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Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
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12/30/03
Phill V
B.C. Canada
I have found this show to be quite informative. I am a young man with no true faith, yet am in love with a mormon girl. This has caused me many problems and heartaches because a mormon is not allowed to date exclusively until they are 18, which I am but she is not.(please do not let my age convince you of any invalidity in what I say). I have had more chances to be an "anti" than I have a believer from experience with the LDS, yet even with this "bias" against the church I did not find the the movie to be enflaming the hate that could be in my heart. I found that the film showed both points of view well. I believe du Plessis did the best she could with what she had. I found that the interviews with the ex-members was a clever way in keeping the film unbiased, seeing as she had no missionary who dropped from the program. The only part that I have found disturbing from my experience with this film was in reading the various commentaries. Both sides of the "fight" had a few intriguing and thought provoking statements, but most simply used childish tactics like name calling and unrebuted, unjustified "facts" to prove the other side wrong. It matters not wether the believers started it with their claims of betrayal and unjust portrayal, or the non-believers did with their inside scoops about the inner workings of the LDS. What matters is that people are taking a film that should inspire them to try and understand one another, not like or love but simply understand, and are using it as a tool to create misunderstanding and hate for each other. This I find a great tragedy.
The church of JC and the LDS has caused me great pain, it has provoked a loss of faith in humanity. I have many reasons to hate them, but in the end why should I. I do not believe that they hate me.
What you believe in is your choice. I suggest making sure that your choice is the right choice for you, for the right reasons, rather than questioning anyone elses choices.
12/30/03
San Diego, CA
I have read many of your comments and it amazes me that anyone not of our faith just wants to criticize us! Of course we are aware that others do not believe in our faith, and yes, we respect your opinion. But the gospel of Jesus Christ is sacred and holy to us. Have you ever had anything in your life happen where it is so sacred and personal to you that you don't want to share it with the world? I feel, as a member of the church, that our temple is sacred, not EVERYTHING needs to be told. And its not like it's a SECRET!!! It is sacred and important to us. It is holy and should be kept that way. Why put negativity on such a thing. I mean on every religion!!!
About the missionaries. Yes, going on a mission is a wonderful thing. Now remember, not all people are perfect. People make mistakes and I think that our church is misportrayed when they see other members become inactive or anti-mormon. Just like this movie where there were three anti-mormon returned missionaries. I have known some of my own friends who have gone inactive after their mission. It wasn't the mission either that changed them. Many others I know have returned from their missions more mature and with a stronger testimony than before. Going on a mission isn't just to tell people about the gospel we love, it is also for the missionary. They become independent and gain their own testimony. Yes, it can be hard, but that is where their faith in Christ is established. Haven't you ever purchased something or learned something new that you want to share with all your friends? That is why we have missionaries. They want to share with you something they love.
I know that this church is true. I do not waiver from that belief. I just wish that others would understand that we are just the same as others. Yes, it is sad that we are portrayed in a negative way. I feel that this movie concentrated more on the "bad" things that happen to people. Of course, people only like to see the "bad" things in other religions, but have no care to see what great things we have to offer. And I say that for anything that is on television today. Everything focuses on the negative.
I hope that if you truly want to know about our church and the gospel, then you need to find out on your own.
12/30/03
Ms. du Plessis: If this is all you got out of your two years following these nice young men, you missed the boat! Have you read about these same young missionaries and how they felt about their missions AFTER they got home? That was conveniently left out of the script. None of the three young men were against their missions at all. They all allude to it being a difficult thing - yet also to its being the best thing they had ever done. As to the young man who was gay, he should have been truthful to begin with when he was interviewed. He would have saved himself and his family a lot of heartache. You gave no time to the many thousands who have come home and led productive lives and never regretted their experiences in the missionary field. I think you gave the LDS church a bum wrap, Nancy. I think you have a personal vendetta against the LDS church. What happened? Were you once LDS and got excommunicated for bad morals? If you were truly unbiased, as you claim your research to have been, then you wouldn't have been afraid to ask young men who have returned from their missions in honor.
You must have done some pretty careful editing, to come up with such a one sided point of view! Shame on you. That is not what good reporting is all about! You have a ways to go, in my opinion. I'm sorry I watched it, as are many friends - who are not even LDS!!
12/30/03
Annette
Edgewater Park, NJ
I have to say that I was really quite happy when I first turned on the television last night and saw something educational about our church on the television. Only getting a chance to see the last half of the documentary, I was a little dismayed to realize that it wasn't really telling anything educational about our church. I am torn at how I view the documentary. I am happy that someone took an interest in the young men and women that work so hard and give so much, but also saddened because of the fear that people might look down on who and what we are. I owe so much of who I am to those young men and women. I have always been a person of good values, but earthly ones. In my mind, it was ok to party and drink occassionally...it didn't affect anyone else...so it was ok. When they came into my life and shared the true gospel with me, I wanted to know the joy and happiness that they felt. I now know that feeling and although there are people out there that were born into it, where I am the majority are converts. We have to work hard to keep true to our values, mainly because it's not something that was ingrained on us since childhood and especially because of the other influences of the world.
With all of that said, I actually liked the documentary. It helps to show me a little more of the mental stresses that the missionaries go through and also what happens to them when they return home.
I was quite relieved to see that the information that was provided on this site under "the church" was also not bashing us. Although some of the comments on the website have been very biased, I don't feel as though PBS is actively bashing anyone. I appreciate the objective view.
12/30/03
Adam Bass
Salt Lake City, Utah
I thought, as one of the "church hating" former missionaries, former Mormons, or whatever title I've been given in these previous posts, that I'd speak briefly.
Nancy didn't try to solicit any particular angle when interviewing me. In addition, after having seen the film, I resent being described here as a church-hater. I only said what happened on my mission, not whether it was good or not. I don't regret my mission today, in fact, I treasure it.
I disagree, today, with many aspects of the religion, but that doesn't keep me from respecting the Church or its members.
I believe Nancy did a fine job. I think that the casual observer will see that there are many various outcomes of missions. I believe my outcome was a positive one.
I appreciate reading others input.
12/30/03
Karina Stanger
Phoenix, Arizona
I agree with the other comments regarding the lopsided interviewing of returned missionaries on the film. The theme that is "painted"(or "tainted" rather)in this film is that all former missionaries realize their foolishness as they "mature". This is not an accurate portrayal of how most returned missionaries feel. I have been home for over six years now, and as I mature and gain education, I become more converted to the teachings of Jesus Christ and how they bring me happiness by living them. The website interviews that I read reinforce how I feel and seem more comprehensive than the film was. Most of the disgruntled members seem less excited and happy with their lives as those that are still active. I wish that I could have been interviewed as a returned missionary. I loved being a missionary. In my heart, and hopefully my actions, I still am a missionary.
12/30/03
Scott G. Herd
Salt Lake City, UT
PBS played the willing fool with this piece, buying into the transparent lie of it being a "documentary." In actuality, the feature is little more than a shoddy container for apostate sentiments and re-hashed accusations toward the LDS Church.
The missionaries are portrayed as naive, uncertain, and propelled by pressure from parents, from peers, and from a "corporate and heartless" church. The apostate commentators, on the other hand, are cast as enlightened and mature with 20-20 hindsight.
The producer obviously sought out the most wounded former missionaries she could find and offered them an irresistible opportunity to vent. Their segments were rehearsed. The missionary footage, on the other hand, was spontaneous, unscripted, and then edited without context to meet her openly cynical objectives.
Can you say BIASED, boys and girls? Can you say JAUNDICED? That is why this kind of reporting is called yellow journalism. It is unfortunate that PBS does not hold its content to a higher standard of professionalism.
Drecky innuendo and nonsense are often the outcome when an arrogant unbeliever tries to expose the fallacies of the faithful. That is what we see here. Spiritual things were never meant to reveal themselves through intellectual dissection (not to imply that there is anything intellectual about this video).
I served in the Germany Dusseldorf Mission and my son is currently serving in Munich/Austria. Was either of us forced to go? No, it was a free choice. I would make it again.
Was the experience difficult? Yes, there is nothing easy about giving up two years of one's life to talk to skeptical people about spiritual things and to do it in a foreign language.
Can I relate to the assertion in the show that the Missionary Training Center is like a "boot camp" and that processes and procedures sometimes have a "corporate" feel? Absolutely, but does that make the church untrue? No. The task is still spiritual, and I can't think of any better way to prepare young men for the experience and to help them through it.
People are people, and even in the church, you will find egotistic souls who wish to believe that their position in the organizational hierarchy reflects a higher personal worth or a more-favored status. Is this doctrine? No, in fact it is quite contrary to church teachings. And did I chafe as a missionary at the reports I had to fill out? I despised them! But I understood their purpose.
The video showed the mission president apparently counseling exiting missionaries to go home and find a wife. I hope this was out of context like much of the other material. I would consider such advice stupid at best, and I would tell my son so. Those on the outside of the church looking in will often fail to differentiate between points of doctrine and points of opinion.
It is unfortunate that some young people go on missions because they feel pressured. Those doing the pressuring are irresponsible and misguided. Perhaps if this tacky production does anything, it will spark some realization within the church that missions can actually wound those who go for the wrong reasons.
12/30/03
Scott Reese
Spokane Valley, Washington
Once again PBS has produced a biased portrayal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as told through disgruntled ex-members who have lost their faith. What a shame the producers didn't include real footage from active missionaries with a real Mission President instead of the former member actors they used.
When contacts hear the message of the gospel borne by faithful missionaries obeying the rules of their mission, they join in a meaningful search for faith.
Unfortunately, the producers of this anemic piece had their story well scripted before they shot any film.
I am awaiting their developing attacks on Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Adventists, Islam and other religions.
The group that produced this inaccurate film has an ability to distort, so why stop?
12/30/03
Cindy
Pearl City, Hawaii
I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Italy. I am Hawaiian and chose to serve because of my own commitment to Christ. I am one of the thousands whose service brought me closer to the Savior. Spiritual darkness and confusion cannot diminish the light of my own experiences which render me still faithful to the Savior.
12/30/03
Martha Singer
Manti Utah
I have to point out to the poster who said that "the noble work of these young missionaries - to make good men throughout the world better - that this is a motto the Mormons took from Masonry. Check out a number of Masonic websites and you will see that is their motto. It's not suprising in that the early Mormon leaders were Masons. Funny that the current Mormon leaders still like to mimic masonry today, even though they will not admit to their Masonic roots.
12/30/03
Alisha
IL
I am very disappointed in the way the filmmaker approached this film and the website dedicated to its showing. It would appear that no one cares about the lies and mis-leading facts that were presented in both. Good journalism seeks to find the truth and not allow personal attitudes to interfer. The filmmaker claimed to follow anthropological means, well I am an anthropologist and I can tell you that claim is absolutley offensive since she did not do that. An anthropologist NEVER puts personal values or attitudes into their work. Nor do they place judgements on the group they are studying. This is not the case with the film or the website.
Moreover, many mistruths about Mormonism has been represented which is very discouraging to see of an organization such as PBS which claims to educate the public. If that education is false, it is very harmful, especially to the millions of practicing faithful Mormons who constantly face persecution for the their beliefs because so many mistruths are regularly put forth to the general public.
Most missionaries that return have found their mission to be the most rewarding experience of their lives. ALL MEMBERS of the Church, men and women, children and adults, are encouraged to share the Gospel, that Christ lives and loves us with others. This message is very dear to our hearts and has blessed our lives. We do not share it because we are seeking to have more members in our Church, we share it because we have been blessed by the knowledge of God's love and we want to share that blessing with others. It is love for people that motivates us to do missionary work, not obligation.
We are all encouraged to seek out an education and enlighten our minds. We believe that the only thing we take with us when we die is the knowledge we have obtained in this life. Because of that, we are constantly seeking to learn and grow in our knowledge of all things.
Women are not secondary citizens as this filmmaker would represent. In fact, Mormon women were becoming doctors, seeking higher education, playing a major part in politics before the Amendment to the Constitution came. If some sister was ex-communicated, it was not because of her political stance. Only serious moral sins would lead to an excommunication, and feeling women should have the right to vote is not one of those. In fact, Utah was one of the very first States to give women the right to vote!
I am very shocked and hurt by this program and that it was in all actuality aired. It is a grave misrepresentation and is spite to all those who have faithfully served their missions and have returned grateful for the chance to serve. I will not go and list all the MANY falsehoods that were spread throughout this film and website. Many have been addressed by others. But in the future, if someone is going to make a film about a group of people and PBS is going to air it, it would be nice to know they would have the professional decency to make sure they are airing a true and accurate representation of a people.
The world does not need anymore encouragement in their prejudices!
12/30/03
Nathan Hope
I was excited to see this documentary was on while I was flipping through the channels. Once I saw the view point of the film maker, it made me relize that this wasn't going to be a realistic documentary. The film maker took the view point of the ex-missionaries and twisted into what the other missionaries were doing. If the film maker wanted to rip down the Church, it should have made the whole film negative. You can't do that because you have to put in a little truth to get people sucked in so you can portray the negative agenda. All literature against the Church uses this tactic.
I served a mission in Florida. It was hot, humid, and down right difficult at times. I wouldn't change a thing. Just like in life, 90% of it is dull and routine, but the 10% that is exciting, makes it worth while. The mission I served taught me valuable skills to help me become a successful and serving person in my community. I learned tolerange for others and their beliefs. One of my better friends, since moving to the Boise area, is not a member of the Church. Would I like him to "join" the Church? Yes, for his benifit not mine....
There are thousands of books, literature, websites,and movies against the church. If someone desires a tanted view against the church, there is plenty out there to read. If you want to know what the Church believes read the Book of Mormon, ask a member, or contact the missionaries.
12/30/03
Russell McNeal
Riverton, Utah
My experience as a Mormon missionary was somewhat different than the film.
Although I was raised in the LDS faith, my decision to go followed a personal conversion while attending the University of Utah. My siblings were shocked, but my mom later said she always knew I would serve a mission. I was the only member of my family to go and complete a full-time mission.
I have never heard of the ritual of gathering the family for the opening of the letter. But, it sounds like a good idea.
We did see uplifting movies, rated G, even in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo. (Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, Fiddler on the Roof, It's a Wonderful Life)
The discussions memorized in the MTC were only to assist in my intense Spanish language classes and to give me the basic fundamentals of the Gospel. I was to personally challenge any questions I had from the discussions during personal study and prayer time, which I was given daily occasion. I was then asked to only teach "by the Spirit" which implies to only teach what you know to be true and to bear testimony of it.
I was never asked to teach something I did not believe in.
The daily schedule in Argentina was not at all the same as the one in your website. We did not have refrigeration, so we joined with the local custom of daily shopping for your bread, milk, and meat. It was the best way to rub shoulders with the community and to live among them. We also had a mid-day siesta.
Every P-day included a physical and cultural activity. We did not knock on unexpected doors, preach from a street corner, or take surveys. We did meet with people in the street, mostly from curious investigators. We were privileged to have many referrals from the church members. We also, spoke in community forums and served in many humanitarian charities.
Stats and numbers were not a big deal. It did encourage us when we could look back and see the progress we were making. I had heard it was different in other missions. For that reason, I was curious to see the film.
My mission opened my eyes to the real lives of a people on the other side of the globe. No casual traveler could have received such in-sight. I learned the importance of not being part of a "tight-knit" community. The LDS faithful stretch out beyond their own comfort zone to talk to people around the world and in their own communities on lifeís most important issues. Serving a mission was the most liberating experience to me. I still use the Spanish language frequently in my community in Utah and in my job in international tourism marketing. My testimony has grown to build a strong personal faith.
I wish the film could have stayed the course with the story at hand and not tried to "tell the whole story" by injecting comments from ex-missionaries that did not serve with the missionaries in the report. Not exactly, apples to apples. I feel the film did not meet the filmmakerís expectations so she introduced characters that had no experience with the German LDS mission in this century to make comment. It was lop-sided and distasteful.
12/30/03
Sister T
Mesa Arizona
The film in itself was interesting, and most would have to agree. Wither you are LDS or not, it answers the question that most people have, "What do those young men in white shirts do all day?" With the filming of these missionaries in Germany, it was not done without the approval of the church in Salt Lake. And I am sure that the Church Leaders asked to view the film prior to it's release.
I have never served a mission, but I know the struggles that face these young men, both from their parents and the church itself. It take a young woman or man with strong convictions to take on the challenge of going on a mission and is not for the faint of heart. If you go on amission for someone other than yourself, you are only fooling yourself. It is the same as joining the church, if you join the church for someone else, then you will never really be converted and grasp the gospel in its true form. I had the church shoved at me all the time, and joined because of my mother (I was 13 then) and it was the right thing to do, but now that I am 40, I know that the gospel it true. The people in it may have ulterior motives, but I did not stay in the church for them, I stayed because I knew the Gospel was true.
The Church has always been open to the views of others and we are all taught to respect others and their views. As longas I know that the gospel is true is all that matters in my life and I will always try to do good. I appreciate the film and all the positive and negative feelings it displayed, and applaud the missionaries who have gone out in the field by following their own desires and not those of others.
12/30/03
Rev. Robert D. Bruso
Fitchburg, MA
I thoroughly enjoyed the program and, although I have no way of knowing how fair and accurate Ms. DuPlessis was, I left with an overwhelming sense of admiration for the commitment of these young men. I didn't think the film was especially negative . Of course, some people expect everything produced about religion to be a PR film, but that isn't what independent films are about. For those who posted criticisms of the film as being unbalanced, I think your expectations are unrealistic. It was an excellent introduction to the LDS Church and the missionaries experience for a non-Mormon. You don't have to be a member of the LDS (I am a Catholic priest) to respect the level of self-sacrifice for a higher cause these young men accept. You don't have to agree with their faith to see how powerfully faith has impacted on their lives. I commend Ms. Plessis and everyone at PBS for offering such intelligent and thought-provoking viewing.
12/30/03
Ferron N Fruean
San Antonio Texas
So much for objectivity. This particular "documentary" had so much potential to present an even sided and balanced approach to its subject matter. Instead it was a shallow, one dimensional, unbalanced portrayal of the "filmmaker's" political and social beliefs masquerading as a documentary. Thoroughly disappointing.
12/30/03
Keith Vaught
Sunset, Utah
Kudos to the independent film maker who undertook this project. From a linguist's point of view, it is fascinating how young men with minimal language skills at the start of their experience can become so fluent within a short amount of time.
Part of what helps them achieve proficiency in German is their dedication to proselytizing for most of their waking hours. Their contact time in the language is maximized by the constant pressure to knock on doors and talk to people wherever they might be.
Sadly, they are restricted in the amount of listening they can do. Surrounded by such a rich culture, they must focus on their singular message without really getting to know the people in depth.
Keith S. Vaught
President
Utah Foreign Language Association
12/30/03
Bruce Ursenbach
Boise, Idaho
I understand the basic concept of what this filmmaker was trying to do, but do to lack of experience or knowledge it left a great deal of information out. I am a returned missionary. I served in Australia, Melbourne mission. I grew up in southern California and am very aware of what is in the world and the sentiments of some people towards our faith. If this filmmaker was trying to produce a non-bias film it was not a success, all that was shown was one of dredgery and sacrifice and an unpleasent experience. There was no way that they could of caught the feelings that co-inside with serving a mission or teaching the gospel to someone who is searching for it. Why did Nancy only use returned missionaries that had a bad experience, or that were dis-illusioned? Young men are and have always been encouraged to find out, for themselves, if this is something that they should do. If they went without doing this then they have only thrmselves to blame for there unpleasent experience. I knew I wanted to serve a mission and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Why did she choose this mission? Why did she choose this missionary?
In answer to the question of giving our life that is true. We are told to give our life or rather lose our life in service for others. Wouldn't it be great if other people caught the vision of giving of themselves to help one another. I think this film would have been much more successful if the filmmaker were to interview a wider variety of people. She picked people that had a bad experience. When has there been a "true" documentary that has been so one sided. I would say that next time a little more effort and a lot more homework should be used. Good luck in the future
12/30/03
McPherson, KS
It was obvious to me that the film was ant-Mormon as those return missionaries that were interviewed did not voice the opinion of the 99.9% of other return missionaries who viewed their mission as a sacred experience. I am puzzled as to why the film-maker choose the ones to interview- the answer is obvious in that the film maker desired to put an anti-Mormon slant on the film. It was obvious that most of those ex-missionaries who were interviewed left the Church- What about those others like myself who viewed the mission as wonderful experience and who to this day are faithful members of the Church- Why didn't the film maker interview these missionaries. What ever happened to fair journalism.
12/30/03
Margie Clark
Collegeville, PA
I was disappointed, although not surprised, to see the documentary "Get the Fire". It is unfortunate that the only statements from former missionaries were from those who were disgruntled and no longer active participants in the church. The vast majority of returned missionaries are happy to have served and continue to serve and participate in the church.
These voices should have been heard.
12/30/03
Larry McGee
Pacifica, CA
I am a returned missionary, having served in Germany in 1972-1974. I enjoyed the show more than I expected based on an earlier review, but am, like many other commentors, appalled that the only returned missionaries interviewed were those who had chosen to leave the church. After returning from my mission, I completed a PhD from Caltech and have a reasonably successful career as a scientist while still being active in the LDS chuch and grateful for my experience as a missionary. The faith that God lives, that Jesus died for us and that His resurrection is a spiritual and a physical reality is a great blessing in my life. There is a purpose to life and each of us must find our own way but God's hand is there for those willing to open up and explore. Those who use their study of science as a reason to reject the teachings of the LDS church have a shallow understanding of the church and a very limited understanding of science.
12/30/03
Ron Liston
Orem, Utah
If the author were really interested in understanding, and sharing her findings, about a mission experience, she should have interviewed an equal number of former missionaries who see the church in a positive light. I am also a former missionary, having served in Western Canada in 1966 through 1968. Since my mission I have continued to be active in the church, and have strived to follow the example of Christ written of in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. By doing so, I have experienced the joy in my life of which I testified to the people in Canada. I have a love for the Savior, my fellow man, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Contrary to the former missionaries quoted in the program, I don't see the church as a "corporation," and see the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as having a real "heart."
12/30/03
Ben Wilson
Colorado Springs
It is inappropriate for PBS to air a program like this as a "documentary." My issue is not whether the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a valid church or not - including the missionary program, but that a PBS documentary should present unbiased information.
This film presented interviews almost exclusively from former missionaries who had since turned against the church. The film maker's reasoning for this was, "...since I had observed the full-time missionaries for 26.5 months, I did not make the former missionaries' elaborations an equal part of the film." Presenting footage from months of observations is not the same as presenting a pro-church, pro-missionary summary of those observations, like you would get from an interview.
Footage of observations alone is unbiased & left to interpretation of the viewer. But the film maker interviewed almost exclusively those with "divergent viewpoints," and then placed clips from those interviews throughout the "documentary" in a way to portray the footage of the observed missionaries in a negative way. She presented a biased interpretation of the subject.
A film maker has the right to an opinion, and even to center a film around that opinion. But, it is very inappropriate for PBS to air a biased film as a documentary.
12/30/03
Lon Gibby
Spokane Washington
I'm a member of the LDS church and a former missionary. I also happen to be proffessional filmaker for the last 25 years.
The techniques used in your film were slick,arrogant,deceptive, full of manipulation and filled with gross inaccuracey's. This program is a poor example of a documentary, and absolutly does not represent accurately what an LDS mission is all about. As an award winning filmmaker and a former missionary, I can say without question that this film does not reflect the high production values and standards that PBS has set and is known by. It also does not portray accuartly the beliefs of our faith and what a mission is really like for the vast majority of missionaries who have served faithfully for over 150 years. Your film is disrespectful and is a great dishonor to the majority of those of us who have served. I question your real motives? Why did you really produce this film? What religion do you belong to that believes you can benifit by such attacks.? I'm disappointed that this one sided program was accepted and aired on PBS. Defamitory bigoted, attacks on any religious organization , produced by people who have there own personal religous agenda and should not be accepted by PBS. To attack a race of people, or a religion such as a Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Catholic, or Mormon certainly does not reflect the spirit of the Constition. An American public network should not be used to promote someones personal relgious opinions, prejudice, dislikes , bias cloaked as a documentary. The world needs more tolerance, love and respect, for everyones God given right to believe and worship in peace. Much of the misunderstanding in the world, wars and unrest relates to intolerence and loss of respect for peoples right to believe and worship as there concoius dictates. This program is full of half truths, and cleverly leaves out the overwhelming available facts and statistics. I respectfully request PBS to cancel any future airing of this program. PBS should also afford an LDS filmaker/returned missionary a fair opprotunity to present the real story to the same audience in the honest and positive way that the subject matter deserves.
Sincerly Yours
Lon Gibby
12/30/03
David A. Kane, IV
Kapolei, Hawaii
I think the film was good. Never will our church be perfect. The church is operating on earth by man. Man is imperfect. Therefore the church is not perfect. The gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect. Christ is perfect. Christ is alive today and is the head of his church. He has not returned to earth officially to lead his church. He has called a living Prophet to be his mouthpiece. President Gordon B. Hinckley is that very man. The church will continue to grow and improve. Christ will return to reign in all his glory. That's when the church will be perfect. The church is true. I have prayed to my Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit confirmed it's truth. Joseph Smith is a true prophet, called by God. Thank you PBS and Ms. Nancy du Plessis.
12/30/03
Ben Bennett
Lethbridge, Alberta, Cana
I find it extremely interesting that Nancy du Plessis wrote, "I made a film about young people who went through this experience and came to different conclusions."
I didn't notice many different conclusions expressed. From what I saw, she was selective about the former missionaries which she allowed to express their "conclusions". Where are the stories of former missionaries who are strong, active members in the church? What about those who went through this experience and came to the "conclusions" that this gospel was undeniably true, has blessed their lives forever, is more of a liberating force than a restrictive one? I also find it disappointing that many things were stated either in narration or by those who obviously left the church, were false, misinterpreted, told out of context, or in other ways misleading as to the truth of what the doctrines and principles of this glorious church proclaim.
I understand if the filmmaker wants to show the negative "conclusions", but it falls upon her, in making a documentary (supposedly based on fact), the responsibility to show more accurately the representation of the positive "conclusions". With hudreds of thousands of former missionaries throughout the world, it is obviously impossible to show all views, but to skew your representation strictly to the negative, when the vast majority (from those I know, approximately 95-99%) of returned missionaries are extremely grateful for their experience, are solidly active members of the church and gospel in many or all aspects of their lives, and truly believe, with all their hearts, that the gospel they sacrificed two years of their lives to share with others is the true gospel of Jesus Christ whose precepts show us the way, the only way, to acheive true happiness in this life and in the eternities.
Nevertheless, I can't fault her too drastically, as this is not an easy thing to film about. Being a firm believer in the gospel that I spent two years proclaiming, I have developed enough faith to know that despite all attempts to undermine or belittle the truth of this gospel, it will go forth 'till it encircles the globe. The only one who can stop this work is God! No ill-made "documentary" will inhibit the truth from piercing through.
12/30/03
Laura Brooks
Bath, MI
I felt Nancy du Plessis gave a balance view of Mormon missions. If anything, she could have been harder on the LDS. If more people researched the history and policies of the Mormons, these missionaries would have an even harder time getting their feet in the door. Joseph Smith was well-known as a tall-tale spinner and con man before HE wrote the Book of Mormon for HIS own purposes. Please check out www.exmormon.org and the many other websites, books, and videos out there that have helped the rest of us understand the fallacies of the LDS Church.
12/30/03
Paul Farago
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
The film was too biased against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The filmmaker must have searched a long time to find a few ex-missionaries who have left the church and now have negative views of it.
I am a university educated mature 31 year old that can think independently and I believe that the church is true. I challenge everyone to listen to the missionaries lessons and then make a decision about what to believe.
Learn more at www.mormon.org
Sincerely,
Paul Farago
12/30/03
Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Thank you Nancy du Plessis for making an intriguing documentary that showed many facets of the Mormon missionary experience. It brought back many memories of my own Mormon missionary experience in South Korea (1980-82).
I was reminded of all the mindless door-knocking and street "tracting" that I did while I was there. I was also reminded of a few outstanding missionary companions that I had as well as some real jerks.
Most of all, I remember the kindness and graciousness of numerous Koreans that I met and the innumerable times that they were hospitable to me, a foreigner and visitor. I had the chance to experience a rich and vibrant language and culture that was different from my own, which has become an invaluable life experience.
I really appreciated your view that the Mormon Mission is a rite of passage. This sacrifice is motivated by many factors, including cultural and societal pressure.
It's a sacrifice that young Mormons make which results in a change in their status in the community. They become recognized as highly-valued possible mates when a Mormon is preparing for marriage. They are also valued and rewarded by the community for their faithfulness to Mormon Church teachings.
As well, through this rite of passage, young Mormons become more certain in the correctness of their own belief system. Some will continue to believe throughout their lives. Others (like myself) will have life experiences that makes one disbelieve the veracity of Mormon truth claims, and will eventually leave the Mormon church.
12/30/03
Patsy A. Hare
Milan, Michigan
I enjoyed the film "Get The Fire" but as a Mormon I also know that there were fallacies in the film. No, I am not indoctrinated by the Mormon Church. When I have a question I read, research, and pray for an answer. Which is not unique just to me. I am a former scientist who also reads a lot of Archeaology & science magazines, pamphlets, and books. Mormons are just people who are trying to do the right thing, such as going on Missions. After all, do not other faiths have missionaries who are doing what they believe? Do not other religions have tithing offerings and donations? This is not unique just to the Mormons.
The one thing that I do know is the Mormon Church teaches "Free Agency". We are each responsibile for the decisions we make. Not the Church! Not the Leaders! Not other missionaries! Just each one of us. The Church and its Leaders are there for direction and guidance just like in the Old and New Testaments. My Goodness, in fact, there were missionaries in both the Old and New Testaments who went through trials and tribulations. And even some lost their faith even with miracles occurring around them. Each one of us has to develop our own Faith in what we believe. So, the film showed four who didn't believe and came to their own conclusions. I believe them to be wrong and they believe they are right! So be it. Greatfully, the Church goes on as does its Missionaries.
12/30/03
Oak Park, IL
After seeing the documentary I have mexed feelings. I work at a company where I closely work with several Mormons. I have been to Salt Lake City and I have drawn some of my own conclusion through interaction with Mormons and watching the documentary.
It seems that there is quite a lot of duality in here. Missionaries are sent to grow yet the Church really wants them to reach the same conclusions and help get more members into the faith (obviously at 10% of your income, more members, more money).
There is no encouragment of free thinking which is a key to growth in any society. If you stifle free thinking how do you adjust to people of different faith or following without trying to "convert" them?
When I was in Salt Lake I was surprised about the lack of racial and cultural variety. For people who encourage missions to foreign countries there was a certain lack of internationalism that you get in other US cities.
If the Mormon church was really dedicated in helping people it would set up missions that help the poor and hungry, that build houses for homless (without the promise of commitment from the beneficiaries of these programs), etc...
It would selflesly help anybody who needs help, not impose the help upon the "lost".
This is what makes the church seem as a corporation. The fact that there was a Power Point showing the growing membership reminded me too much of corporate meetings where we show the growth in sales.
Mormon church has to decide what it wants to be first (I am sure the leaders already know that), and then present a true picture about itself rather than hiding behind falacies.
Thank you for your time.
12/30/03
Vauda L. Aisen
Rochester, NY
I had the opportunity to view this piece with two other returned missionaries. I question the filmmaker's "creativity". If she is going to show the experience, then show it for what it really is and don't show "set-ups" -- especially situations where the missionaries are made to look inconsiderate or foolish over and over again.
I also felt the program terribly slanted in a negative direction. There are a majority of us who have served full-time missions and had very rewarding experiences. None of us were represented among those ex-missionaries expressing their opinions in between the scenes of the German mission.
Ms. du Plessis could not make this film "about young people who went through this experience" without making it also about the Mormon Church. People unfamiliar with our doctrines and beliefs, would mistakenly think of a full-time mission as a "rite of passage." This is not so. I believe that Ms. du Plessis was not thoughtful enough about that facet of what she was doing.
As far as the question regarding proselytizing -- if the people coming to my door had the exciting news about the Book of Mormon and Christ's ministry to the people of Ancient America, and I had never heard of it, I would certainly want to hear of it. They did come; I did listen; and I suggest all take an opportunity to find out before they take this filmmakers'unintended slanted opinion.
12/30/03
John Spencer
Clavet, Saskatchewan
I have enjoyed reading the feedback from others who watched this presentation. I enjoyed the program almost as much.
I am a Mormon, but I didn't serve a mission. I have sent four sons to serve, though, one to Switzerland, one to France, one here in Canada and the last to Iowa. What impressed me most about the mission experiences that they had was the growth in each of these men. There is a refining process that can only happen in the heat and pressure of difficult things. Your documentary did show how hard these experiences are. Frankly, it is often even harder than you show, but one can only film what you see in front of you.
I loved seeing how tough these young people are and how hard they work to stay true to what they committed to do.
We send out roughly 30,000 missionaries a year. We do see some leave active membership. I submit to you that many of those who leave are those who went for the wrong reasons, such as family pressure or the "culture" of the Church. The truth is we don't lose that many - I can count on the fingers of one hand the number in my own Stake who have made this choice upon coming home over the last five or ten years.
I must confess that I found it irritating to see my beliefs denegrated by your panel of former missionaries. However, they are entitled to feel and express as they chose. I wish that you had taken the time to interview some other RM's who have made different choices on their return home.
I am grateful that you put this on the air. Whether Ms. Du Plessis knew it or not, she has furthered the missionary program of the Church by making the film, as all publicity is good in its own way.
Some of your feedback about the validity of the Church's beliefs is intriguing. One of our articles of faith states that we claim the right to worship as we chose and accord all others the same right. Perhaps we can consider the production of something that we don't like much as a test of our commitment to that principle.
12/30/03
Deborah Collingridge
Ann Arbor, MI
I was invited by some friends to attend a church meeting in the spring of 1980 and I was impressed by the things I heard and the people I met. Subsequently, I asked to meet someone who could teach me more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My friends introduced me to the missionaries and I began taking the discussions.
The doctrine that I was taught by the missionaries affirmed my own personal religious ideologies. I was baptized and confirmed a member of the church in June of 1980.
I have been an active member of the church for the last 23 years. I remain commited to the people and things that are important to me. I exercise my faith freely and without guile and I would hope that others would do likewise.
I have a great appreciation for other religions...before my conversion, I studied Catholicism, Judaism, and other christian churches. My exploration with other religions was a significant experience for me and having an "open mind" allowed me to continue to search for som
ething that I would find fulfilling. I found that in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Currently, I have a son serving a mission in Alaska. Before he left for his mission, we had very frank discussions about the training required in the Missionary Training Center and the difficulty of the work in the mission field. My son independently made the decision to serve a mission and he was never coerced or forced to serve. In fact, his father (a life long member) and our oldest son chose not to serve a mission and were never abandoned by church members or church leadership.
My son is discovering that missionary work is both challenging and rewarding. He particularly enjoys the tangible opportunities he has to serve others. Currently, he is working two mornings each week tutoring math to middle school students who have little support from home.
From my experience as a member of the church, I cannot relate to the posts that suggest that church members have been "brain washed" or words to that effect. I have never been concerned about speaking out (with respect of course) when someone has said something with which I have disagreed. I have never felt concerned about sharing doubts, insecurities, or concerns in a Sunday School or a Relief Society meeting for that matter.
I would venture to say that members of the church are not perfect, but some of the most decent, hardworking and compassionate people ever. I have never personally met President Hinckley, but the messages that he has delivered over the pulpit serve to inspire and motivate rather than to demean or denigrate.
I find joy and satisfaction in (members of the church and non-members alike) my relationships. I support those members of my family and friends who are searching for meaning and truth. I respect the search and the choices that are made as a result. I would only hope that others would do the same for me.
12/30/03
Nadine
There was a case in New England a couple of years ago, where two young, clean-shaven boys pretended they were doing a survey. They were invited in the home of a nice professor and his wife, also at professor, both of Dartmouth.
Both professors are now dead; killed by these monsters masquerading as innocent men.
Life has changed since the mid-1800s, when visiting door-to-door was commonplace and a viable way to share information and be entertained.
I do not think these young Mormon missionaries have evil intentions, but I worry that door-to-door approaches are NOT the best way to meet people in the 21st century.
12/30/03
Kennewick, WA
Being a Catholic whos been dating a Mormon for almost two years, I always find it interesting to read into different things about my boyfriends faith. I like to stay open minded about what he beleives, although it differs from my own faith. I found this film to do the same. It gave a very unbiased insight into what a missionary goes through, while presenting some of the arguments against the Mormon churches efforts. There were no leading questions. There were no comments from the director as to her purpose in making the film. If anything, it created a deeper understanding of what actually goes on; whether it be good or bad. My opinion was not personally changed by the film, and I dont feel that the directors intent was to do so. Her point was to educate more people about who these people are. If anything, I think more highly of them than I had before.
12/30/03
Pat Jones
I'd like to comment on the film itself, rather than attacking someone's faith (as so many of the posts here seem to do). The film-maker, a self-proclaimed anthropologist, does her best work when she captures the three missionaries in their element (talking to people, having meetings, etc.). What I found odd was the interspersed segments of the embittered former members. The filmmaker claims this was done for balance...but to balance what? No qualitative researcher worth his/her salt would record the experiences of a group of individuals and then slap in some off-handed remarks from others who were not related to the circumstances that were being observed. She insists that this documentary is not about the Mormon Church but rather is "about young people who went through this experience and came to different conclusions." Unfortunately, there's no way for the audience to see whether the disgruntled men actually went through the experience, since there's no footage to evidence what they went through. I found it curious that the gay man had only been out three weeks when he was sent home; three weeks hardly qualifies someone to speak to a 2-year experience that the others had. One of the other embittered men slips in the fact that he met his wife during his missionary service, which seems very dissimilar to the others. It would appear the filmmaker went out of her way not to find negative viewpoints to balance the positive ones in the film as they pertained to missionary service, because almost all of them expressed that the mission experience was beneficial. No, the disgruntled men were there for one purpose alone - to take shots at the Mormon faith without any rebuttal.
12/30/03
Hyrum
Tucson, AZ
I was actually well pleased with this broadcasting. It was an accurate depiction of the Mormon Missionary experience. I was however very dissapointed that they did not depict what it was like after the missionary got home. Yes, they did intervierw a few that fell away from the church, but what about those that stayed?
Documentaries should not choose sides. They should give the facts. If someone left the church and has complaints, by all means, let them say it. But please interview both sides. That was kind of dissapointing.
The result of this film makes the viewer think about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all right, but they only saw the negative aspects. The returned missionaries interviewed (those who lef the church) made us look like slaves who are controlled by some giant corporation that we pay for ourselves.
Missionaries and members of the church already know all this. Gluttons for punishment? Perhaps. Jesus Christ had a similar mission. He left His family, occupation, and friends. He lived on the streets. He knocked on a lot of unwelcome doors. His mission was three years instead of two. He never got to go home. He was killed for his mission.
I am a returned missionary for the Mormon church. I loved my mission. It was difficult. It was tough. But it was more rewarding than anything else I have done in my life thusfar. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I applaude this for being broadcasted, but suggest that perhaps, next time any church is followed so closely, look at both sides. Interview those who are still in the church.
Thank you.
12/30/03
James
Salt Lake City, Utah
I think that this documentary was fairly interesting. I think that the format could have been presented in a little better way. I found myself thinking that every time I started understanding what the missionaries were doing, it was followed up by a negative comment from an x-missionary. I also felt that instead of showing any positive experience the missionaries had, I was shown boring times and tiring meetings etc.
It disturbed me that after one x-missionary said that the only people he had success with were military and isolated and then it cut to the missionaries asking for that soldier to commit. I was also bothered about the gay missionary. Why not just say that gays aren't allowed on missions. I don't care to hear how the mission liberated him.
It was interesting to me that the missionary life was narrated by disgrunteled missionaries and I thought that the comment that the LDS church had no heart was definately out of line. This was an opportunity lost. Now the LDS church probably won't allow this type filming to be done again.
I think it would have been better to have at least one returned missionary giving his perspective.
The whole reason I was a little disappointed is that most mormons will view this as anti-mormon and discount it entirely. If it were a little softer it might help some of them possibly examine their belief honestly and possibly realize their error.
I wish there were a way to get more mormon believers to examine their church history and teachings from the Journal of Discourses(transcripts of sermons given at conferences etc.) and other early information. It's ironic that the most powerful evidence against the church is their own teachings from the early prophets about blood atonement (Jesus not able to atone for all sins), polygamy (Joseph Smith will give you more wives if you ask and are worthy), and other topics that are very disturbing.
I hope that this production will help some people to see through the mormon facade and I also hope for new and better ones in the future.
12/30/03
Bob Carroll
Las Vegas
I grew up near Salt Lake City and lived 10 years in Germany so I naturally had an interest in this documentary.
Unfortunately, I am a bit disappointed in this project, not because it is, as claimed by some of the LDS fanatics here, to be anti-Mormon, but because it lacked real depth. It does not really show much real conversational interaction between the missionaries and those they are trying to convert.
Near Heidelberg, I used to see some of these guys riding their bicyles with white shirts and ties dangling. I felt amused and kind of sorry for the poor young bastards.
The German society, in general, prides itself on rationality so trying to pitch a rather quirky American religion is a tough sell.
"Faith", after all, is the opposite of "reason". Given Germany's recent history, there is a healthy skepticism among young Germans of all things authoritarian. Their experience with Hitler and the complicity of the Catholic Church with Nazi actions, make many of them wary of any sort of indoctrin
ation.
Another factor is German practicality. I still get a big chuckle out of my former German girlfriend's reaction when two nice Mormon missionaries came to her apartment for a talk.
They got a break because she spoke very fluent English and she was very cordial. They were going on for about ten minutes or so when they brought up the Mormon tithing requirement. She stopped the conversation and immediately blurted out "10%, are you f**king crazy". I fell on the floor laughing half embarrassed and half enjoying their shocked reactions.
After seeing this less-than-satisfying documentary, I did come away with one impression: that sending these young people on missions is probably a good thing - not for those they try to convert but for the missionaries themselves.
For those who come back more sure of their Mormon faith, it gives them more confidence and exposes them to something outside their narrow, provincial Utah experience.
For those who come back less convinced of the infallibility of
their Mormon faith, it has awakened their more critical faculties and allowed them to grow and transcend their prior beliefs, social pressures, and environment.
I really think it would be good idea if all Americans 18-24 were required to perform some service outside the USA. This could be either in the military or in some humanitarian fashion. It would be good for the USA become more part of the world community instead of the way it is today, where most Americans are very ignorant and apathetic toward the rest of the world.
In an age where international isolation seems to be the American trend, overseas service would be good for our country in many ways. Our young folks could essentially be ambassadors of good will, helping the citizens of other countries to relate to us and at same time enrich our own younger citizens through new perspectives and greater understanding of other cultures.
From my own experience living many years in Germany and other countries, I gained a much a much greater appreciation of both the bad AND the good things about our country.
12/30/03
Richard Wendt
Newark, New York
All I can say is that you presented a biased look at the missionaries in the field by ONLY talking to 4 returned missionaries who had broke with the church. While this indeed happens, the great majority stay in the church and have active and productive lives. I have been a member since 1978 and I was a hard sell, but I couldn't deny the truth when I saw it. I have talked to thousands of returned missionaries, my son being one of them, and they all said that going on a mission was the best thing that they ever did. They weren't trying to get me to go on a mission as I was married when I became a member. I can not believe that the author could not find returned missionaries who told of a positive experience. Therefore I conclude that she only looked for a negative protrayal that coincided with her previous thoughts on the matter.
12/30/03
Esteban Martorell
Los Angeles, CA
I am a long-term member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I too served a two-year mission for my Church. I served in Italy but the images I saw in the documentary were essentially the same that I recollect from my own mission. While I don't expect PBS to serve as a mouthpiece for my religion, I do generally expect its programming to adhere to high standards in terms of their content and presentation. For this reason, I was very surprised to see PBS air a "documentary" that was so one-sided and blatantly anti-Mormon to be little more than a hit-piece. The footage of the missionaries was edited down to brief snapshots which provided a very dismal and superficial image of the subjects, their beliefs and their religion in general. The missionaries spoke blandly about generalities, the ex-missionaries, instead, were given very provocative, in-depth interviews about a subject which obvioulsy generated very strong negative feelings. Throughout the whole documentary, the active missionaries remained dull apparitions while their anti-Mormon counterparts were given the opportunity to give life to their animosity in focused detail. du Plessis is right, she didn't make a documentary about the Mormon Church. She made a documenary about anti-mormons against a droll backdrop of meaningless images with no real context and nothing to connect them besides a broad theme. It is scarcely a documantary. It was clearly manipulated to provide some semblence of balance while driving home a very clear message: however committed Mormon missionaries may appear during their missions, they are either destined to become victims of their own brainwashing or bitter, disaffected former members. Simple, honest, enlightend faith simply does not exist. As I stated earlier, I do not expect PBS to promote my faith to the public, but what a poor choice of a documentary to bring our beliefs to light. I am very disappointed.
12/30/03
Douglas Albach
Culpeper, VA
Like many of those above I was disgusted by the biased nature of this so-called documentary. The makers of the film were granted extensive access to the families and activities of the missionaries. I am sure that assurances were given that the program would be fair and unbiased. These assurances were blatant LIES! Any program filmed under false pretenses does not warrant the characterization as a documentary. I am sure that the families involved and the church authorities who authorized access to the filmmakers feel that their trust was greatly abused.
I want to go on the record as one who served a mission (France 1965-68), grew in faith during my mission, and remain steadfastly committed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to its doctrines. I was never programmed to be a non-questioning "robot" and find that my lifelong study of the church and its doctrines has opened my mind and life. Why is it that activity in the LDS church increases with increased educational level, a trend contrary to that found in most religious groups?
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