On this one I talk about the weekend and tell a few mormon stories…as well as talk about a few other things. Leave comments and call the voicemail line: 202-709-3029, Twitter: @RadioArcherr Instagram: @radioarcherr
[sc_embed_player fileurl=”http://www.archerr.com/podcasts/ArcherRadio1030.mp3″]
Sorry the pictures got lost over the years.
Yes, Mormons may have a sense of community, but it is not an inclusive sense of community.
I think the Mormon community is not un like many communities – they spend time with those that they have the most in common with. I know some great Mormons who are the interesting and fun people they are just because of their unique experiences etc. They have a sense of community.
On the subject of the student giving you the copy of the Book of Mormon, I think you overreacted. I can understand that such an event would be unexpected and feel a bit surreal and even bring up feelings of discomfort. I think that the intent was good. Perhaps they saw some qualities in you that they thought would make you a good Mormon.
If I had been in that situation, I would have gracefully accepted the book and then disposed of it at a later time. Heck, you could at least have given it a read to understand where they are coming from and at least strengthen your own resolve that this is not what you believe in.
As far as the families living near each other, that is not unusual. The membes of the Mormon Church developed a more insular culture out of necessity, since they were heavily persecuted during the church’s infancy. Also, there are some dietary and lifestyle differences that developed as a result of the teachings of their faith, so they may be more comfortable socializing with each other.
As far as the “Big Love” thing, that is the exception rather than the rule nowadays. I do know that the Mormon Church makes profuse use of titles for its membership and leaders, but then again, so do many other religious institutions. Calling a female member “Sister” is their way of reinforcing the idea that they are all part of a larger family. It may seem strange or unusual to us, but then again, they may consider some of the other religious practices around them to be strange.
Whether or not you believe in any particular system of belief, you do have an obligation as a teacher and mentor to respect the beliefs of others. You don’t have to endorse it (and can’t without running into First Amendment issues), but I challenge you at least to respect the sincerity with which they practice their beliefs.
Stepping down from my soapbox now.
I thought the massage therapist remained fully clothed for “real massages”
Very interesting post. But I got a little bit surprise when I saw the pictures because I was at work….
The Mormon thing doesn’t sound weird to me at all. I grew up Jehovah’s Witness, so I can relate. The families all go the same temple, they socialize with each other all the time, not just at school. They are conditioned from a very young age to keep to their own. Friends outside of the congregation are usually frowned upon.
Hold on a minute, here…I think I see Joseph Smith’s rod and staff.