The question of whether "more religions should require years-long missionary work" can only be answered by those other faiths.
In LDS theology, and we believe this to be Biblical, Heavenly Father has provided for all of His children to someday live again in His presence.
This means every person living today, or who has lived in the past, or who will live in the future, regardless of their color, religious tradition, culture or heritage, will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel, even after death. (1 Peter 4:6)
Therefore, LDS missionaries don't perform their service because those who miss the message are doomed, but because they believe this message will change the lives of believers today!
It is their hope that those who accept this message now will live happier lives, will have stronger families, will enjoy sweeter marriages and that even their physical and temporal lives will be enhanced by living a healthier life style and having the support of the structure of the church.
They realize they will be challenged in their young lives with a new language (in many cases), new cultures, learning how to handle their finances (the church pays for none of their expenses except their return fare for those who complete their service), doing their own cooking, sewing, mending, bicycle repair and much more.
The commitment is challenging.
The rewards are life-changing.
Jeremy Guthrie is just one of many examples of this small miracle.
TOM THORKELSON
Faith, like love and democracy, is only real if people have a real choice to participate or not. Forcing people to do missionary work is like reverting to the legalism of ages past. There have been times when governments or communities forced religious attendance, but all that does is foster resentment. Love requires that we have the choice to walk away.
