Originally Posted by smolakian
Well, It’s interesting if you think about it as a social “organism”. Because, that’s what I really believe how most religions behave. (BTW: I’m the oldest of seven from a Catholic family) A lot of the conventions and rules exist to grow the church body and spread just like any living creature. Why do you think they were polygamists? Why do you think birth control is frowned upon by most major religions? Also, why do you think they instill such an “us verse them” mentality? So they can get as many bodies to pay tithes, spread their culture and fight the culture war. Is there even a culture war? There has to be some polarizing force to inspire fundamentalist attitudes. The dangling carrot of heaven sometimes isn’t enough.
I believe the Mormons have been extremely effective at using these tactics. They also pretty much have a place to call their own and form a tight knit community. Living and working and playing with people just like you is very comforting. Also, I realize all the good things that the church does for people. But, seriously, none of it is given without a healthy dose of prosthelytizing. So, the motivation for missions and outreach is not entirely altruistic.