Wanna explain the segment of the Frontline/American Experience PBS recently where they were talking about the typical LDS missionary 2-year experience? They basically said that just about every hour was "scheduled" out for them. [When you said "domineering, authoritative..." that part of that show is exactly what I thought of...]
“Wanna explain the segment of the Frontline/American Experience PBS recently where they were talking about the typical LDS missionary 2-year experience?”
What about it? Missionaries are there for a specific task. They are taught how to use their time wisely. I find it to be an excellent life skill to know how to plan out my day.
Why are you so concerned with the minute details of how we live our lives? Why is it your concern how I choose to schedule my time?
That is because those young men and young women are serving the Lord on missions. There has to be a structure in place and rules to live by. And yes, it is a very strict environment. I can even give you the generic schedule they follow and the rules. The missionaries are there to consecrate their lives to the Lord for 2 years and convert people to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would use the word while on a mission they are being subject to a lot of authority. But it also teaches discipline and gives them the opportunity to focus on missionary work. And not only are their days regulated, they are told what is appropriate to wear and what is not. And the colors that are appropriate for suits, ties, and socks for the yount men, and suitable attire for the women. Oh and then there is the music (can pretty much only listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). No TV and no Internet (I'm not sure about email nowadays.) They can't leave the mission boundaries (except with special permission.) The missionaries do have one day a week (a preparation day) where they do laundry, grocery shop, etc. Many of them will get together to play basketball or soccer or whatever.
And when they come home from their missions, there is an adjustment period because they don't have that companion around for 24 hours and their days aren't structured for them. Hopefully the principles and discipline they had for those 2 years will create habits that will carry them throughout their lives, to order their lives, and make correct decisions on what to do with their time and talents.