Not sure if anyone has pointed this out on the other threads dealing with the Religious Affiliation Survey, but here's one thing I noticed. While the JWs were stuck at a lousy 37% retention rate, the Mormons are at 70%.
Last week, I mentioned the 37% figure to a Witness friend. He wasn't surprised...actually thought it would be lower. When I asked why, he said "because it's hard." I agreed with him, but I wish I had known the Mormon stats. Why? Well, being a Mormon is hard! In some ways, harder than being a Witness. For example, Mormon beliefs are even more bizarre than Witness beliefs (Talk about having your own Bible? Well, the Mormons have a sequel!) Also, Mormon morality rules are harder. They have the same premarital sex and smoking bans as Witnesses. And at least we Witnesses can drink alcohol and caffeine.
So, why do the Mormons have almost double the retention rate of Witnesses, even though they have (1) weirder beliefs, and (2) stricter morals?