Why are Mormons huge nerds?

[pam]

You may not be gung-ho about Star Wars or anime, but I’m sure you’ve noticed that Mormons are a very nerdy group. We excel in writing and appreciating science fiction and fantasy in particular. Once you really look at the trend, it’s quite ridiculous. With authors like Orson Scott Card, Stephanie Meyer, Brandon Sanderson, Shannon Hale, and others it’s easy to see that Mormons are well represented in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Even on TV, we’re everywhere. From Battlestar Galactica (which was created by a Mormon) to a new show called “The Expanse” which features a Mormon spaceship called the Nauvoo. It seems whether we are the writers or not, Mormons are very connected to science fiction and fantasy. But why?

https://mormonhub.com/blog/buzz/entertainment/salvation-science-fiction/

 

 

[Guest]

He forgot the most important reason:  It's just plain cool, duh-uh.  It's like asking,"Why do Mormons like pizza as the refreshment when helping someone move?"  Because it's yummy, duh-uh.

[seashmore]

It probably has something to do with being encouraged to continue our learning. It's not uncommon for members to set a goal to read/study (scriptures) for fifteen minutes a day, when even some educated people don't read a single book for pleasure after graduation. 

[Guest MormonGator]

22 minutes ago, seashmore said:

It probably has something to do with being encouraged to continue our learning. It's not uncommon for members to set a goal to read/study (scriptures) for fifteen minutes a day, when even some educated people don't read a single book for pleasure after graduation. 

I know a few people who made it though college on the Wikipedia and Cliff Notes. 

[zil]

"Why are Mormons huge nerds?"

Because they insist on having deserts at every activity.

[Backroads]

Because we can't drink or do drugs, so we self-medicate with weird literature.

[Backroads]

In all seriousness, our theology is a bit wilder than the average Christian, so perhaps we are naturally suited for fantasy.

[prisonchaplain]

14 hours ago, Backroads said:

Because we can't drink or do drugs, so we self-medicate with weird literature.

See, us Evangelical/Fundamentalist/Pentecostal types, who embrace holiness codes (like the Law of Chastity and WoW) would never think of the drugs and booze. I just figured you were caffeine-deprived. Color me naïve.  :-)

[Jojo Bags]

On 8/14/2017 at 7:22 AM, pam said:

You may not be gung-ho about Star Wars or anime, but I’m sure you’ve noticed that Mormons are a very nerdy group. We excel in writing and appreciating science fiction and fantasy in particular. Once you really look at the trend, it’s quite ridiculous. With authors like Orson Scott Card, Stephanie Meyer, Brandon Sanderson, Shannon Hale, and others it’s easy to see that Mormons are well represented in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Even on TV, we’re everywhere. From Battlestar Galactica (which was created by a Mormon) to a new show called “The Expanse” which features a Mormon spaceship called the Nauvoo. It seems whether we are the writers or not, Mormons are very connected to science fiction and fantasy. But why?

https://mormonhub.com/blog/buzz/entertainment/salvation-science-fiction/

 

 

How in the world does any of this qualify someone for being a nerd?  I'm good at writing (not scifi), and while I do enjoy science fiction (none of the above authors), I do all sorts of non-nerdy things that are the complete opposite to these things.  Au contraire, I think the "nerdy" things make for a much more balanced, educated character.

[Guest]

50 minutes ago, Jojo Bags said:

How in the world does any of this qualify someone for being a nerd?  I'm good at writing (not scifi), and while I do enjoy science fiction (none of the above authors), I do all sorts of non-nerdy things that are the complete opposite to these things.  Au contraire, I think the "nerdy" things make for a much more balanced, educated character.

You have to take it in context.  He's specifically talking about sci-fi/fantasy geeks/nerds.

[Jojo Bags]

44 minutes ago, Carborendum said:

You have to take it in context.  He's specifically talking about sci-fi/fantasy geeks/nerds.

I love sci-fi and some fantasy.  That does not make me a nerd, just well rounded.  I also love techno-thrillers, westerns, war novels, history, etc.  Maybe it's just my idea of what would be a nerd.  I think of a nerd as a computer or math whiz with Coke bottom glasses, no common sense and the social skills of a serial killer.

Edited August 17, 2017 by Jojo Bags

[Guest]

12 minutes ago, Jojo Bags said:

I think of a nerd as a computer or math whiz with Coke bottom glasses, no common sense and the social skills of a serial killer.

You don't get out much... So... I guess that makes you a nerd??

Today's sci-fi geeks... uhmm... don't fit that mold.