Lowering The Missionary Age For Men And Women

[Scott Lloyd]

I think you have the grasp of the obvious here.

I have to honestly admit, due to my circumstances, I never went on a mission. Not sure which choice I would have made at that age if I had to choose. But I think it's more an environmental issue for me.

But I think most young missionaries we have now, while well meaning, don't have the knowledge of Church history to be prepared enough to deal with an "information savvy" society as it is. Lowering the age will not improve the quality of the intended message.

Your objection might have some validity if missionaries were being sent out to debate and argue people into joining the Church.

But their purpose is to teach, encourage, invite and love. That is within the capacity of an 18-year-old man, if he has been spiritually prepared

Edited October 7, 2012 by Scott Lloyd

[Bob Oliverio]

I think you need to lighten up.

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop". You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.

I think you should apologize for such a disrespectful characterization of young women - especially in this society today. Think before you post stupid things!!

Enough of that.

[rongo]

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop". You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.

I think you should apologize for such a disrespectful characterization of young women - especially in this society today. Think before you post stupid things!!

Well, Brigham Young called children "Utah's best crop." Would you call that disrespectful, too? Or maybe a little humorous?

[volgadon]

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop". You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.

I think you should apologize for such a disrespectful characterization of young women - especially in this society today. Think before you post stupid things!!

Physician...

[Tacenda]

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop".  You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.  

I think you should apologize for such a disrespectful characterization of young women - especially in this society today.  Think before you post stupid things!!

I think he was bringing up what Legrand Richards said. And do believe he was disgusted by it not the other way around, though he could have just left it in the past too.

[Scott Lloyd]

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop".

Wouldn't bother me. Nor would it if girls were referring to my boys as part of a crop.

You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.

That's your hangup, not mine.

[volgadon]

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop". You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.

I think you should apologize for such a disrespectful characterization of young women - especially in this society today. Think before you post stupid things!!

You've never heard of LeGrand Richards, have you?

[Bob Oliverio]

Well, Brigham Young called children "Utah's best crop." Would you call that disrespectful, too? Or maybe a little humorous?

You just can't keep your foot out of your mouth can you.  Your comment about young women being designated as a "crop" for young men is both chauvinistic, misogynist and ignorant.  And to use a misled former leader of the Church as your source to hide behind only puts the Church, and you, in worse light.  We need to learn from ignorance - not embrace it!

I'd love to hear from any female posters here who would appreciate if they, or their daughters, were ever being referred to as a "crop" for waiting young men!

Seriously Mr. Lloyd - you really should consider apologizing to all you have offended.

[tyler90az]

I think it has more to do with capturing this Mormon Moment. It is a prime time for us to gain the souls of men. That is why the world is going to be flooded with even more missionaries. This change is all good and no bad. It may be bad for those who have been planning for 19, however, after this initial shock people will start preparing for 18. I personally think the younger the better to go on missions. The younger the less contaminated they are by the world. It is also is good for women to have more options to serve. Men are in no way better then women and deserve the same opportunities.

Edited October 7, 2012 by tyler90az

[Sleeper Cell]

If I had a daughter going through college, I certainly would not want anyone making a reference to her as a "crop". You and I come from two different perspectives of respect.

I think you should apologize for such a disrespectful characterization of young women - especially in this society today. Think before you post stupid things!!

A religious leader once referred to me as "wheat."

I am still upset.

... Of course, it could have been worse.

[Scott Lloyd]

You just can't keep your foot out of your mouth can you.

You're responding to rongo here, not me. But I agree with him, so it's just as well.

Seriously Mr. Lloyd - you really should consider apologizing to all you have offended.

Not going to happen. So I suggest you drop it and stop derailing the thread.

Edited October 7, 2012 by Scott Lloyd

[why me]

I feel eager to encourage my boys to prepare to serve at age 18. The thought of their possibly having their mission calls while still in high school appeals to me.

A troubling question emerged as I thought about this yesterday though. How will it impact those who are hoping for college scholarships -- and for college admission, for that matter? Will a two-year interlude between high school and college diminish their chances?

I'm hoping some seasoned parents here can enlighten me on this matter.

It shouldn't have any effect. Most universities respect the religious tradition of the applicant. They may get a two year reprieve. No different if the young man or woman had to serve in the national guard. This is my take on it. And once the test is taken in high school that score is still relevant two years later. It should not cause any problem at all.

Edited October 7, 2012 by why me

[Scott Lloyd]

It shouldn't have any effect. Most universities respect the religious tradition of the applicant. They may get a two year reprieve. No different if the young man or woman had to serve in the national guard. This is my take on it. And once the test is taken in high school that score is still relevant two years later. It should not cause any problem at all.

Thanks, why me. That helps.

[why me]

I think he was bringing up what Legrand Richards said. And do believe he was disgusted by it not the other way around, though he could have just left it in the past too.

As I remember it Richards was quite a personality. He could have said it tongue in cheek. His book is a wonderful book, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder. And when you see him at conference, he seems like a rancher who was called to a GA:

[media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q1AChty4FE

Edited October 7, 2012 by why me

[why me]

Thanks, why me. That helps.

Of course one must ask the learning institution. But I just can't see colleges discriminating against young mormons because of missionary service, especially in Utah....

[cinepro]

You just can't keep your foot out of your mouth can you. Your comment about young women being designated as a "crop" for young men is both chauvinistic, misogynist and ignorant. And to use a misled former leader of the Church as your source to hide behind only puts the Church, and you, in worse light. We need to learn from ignorance - not embrace it!

I'd love to hear from any female posters here who would appreciate if they, or their daughters, were ever being referred to as a "crop" for waiting young men!

Seriously Mr. Lloyd - you really should consider apologizing to all you have offended.

My dad once told me girls were like buses. Don't chase after one, because another will be along any minute.

Edited October 7, 2012 by cinepro

[volgadon]

My dad once told me girls were like buses. Don't chase after one, because another will be along any minute.

You should be issuing an internationally addressed apology. The sackcloth is on Bob.

Edited October 7, 2012 by volgadon

[why me]

You should be issuing an internationally addressed apology. The sackcloth is on Bob.

My dad, would tell me not to worry because there are plenty of fish in the sea and to be careful not to let the right one get away.

[Scott Lloyd]

Of course one must ask the learning institution. But I just can't see colleges discriminating against young mormons because of missionary service, especially in Utah....

And our youngsters have their sights set on BYU. Maybe that will help matters -- assuming they keep their grades up.

[Scott Lloyd]

My dad, would tell me not to worry because there are plenty of fish in the sea and to be careful not to let the right one get away.

I fear you all might be making poor Bob apoplectic.

[why me]

I fear you all might be making poor Bob apoplectic.

Critics need a sense of humor. It is quite amazing that they have lost their sense of humor when they became critics. I remember Le Grand Richards. He was quite a guy and gave interesting talks in his own style as I linked above. He was a grand guy.

[Calm]

Well, Brigham Young called children "Utah's best crop." Would you call that disrespectful, too? Or maybe a little humorous?

I've heard professors talk about students as this year's crop. It seems a common idiom.

[Calm]

You just can't keep your foot out of your mouth can you.  Your comment about young women being designated as a "crop" for young men is both chauvinistic, misogynist and ignorant.  And to use a misled former leader of the Church as your source to hide behind only puts the Church, and you, in worse light.  We need to learn from ignorance - not embrace it!

I'd love to hear from any female posters here who would appreciate if they, or their daughters, were ever being referred to as a "crop" for waiting young men!

Seriously Mr. Lloyd - you really should consider apologizing to all you have offended.

In this contex, I think you should be the one apologising...I am not troubled by the lighthearted quote applied to myself or my daughter. I try not to take things so seriously that I can't even sit down because of being so rigid and self righteous.

My experience was that in general the young women eagerly waited for the next year's crop of RMs to show up after they had tried their luck with the current one.

Edited October 7, 2012 by calmoriah

[Scott Lloyd]

I've heard professors talk about students as this year's crop. It seems a common idiom.

Googling the search term "a new crop of" returns these applications among many others:

"a new crop of Americans"

"a new crop of teachers"

"a new crop of local grocery stores"

"a new crop of farmers" (striking play-on-words there)

"a new crop of future Oscar hopefuls"

"a new crop of elected officials"

"a new crop of cats and kittens"

"a new crop of eco-warriors"

"a new crop of power players"

"a new crop of fall interns"

"a new crop of finalists"

"a new crop of security suites"

"a new crop of sustainable leader"

"a new crop of diet books"

"a new crop of restaurants"

"a new crop of kids"

[rpn]

At the press conference, the brethren said it should be the missionary's inspiration that determines when the Lord wants him/her to go (in declining to recommend when). The Lord's work (with individuals and at large) will improve more when each does His will, whether or not that makes sense to the parent who wants him/her to go at a particular time.