Deseret News | Get out of the bubble and live life!

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Get out of the bubble and live life! – Don Osmond on MormonTimes.com

Bot | 2:52 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

While experiencing life outside the "bubble" via a mission or work experience can be fulfilling, once an LDS couple experiences the effects of raising children outside the "bubble" they may wish to return to a place with values they trust.

Many parents don't realize how their children are affected by public school teachers who read "Prince and Prince" to their young children, or how in middle or high school they are bombarded with Planned Parenthool (or SIECUS) propaganda. And then they wonder why their children have left the straight and narrow path on which they were guiding them.

Why? | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Why is this being published? Couldn't they find someone with some writing ability. I'm sorry, but just because you have an Osmond name doesn't mean that you should be in the spotlight.

Why don't YOU try leaving the bubble and living on your own credibility instead of borrowing it from family members?

Instereo | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Life in Utah is living in a bubble but here values can still be harrassed even if you are of the LDS faith. If you are LDS and a democrat you are constantly questioned about your faith. If you say something positive about Pres. Obama or say you believe there really is global warming, let alone say anything positive about Al Gore, you're shunned or made fun of or worse yet dismissed.

Personally I live here in the bubble because I think there needs to be someone in Priesthood meeting that thinks outside the LDS box about things like Universal Health Care, Enviornmental responsibility, and the proper role of government.

I know it drives some ward members nuts but what I've found is that there are a lot of ward members who think the same things but are to afraid to put it into words and I'm their spokesman.

Thinking for ones self has never been a trait that's honored in the LDS culture but I believe it's something required in the LDS Faith. It's easier to do outside the bubble of Utah. The challenge is doing it inside the bubble.

Comments continue below

Eileen | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

I found this column very thought provoking. Having moved to Utah for school, and not finding my MRS degree... I left for 30 years. Then I went back to BYU for one term to finally graduate. What I found on returning to the bubble was a wealth of spiritual opportunities to enjoy. Talks with apostles, access to Church sites and a wide variety of temples to refresh my soul in.

There are lots of great opportunities outside the state to enjoy - and lots there. Neither should be considered superior.

disillusioned | 10:29 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Grow up! That's what I have to say about what you wrote. Seriously--I believe your bubble has never been popped.

I grew up in UT--in the SL County--in HUD housing, in a very diverse neighborhood. Talk about never having a bubble. I now live outside of UT--as a single 30 something woman--and love it. BUT, there are MANY in wards outside of UT who still live in bubbles--more who grew up in UT (and can't wait to get back). But, still live in bubbles. Never mind those like whom already commented who blame public schools and everything else on why their children didn't "follow" the Gospel. Funny, my parents always taught me what was right in their home, even if it went against what the schools taught. Get a grip!

My personal perspective is it's all excuses. People can live in UT, and not live in a bubble. But, usually they can't have everything in the world laid out on a silver platter for them!!! (at least form my observations). And, LDS people can stay in their freaking bubbles outside UT--it's all based on us!

My Sharona | 11:00 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Why would we ever want to leave ZION? Are you nuts? Our pioneer ancestors sacrificed so much for us to live here. I for one will never leave.

Cats | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

@Disillusioned: WOW! Sounds like a little bitterness there. Too bad.

I have lived outside of Utah and traveled to many parts of the world. It was a great experience, but I am glad to be here now and am really enjoying the "bubble." I can move very comfortably in either environment. However, I prefer to be here within a strong LDS ethic. I know there are great people everywhere, but the world is just getting a little too bizarre.

I agree with My Sharona (even if she is being sarcastic.) My ancestors sacrificed everything for this place and I'm grateful.

Janadele | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

If only the weather was warmer in winter I would enjoy the Utah bubble LOL

In but not of | 1:07 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

I am sorry that so many people have decided to not look at what was said. I am one who was born and raised here. Moved out of the state for 25 yrs and am now leaving again. I am grateful for all of the people in and out of this beautiful state. But that said I think the bubble that is being spoken about is a fact. That is why we are constantly being told that we need to be in all states and all places. Not just in Utah. ( personaly I have raised kids in and out of the state and I think we as parents are more comfortable and shouldnt be, ie date rape, drugs etc. ) I am just glad to have the gospel in our life here in utah or in any other place we may live.

Brady | 1:08 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Zion is not a place but where the saints are gathered in one heart and one mind. I love my pioneer ancestory, however the church must grow and expand. Why not participate in "real" member missionary work by living outside the state.

Itching | 1:20 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

I grew up in Salt Lake, same home, until I was 18. I went to USU for a year of school, then took a year off to go to the east coast to be a nanny. I absolutely loved it there. I returned to USU, finished school, got married, then moved to Iowa (where my husband went to high school, he called it home). I absolutely LOVED Iowa. Love the people. Loved the wards. Loved it.

Sadly, school didn't work out for my husband there, so we came back to Utah for him to finish. Now we're itching to get out again, but we have not had any luck finding jobs (here or anywhere else).

There are so many wonderful places everywhere, including in Utah. Your attitude about where you're at makes a huge difference. I really don't love the ward we're in right now, but it helps to just focus on helping others and helping my family develop love for those around us.

Roger bubble boy no more | 1:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Hey Cat, CHOW-OUT, MAN!

@ instereo | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

You make the same old tired argument about people thinking for themselves. You seem to believe that the indicator of "thinking for yourself" is taking a contrary opinion. Is it not possible to think for yourself and come to a conclusion that is in concert with prevailing LDS philosophy and doctrine? Or is thinking for yourself limited to people who happen to agree with your personal philosophies.

What is really comes down to is sources. Very few of us can become comprehensive experts on even a single topic. So we are all at the mercy of those whom we choose to influence our beliefs. Some may choose Thomas S. Monson and others may choose Al Gore. I submit that both are thinking for themselves in the very fact that they chose a source to guide them.

Your denigration of those who have chosen prophets and apostles as their primary sources shows little more than a pseudo-intelligence backed by haughtiness.

Hammerhead | 1:44 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

True! There are more kinds of Mormons, just as there are grains of sand. Not one acts or does the same thing as another Mormon. They can be nice, kind or they can be active and very mischievous. Ya never know what's up the sleeve of any Mormon. As far as the "bubble" it busted 20 years ago so.

Shecky | 2:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

"WAH...WAH...WAH. Up here in the frozen north land called Idaho we are all agreed on one very important principle. YOU PEOPLE NEED TO GET A LIFE!!!

Broken Record | 3:26 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

@ 1:36. It's like listening to some0ne who cannot sing or play a musical organ, violin.. etc, but they can make some very horrible high pitched noises that make ones blood curdle just listening.

culture vs. doctrine | 4:13 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

@1:36 PM

One can have any variety of opinions regarding public policy matters and still be an upstanding member of the LDS church. Last time I heard, both Glenn Beck and Harry Reid are members in good standing. That seems to cover the gamut.

There is no official church position regarding climate change. Why are you brining the Monson/Gore comparison into this?

Shiska | 5:57 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Wow, Looks like the TROLLS are in full force!

Disappointed with 1:36pm | 6:10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

@1:36 PM...

Choosing to be democrat does not equal choosing Gore over Monson - you might have not said it in those words but it sure seems you are implying something as silly as that. Who's to say Republican = more in line with the gospel. How would you justify that James E. Faust was a democrat? He was and yet he still was a righteous man - wow, do you think that's possible?? Can a democrat still vote democrat and still be righteous. Sadly, many members of our church don't think so.

@ 1:36 responders | 10:18 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Somehow you managed to miss the entire point of my argument, didn't you? It had much less to do with democrat vs republican than with the statement by instereo that "Thinking for ones self has never been a trait that's honored in the LDS culture ..." and arrogantly holding up his own views on global warming to demonstrate independent thinking.

I guess I just assumed you would be able to more clearly see the relevance of the response if I stuck with the topic instereo introduced in his comments. Apparently I was mistaken and somehow rattled your fragile sensitivities. Perhaps your own defensiveness is an indicator that you should reconsider your political leanings.

Why are you so defensive about it?

Ann | 1:05 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Don’s advice is good. Get out of Utah to see what the rest of the world is like. You might be surprised at how nice much of it is. We really need to broaden our horizons.

As Mark Twain said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Broad, wholesome, charitable views cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth.”

re Ann | 10:33 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

ditto

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