Senior missions vs. cafeteria Mormonism

[huckelberry]

Is there something wrong with cafeteria Mormonism?

Yes. The prophets have spoken out against it. If you disagree, please refer us to a single Conference talk or Ensign article wherein a prophet has encouraged the members to pick and choose which of the Lord's commandments they will or won't follow.

Making individual decisions is an important part of life.

Everyday life, yes. But absolutely NOT when it comes to the church.

Used to be important to Mormonism, at least I thought.

You thought 180° incorrectly.

Shades, I had not heard any indication that a senior mission is a commandment. In that sense I am asking questions. It has been over 50 years since I listened to a conference talk so do not really know how it is presented.

Maybe my youthful understanding of the church saw a larger than preferred role for individual decisions but I remember understanding commandments were not optional.

[MG 2.0]

Yes. The prophets have spoken out against it. If you disagree, please refer us to a single Conference talk or Ensign article wherein a prophet has encouraged the members to pick and choose which of the Lord's commandments they will or won't follow.


Everyday life, yes. But absolutely NOT when it comes to the church.


You thought 180° incorrectly.

Shades, I had not heard any indication that a senior mission is a commandment. In that sense I am asking questions . It has been over 50 years since I listened to a conference talk so do not really know how it is presented.

Maybe my youthful understanding of the church saw a larger than preferred role for individual decisions but I remember understanding commandments were not optional.

Senior couples are encouraged/asked to serve in a 'macro' sense, but it is their decision whether or not to go. Every situation is different.

Regards,
MG

[sock puppet]

Shades, I had not heard any indication that a senior mission is a commandment. In that sense I am asking questions . It has been over 50 years since I listened to a conference talk so do not really know how it is presented.

Maybe my youthful understanding of the church saw a larger than preferred role for individual decisions but I remember understanding commandments were not optional.

Senior couples are encouraged/asked to serve in a 'macro' sense, but it is their decision whether or not to go. Every situation is different.

Regards,
MG

Is a mission an 18-year old Mormon boy's decision? or a 19-year old Mormon girl's decision?

[MG 2.0]

Senior couples are encouraged/asked to serve in a 'macro' sense, but it is their decision whether or not to go. Every situation is different.

Regards,
MG

Is a mission an 18-year old Mormon boy's decision? or a 19-year old Mormon girl's decision?

Yes. Just as it is your decision whether or not to be a critic of the church.

Regards,
MG

[I Have Questions]

Shades, I had not heard any indication that a senior mission is a commandment. In that sense I am asking questions . It has been over 50 years since I listened to a conference talk so do not really know how it is presented.

Maybe my youthful understanding of the church saw a larger than preferred role for individual decisions but I remember understanding commandments were not optional.

Senior couples are encouraged/asked to serve in a 'macro' sense, but it is their decision whether or not to go. Every situation is different.

Regards,
MG

Yes, some senior couples decline God’s call to serve Him, preferring instead to ‘hide In the shadows’, ‘living a life of their own convenience’, as Apostles describe their conscientious objection.

[Rivendale]

I think leaders have made it clear. What answer was in the prayer that made the decision no?

We’ve invited you here tonight because we want to extend an invitation to each of you to serve… Will you prayerfully consider serving two missions? Not one, but two?” – Elder Kevin W. Pearson, LDS General Authority Seventy and President of the Utah Area March 19th, 2023, The Best Time of Our Lives: Senior Missionary Opportunities Broadcast

[sock puppet]

Is a mission an 18-year old Mormon boy's decision? or a 19-year old Mormon girl's decision?

Yes. Just as it is your decision whether or not to be a critic of the church.

Regards,
MG

And is every situation among 18-year old Mormon boys and 19-year old Mormon girls different? And the church, its leaders and local members respect those deciding not to go and treat them according to that respect?

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

“We need increasing numbers of senior missionaries in missionary service. Where health and means make it possible, we call upon hundreds more of our couples to set their lives and affairs in order and to go on missions. How we need you in the mission field! You are able to perform missionary service in ways that our younger missionaries cannot.”
— President Gordon B. Hinckley quoting President Benson, “Couple Missionaries: A Time to Serve,” General Conference, April 2001

——-

“...Bishops, there should be no hesitation on your part to initiate a Recommend for Missionary Service interview to discuss and encourage missionary couples to serve a mission” … “The Brethren hope that many, many more couples will make themselves available for full-time service to the Church. The need is great!”
— Elder Robert D. Hales, “Couple Missionaries: A Time to Serve,” Ensign, Feb 1996

- Doc

[sock puppet]

I hope they call me on a mission

When I've got a gray hair or two.

I hope by then I will be ready

To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

I hope that I can share the gospel

With those who want to know the truth.

I want to be a missionary

And serve and help the Lord when I'm missing a tooth.

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

I hope they call me on a mission

When I've got a gray hair or two.

I hope by then I will be ready

To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

I hope that I can share the gospel

With those who want to know the truth.

I want to be a missionary

And serve and help the Lord when I'm missing a tooth.

Unless damned off on the Internet,

And trolling ex-Mo’s is easier,

Then I’ll ignore the prophets and bet

the Lord’s ire goes easier,

Because I called myself to a mission,

to lie and deceive for Him,

I hope someday I ain’t wishin’

I heeded the call instead of my own sin.

- Doc