Silly Analogy

Posted by: Andee / Category: , , ,


I have seen this analogy used on other blogs before, but I thought I would give it a try.

Lets pretend we want to buy a new car. There are a couple missionaries down the street that own a car lot, and they claim that their cars are the only "true" cars. Not only do these special vehicles make your family extra safe, they come fully equipped with lots and lots of blessings. Sure, they cost a lot, but it's worth it... after all, you love your family, don't you?

So, we walk down to the car lot and talk to the young men in white shirts and name tags. We ask them questions about the engine of the car. They tell us not to worry about the engine, to learn about easier to understand things first... like the windshield wipers, or parking lights. They ask us to pray to find out if we should buy this car. The obvious benefits of these things far outnumber the amount of money the car will cost, after all, you love your family, don't you?

Again, wanting to make the best decision possible, we ask to take a look at the engine. These salesmen are good at flipping things around at you. Before you know it, you are planning on going into the office to fill out loan paperwork. Sure, it's more than you wanted to spend, but you love your family, don't you?

Finally, you have signed on the dotted line. You are now the proud owner of a brand new car. Excited, you hop into the drivers seat and find that the seats are uncomfortable. You don't really care for how loud the car is. You ask the salesmen about these things, but they tell you to go on home, that you are the owner of the car now, and after a good amount of time and after a few payments you will be ready to learn more about your car. Even the engine!

Yes, I know this is pretty silly... and I am being a little weird, but if you wouldn't act this way about a car, why would you act this way about your FAITH?

Why is it that people learning about Mormonism from missionaries or friends don't learn the complete truth? Why don't people DEMAND all of the information? Why are so many people sheep?

Argh!

Andee


10 comments:

  1. Craig Says:
    October 28, 2008 at 6:09 PM

    Honestly, I'm not that fond of analogies especially with anything churchey/religious/philosophical.

    I think it may have to do with being bombarded for years and years with awful analogies by droning old white men.

    It just creeps me out.

    I honestly prefer to just discuss the actual thing. I admit, that is often too complicated for some to comprehend, and they like having things dumbed down, but I prefer the real thing.

    Maybe I'm just weird.

  1. Andee Says:
    October 28, 2008 at 7:27 PM

    Craig,

    I see your point. The post was written quickly, while I have a fever, and lets face it... it was poorly done.

    Awell...

    Andee

  1. Anonymous Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 5:21 AM

    First, you are weird. That is why I like you!!!

    The difference is that in the car analogy, you are only locked into it for a few years. No one does eternal car loans.

  1. Unknown Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 8:45 AM

    I've felt this way about the church for some time. Especially once I realilzed how much of what I was taught was whitewashed and dumbed down. The church doesn't want to talk about all of the hot topics becuase the only way you will keep going to church after learning about them is if you, your family, your entire life is so wrapped up in the church that you don't ever want to leave. They want you to get to the point where it doesn't matter what anyone says about the church, true or false, you will stay because it must be true because you have dedicated your life to it. Its all brainwashing, as you know, so the whole thing drives me crazy.

    Anyway, I hope the weather is nice up in Logan this weekend like it was a few weeks ago as I'll be up there for a baby blessing. This will be the first time I'll be in a church for about a year. Kind of scary.

  1. Anonymous Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 12:23 PM

    The costs of Mormonism aren't in black and white. Sure, you can estimate what tithing will cost, but that's something paid out over time. It's easy, and when the going gets really tough, it's even optional (financially of course, not that church leaders think it is).

    The real cost comes in the amount of time required of members, the emotional and mental spinning that occurs, and the overall aggravation, and even anguish, the church causes.

    People who convert to the church are in search for something that they think the church can give them. This is applicable to all sorts of organizations, including other churches. Missionaries are taught to target these people. I could never bring myself to really do so, but I often read and was told to ask around seeking people who had recently moved, had a death in the family, or who have suffered something that would make them more open to something new.

    In other words, we were instructed to kick them while they were down.

    And when your down, you might be desperate; and when you're desperate, you're blinded by the possibility of something better and don't see the dangers and the costs associated with what you're buying into.

  1. Craig Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 4:19 PM

    I wasn't really trying to criticise your use of analogy.

    I hope you feel better. Drink lots of tea.

  1. Andee Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 6:16 PM

    Thanks for the comments guys!

    Craig, no worries my friend. I wasn't offended in any way. I just agree. :) My sore throat is going away slowly, but I am getting better. Thank you for your concern. Too bad I detest tea. I really wanted to like it. I like coffee, though!

    Tanya,

    Woot! Using your name now, eh? Good for you! Yes, I am very weird and I accept that. It's a part of who I am. :D

    Andee

  1. Unknown Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 8:38 PM

    try Kava tea, much better than most!

  1. Craig Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 10:51 PM

    Have you tried rooibos tea or other herbal teas? Coffee is delicious, but not as healing as teas are, both because of the caffeine content, and the harsher natural chemicals in coffee. I really love all tea, whether made with tea leaves or other herbs, it always makes me feel better.

  1. Andee Says:
    October 31, 2008 at 9:07 AM

    I haven't tried them... I am afraid my original taste of tea has forever scared me away from the beverage. Ick. Hahaha....

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