Supercut: When They Say It’s a High-Demand Religion

Key Concepts

High-demand religion, personal connection, scripture, discipleship, LDS church, societal organization, self-improvement, dietary restrictions, tithing, high-yield religion, atheism, nihilism, consumerism, addiction, code of ethics, blessings.

Analysis of "High Demand Religion" Claim

The video dissects the concept of "high demand religion," particularly in the context of an individual leaving such a religion and claiming it prevented personal connection. The speakers challenge the notion that following Jesus Christ's teachings, which require dedication and sacrifice, constitutes a negative "high demand." They argue that discipleship inherently involves prioritizing faith and commitment.

Key Points:

• The initial anecdote involves someone claiming a "high demand religion" prevented them from connecting with others.
• The speakers find this claim problematic, suggesting personal issues might be the root cause rather than the religion itself.
• They argue that Jesus Christ's teachings inherently demand a high level of commitment and sacrifice.
• The term "high demand religion" is viewed skeptically, with one speaker calling "BS" on the terminology.

Examples:

• The example of someone avoiding beer with a neighbor due to religious restrictions is used to illustrate the perceived disconnect.
• The analogy of getting in shape is used to demonstrate that achieving any worthwhile goal requires dedication and effort, including dietary restrictions and regular exercise.

Reframing "High Demand" as Commitment and Yield

The discussion shifts to reframing "high demand" as a measure of commitment and potential yield. The speakers argue that the LDS church, like any successful organization, requires effort and adherence to certain principles. They equate religious practices like scripture reading and tithing to activities like going to the gym and paying for a membership.

Key Points:

• The LDS church's success is compared to success in any organized body, requiring effort and adherence to principles.
• Religious practices are likened to self-improvement activities, such as going to the gym and restricting caloric intake.
• Tithing is compared to gym memberships, suggesting a financial investment in personal and spiritual growth.
• The concept of "high yield" is introduced, arguing that the rewards of religious commitment outweigh the demands.

Examples:

• Reading scriptures is compared to listening to motivational content while exercising.
• The benefits of waiting until marriage are cited as examples of practical and spiritual advantages resulting from adherence to religious principles.

Critique of Alternative "High Demand" Systems

The speakers further argue that atheism, nihilism, and consumerism also represent "high demand" systems, often with negative consequences. They contend that these systems demand constant consumption, self-doubt, and vanity, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction and destruction.

Key Points:

• Atheism, nihilism, and consumerism are presented as alternative "high demand" systems.
• Consumerism and vanity are described as "dragons" that constantly demand more and are never satisfied.
• The American War Machine and the American Marketing machine are cited as examples of powerful, demanding forces.

Examples:

• Addiction is used as an example of a "high demand" system that can consume a person's life.
• The speaker mocks the idea of bragging about being in a "low demand" military branch, highlighting the value of commitment and sacrifice.

Conclusion: Effort and Reward

The video concludes by emphasizing the principle that one gets out of life what one puts in. The speakers assert that the LDS church offers a code of ethics that individuals can choose to follow to varying degrees, with corresponding blessings. They reject the notion of a universally "high demand" religion, arguing that individual effort and commitment determine the level of reward.

Key Points:

• The principle of "you get out what you put in" is emphasized.
• The LDS church is presented as having a code of ethics that individuals can choose to follow.
• The level of blessings received is directly proportional to the effort and commitment invested.
• The speakers reject the idea of a universally "high demand" religion, emphasizing individual agency and choice.