This is a very insightful essay. I converted to Catholicism as an adult and wasn’t raised religious (my Dad was a secular libertarian who probably agrees with you about most things, and I think he’s a bit mortified that one of his kids turned out to be a “holy roller” 😂).
I know very little about Mormonism and never met a Mormon until I was an adult, but I do think maybe the biggest mistake a lot of religious parents make is sheltering their children so much that they are simply overwhelmed by freedom and even by a diversity of ideas once they leave the nest. I think the other big mistake is caring so much about the appearance of goodness that self-discipline etc. falls by the wayside. I think there seems to be a lot of both among Utah Mormons especially. I see similar issues in certain Catholic communities, especially those that are seen as high-prestige or very traditional.
I agree that this kind of selfishness ruins lives, and in the end it doesn’t even make the selfish person happier. They’re always chasing the next high.
Great points all around and I think you are very right about Mormonism specifically. A significant percentage of my cohort from college has left Mormonism, and it is interesting when folks go from one extreme to another, such as partying harder and longer than non-religious peers. I think being "overwhelmed by freedom and even by a diversity of ideas once they leave the nest" is the perfect way to put it.
As a side note, I'd be interested in your thoughts on converting to Catholicism, if you're comfortable sharing at all. What led you in that direction?
That's a good question - I was always very drawn to religion and spirituality. My parents sent me to Catholic school for a few years because our local public schools were having major problems - kids bringing weapons to school, significant problems with very young pregnancy etc. I went to secular prep school when I was twelve but I always maintained an interest in the ancient traditions of Catholicism and I think that's ultimately what brought me to the fold. I also always loved Pope JPII, even as a kid. He was kind of a celebrity, from what I remember (he died when I was nine) and I saw him as kind of a grandpa figure. I would say those two things influenced me the most. Plus, the fact my parents hated it was kind of a bonus, ha!
Me: it can’t get any worse. Also me: finds out that soft swinging is a thing.
lol, yeah seems like everyday there is something else
This is a very insightful essay. I converted to Catholicism as an adult and wasn’t raised religious (my Dad was a secular libertarian who probably agrees with you about most things, and I think he’s a bit mortified that one of his kids turned out to be a “holy roller” 😂).
I know very little about Mormonism and never met a Mormon until I was an adult, but I do think maybe the biggest mistake a lot of religious parents make is sheltering their children so much that they are simply overwhelmed by freedom and even by a diversity of ideas once they leave the nest. I think the other big mistake is caring so much about the appearance of goodness that self-discipline etc. falls by the wayside. I think there seems to be a lot of both among Utah Mormons especially. I see similar issues in certain Catholic communities, especially those that are seen as high-prestige or very traditional.
I agree that this kind of selfishness ruins lives, and in the end it doesn’t even make the selfish person happier. They’re always chasing the next high.
Great points all around and I think you are very right about Mormonism specifically. A significant percentage of my cohort from college has left Mormonism, and it is interesting when folks go from one extreme to another, such as partying harder and longer than non-religious peers. I think being "overwhelmed by freedom and even by a diversity of ideas once they leave the nest" is the perfect way to put it.
As a side note, I'd be interested in your thoughts on converting to Catholicism, if you're comfortable sharing at all. What led you in that direction?
That's a good question - I was always very drawn to religion and spirituality. My parents sent me to Catholic school for a few years because our local public schools were having major problems - kids bringing weapons to school, significant problems with very young pregnancy etc. I went to secular prep school when I was twelve but I always maintained an interest in the ancient traditions of Catholicism and I think that's ultimately what brought me to the fold. I also always loved Pope JPII, even as a kid. He was kind of a celebrity, from what I remember (he died when I was nine) and I saw him as kind of a grandpa figure. I would say those two things influenced me the most. Plus, the fact my parents hated it was kind of a bonus, ha!