Church Against Bucket Lists, Traveling and Following Dreams

As we embark on the New Year with resolutions and travel aspirations, consider Elder Rasband’s counsel, which dissuades members from pursuing personal dreams and travel experiences. Discouraging the pursuit of individual “bucket lists,” he advocates prioritizing the church over personal needs, asserting that such pursuits will not bring fulfillment to one’s soul. This raises questions about the healthiness of such advice and prompts reflection on whether church leaders, including Elder Rasband, adhere to similar principles. Rather than fostering personal growth and fulfillment, this directive is manipulative, aiming to guilt trip members into becoming more entrenched in their (volunteer) church responsibilities; into saving their money (and time) to give to the church rather than spending on their own needs and dreams. The church would have us skip family vacations and opportunities to travel in favor of teaching Sunday School and attending the closest temple.

"If some of you are looking to fill what some call “a bucket list,” this is it: fill your bucket with oil in the form of the living water of Jesus Christ, which is a representation of His life and teachings. In contrast, checking off a far-off place or a spectacular event will never leave your soul feeling whole or satisfied" - Elder Ronald A. Rasband, April 2023 | wasmormon.org — “If some of you are looking to fill what some call “a bucket list,” this is it: fill your bucket with oil in the form of the living water of Jesus Christ, which is a representation of His life and teachings. In contrast, checking off a far-off place or a spectacular event will never leave your soul feeling whole or satisfied” – Elder Ronald A. Rasband, April 2023

If some of you are looking to fill what some call “a bucket list,” this is it: fill your bucket with oil in the form of the living water of Jesus Christ, which is a representation of His life and teachings. In contrast, checking off a far-off place or a spectacular event will never leave your soul feeling whole or satisfied; living the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ will… That bucket list will take you somewhere you want to go—back to your Father in Heaven.
Ronald A. Rasband, Hosanna to the Most High God, April 2023 General Conference
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/53rasband

This is completely and utterly incorrect. It is plain wrong. Immersing yourself in a culture distinct from your own, surrounded by its monuments and people, will open your eyes to so much. Travel, undeniably, is an incredibly enriching journey. Mark Twain knew it, he stated that travel was “fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” He knows the fact that the more one’s eyes are opened to the diversity in the world, the less susceptible one is to abusive organizations and cults!

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." - Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad, 1869 | wasmormon.org — “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad, 1869

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad, 1869
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3176/3176-h/3176-h.htm

Rasband discourages travel, possibly fearing that exposure to different cultures might unveil the shortcomings of certain perspectives. His message implies that one’s life lacks value without strict adherence to the prescribed teachings. He may as well be saying, “Don’t travel, you might figure out we’re full of crap!” and “your life is worthless if you don’t listen to what we tell you to do.” This tactic is akin to gaslighting, as he’s attempting to diminish the importance of individual experiences and alternative ways of living. Travel, with its diverse stimuli, offers a broader understanding of the world beyond the confines of the Mormon “bubble”, providing numerous fulfilling alternatives.

Many find that traveling expands their worldview and reveals the limitations of the narrow-minded church perspective. Engaging with new places, diverse cultures, and different perspectives through literature or podcasts offers a more enriching experience compared to the monotony of routine church activities. Travel is a profound way for us to cultivate love and appreciation for humanity. Exposure to varied circumstances and upbringings broadens perspectives and nurtures empathy. The beauty of both the tourist and less-tourist paths and the Earth’s landscapes is irreplaceable. While missions are a type of travel and can broaden views, they also involve significant indoctrination.

Rasband’s message implies that life’s purpose lies solely in adhering to the Mormon checklist and serving the church, negating the pursuit of personal joy and experiences. This aligns with temple doctrines where Mormons pledge everything, even their lives, to the church. Such doctrines foster a cult-like environment, expecting individuals to prioritize the organization over personal well-being.

The church would have us all stay home, stay off the internet and spend our time reading church approved (and published) material. We’d Reflecting on a life dedicated to Mormon literature feels hollow, with an absence of real experiences. Encouraging individuals to believe that life’s purpose is obedience and financial contributions to the church is manipulative and a disservice to personal fulfillment.

Where Will You Go?

Rasband’s assertion that checking off distant places or spectacular events won’t fulfill one’s soul contradicts the reality of everything that makes us human and experience of those who actually do pursue their dreams. Travel and personal goals often lead to enlightenment and satisfaction. Encouraging people to prioritize the church may hinder their pursuit of genuine fulfillment. It fits Elder Ballard’s challenge to those who may be interested in going somewhere other than church. He seems to think that there’s really no where else one CAN go.

"If any one of you is faltering in your faith, I ask you the same question that Peter asked: “To whom shall [you] go?” If you choose to become inactive or to leave the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where will you go? What will you do?" - Elder M. Russell Ballard, 2016 | wasmormon.org — “If any one of you is faltering in your faith, I ask you the same question that Peter asked: “To whom shall [you] go?” If you choose to become inactive or to leave the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where will you go? What will you do?” – Elder M. Russell Ballard, 2016

If any one of you is faltering in your faith, I ask you the same question that Peter asked: “To whom shall [you] go?” If you choose to become inactive or to leave the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where will you go? What will you do?
Elder M. Russell Ballard, To Whom Shall We Go?, October 2016 General Conference
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/to-whom-shall-we-go

Contrary to Rasband’s and Ballard’s claims, tithing and time spent in church meetings lack the experiential richness that true memories are made of. Memories and meaning are built through meaningful experiences, not routine religious practices.

Embracing one’s unique identity and pursuing personal goals should be encouraged, as opposed to only conforming to the church’s expectations. Choosing a path aligned with personal aspirations fosters authenticity, avoiding becoming a mere cog in the church’s machine that replaces individuality with a uniform, interchangeable role. Chase your bucket list! It’s yours! If God made you, he made you to be you. Sieze the day!

Does this message from Elder Rasband and cult mentality affect your testimony? Do you agree more with the LDS Apostle here or with the author Mark Twain? Is the council from Rasband nefarious? Is he trying to get people to stay in the church by remaining blind to the issues of the church and avoiding the eye-opening experiences that await for those who travel and chase their dreams? Share your thoughts below in the comments or share your whole journey in your own “I was a Mormon” profile on wasmormon.org.

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