WOTMQ: Cookie Cutter People
One of the things religion asks of its adherents is that people suppress their individuality in favor of the group and the recommendations thereof. Having grown up Mormon, where following the rules is a very big deal, I experienced this in droves. And while this tendency is not exclusive to religion — almost every "group" does it to some extent, religion has almost made a... well, a religion out of it.
Just remember what Brian taught us — we are all individuals. Let's all say it together, in unison. Ha!!! Thanks again folks. I couldn't do this without you (literally)!!! B
Comments (10)
Y'know… it dawned on me decades ago, while serving a mission, that the primary purpose behind it wasn't simply to convert people to Mormonism, but to convert the missionaries themselves, to commit them so fully and completely that few would ever question again. The cult puts them into a kind of military existence, saturated with rules, obedience, even competition to rise in the hierarchy. I guess my nonconformist nature simply balked, and I consequently started to have my first doubts about the cult's claims back then —although those doubts didn't become questions, which didn't become suspicions, which didn't become convinctions for several years after that. I can say this: when I finally was able to get the monkey (garments?) off my back, I never felt freer, like an enormous weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Oh… and Elvis: sorry, but Audrey Hepburn _IS_ beautiful! 😁
Yeah, I think the only reason I got out as young as I did was because I left my mission (after six weeks in the MTC). Lex de Azevedo offered me a record contract. BTW, I was absolutely shunned until the record came out. And then everyone told me — "oh you'll touch so many more lives with the album." I think if I'd gone, it would have taken me longer, at least, to find my way out.. But you're absolutely right!
Not everybody likes tea. Not everybody likes the Beatles, Disney world or Hawaii. Not everybody thinks Will Ferrell is funny, Audrey Hepburn is beautiful, or It's A Wonderful Life was a good movie. No matter how universally beloved any person, place, or thing may seem, there are plenty of people who disagree. It blows my mind that people can't figure this out.
No matter how very handsome you are (And you know you are!) sometimes your brilliance surpasses your physical beauty.
Your are my favorite person ever!!!
Heck, I didn't know I could ask for rent, Brian's been loitering around in my head for well over a decade. Poor ol' fella's often standing all alone on a soap box, spoutin' off like some kinda' preacher!
Jesus! I gotta get out more!!!
If you're going to live in my head and use what you find there I, at least, want rent if not a lease.
I’ll send a check. How much is rent again!
Have had very similar thoughts lately. It's not the conformists who change the world. And the powers that be--don't want us running around changing the world.