Hi:
I have heard that while on mission Mormons are to stay away from bodies of water. Could a Mormon please explain in detail why this is? Something about evil? This is an honest question seeking a true and complete answer.
Thank you, in advance, for the info...
2007-12-02 12:37:25 · 7 answers · asked by Michael 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, I think they are simply to avoid getting into bodies of water. This is simply for the safety of the missionaries, so they don't risk drowning. There is no real reason why they would need to risk it. They are allowed to perform baptisms in bodies of water though, if the person chooses to be baptized there.
2007-12-02 13:44:42 · answer #1 · answered by moonman 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, having served as a missionary in Puerto Rico, where there were beautiful beaches around the entire island, I would say that we were not permitted to get in the warm Caribbean ocean because of the temptation of possibly wanting to go every day, and it would have distracted us from our missionary work. A couple of missionaries I was acquainted with broke that rule, but they did not have as much success teaching the people. So I learned for myself that the more obedient we were, the more likely we were to have the Spirit with us to help teach with love and testimony. Now we were allowed to cross the water on a large ferry one time, by the way, and I know there were ocean baptisms performed once in a while, in the shallow part near the shore. Have a happy day, and I send you a virtual gummy bear.
2007-12-03 03:34:28 · answer #2 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a misinformed statement.
Missionaries are out serving the Lord, and it is not a "spring-break," type of mission.
Missionaries are solely out in the world to preach the gospel and not to amuse themselves with recreational activities, and swimming is one of them.
However, there are mission leaders who allow missionaries to swim on their "preparation day," which is usually a few hours on one day of the week and it is usually done as an organized group activity with several missionaries attending. Male and female missionaries are never together on this type of an outing because of the nature of having to wear bathing suits - imagine not being allowed to date or be romantically involved with the opposite sex for up to 2 years - that would be inappropriate conduct in a mission.
A missionary's mind should be completely on the errand of serving the Lord.
The scripture "Avatar" links, is just Mormon history, it's not Mormon doctrine (doctrine = church teachings) to stay away from large bodies of water. The way most scripture is written is to be symbolic. At that time, traveling to different nations was by boat, and it was always a risk. Today, most missionaries...I feel confident to say all - really...take a plane, to their missions, and walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or drive on their missions.
Rule of thumb: If something sounds crazy and absurd, then it is, and therefore it is not true.
Edit:
If you think about it...
There are missionaries that go to Japan - it's surrounded by water
Even the Polynesian Islands - also surrounded by water
England - surrounded by water...
If there was a risk...I'd hardly think missionaries would be sent there.
2007-12-02 12:53:57 · answer #3 · answered by CurlySue 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
They simply don't go swimming. They may, however use the ocean, a lake or a river to baptize.
2007-12-02 18:39:23 · answer #4 · answered by Isolde 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You are supposed to stay away from water because the water is controlled by the devil. Missionaires could drown because the devil would try to drown them
2007-12-04 09:09:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm not sure - perhaps for safety and liability purposes.
2007-12-02 12:44:03 · answer #6 · answered by Rich K 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
this should explain everything:
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/61
2007-12-02 12:43:46 · answer #7 · answered by Avatar_defender_of_the_light 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋