Doubting as a Mormon Missionary and in Early Marriage: Dallin Seely of @TheDashleys | Ep. 1729

markdown Doubting as a Mormon Missionary and in Early Marriage: Dallin Seely's Journey

In the Mormon faith, dedicated young men and women embark on missionary journeys, often facing incredible personal and spiritual challenges. Dallin Seely, known widely from TheDashleys, shared his experiences and struggles in a candid interview on the Mormon Stories podcast, shedding light on the doubts and crises that can emerge during and following the mission years and into early marriage.

The Pressure of Perfection

From an early age, members of the LDS Church are taught to uphold high standards of moral and spiritual conduct. As Dallin recounts, this quest for perfection laid the groundwork for significant anxiety during his formative years. A pivotal event was the death of his father when Dallin was only eight years old. This loss introduced him to a ritualistic lifestyle where every moral action was seen through the lens of either contributing toward or detracting from his ultimate goal: reuniting with his father in heaven.

The teachings of church leaders, reinforced by publications like "The Miracle of Forgiveness," reveal the often rigid and unforgiving nature of such expectations. These texts, once considered essential readings, exerted additional pressure on young members, emphasizing a black-and-white view of morality that left little room for personal imperfection.

The Burden of Mission Expectations