell (to a specific script) is mostly a waste, like cutting your feet off would be.
My friend stayed Mormon through an objectively successful two year mission. He had no problem leaving the church a few years later. But he’s unusually intelligent and principled.
Here’s one take on the experience of being a Mormon missionary:
Your mileage may vary.
Yes. There are way worse fates. It is not living hell to be an annoying advertiser.
I do not know how nice Mormons are to each other. But I would guess the group bonding usually rather pleasant.
Tough to tell from the outside. There’s a lot of stuff on the internet about the Mormon mission experience, but, unsurprisingly, it’s affected by selection bias. Ex mormons can tell some horror stories. Current Mormons still active in the church tend to report much more positive memories, but here’s an evaluation of the pluses and minuses of the missionary experience by believing Mormons.
That seems fair. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that interpretation. Two years with the only gains being some emotional experiences and learning to sell (to a specific script) is mostly a waste, like cutting your feet off would be.
My friend stayed Mormon through an objectively successful two year mission. He had no problem leaving the church a few years later. But he’s unusually intelligent and principled.
Run of the mill hazing outcome!