Missionary Age Lowered to 18 for males, 19 for females

[_sansfoy]

This is not about converts, it's about retention. That year between high school and a mission is very dangerous. You're out in the real world, thinking for yourself, unsupervised internet access, maybe slacking off on church attendance a little. Get 'em quicker, make sure they're invested at an earlier age.

I don't know, it might work. On the other hand, I see more shenanigans from younger missionaries, more embarrassing run-ins with the law or pranks. Kids come back at 20, which is still a bit more immature, and may fall away in slightly greater numbers. The end result might be a wash.

[_beastie]

I also wonder about the marriage connection. I have heard from several sources that LDS leaders are concerned that the rate of marriage has slowed among LDS youth, and they are waiting longer to get married. (my personal theory is that access to internet porn can be thanked for that, but that's just my own personal theory, I'm sure the economy contributes) But if RMs are returned, fresh and horny, at the age of 20, will they be more likely to enter into an impulsive marriage than they would be one year later? It will be interesting to watch.

[_sock puppet]

And in america, he can go right from high school and not waste a year or attend school for a year. It makes sense.

Now he can waste two years beginning at 18 instead of live a year, and perhaps realize he doesn't want to waste two years beginning at 19.

[_Drifting]

So the people representing Mormonism door to door are now going to be year younger and less experienced than they are already...

As somebody has already posted. This is a move designed to stem the flow of young men leaving the Church between the ages of 18 and 20, rather than anything that will benefit the recruitment of new income streams (converts).

[_sock puppet]

So the people representing Mormonism door to door are now going to be year younger and less experienced than they are already...

As somebody has already posted. This is a move designed to stem the flow of young men leaving the Church between the ages of 18 and 20, ... .

Will it work? Yes, many 18 year old males will dutifully submit their application by the first of February so that they may enter the MTC the first of June, days after high school graduation. Those are probably those that would have entered the MTC at age 19 anyway, even with a gap between high school graduation and turning 19.

Some in the past have made the decision at 19 because they felt rudderless for a time after high school. They moved into an apartment with friends, they got jobs. After six months or so, some of the friends moved out, moved on with their plans. The family's prodding has always been towards an LDS mission rather than military service or college (not everyone goes to college). So, after feeling a bit disconnected as the structure of school ending with graduation, and friends of many years dispersed, the approaching 19 male decides maybe a mission is his path.

Now, such a male might have decided at 18/grad, no, not for me, at least not right now. Before my friends have all gone, I want to room with them and have a little fun before jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Then, having already addressed and decided no/postponement, and the rah-rah Mormons his age having already started their missions months ago, a mission just isn't as compelling any more. ces't la vie. That ship has sailed as an option for him.

[_sansfoy]

The biggest impact, of course, will be much greater numbers of young women going, thus increasing the devotion gap between the men and women of the church. Second, I see a lot more mission weddings; in fact, this may be a desired outcome. A little harmless flirting and group dates galore (although they won't be called that), and one person comes come a few months before the other and starts laying the groundwork for a rapid-fire wedding.

[_Yoda]

The biggest impact, of course, will be much greater numbers of young women going, thus increasing the devotion gap between the men and women of the church. Second, I see a lot more mission weddings; in fact, this may be a desired outcome. A little harmless flirting and group dates galore (although they won't be called that), and one person comes come a few months before the other and starts laying the groundwork for a rapid-fire wedding.

My husband and I were discussing this last night, and we think that is exactly what is going on. Rather than BYU being the launching pad for young Mormon romances, that new launching pad will now be the mission field. Think about it. BYU has become a lot harder to get into, and, even if they lowered the academic requirements on getting in, there is just no way that one or even two universities can house all the young LDS kids looking for potential mates.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

This is clearly a control issue. If you can maintain a tight control from seminary directly into the next two years you have psychological control over a member for 20 straight years. Then, most likely what will happen is the young men and women will return and enter into marriage within the first year thus extending the possibility of control well into the future. Having a gap year isn't good when you're trying to maintin control over your tithing base.

V/R
Dr. Cam

[_Tchild]

And in america, he can go right from high school and not waste a year or attend school for a year. It makes sense.

Yes Why me, living your life, self-reflection, work, travel, friendship, charitable work...all wasted because it would be better to start on that religious indoctrination in the MTC as soon as possible.

[_Tchild]

I also wonder about the marriage connection. I have heard from several sources that LDS leaders are concerned that the rate of marriage has slowed among LDS youth,

It has.

and they are waiting longer to get married.

They are.

(my personal theory is that access to internet porn can be thanked for that, but that's just my own personal theory, I'm sure the economy contributes) But if RMs are returned, fresh and horny, at the age of 20, will they be more likely to enter into an impulsive marriage than they would be one year later? It will be interesting to watch.

That is a solid theory.

My thinking is the younger age is NOT for marriage, but for retention. The church is losing their young members and they are admitting as much (see -- yesterday's SL trib article on conference).

Younger folk aren't marrying because it is culturally easier to delay it now. It is a trend for all developed nations. Secondly, economic conditions make it much more difficult to "launch" and to get started and be secure in life. Who wants to be strapped down with kids and wife in a dead end job?

The internet age has revealed a new world of possibilities to young people, and buying into the status quo of marriage, family and duty at 21-22 isn't nearly as enticing.