Cult-like in Missionary teachings?

[_ozemc]

I was reading the other thread about the primary teaching, and the words that kept jumping out at me were "cult like".

While I do think that any church is going to try and teach children what they believe, I don't necessarily think it's cultlike.

in my opinion, what is cult-like is the teachings that the missionaries go through.

<Granted, I only know what I've been told; I'm not LDS>

Most, if not all, miisionaries that I've spoken to indicate the same things that they cannot do on their mission:

* Can't watch TV, other than church-approved videos

* Can't read newspapers or magazines, other than church-approved ones

* Can't listen to music, other than ... (You get the idea).

So, I guess my observation is that all of this walling off from society, coupled with the fact that these kids are removed from family and friends for two years (support system?), not allowed to converse regularly with them, all makes for what I could consider a "cult-like" atmosphere. To me, it's no different.

Just my .02.

[_Mercury]

One of the most cultish practices in regards to the missionary is the MTC. I couldn't believe, looking back mind you just how much actual, hard core brainwashing occurs at the MTC.

[_Jason Bourne]

One of the most cultish practices in regards to the missionary is the MTC. I couldn't believe, looking back mind you just how much actual, hard core brainwashing occurs at the MTC.

How much?

Examples?

[_Mercury]

One of the most cultish practices in regards to the missionary is the MTC. I couldn't believe, looking back mind you just how much actual, hard core brainwashing occurs at the MTC.

How much?

Examples?

Constant prayer, constant atmosphere of "churchiness", constant passing of cultural faith promoting rumors, a sense of great excitement on the coming missionary service, endless classes until late at night and early in the morning, communal eating, a general sense of oneness. Looking back on it its kind of creepy.

Combine that with the lack of sleep and being cut off from the real world and Viola! Cult.

But Jason, you will jujst state that this is nothing like you remember and tell me that im lying and that the church is just fine. Keep lying to yourself, I guess it worked for Paul H Dunn.

[Alf'Omega]

Well, the whole thing is a cult, so the place you're training people to spead the word about the cult has to have the greatest cult-like atmosphere.

You gotta sell the salesmen first; know what I mean?

[_Jason Bourne]

Constant prayer, constant atmosphere of "churchiness", constant passing of cultural faith promoting rumors, a sense of great excitement on the coming missionary service, endless classes until late at night and early in the morning, communal eating, a general sense of oneness. Looking back on it its kind of creepy.

Yep.

Combine that with the lack of sleep and being cut off from the real world and Viola! Cult.

Lack of sleep?

But Jason, you will jujst state that this is nothing like you remember and tell me that I'm lying and that the church is just fine. Keep lying to yourself, I guess it worked for Paul H Dunn.

Surprise!!! But for the sleep comment I think you hit the nail on the head. But I do not agree that these are cult like things. Ask my son about Marine basic training if you think the MTC was bad.

[_SatanWasSetUp]

I was reading the other thread about the primary teaching, and the words that kept jumping out at me were "cult like".

While I do think that any church is going to try and teach children what they believe, I don't necessarily think it's cultlike.

in my opinion, what is cult-like is the teachings that the missionaries go through.

<Granted, I only know what I've been told; I'm not LDS>

Most, if not all, miisionaries that I've spoken to indicate the same things that they cannot do on their mission:

* Can't watch TV, other than church-approved videos

* Can't read newspapers or magazines, other than church-approved ones

* Can't listen to music, other than ... (You get the idea).

So, I guess my observation is that all of this walling off from society, coupled with the fact that these kids are removed from family and friends for two years (support system?), not allowed to converse regularly with them, all makes for what I could consider a "cult-like" atmosphere. To me, it's no different.

Just my .02.

Playing devil's advocate, this is no different than the military. What saves it from being a total cult is it's only temporary. After 2 years, the kids can go back to a normal life. Another scary thing about the 2 year mission is the difficulty in leaving. There is no easy way out, especially on a foreign mission where the MP takes your passport.

[_Sethbag]

Surprise!!! But for the sleep comment I think you hit the nail on the head. But I do not agree that these are cult like things. Ask my son about Marine basic training if you think the MTC was bad.

Yeah, but everyone will admit that the purpose of the drill sergeants in basic training is to tear you down and then build you back up again the way they want you to. It doesn't matter how you came into the Army, or the Marines, or whatever, what matters is that you come out a soldier, or a marine, or whatever, conforming with the rules, willing to obey, etc. Are you sure you really want to admit that the MTC is like that?

[_Mercury]

Its the purpose that justifies the means. Boot camp produces lean green killing machines. The MTC produces mouth breathing drones.

One can not in good conscience compare the MTC to bootcamp. Not in process, not in purpose and not in the ultimate utility of the product.

Once again Jason we see eye to eye yet make different conclusions. Ever wonder why that is?

[_Polygamy Porter]

Surprise!!! But for the sleep comment I think you hit the nail on the head. But I do not agree that these are cult like things. Ask my son about Marine basic training if you think the MTC was bad.

Big diff Jace. DUH?
MTC preps young unwitting impressionable minds to be pushy salesmen for the oragnization that you defend. IF they fail no one dies.

If a marine is not paying attention while under fire, lives will be lost.

Big difference, one is pretend, one is for real.