Reader comments
David Archuleta still just a kid from Murray

By all accounts Archeleta is a great person, I've never seen where it says "go on a mission, unless you sing well, or throw a football well..." The experiences he could get on a mission can not be duplicated and would serve him well in the future. His voice will always be there. Here's hoping he takes a two year hiatus from preforming and enters the MTC.

Before the barrage starts, remember that his decision to serve a mission is between him and God. When it comes to American Idol, he has an agent and is told what to do. When it comes to missionary work, he is an agent unto himself.

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David should still go on an LDS mission because nothing - not fame or fortune - can replace what a mission experience does for a young man.

Please don't think it's the same as a mission David. You WILL grow a million times more on an actual mission than anything else (spititually speaking of course). Besides it will be a HUGE statement if you go on a mission and leave behind everything else. Not that you won't still be a great young man if you don't go, but if you do go who knows how many people will investigate and join the church. I'd bet there are people that will accept the gospel if you teach it, whereas no one else can connect to them the same way. Just think about it.

Good attitude!

I wish more local folks knew how much good David has already done (and is doing) in the world - not just the nation but the world. He is truly serving a mission and serving it well.

He is an amazing young man and has such an incredible talent/gift. The beauty of it is that he remains humble and grateful for it. I'm a huge fan of his voice and his person!

showing kids they should put off getting their high school diploma? give me a break.

It would be nice if people stoped ordering what he should be doing or what he shouldnt. He's an adult and he can make decision for himself.

Ello, i seriously hope your comment was sarcasm. I honestly doubt Archuleta considers this the same as a real full time LDS mission. He seems to have a good head on his shoulder and whatever decision he makes im sure it will be the best for him.

David is a decent, God loving young man. Stop pressuring him. He is doing wonders for the world by setting such a wonderful example for his young fans. The way he lives his life is an example of what having God in your life can do for you. Its not about bringing people into a specific church....its about bringing God into people's lives.

This is a tough decision that should not be made lightly. I am certainly an advocate of serving a mission and agree that the experiences gained are priceless, but he has other great opportunities available right now that he should take advantage of. David can serve God and the church through singing and performing and uplifting millions of people around the world. Is not already a beacon of light to his fans? How many have looked in the gospel because of his example already? He is in a unique position to affect millions and that is huge responsibility. Like I said....tough decision!

i think it is so great that David wants to go on a mission. a lot of people decide that they don't want to go because of the fame they have back at home. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXAMPLE DAVID ARCHULETA!!! a lot of people look up to you, and you are definitely a good role model.

This is his choice between him and God. Who are we to tell him what to do. He is already doing so much and spreading the gospel in a different way. Heis a great guy that I know personally and he has things under controll! Go David, you are great!

David Archuleta is a wonderful, talented person. He has done so much for Utah. It is no one's business what he does or doen't do in the future. No one should judge him, it his life and it soulds like he is living it to the fullest. Love ya David

I'm not Mormon and most of what I know about the religion is what I have gathered from following David's interviews. He is remarkable. I hope the folks from his church recognize that, yes, he is already so much good just by being himself.

It's interesting to see some of these comments..especially those who are thinking of LDS recruitment. David has been blessed with a tremendous gift of VOICE, but tied to that is his humility and humbleness in all he does. I'm a mature fan who has witnessed how many people he has touched spiritually of no specific religion. The role he is playing out is between him and God, and we know he prays about this because he tells us so. This world needs David, he doesn't preach but lives by example, a beacon for all to follow .... haven't you all heard... he is the new "COOL".

I have been following David's career very closely over the last year. The example he sets everywhere he goes (around the world) is noticed by all. Thousands upon thousands have commented on the special "glow" that David has. Everyone around him says he is the kindest, most caring person, that he never gets angry or says an unkind word and they are amazed at how humble and grounded he stays. He never judges people and goes out of his way to meet with his fans no matter how busy or hurried he may be. Many have been interested in his religion because of his example. He is definitely on a mission.

I think people tend to forget the fact that someone like David will NEVER have the same missionary experience as any other young man. He is HUGELY famous worldwide. Where exactly can they send him without risking his safety? He would be BOMBARDED by people no matter where he went. It would be great if he decided to go...but for him, the decision to go wouldn't be based solely on the fact that he as the desire to or "should" go. Quite a few other factors would have to be weighed in. It just wouldn't be the same situation for him as anyone else, simply put. It's a LOT for people to suggest that he "just go cause it's the right thing and he won't have any experience like it." I don't think people have really taken this into consideration.

Wow! I'm not mormon but David is a very good example for many people, mormons or not, and i true believe this his the way for him to share the gospel.
Respectfully i think some members a Utah media put a lot of pressure on him with this question, i started to search about the LDS and if understand the mission thing is a personal decision, but now even if David take the decision to go , i gone think is because the pressure of some people in his church.