Independent Lens (PBS) program on Mormon missionaries

[Lydia Leftcoast]

Following the experiences of two young men in Ulm, Germany.

Fascinating in a horrible way. (Their German, by the way, isn't particularly good.)

[grytpype]

1. Do they interview Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern- schplenden- schlitter

Do they interview Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern- schplenden- schlitter- crasscrenbon- fried- digger- dingle- dangle- dongle- dungle- burstein- von- knacker- thrasher- apple- banger- horowitz- ticolensic- grander- knotty- spelltinkle- grandlich- grumblemeyer- spelterwasser- kurstlich- himbleeisen- bahnwagen- gutenabend- bitte- ein- nürnburger- bratwustle- gerspurten- mitz- weimache- luber- hundsfut- gumberaber- shönedanker- kalbsfleisch- mittler- aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm?

[primarycolored]

2. How was it horrible?

I've lived around Mormons all my life and they seem fine to me.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. The missionaries are regimented

eighteen-year-olds away from home for the first time, isolated from independent contact with locals, not allowed to watch TV or movies or listen to music, or to be out of the sight of their assigned missionary partner. They're sent out six days a week to bother people and present a canned spiel. Even on their day off, they are free to do chores, etc. only during certain hours and have to stick to a schedule at all times, e.g. up at 6:30AM for three hours of theological study, even on their day off.

Missionaries in other denominations are adults, and they have much more freedom of action.

It seems as if the Mormon missionary program has two purposes: not only to win converts but to complete the indoctrination of their young people.

[JCMach1]

4. More than likely a partial effect of the 'filming'

Most of the missionary work is not quite so draconian.

Also, keep in mind that most Mormon households are MEGASTRICT. Most missionary kids experience this as a walk on the wild side.

I am not a Mormon, but part of my extended family is...

[TheMightyFavog]

5. I saw this too....

I chuckled to myself when I heard that many German people call the Polizei on these missionaries quite often. The "street meeting" bits where the two missionaries start yelling out on the streets with only one person and several street vendors lookin on was amusing as well.

[SoCalDem]

6. My son's friend did his "mission" in Switzerland

It always amazes me when I see so much effort to "convince" people to believe YOUR beliefs.. It seems like they could use that energy and devotion to help truly needy, hungry people..without the preaching..

That's what really bugs me about organized religion.. It's like every bit of "good works" has to be attached to really big strings..