Feelings of failure common among early-return missionaries, study says [Mormon mishies]

Beware those claiming religious authority, who only tear down religion, but never actually offer praise to God.

Like reply #12??

Laotzu: ...NEVER actually offer praise to God

June 30, 2013 post:
Post #107: Praise God...
...And best of all, was the comment in post #105 of that link as to why I was praising God in that moment!

Well, let's see, Laotzu...you don't track with my FR postings very well...and then beyond that (even worse)...you seem to somehow claim to have perfect knowledge of my offline life as well.

You can repent for your false claims of omniscience re: me alone any time now...

In my case I came home, graduated from college asap and got out of mormondum by taking a job in California. And yes up until 1963 those were the best two and a half years of my life. I learned to speak a foreign language, met Dexter Gordon and Ella Fitzgerald in the Jazz clubs of Copenhagen and became an expert in cooking Danish food.

So if you go away to a distant place and have fun instead of preaching or whatever, how easy is it to conceal what your true actions are?

The reason I ask is because I've seen a few of those morman mission types spending all day approaching random people on the street and not being very successful at it.

I've often thought that if they spent the whole day at the park or beach and then said "Yeah all those reprobate sinners wouldn't heed the word", they would have pretty much the same results as those who earnestly tried.

I’m so proud...it makes me humble!

Har! Too rich.

Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.

What’s an RM?

We worked sixty hours a week, I became a Branch President and was successful in 25+ baptisms. Don't know if they continued as members. I hope they too figured it out.

When you are indoctrinated regarding process from a very young age you learn how to fake it, do the hard work and bide your time. BTW where did I say I was having fun and not doing the work?

What’s an RM?

RM = Returned Missionary

When you are working to promote your church, then your success is based upon how many sign up, but insofar as we are working for the Lord and His glory, then that you were obedient to Him is what matters, and that souls were warned, sinners invited, some saved, and saints edified, with joy in seeing the Lord graciously work.

Well, I'm glad you mentioned this...'cause it especially leads back to a key phrase I wanted to highlight in this thread's article -- and didn't...and your post prompts me to do that now:

From the article: ...those who came home because of family issues or lacked PERSONAL TESTIMONY IN THE CHURCH were less likely to experience feelings of failure...

ALL: This isn't the first time you'll hear this common Mormon phrase: "testimony in the church"

Unlike in Christianity, where if you hear the phrase "testimony in the church" -- you think somebody is talking about a Christian giving/bearing their testimony inside a given church building, what Mormons mean is that their burning bosom leads them to accept that the Mormon church itself is true (& therefore, by consequence, all other churches are false).

You see...the Mormon church substitutes itself (& often Joseph Smith) as the testimonial target in place of Jesus Christ.

We don't see the New Testament all in a tizzy trying to "testify" that the Christian church is "true" and that the early Christians needed some "personal testimony" about the Christian church! Nope...the testimonies focused on Jesus as Messiah:

* John the Baptist so testified of Christ: "6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe." (John 1)

* John the Apostle so testified of Christ: "I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (John 1:34)

* The Old Testament testified of Christ: "These are the very Scriptures that testify about me," (John 5:39)

* The works of Jesus testified of Christ: "The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me," (John 10:25)

* Even the Holy Spirit testified of Christ: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me." (John 15:26)

* John says that WE are also to testify of Christ: "And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning." (John 15:27)

* And John the Apostle finishes up 1 John with a series of testimonies...including that of God the Father Himself!

"And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." (1 John 5)

As Daniel1212 indicates, The Mormon church is there to promote the Mormon church. That's NOT our goal as Christians: People are to encounter the genuine Jesus. 'Tis a relationship with Him that saves (John 17:3); not the co-redeemers the Mormons pretend to be in their proxy-necro-baptisms in their temples.

O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
—Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 9:28

... men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29

The Church is like a great caravan—organized, prepared, following an appointed course, with its captains of tens and captains of hundreds all in place.
What does it matter if a few barking dogs snap at the heels of the weary travelers? Or that predators claim those few who fall by the way? The caravan moves on.

Is there a ravine to cross, a miry mud hole to pull through, a steep grade to climb? So be it. The oxen are strong and the teamsters wise. The caravan moves on.
Are there storms that rage along the way, floods that wash away the bridges, deserts to cross, and rivers to ford? Such is life in this fallen sphere. The caravan moves on.
Ahead is the celestial city, the eternal Zion of our God, where all who maintain their position in the caravan shall find food and drink and rest. Thank God that the caravan moves on!
—Bruce R. McConkie Modern day Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ

No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. —Joseph Smith—History of the Church, 4:540.

The Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

"... experienced feelings of failure and perceived the..."

Dime,

..La grimas ...brotan de mis ojos

trato de olvidar mis
sufrimientos de amor"
roughly =

Woops. Dime, huh?

No "feelings" (dime)? Upon return from the mean ol' world...lacking a certain burning-in-the busom, personal testimony in the church? Well al-righty then. here's maybe their song...

Lone me a dime

[Boz Scaggs and Duane Allman]

but I gotta warm 'em. Old music like this may put one in a melancholy, laid-back sort of mood that possibly only steaming hot coffee may provide cure...

For those who have heard it (if there are any of those around here)
don't miss one of Duane's fairly short, (2:08) solo acoustic works
which can be found in the lower right column/corner.
One of the best.

.

Little Martha

Sorry for the Chile's commercials at the last links
> I think they think I am from Hispania.

Humility is concerned with what is right.

And what describes avoidance of MORMON quotes?

Fear?

We worked sixty hours a week, I became a Branch President and was successful in 25+ baptisms.

Did you have time for half-court basketball?

The Rules

Learn and obey all missionary rules.
Keep your thoughts, words, and actions in harmony with the gospel message.
Read only books, magazines, and other material authorized by the Church.
Don't debate or argue.
Center your mind on your mission.
Dress conservatively. Elders: white shirts, conservative ties, and business suits. Sisters: conservative colors and skirts that cover your knees. No floor-length skirts or dresses.
Cut your hair regularly.
Keep your hair clean and neatly combed at all times in the approved style.
Be neat and clean.
Bathe frequently.
Use deodorant.
Polish your shoes.
Iron your shirt and business suit.
Arise at 6:30 A.M.
Study for 2 hours every morning.
Proselytize for 10 hours between 9:30 A.M. and 9:30 P.M.
Turn off your lights at 10:30 P.M.
Exercise regularly.
Write in your journal regularly.
Follow the "Missionary Gospel Study Program" (31157) for your personal study.
Regularly study the Missionary Guide and the Discussions.
Attend Sunday priesthood or Relief Society meetings, Sunday School, and sacrament meeting.
Attend the general session of Stake Conference.
Attend general conference broadcasts if available.
Avoid all other church meetings unless you have a special assignment or are brining an investigator.
Proselytize as much as possible on weekends and holidays because this is when you'll find people home.
End your preparation day at 6:00 P.M. and proselytize from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Wear your missionary uniform in public on preparation day while not engaged in recreational activities.
Arise at 6:30 on preparation day and study for 2 hours from the approved books.
Take care of your physical preparation for the week on preparation day: wash your clothes, clean your apartment, wash your car, get your haircut, and shop for groceries.
Write to your parents every week on preparation day.
Write less frequently to your siblings, friends, and acquaintances.
Don't communicate with any friends or acquaintances that are within or close to your mission boundaries, except as a part of official mission business.
Plan safe, wholesome, and uplifting activities for preparation day.
Stay with your companion during all activities.
Do not go on road trips.
Do not leave your assigned area without permission
Do not watch television.
Do not view unauthorized videocassettes.
Do not listen to the radio.
Do not listen to unauthorized audiocassettes or CD’s.
Do not participate in musical groups.
Do not participate in athletic teams.
Do not sponsor athletic teams.
Do not engage in contact sports.
Do not engage in water sports.
Do not engage in winter sports.
Do not engage in motorcycling.
Do not engage in horseback riding.
Do not engage in mountain climbing.
Do not embark on a private boat.
Do not embark in a private airplane.
Do not handle firearms.
Do not handle explosives.
Do not swim.
Do not play full court basketball.
Do not play basketball in leagues.
Do not play basketball in tournaments.
You may play half-court basketball.
Never be alone.
Seek advice from your mission president if your companion is "having difficulties".
Be loyal to your companion.
Ask your mission president for help if your companion doesn’t obey the rules.
Pray with your companion every day.
Study with your companion every day.
Plan your work with your companion every day.
Take time at least once a week for companionship inventory.
Seek to be one in spirit and purpose and help each other succeed.
Always address your companion as Elder or Sister.
Sleep in the same bedroom as your companion.
Do not sleep in the same bed as your companion.
Do not arise before your companion.
Do not retire after your companion. (apparently, being together is more important than getting the correct amount of sleep that your unique body requires.)
Frequently study with your companion the Missionary Guide section on companions.
Never be alone with anyone of the opposite sex.
Never associate inappropriately with anyone of the opposite sex (conversely, they don't mention whether or not it is against the rules to associate inappropriately with anyone of the same sex).
Do not flirt.
Do not date.
Do not communicate via phone or letter with anyone of the opposite sex living within or near mission boundaries.
Do not visit a single or divorced person of the opposite sex unless accompanied by a couple or another adult member of your sex.
Try to teach single investigators in a member’s home or have missionaries of the same sex teach them.
Always follow the above rules, even if the situation seems harmless.
Use the commitment pattern to get referrals from members.
Keep your dinner visits with member briefs and during the customary dinner hour in the area.
Remember to say thank you to those who feed you.
Visit members and nonmembers only at appropriate times.
Do not counsel or give medical treatment.
Do not stay in the homes of people when they are on vacation.
Only write letters to family members and friends at home.
Do not telephone parents
Do not telephone relatives.
Do not telephone friends.
Do not telephone girlfriends.
Contact your mission president in case of an emergency.
Take problems and questions to your mission president.
Do not write to the President of the Church or to other General Authorities. Letters from missionaries to General Authorities are referred back to the mission president
Respect the customs, traditions, and property of the people who you are trying to convert.
Obey all mission rules.
Obey the laws of the land.
Do not get involved in politics.
Do not get involved in commercial activities.
Do not give any information about the area.
Respect the customs and cultures of those who you are trying to convert to your own customs and culture.
Respect the beliefs, practices, and sites of other religions.
Do not say or write anything bad about the political and cultural circumstances where you serve.
Do not become involved in adoption proceedings.
Do not suggest or encourage emigration. (This rule is a bit ironic, given the now-defunct doctrine of gathering the believers to Zion)
Be courteous.
Provide community service.
Do not provide community service that isn’t approved by your mission president.
Do not provide more than 4 hours a week of community service.
Do not provide community service during the evening, weekend or holidays—those are peek proselytizing times.
Your mission president must approve your housing.
Keep your housing unit clean.
Do not live with single or divorced people of the opposite sex.
Do not live where the spouse is frequently absent.
Your living unit must have a private bath and entrance.
You may occasionally fast for a special reason, but generally the monthly fast is sufficient.
Do not fast longer than 24 hours at a time.
Do not ask friends, relatives, and members to join in special fasts for investigators.
Maintain your health.
Eat a healthy diet.
Sleep from 10:30 to 6:30.
Follow the approved exercise program.
Keep your body, clothes, dishes, linens, towels and housing unit clean.
Dispose of your garbage properly and promptly.
Follow the safety rules for all of your stuff.
Seek medical care if you are in an accident or become sick.
Be immunized.
Spend your money only on things relating to your mission.
Budget your money carefully.
Keep a record of what you spend.
Do not spend more than your companion.
Do not loan money.
Do not borrow money.
Keep a reserve fund of $50 to $100 at all times for transfers.
Pay your bills before leaving an area.
Pay cash for all resale literature and supplies ordered from the mission office.
Do not waste money on souvenirs.
Do not waste money on unnecessary items.
Be a frugal photographer.
Do not accumulate excess baggage.
Obey custom laws and regulations.
Pay fast offerings each fast Sunday to the bishop or branch president where you serve.
Pay tithing on outside sources of income (i.e. interest) to your home bishop or branch president.
Evaluate your funds a few months before the end of your mission. If you have more than you need, ask that less be sent so that you can return home without excess money.
Do not drive without a license.
Drive only Church-owned vehicles.
Do not drive members’ cars.
Do not drive nonmembers’ cars.
Do not give rides to members or investigators in Church-owned cars.
Use cars only on approved mission business.
Use cars only within the assigned geographical area.
Be conscious of safety at all times.
Drive defensively.
Wear your seat belt.
Pray for the Lord’s protection while driving.
If your companion is driving, assist him or her.
Do not tamper with the vehicle’s odometer.
Know bicycle safety rules.
Use extreme caution on your bicycle.
Do not ride your bicycle after dark.
Do not ride your bicycle in heavy traffic.
Do not ride your bicycle in adverse weather conditions.
Go directly to your new area when transferred.
Find your new companion without delay when transferred.
Have a maximum of two suitcases and a briefcase.

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

But, the Book of Abraham, found in another of our scriptures - the Pearl of Great Price - is proving to be a bit troublesome...

but I gotta warm 'em. Old music like this may put one in a melancholy, laid-back sort of mood that possibly only steaming hot coffee may provide cure...

The following will snap you out of any revelry that may have occurred in your soul...

(click)

Praise to the Man!

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus annointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.

Chorus
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assasins,
Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.

Chorus
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.

Chorus
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know 'Brother Joseph' again.

Chorus
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

We don't see the New Testament all in a tizzy trying to "testify" that the Christian church is "true" and that the early Christians needed some "personal testimony" about the Christian church! Nope...the testimonies focused on Jesus as Messiah:

That's why they need to make their tradition equal with Scripture, which only they can authoritatively define. Too much like Rome.

More findings:

The Rules