In the past couple of days, I have seen several groups of LDS missionaries around Boston.
I was wondering what exactly they do? Are they doing public service projects? Or leading religious classes?
Is their main role to convert? Are they successful at that?
I know there's a lot of LDS here, thought someone might know.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
GradStudent,
Here is my guess, and it is ONLY a guess.
There is very little general knowledge about Latter Day Saints in Massachusetts. I think Mitt Romney is changing that, and making it a more LDS-tolerant area.
There is a huge temple, which was built on a hill in Central Mass. The project was controversial, as I recall, but it spotlighted the Mormon Church.
Perhaps you are noticing more LDS missionaries than you usually do, because their numbers are increasing.
I think it is wonderful, if that is true.
Liz
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Actually, the Temple is on Rte 2 in Belmont (where Mitt is from), just outside Boston, I believe.
-Bok
EDIT: And when I was a kid, the old LDS ads were on the local independent channels during cartoons ALL the time, so I don't think they are that unheard of.
*remembers ad avout making a pizza for the neighbor*
*You tell one lie, it leads to another, you tell two lies, oh brother, you're in trouble up to your ears!*
-Bok
[ June 25, 2003, 11:07 PM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
The main purpose of LDS missionaries is to testify of the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ and his role on this earth and his role in our eternal salvation. They teach religious classes, mainly in the homes of people who want to know more about the gospel, as well as help with community service on occasion. Their main role is not to convert, but to teach. Only the Holy Spirit can truly convert someone. But the missionaries should teach in a way that invites the Holy Spirit to witness to a person. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Thanks, Bok. Can you tell us the story? I forget, but I know it was a big to-do. Liz
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Hey! I was just in Boston!
*looks around*
Um, LDS missionaries, yea........
*leaves quickly*
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I actually think I was out of the area at the time (college in Baltimore, and worked in Upstate NY for a year).
I never heard a big deal, though I think that there may have been an issue with the height of the temple. Honestly, I don't hear anyone mention anything one way or the other. I was glad that Romney's LDS status was never an issue during the election, never even brought up, really (I still didn't vote for him though, but it was purely on policy).
There's something to be said for being a state of mostly touchy-feely accepting bleeding hearts
-Bok
NOTE: I searched google, and sure enough, it was a zoning issue. The state passed an exemption to non-profits for where they can build, and the temple was built smack dab in the middle of a residential zone, which caused the steeple of the temple to be twice the legal limit for residential zoning. Some groups tried to get the law overturned in the courts... It seems the church didn't help matters by immediately starting construction without trying to address any issues; nothing illegal, but, well, MA likes meetings of consensus, and has dozens of special interest groups around. Still, it seemed to be your classic locals vs. newcomer story. And New Englanders are provincial, if nothing else.
[ June 25, 2003, 11:21 PM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Wow, lots of quick replies.
I was thinking of talking to one of them that I saw on the subway (actually, it was two men together) because I honestly want to know more. But I wasn't sure if I'd be harrassing him.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Well, if you think you want to know more, by all means feel free to ask them. That is what they're there for. They would be thrilled to have someone approach them for a change.
Trust me, I was an LDS missionary in Brazil where it's much easier to talk to people about the church than anywhere in the US.
Posted by Pat (Member # 879) on :
Just give them time to pick up their gaping jaws first.
Posted by Jexxster (Member # 5293) on :
Just be careful, the may be really really excited if you approach them and ask them about what they do!
When I was serving a mission in Guatemala it was a wonderous experience when folks approached us. It doesn't happen too often, so forgive them their perhaps overly youthful exuberance and excitement.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Hey Jex - when were you in Guatemala?
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Bok,
Boy, did you nail it on the head! Massachusetts is the touchie-feelie crowd melded with the provincial, "not-in-my-backyard" crowd. It is bizarre. I have lived here in W. Mass. for fifteen years, and this juxtaposition never ceases to amaze me.
The Mormons building the temple would have been dumped on even if they were a Congregational church moving in. It takes years to earn the trust of an alienophobic Massachusettsian native. Whoo-whee. It doesn't matter who you are. If you are new, you are toast.
Liz
[ June 26, 2003, 12:02 AM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
quote:alienophobic
Xenophobic, Liz.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:Just give them time to pick up their gaping jaws first.
Poor Magnus - he went to France.
I served in Detroit, and we once were in the hallway at the church when the phone rang, and it was a woman who'd been reading the BoM on her own and was requesting a baptism date.
A good day that was. Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I was involved in going door-to-door for a small church here locally. Just being invited in to talk to someone felt like a minor miracle (one loaf, a couple of fishes). If someone actually had approached us, we would've assumed it was because they thought they lived in a gated community and could actually bar people from walking around on public streets.
Anyway, depending on how you approach these missionaries, I might expect them to be a little wary at first, especially in a town like Boston where, no doubt, they've been harrassed a couple of times that day already.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
By all means, approach them and ask them about what they do. You won’t frighten them. Missionaries develop thick skins pretty fast. They can also tell like that whether you’re sincere or not.
They’ll ask you if you want to sit down with them and learn more about LDS beliefs. They have a series of six discussions that cover all the important points. The first discussion is very informative, and you can ask all the questions you want. They’ll even give you a Book of Mormon to read.
I only remember one person ever approaching my comp and me and sincerely asking about the Church. It was like one of those "That’s refreshing" commercials.
Posted by Slash the Berzerker (Member # 556) on :
I like to push the missionaries down and take their little name badges. I have quite a collection now.
Posted by Belgarath (Member # 4) on :
:::: Turns Slash into a mammal.::::
and Slashy if you want to return back to your crocadilian self return the name badges.
hehe
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
THAT WAS YOU!!!????
I got crazy blessings for turning the other cheek that day. Thanks, Slash.
[ June 26, 2003, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Scott R ]
Posted by BebeChouette (Member # 4991) on :
Now that is the least-used screen name that I have ever seen. Amazing that you still have the password!
Posted by Belgarath (Member # 4) on :
heh why thank you.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Actually, Boston isn't much of a harassing town... At least not in overt ways. Race is still much of an issue, if submerged one, in the town. Religion is a non-starter... Although if you ever have the chance, the Mapparium at the Christian Science Center is pretty cool.
The provincial/touchy-feely schism doesn't seem to me to be weird, but then, I'm a life long inhabitant... And most Western MA residents think us Eastern MA residents are really weird, what with our "wicked"s and "ah"s and the like. It has to do with the fact that it's largely an aesthetic/historical thing, where most outsiders think its an ideological thing. We don't mean to offend anyone, but gosh darn it, we like our little white wooden steeples And with the idea of town meeting firmly entrenched, you get these little grass roots groups trying to save as much of the old as possible.
I dunno, some other resident would probably think I'm completely bogus, and I'm rambling off-topic.
Oh well.
-Bok
Posted by policyvote (Member # 3044) on :
Holy cripes! We just saw member number four's fifth and sixth posts! That's nuts . . .
Anyway, at MSU, you can't swing a dead faculty member without hitting an LDS missionary. Gad, those folks are persistent. I ended up letting two of 'em into my room because I just couldn't bring myself to force them to so away.
They had a little picture flipbook thing, it was pretty funny. I still have the Book of Mormon they gave me.
Peace policy
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*has fond memories of the picture book thingy (flipchart)*
*remembers the tense moment in Detroit when someone objected to Jesus not being black*
*remembers stowing away the flipchart*
Posted by Belgarath (Member # 4) on :
Im sorry if i freaked you out for having so little posts but Aldur keeps me quite busy running his errands.
I think i put ol Slashy into shock. I don't think he's ever been turned into a mammal.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
You'd do better conjuring yourself a more worthy screen name.
Posted by Belgarath (Member # 4) on :
you might be right Scott. maybe Slash dosn't think im worthy enough for a response.
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Thanks, I guess I'll just keep my eyes open and see if I find them again.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
So, are you the ORIGINAL Belgarath? Because, if so, you might well have the biggest nonpost-to-time-on-forum ratio of anyone here. Posted by Belgarath (Member # 4) on :
Tom I am very tempted to say yes. but if i did the ORIGINAL Belgarath would have turned me into a radish faster than a Grolim can cut the heart out of a Thull.
;O)
Posted by Jexxster (Member # 5293) on :
quote: Hey Jex - when were you in Guatemala?
Sorry, little slow checking back in today.
I was there from July '95 to August '97. Guatemala City South mission. Good times! Posted by qsysue (Member # 5229) on :
GradStudent, if you're that interested, you can always call them, I'm sure their number is listed in the phone book.
They're easy to spot, though--always in pairs and always in suits w/name tags. Posted by Mormoniacal (Member # 5333) on :
After reading the first post I was afraid I'd have to go into a long response... silly me, to think there wouldn't be hordes of other LDS at OSC's official site! I'm 18 and soon to be off becoming one of those frightened, and simultaneously frightening missionaries. I'm sending my papers in in a couple of weeks. Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Thanks, I don't need to call them. I am just curious about the Book of Mormon.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Here's a free one. Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Thanks. Is there a free one online somewhere? I would feel guilty having one delivered when I have no interest in converting, just curious about it.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
That one is free. They will just mail it to you - you just click No where they ask if you want it delivered in person.
Don't worry - they printed THOUSANDS and give them out for free all the time. If you want one, that really is the best place to get it.
*muses* I'm not even sure you can get one otherwise. I'm sure you could buy one, but then, the money basically goes just to the bookstore. Posted by WedgeAntilles (Member # 5154) on :
GradStudent, please go to LDS.ORG, they have all the scriptures online and you can read the Book Of Mormon.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
Here's the link for the Book of Mormon on the lds.org site: Link
But yes, as katharina said, if you are interested in a hard copy, don't hesitate to order one (or, if you'd like, I have one I could send you - just drop me an email and I'll put it in the mail).
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Thanks, I ordered one from the site to be delivered by mail.
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
Policy, where are you getting these dead faculty members? Can I have one?
I really haven't seen a lot of missionarys around MSU... weird.
Ni!
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
A woman from the LDS Church called me this morning. She answered a couple of simple questions that I had, and then asked if some representatives could come and give me another free gift.
She was just looking to get an approximate idea of when I would be available, so I told her yes.
But now I am thinking that they might be coming thinking that I want to discuss conversion. Are they really just dropping something off, or will they stay?
I have some questions about LDS religion and culture, but have no interest in adopting them. When they call to schedule an appointment, should I tell them that they shouldn't waste their time with me?
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
Grad Student - When they come by, just be honest with them. Tell them "I have some questions about LDS religion and culture, but have no interest in adopting them."
When dropping off information, it is standard procedure to ask for a return appointment to discuss the items they've dropped off (once you've had a chance to read them) and to clarify any questions that you have. They may, depending on their schedule and their own preference for doing things, ask to come in and talk more with you when they're making their drop-off.
Posted by Equality 7-2521 (Member # 5586) on :
Wow, there are a ton of LDS people on this! I served in Salt Lake City and had people approach us all the time. But it was rarely to gain info about our church. Usually it was church members asking if they could buy us lunch or it was people telling us that we were evil and going to burn in hell.
quote: I have some questions about LDS religion and culture, but have no interest in adopting them. When they call to schedule an appointment, should I tell them that they shouldn't waste their time with me?
No, go ahead and talk to them and ask whatever you want to know. Most of the people they talk to are just like you. They have some questions about LDS religion and culture, but have no interest in adopting them. Also, if you have questions you could ask members on this board. It seems to me that hatrackers do a good job of telling you what they believe without telling you what you should believe.
[ August 29, 2003, 06:49 PM: Message edited by: Equality 7-2521 ]
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
Actually talking to missionaries is a great way to get to know about the LDS religion. I actually met a guy at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis who is now a missionary. He was also in a summer program. It was amazing how great the community was. We had a great "cultural" exchange. We even went to each other's churches. It was lots of fun. And I think if a missionary ever knocked on my door I'd probably invite them in for lemonade. I feel bad for them getting the door slammed on them all the time.
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
So the missionaries didn't show up for our scheduled appointment (nor did they call)
Is there some place I can call/email to make another appointment?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
You know, there are people out there who would desperately envy your apparent magical ability to repel missionaries.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*puts head in hands* Oh dear. Sorry about that - I'd be horrified, but I remember how many times I accidently did that. It's still not good.
Okay, let me look for a minute. Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Yes, but all those people are going to hell, so it's not like it's a magical ability anyone REALLY wants.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Boston LDS mission
385 Concord Ave. Ste. 100 Belmont, MA 02478 Tel (617) 489 - 3733
That's the main telephone number - if you call it, you will get either one of the older couple missionaries, or else an AP - one of the young missionaries asked to assist in the office.
You could say that you are very interested, the missionaries seemed to have lost their way, but you would still like to meet. What SHOULD happen is that it will get sent down the line, and the missionaries leaders will know about it and have an interest. Hopefully, this will work.
I don't know what happened, but you're on a campus, right? I was on the UofM campus, and that was a very, very busy time.
My most embarassing memory was talking to people on the street, asking them if they'd heard of the church. I stopped one guy, and he looked at me funny, and said, "Yes - I'm a member. I'll be baptized next week. <beat> Don't you remember me? You're the one who set me up with the elders two months ago."
I wanted to die. *hides from memory*
[ September 08, 2003, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Wow, kat. That's an automatic Level of Glory demotion.
I once took a picture of a baptism. My comp wanted me to take it when he and the lady got in the water. I was greenie enough to do it. The room was packed with investigators, and it was such a peaceful, reverent moment. Then I took the picture, and the feeling vanished. Plus, my camera went into automatic rewind. A genuine CTRL+Z moment.
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
::afr::
Well, now I know why I've never seen a baptism being recorded.... Posted by asQmh (Member # 4590) on :
Poor Macc! With youth, we generally take pictures - particularly if it happens at camp and their parents can't make it down for the occasion. Yes, it's a solemn thing filled with all manner of dignity and importance - but it's also full of joy. So we get it on tape. ^_~
*happy sigh* Camp. I so want to be back there.
Q.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I have a “how to contact the LDS” question, so I thought I’d put it in this thread. It’s a moot point now, but maybe someday the answer will be useful again. And besides, I’m curious.
When I was a hospital chaplain I had a trauma call around three o’clock one morning. The ambulance brought in a woman from out of state who’d been in a serious car accident. She said she was LDS and asked for someone to come and give her a blessing. We didn’t have a local LDS contact listed, so I tried every number I could find in the phone book. I got recorded messages (obviously, at three in the morning) but none of them allowed me to leave a message. The messages invited me to church on Sunday and gave me directions how to get there. Another one told me that if I was an LDS traveler and in need of assistance I would have to call my home bishop and have him contact the local bishop, or else no one would help me. (And yes, that is what the message said, “or else we will not help you.”) I couldn’t find out who the woman’s home bishop was, because she was in ICU by that time and drugged to the gills. They weren’t sure if she was going to live. (She did.)
I tried again at 7am, just before I went off duty. No luck. When the secretary got in at 7:30 I asked her to keep trying. She called every half hour or so until someone answered the phone in person. She said they didn’t want to talk to her and didn’t want to send anyone. Eventually she convinced them.
If that was my only experience with the religion, I’d think it was the most insular, uncaring, and just downright rude group I’d ever dealt with. However, I know that all of you Hatrack LDS folks are nice and helpful people, so I have to assume that this particular ward is not the norm. (Someone told me later that the reason we didn’t have a local LDS contact on our call sheet is that they didn’t want to be called.)
Was there something else I should have done? Was this an unreasonable request?
(Rereading, this looks more like a rant than a request for information. I didn’t really mean it that way. )
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
That's a really unfortunate experience that you had, dkw. It sounds to me like you did everything humanly possible. I guess I don't understand why the local LDS people would not want to be contacted. I know it would be difficult to determine who should be responsible for making sure there are contacts who can provide blessings at wee hours in the morning, but I don't know why on earth they wouldn't want to have people who you could contact so that somone could have a blessing in this kind of situation.... Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
I don't know how widespread this practice is, but here in Las Vegas the hospitals keep a list of the religions of those patients who wanted to be listed. Then, twice a week we (I'm LDS) send a couple of adult male church members (priesthood holders) to visit them. They ask for the list at the front desk, then make the rounds. I believe they also leave a contact number.
I know they do this in Utah, too, but that shouldn't surprise anybody.
UofUlawguy
Posted by dangermom (Member # 1676) on :
My goodness, dkw, that's terrible. No, of course it wasn't an unreasonable request.
I can tell you the reason that traveling LDS are supposed to have their home bishop call the local bishop, though. There are a whole lot of people who will try to get monetary assistance from a local bishop by falsely claiming to be LDS and having car trouble/starving/whatever. One of the local bishops in a given area will have the job of dealing with traveling people who need help, and they have to speak with the home bishop in order to make sure that the person is legit. A friend of ours once told me of a time when he was asked for money by a guy claiming to be a Mormon in need of help. He turned out to be on the run, having killed two people (IIRC, it was two). So, in order not to be known as an easy touch for unscrupulous types (LDS or not), a referral has to be obtained.
At any rate, an injured traveler in need of a blessing is an entirely different case, and shows the need for local LDS leaders to have their contact numbers at hospitals. But I don't know what else you could have done in your situation, aside from going through the hopsital, asking staff if they knew any Mormons. It wouldn't technically have to be a bishop who gave the blessing; a worthy priesthood holder could.
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
dkw, sounds like you had a bad experience. I can assure you, most of the time it's not like that. Most LDS people I know (including me) would trip over their own feet in the rush to help someone out, especially a stranger. That's probably because in the LDS belief, service is considered one of the chief ways to live a Christ-like life. It's drilled into them from birth that the best way to feel good about yourself is to help others.
When I hear about experiences like yours, I wonder if its the same LDS church that I know. The answer is yes, but sometimes Mormons don't act like they should. Its not hypocrisy; only human weakness.
To prevent something like this from happening in the future, I suggest trying once again to find someone to add to your hospital's contact list. Explain to them that occasionally you may have someone arrive at your hospital who is LDS and wants a blessing, and you need someone to be able to contact if that should happen.
Let me know if this helps.
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Rescheduled. Thanks for your help!
Posted by Dante (Member # 1106) on :
While I fully agree that the local LDS leaders seemed to have dropped the ball on this one, I think it should also be remembered that we are a church with no professional clergy, so getting really anything done takes a lot of time and energy beyond the norm.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Right. ‘cause professional clergy never drop the ball.
::gasps for breath::
[ September 09, 2003, 09:50 AM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
In case anyone is wondering, the missionaries called the day before to cancel the second appointment.
But I got a call for an 801 area code yesterday (I assume Utah), and they are sending me the video in the mail. Not quite what I had hoped for, but it will have to do.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Saw some here a few months ago while I was walking down the street. I am interesting in Mormonism because of OSC but i still dislike organized religion for reasons I can't figure out. I wanted to talk to them, but I got sick and could not make it to the meeting, but I do see young mormon men at the local library from time to time. Perhaps I'll pick their brains in a shy polite way someday.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
quote:Bok: Still, it seemed to be your classic locals vs. newcomer story.
My wife and I visited the Boston LDS temple shortly after its completion, and the fiberglass steeple was sitting in the parking lot of the non-LDS church across the highway to the north. Apparently the Mormons weren’t even allowed to store the steeple on the premises during the construction. That sure was nice of that other church to store the steeple for them.
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
As long as someone else bumped this thread, I never got to meet with the missionaries. I called. The cancelled. Then they came unexpectedly the day that I had oral surgery. And never came again.
Was it because I checked off "Jewish" when I got the Book of Mormon from their website? Do they focus mainly on Christians?
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Nope. To be honest, I've never heard of missionaries acting like this. ... I don't know what to tell you besides keep trying, this is pretty ridiculous, most of the time the missionaries will jump at so much as a chance of talking to someone who shows so much as vague interest in talking back. I'm sorry, that sounds really... unfun.
Hobbes Posted by aka (Member # 139) on :
Yeah, they spend so much time trying to make contacts. If they don't have anyone more promising, they end up tracting, which is every missionary's least favorite activity. (Or seems to be, anyway.) So either those missionaries are very overworked at that ward, or else something is in disarray. They do move around a good bit. A new pair comes to a given ward every six weeks or so sometimes. Perhaps they just dropped the ball. Please do give them another try. Or go through the website www.mormon.org to request someone come and talk to you.
They are usually absolutely delighted to hear from anyone. When I called and left a message on their answering machine saying I wanted to take the lessons and be baptised, they thought that was so great that they saved the tape and played it at the mission conference. Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
I just requested an appointment at mormon.org. The email I got in response has the subject line, "Order Confirmation." I thought that was funny.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Grad Student, I reread this thread and just died all over again. Hopefully this will work - the missionaries will have definitely changed by now. Oh my goodness.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
That is funny. "I'd like to order two confirmations, to go."
[ June 18, 2004, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: mr_porteiro_head ]
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
I wanna play with Mormons! Send some to my house! Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Okay, based on the experiences of several Hatrackers, I'm going to come up with a new reccomendation.
The best way to get the missionaries to your house is to go to church.
Reasoning: They HAVE to be there. You will DEFINITELY find the missionaries at church. They usually sit near the back. Plus, if you go to church, you'll probably meet churchmembers there and that makes life easier if you like it, I think. But even if you're not looking for a permanent friend because you don't plan on needing one because you aren't planning on being at church every week, going to church definitely gets the missionaries' attention. I think that's how Rakeesh and Taal both made appointments. If you want to find church, go here.
However, if you don't want to do that, go here, and Salt Lake will inform your mission who will inform the missionaries in your area to call you and make an appointment. Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Telperion the Silver:
quote:I wanna play with Mormons
You're so naughty.
Posted by Magson (Member # 2300) on :
Define "play" Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
Well... heehee... erm... I mean...they look so cute on their bikes with their white shirts and ties....
[ June 18, 2004, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Telperion the Silver ]
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh good grief.
Telpy! No playing with the missionaries.
[ June 18, 2004, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
Serve him right if we sent him some sister missionaries.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
On the other hand, Telperion playing as a missionary would be something to see. He'd be the first missionary ever to actually enjoy being with his companion 24x7.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
In bad taste, skillery.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Duh. That's why it's in bad taste. And innaccurate, by your own link.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Are you saying that the exhibit was in bad taste, or was the behavior of the protesting students in bad taste, or was the school administration's handling of the matter in bad taste?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
None of the above.
[ June 18, 2004, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
So like the school administration in the article, we profess to celebrate diversity as long as our diverse elements never come together?
We can have departing missionaries in one thread, and people thinking that missionaries in white shirts are cute in another thread, but never let the two threads come together?
What a convoluted set of rules.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Actually, I think it was the mental dressing up of Telp that bugged me. *shrug* Whatever.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Having never met any Jatraqueros in real life, mental dressing up is all there is. While I am convinced that most people here are real, I'm at a disadvantage when it comes to putting a face on them.
Imagining a Gothic, gay, Shakespearean actor, dressed in a white shirt and tie, with possibly some silver leaves protruding around the neck and sleeves seemed mildly amusing. Having actually spent some time with a gay missionary companion, and having experienced many awkward as well as tender moments with him, I don’t think you could accuse me of showing contempt or bad taste by imagining gay people in white shirts.
Maybe imagining people as Mormons is my real problem. Well, I can’t win there. If I say that I can’t imagine someone as a Mormon, that’s offensive, and if I say that I can imagine someone as a Mormon, that’s forcing my religion on them. Call in the thought police!
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
Skillery, you rock. That's a great image.
[ June 21, 2004, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: Telperion the Silver ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I'd imagine a missionary that glows with the light of the full moon would get a lot of converts.
Dagonee
Posted by Alexa (Member # 6285) on :
WendyBird
quote: Their main role is not to convert, but to teach.
Actually, their main role is to find, teach, and baptize-with emphasis on baptize.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Laugh]](graemlins/laugh.gif)
::afr::![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
It sounds to me like you did everything humanly possible. I guess I don't understand why the local LDS people would not want to be contacted. I know it would be difficult to determine who should be responsible for making sure there are contacts who can provide blessings at wee hours in the morning, but I don't know why on earth they wouldn't want to have people who you could contact so that somone could have a blessing in this kind of situation.... ![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[No No]](graemlins/nono.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)