Mormons in Mongolia
Thanks to Howard M. Friedman I stumbled into this article in the Salt Lake Tribune - probably not a coincidence - giving an impression of missionaries in Mongolia. The probably largest mission belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormons. They bring in groups of young people often excellently trained in Mongolian language.
As Friedman observes dryly:
Mormons are particularly visible as they travel from house to house.
But also a growing group of Korean missionairies are active in Mongolia. They organise big seminars and build churches in the ger areas. Also, they are said to give money or other insentives to the attendees.
These missionairies are not always welcomed with open arms. Although Mongolia has a long tradition of religious tolerance - dating back to Chinggis Khaan -, many people disaprove of the aggresive methods of some of there missionairy groups.
An interesting perspective mentioned in the Salt Lake Tribune article comes from outside of the city:
''We have been Buddhist all along,'' said Megmar, a sheep herder. ''The younger people are interested in Christianity because they like to be together and one friend brings another friend. I think Buddhism is enough for me.''
One of the young Mormon missionaries is keeping a blog on his whereabouts
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posted by Guido V @ 11:35
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4 Comments:
I'm surprised that this article has not as yet elicited any comments. This is, I think, a very large and difficult issue for Mongolia today. I encountered the same thing in my time in Mongolia: people, especially young people are somewhat enticed to go to the churches or prayer meetings of the missionary groups because they offer previously unaavailbale goods and/or services. Among other things, English classes, free meals, books, and sometimes medical supplies or services. And they offer this unprecedent event called "group prayer." I think many Mongolians are intrigued by this because Buddhism as its practiced in Mongolia is one in which the learned, the lamas, pray for the people rather than -- and often individually, rather than having groups of lay people learning the prayers themselves an duniting to sing hymns and pray.
I certainly won't judge other people's belief systems or call into question the notions of their various faiths, but I think the Mormons -- and perhaps it is based on the fact that it is adolescent boys and young men mainly that come -- seem aggressive and quick to call the validity of local Mongolian religion into question. I find it distasteful. I've sen them corner people in stairways and against buildings -- one standing on either side of their intended convert -- as they wave their Book of the Mormon in their faces. What disturbs me, is the condescension, the blanket assumption of inferiority of the local people's age-old systems of thought. And then, and this angered me, I saw them in Arlington in the Unktd States, coming into the building complex my wife and I live in, which happens to be the hub of the DC/Arlington Mongolian Community...
I take offense to ariel's comment. He/She claims the Mormon missionaries "are quick to call the validity of local Mongolian religion into question." He/She also claims to have witnessed the Mormon missionaries "corner people in stairways and against buildings" and "wave their Book or Mormon in their faces." This is a blatent and outright lie. I was a Mormon missionary in Mongolia and can vouch for the strict observance of my organization to the laws of Mongolia. We recognize that open proselytizing is illegal in Mongolia and our missionaries only teach those who approach us for information. This law especially is strictly enforced by our church upon the missionaries in Mongolia. You will never find our missionaries in Mongolia knocking on doors other than homes where we have been invited to visit. You will never find our missionaries placing leaflets on random doors or handing them out on the street. We only give our information to those who request it. In the US, open proselyting is legal, and thus you may see missionaries handing out information and knocking on doors, but missionaries are always taught to be respectful. Any deviations are exceptions to the norm and are not condoned. There is no "blanket assumption of inferiority" within our church's teachings. We just believe that we have information that will help people live better, happier lives in this life and the next, and sharing it with other is our goal. This is no different than Buddhist beliefs. They teach a certain path will lead you do greater enlightenment in this life and the next, so why is the Mormon doctrine worthy of scorn and the Buddhist doctrines worthy of protection in Mongolia in your mind? Your distain for our church seems to stem from your ignorance of our organization and it's practices. I invite you to visit www.mormon.org and educate yourself. We do a great deal of good for Mongolia, whether or not people accept what we are willing to teach.
Go Away Ariel, You Liar???
How you can you lie about these young missionaries??? They are one of the most respectful people i have ever seen in my life. I am a Mongolian guy living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and i have a high respect for these young people who are helping us Mongolians??? They are welcome to our Countryside. We need help and spiritual guidance? Otherwise our people are becoming drunkards and our girls are becoming prostitutes for Chinese and Jap, Korean and American men??? We need these young people here to teach us morality???
We don't need polygamists or a non-existent Godman to give us guidance. We have to do it our own way by respecting elders, placing a huge emphasis on the family, and teaching morality through respect for people, not for a deity. But I do agree with you, screw those filthy Japs and Chinks who are infiltrating our beautiful country.
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