Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.

12/26/03
Debbie Smith
Pennsylvania

As a former member of the LDS church who converted at age 24 and left after almost 20 years, I applaud Nancy du Plessis for her balanced, objective view of the Mormon missionaries. When I joined I had no idea of half of the things that were taught in the church due to the "milk before the meat" approach that a female missionaries in the film talks about.

As an investigator, I was presented with the most acceptable, mainstream ideas (such as being reunited with loved ones when you die), but nothing was told to me about the bizarre, and often shocking history of the church not to mention the doctrine that's still in place that you don't find out about until you've already been baptized and it's too late to back out.

As a feminist it became more and more apparent to me that this was not a healthy environment for my daughters, with only the male members of the church able to hold positions of leadership. The more I discovered about the true history and theology of the Mormon church, the less I could in good conscious remain involved.

You will find that most Mormons will be dismayed with this film due to the fact that they don't like the church portrayed in anything less than a glowing light. However, the truth will out. One of the older return missionaries mentioned that now there are no more secrets due to the internet. I would encourage anyone being taught my missionaries to type in "Mormon" in Google and find out everything you can before making a decision. I sure wish the internet had been around when I was investigating the Mormon church.

12/26/03
Enoch Ipsen
Salt Lake City, UT

I quite enjoyed the documentary. Was it unbalanced? Not any more to one side than the other in my opinion. Of course, I am one of the godless, homosexual ex-mormon returned missionaries (Tahiti, late 70s).

To those who feel that it was unbalanced because they showed no returned missonaries who stayed in the church I would have to ask, Would you have considered it more balanced had they showed them AND the current missionaries struggling with their testimonies? Perhaps missionaries struggling with the self-loathing forced upon them because at 19-20 years old they actually masturbated? If you say you didn't for two years you're a liar.

Personally, even as an antagonistic ex-mormon I thought that the pro side of the film was quite positive and for those who choose to believe can find much good in it.

Of course, the flip side is also true and, in my experience, the negative aspects pointed out might make some people ask certan questions which the church doesn't want posed.

12/26/03
Cynthia
Phoenix, AZ

I'm not surprised by some of the reactions of members of the Mormon Church but as someone who is NOT a member, I found it to be an extremely interesting program. I have no interest in converting but this made me realize that behind the doctrine are young men (& women) who are putting themselves out there for what they believe.

The next time I encounter a missionary I will not abruptly shut the door and tell them I'm not interested...I will tell them I have my own belief system and then ask them if they would like something to drink/eat before they continue on their way...I now see them not as some 'faceless' religious group but rather young people facing a daunting task.

Yes, there was some negative input from former members but this was balanced by the positive input from the missionaries. I thought the portrayal was balanced. And if the Mormon Church is as strong as the missionaries feel it is, it will not be bothered by those who do not believe and say so. The world is big and there are many wa ys to find God.

I thought it was not so much a film about the Mormon Church but rather a film about the experiences the missionaries encountered.

It made me change my perspective-and isn't this what a documentary should do?

12/26/03
James
New York, NY

I found this person's comments the most balanced and least reactionary: 12/23/03 Anonymous Former Mormon Missionary Phoenix, Arizona

People outside the church have complained that independent thought, or questioning of the church's doctrine, is strongly discouraged.

After I read the responses from those who are members of the church, I see how independent thought IS discouraged.

12/26/03
Judith Ericksen
Portland OR

If you want to see great and accurate movies about LDS missionaries, see Walt Disney's The Other Side of Heaven, or God's Army. Both portray the good and bad of missionary experiences and the life changes of both the young men and those they come in contact with. The film "Get the Fire" is neither accurate, complete, or entertaining. It wasted my time, was disappointing, and slanderous to a church and people who do much good worldwide. For the truth, visit lds.org

12/26/03
Sam Kitterman
Henderson Nevada

I joined the LDS Church at the age of 14, I having been the only member of my family to have done so. I wanted to serve a mission for the Church when I turned 19 and given my background, there was no family pressure for me to make that decision.

I was called to the Germany Munich Mission and served in that mission from 1974 to 1976. When I heard of this documentary and the fact it dealt with my mission I was thrilled for it would give me an opportunity to see places I haven't been able to revisit since I returned. It was even more exciting for me when the first assignment for one of the elders was Ulm, my first city as well.

The footage of the elders doing a street display, tracting door to door, meeting with members as well as attending missionary conferences brought back many many memories. That part of the documentary was on point and unbiased for it showed what missionaries deal with on a daily basis.

What I found not only disturbing but showing an evident bias on the part of the director was the interviews with returned missionaries who have left the church. If her intent was to show a rite of passage some youth experience, why were there no interviews with returned missionaries who are still active in the Church, who still have faith in the Church, and who found their missions to be experiences that could not replaced by anything else one could do at that young age. One can only assume the director/producer either didn't consider such a balancing to be necessary (if so, why not?) or had an agenda to depict the Church and its members as something far less than what I have come to value since I joined the Church in 1968.

I would be more than happy to participate in a follow-up, one where she would be willing to give "equal representation" of those who not only served but continue to serve as members in the LDS Church. Perhaps she (and the general public) might gain a more balanced insight into what it means not only to serve a mission for the LDS Church but what it means to be a Mormon.

12/26/03
Stefano T. Mollusk
Anchorage, AK

I get the distinct feeling that many of the posters that view "Get The Fire" as a critical expose of the church either were not watching the same program as the rest of us, suffer from a persecution complex, or will buy nothing but the LDS church's party line.

Many of the critical statements brought against the program are canned statements many members dish up when presented with material that presents the church and it's actions in a less than perfect light. Heck, some of the accusations levered against, and statements accredited to, the program aren't even presented in the film!

A previous poster stated that if the ex-LDS missionaries didn't enjoy their missions, then they should not have gone in the first place. This line of flawed thinking completely dismisses the fact that the ex-LDS missionaries stated that they went in with open hearts. They stated that it was the church's pressure for numbers, rallying for conformity, and less than honest approach to it's actions were responsible for their dissatisfaction in the church. This occured *during* and *after* their missions.

This is not all that uncommon, as any honest honest member will attest to young men coming home early for various reasons. Most of which are honorable (self respect and self-honesty spring to mind), yet frowned upon as personal flaws by leadership. The church itself stated that the filmmaker's would not be allowed to use footage of those that leave the mission field. This alone indicates that there may be a problem with retention.

Yet another made statements regarding "Outer Darkness", and how apostates are not bound for a plane of existence free of the grace of God. This denial of "Outer Darkness" directly contradicts the teachings of the church's founders and modern day prophets. The mouthpieces of God likened them to wolves preying on the flock. The leader in question asks what you do with a wolf. The answer is "you shoot a wolf".It doesn't get much more cut and dry than that.

In short, I saw it as a fairly balanced film. So did the active LDS members I watched it with.

50+ minutes of the film consisted of raw-footage of the church at work. The remaining time was comprised of accounts, which are rather tame by some critics' standards, of their missions. None of the ex-LDS testimonies were outlandish, and they all accepted their former life as a believer.

If you view this program as "anti" for presenting reality. If you view this program as "anti" for not presenting the church in the rose-colored light it demanded before pulling it's support from the production. If you view this program as "anti" simply because it's not presented by Deseret Inc with a GA's stamp of approval, then perhaps you should ask yourself the following question.

When reality works against the church, then where do you find your neutrality?

12/26/03
Bob McCain
Phoenix, Az

From a Democratic fair view point, this was a very poor depiction. As a producer, it is easy to craft content of a particular scene and then provide only a one view point. There was no counter point to the young missionary’s edited captioned scenes other than that of some negative guy’s points about the Mormons. This show should have been called "One Point" because there was not a reasonable counterpoint to the obvious sour grape opinion of the disgruntled Mormons. PBS should steer clear of all programs/producers that do not provide a fair (point/counterpoint) portrayal of issues and or real life stories. This is an extreme example of a video story manipulation and should be used in journalism classes to show of what not to do. Furthermore, this program’s manner illustration of this real life story does not seem to be anything close to the PBS mission statement. We trust you all to provide the public with better journalistic integrity.

12/26/03
Michale Hagman
Gridley, CA

I have read a great deal of the feedback. I am amazed at the controversy. Here is the bottom line. The film focused primarily on filming LDS missionaries. The film had narration and comments from the three missionaries and former (no longer living as LDS) missionaries.

But some of the feedback this film is getting is lame. Talk about agendas!!! One writer wants to put older members who are teaching these missionaries through treatment because they are ruining their opportunities to work over there. Some are now saying that the Mormon Church is a big lie, it is not growing, the birth rate has gone down, conversions are down. Some complain that LDS leaders are dogmatic. Mormon Inc.?? Come on, wake up!!! Who cares!!! If your religion is true live it. We are teaching our religion to others because we believe it is true. Who does it harm to if we convert someone to the LDS religion? Who gains by it? I am sure these are the same folks that would have gotten mad at the original Twelve Disciples for teaching amon g the Galatians, Phillipians, Romans, Greeks, etc.

LDS people are living their religion in a world generally oppossed to religion (no physical proof). Yet much good is accomplished. It is a living religion. We have commandments. Prophets provide recommendations and guidelines on how to live in this morally declining world. Reminding us of the covenants we have made to live clean, chaste and addiction free lives. But we can choose. We can obey commandments and live a life free of the deteriorating ills of society, or we can join it (moral degredation).

This film has a good basis. It needed to have return LDS Missionaries (which is by far a larger majority of missionaries). I think a better portrayal would have been stateside. A slant to Pro-American is devisive. Also, I think it was not a positive portrayal. But I do believe that it was a portrayal from what she felt missionaries are like. I believe much can be learned from this on both sides of the issue.

12/26/03
William James Harper
Los Angeles, California

I am not a Mormon but was interested in the program because the topic seemed unique. It wasn't too long before the typical, elitist left-wing bias of most PBS programs showed its ugly head. Why not just present an honest, straightforward film about young men and women doing the work of their church and let the viewer draw his own conclusions? Instead, the viewer is subjected to negative remarks from church dropouts whose motive for their hostility is never made clear. This program is another reason why I seldom watch PBS and certainly will never contribute a penny to their insufferable pledge drives. Oh, and by the way, the program had quite the opposite effect from what was probably on the agenda of the leftist who produced this "documentary". I drew religious inspiration from the young people of faith witnessing for their beliefs.

12/26/03
April
b-Idaho

This is a church like any other. with what they say or not. It's not a corporation or Mormon INC. So those who keep saying that need to stop. We don't make people pay and there are many people who are very happy in this religion. I'm sad that this show was so poorly done. So sad. sad. sad. This is the gospel i love, and those who don't believe in it then fine, but do you really have to speak out agianst it? Whats the point? This is such a Mormon Bashing SHOW. I can't believe that PBS would let this on.

I believe and know how i feel. I havn't been "brain-washed" and i know those who have been baptized..they KNOW what they are doing and how they feel!

My brother Clay served a mission in Washington. It was the bestthing he ever did and he would have been willing to share the great experiences and talk about how HAPPY he was to be doing it..unlike the ones on the SHOW.

It makes me laugh to watch this. My brother and i just look at the show and relize how dumb it was to watch it.

Its stupid becuase there was nothing really true in it, and the missionaries you picked to follow were BAd missionaries. They spoke slang, they had finaces, BAD! they didn't SEEm to be following the ruled they were suppost to go by.

I feel great in this religion and wouldn't give it up for the world. The missionaries know what they are doing and a lot of them are MORE than happy to be doing it...

12/26/03
W. West Allen
Las Vegas, Nevada

It is a missed opportunity indeed that in our days of global terrorism, war and strife both PBS and Nancy du Plessis would expend such time and public resources to a skeptical and unbalanced review of missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The unselfishness, sacrifice and charity displayed by these young men and women are qualities as rare as they are inspiring in our culture of self-aggrandizement.

The noble work of these young missionaries ˜ to make good men throughout the world better ˜ should be revered, not debased.

PBS and those of us who support public broadcasting would do well to give less support to those who seek the untoward due to pride or prejudice. We should, rather, give our support to those who by their good works and art encourage us to be better men and women.

12/26/03
Alan Bird
Moorpark, California

While the coverage of our beloved missionaries in this film was very real, there was absolutely NO coverage of the vast majority of returned missionaries who are and remain deeply commited to living the principles they learn on their mission. A small group of discontented returned missionaries received 100% of the attention of what life is like after a mission. The majority of those who return do so with honor, but their voices are silenced by the makers of this film. Too bad. A potentially good and accurate film becomes just another piece of junk of one who wants to grind their axe. Everything else this film maker does will have to be tempered by the fact that they will only be bringing forward the facts they want the viewer to see and hear.

Alan Bird Moorpark, California

12/26/03
Paul Merchant

Dear Independent Lens,

By creating an unrealistic, mostly one-sided attack on Mormon missionaries and people of the LDS faith, PBS and Nancy du Plessis broke the trust of many who helped in the production of Get the Fire. And judging from the comments I've heard from others and from my own reaction to the film, the filmmakers also broke the trust of a large portion of their audience.

My biggest concern with the film was that it portrayed the LDS church as an organization that only preys on the weak and vulnerable. This is untrue. The LDS church also "preys" on the powerful: US senators, state governors, a large number of CEOs and business leaders, intellectuals and scholars at top universities, and even filmmakers like myself. While the LDS faith certainly has a wonderful message for the "weak and the vulnerable," the majority of the members and return missionaries are not naïve simpletons who are somehow brainwashed by a cultish corporation. On the contrary, we are smart. The ward I attend includes about a dozen physicians and psychiatrists, several attorneys, a handful of engineers, and other leaders in my community. These people are, for the most part, life-long learners. They have access to anti-Mormon information on the Internet. They aren't afraid to read writings of early leaders of the LDS church. They enjoy intellectual discussions on a variety of topics. They are the type of people who watch and support PBS [or at least they used to, before PBS broke their trust].

As a filmmaker, I can appreciate the need to generate interest by portraying Mormon missionaries who are struggling or by sounding perspectives from people who have left the LDS faith. Even as a member of the LDS faith, I find these perspectives interesting. However, filmmakers are generally required to show some sensitivity and accuracy, especially when addressing issues of faith. In other words, a responsible filmmaker would have shown these negative points of view without distorting the truth and without coming across as having a bigoted, one-sided agenda. [But perhaps PBS no longer sees accuracy and sensitivity as necessary. Perhaps PBS will soon be broadcasting thinly veiled attacks on people who belong to the Catholic, Jewish, Baptist, or Evangelical faiths. Perhaps PBS no longer thinks it is necessary to act responsibly when addressing religious topics.]

Sincerely,

Paul Merchant

12/26/03

Nancy du Plessis,

I think your film is a propaganda to destroy the credibility of the existence of God. The Kingdom of God was establish to give hope and happiness to all that believe in him. And no hollow hands can stop it from progressing.

I was 25 years old when I serve my two year mission Is that consider a boy to you?

12/26/03
John Roberts
Highland, UT

Positive comment: More tastefully done than most anti-mormon material.

Negative comments: Careful editing, exclusive comments by biased ex-mormons, and an obvious anti-mormon agenda provide a predictable outcome. Predictably negative toward the LDS church. Nothing new here. Careful video inclusions of burping, yawning, dopey expressions, carefully selected/extended dull and awkward moments and bleak washed out film quality are not accidents. The film clearly fails when it comes to balancing positive and negative viewpoints. Sorry. I was deeply disappointed.

The negative comments of the ex-mormons, were never balanced with comments of devoted, knowledgeable return missionaries. One example: Andy McGuire - "the church is run like a corporation, there is no heart." (paraphrased). The church is an organization. Every church is an organization. Granted the LDS Church is extremely well organized. The big difference? Members are all a voluntary part of that organization right down to the primary teachers. Th e true heart of the church is within the sacred space of the individual member's heart - his/her relationship with Jesus Christ. If McGuire was missing this component, then it is clear why he has the opinion that he has, along with others if his ilk. Where were the balancing commentaries?

Conclusion: This movie is unfortunately biased. Go ahead and search the internet, there is a wealth of this type of material out there. You may, however, take the quantuum leap of ASKING A MEMBER.

Oh, and by the way, yes, young women are encouraged to go on missions.

12/26/03
Kim
Provo Ut

There is this perpetual need in the LDS church to defend what we may disagree with tooth and nail. This may be from our understanding that we are the only true church, but I think it is human nature with anyone who is invested in any group. Some of these people who are LDS seem upset with this documentary. This is needless when you think about what she was trying to do. What does a documentary do? A documentary tells what is happening but it may not necessarily explain things. You can document a missionaries experience wether good or bad but it is hard to truly explain the experience. It is weird, but in the mission field although you have other missionaries doing he exact thing you are doing the experience is so different. A mission is very subject. This is true with and religious experience. As a missionary wether you grew in faith or diminshed in it can anyone really explain what happened in your mission? Especially a one hour program. There is no point in being upset about the outcome of the documentary.

From where she was coming from I would say that she did a pretty good job. It did seem to be slanted to one side, but what would you expect from someone who has never experience something like that. Not to say anything bad of her. A person could argue on every point of doctrine and it would do no good. That is not the way that people come to believe. People will believe what they want. The hope is that something good will come out of what she was trying to do. Isn't that what faith is all about?

12/26/03
Stan Mueller
Phoenix AZ

Brilliant film.
As a non-believing, active member of the Mormon Cult and a Returned Missionary, let me say, Bravo! I felt this film was amazingly balanced and brutally honest. It showed the reality of missionary work, unglamorized. Documenting missionary work in Germany was brilliant and demonstrated the cold reception Mormonism receives these days amongst developed Western nations, and educated people who have easy access to the internet. Convincing peopel to join the Mormon Church/Cult was easy back before word got out via films like yours and the internet. As the trend towards more and more free flow of information continues and the media grows less and less sympathetic with Mormonism and internet becomes more and more ubiquitous, the effectiveness of church's 60,000 strong standing army of missionaries will decline rapidly, as your film has documented.

12/26/03
Elisabeth
Riverside, Ca

Interesting documentary. When I was 21 I joined the church in Germany but not enough pertinent info was available at that time or I never would have done so. What many good Mormons don't realize is that founder Joseph Smith planned to set up a theocracy in America and, had he lived, would have overthrown the U.S.government.

He was well on his way, giving himself the title of Lt.General ( the only other person in U.S. history to ever hold that rank before him was George Washington!) when he died in a prison shoot-out.

What disturbs me most,as a German - American, is the church's insistence on unquestioning loyalty and obedience from its members on pain of excommunication - this all sounds too familiar, follow the Fuehrer, follow the prophet. What an army they could mobilize at the drop of a hat.

The Mormon church could become very dangerous to our way of life should it ever become strong enough to put sufficient Mormons into key positions in government. WAKE UP AMERICA !!! This is NOT a benign church.

12/26/03
Bunny Andrews

I do not know why Nancy du Plessis did this film. She clearly started out to make it appear as though she was truly interested in what a missionaries life was like. But on the other hand she did her very best to add as much negative comments as she dare. No truly happy converts were interviewed. And there are many, especially in Germany. As in all religions, there are unhappy ex-members. Why puff up those negative ex-missionaries and make them seem right? There are many, thousands of returned missionaries that are often heard to say, "Those were the best two years of my life." I will never watch a du Plessis film again. She obviously has much prejudice. WISH I HAD NOT WATCHED IT! Bunny Andrews

12/24/03
Scott taylor
Chandler

If the Ex-Missionaries didn't want to go, then they had the choice not to. It's pretty sad that they don't have enough character not to go, if they didn't believe it, then don't go.

As for me the Mission experience was a very rewarding thing for myself and family. I found this film to be skewed, I can't believe PBS aired it.

12/24/03
Cheryl
OKC, OK

I am so sad to see such an awful show on PBS. Obviously the person who produced this trash doesn't understand or really know how it is to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had been a member when I was very young and was made to go to another church (Baptist) when my parents divorced. I can tell you that returning to my church after being inactive for 25 years has been the best decision I have ever made. I returned after 2 young missionaries tracted into our home one Sunday afternoon. They proceeded to teach my children about our church and about the gospel of Jesus Christ. My three children and my husband were then baptised and we have been active ever since. Two of my children went on missions which they describe as the "best times of their lives", one went to Brazil and the other to Missouri. Two of my children have been married in the Temple. I can tell you difference in my life when I have been active and when I have not. I can tell you the difference when my parents were practicing the beliefs and principals that are taught in our church, and when they weren't and divorced. We all have the opportunity to choose, free agency is one of the greatest gifts we have. Missionaries who serve have the option to serve or not. My children were not pushed in any way and chose on their own to go. I for one am very thankful for the missionaries who came to our door in July 1991 and will forever be grateful to them. I'm curious why this person who produced this show didn't interview former missionaries who had enjoyed their mission, or would that have been too close to the truth for her?

12/24/03
Claire C.
Coronado,CA

I am a German convert who joined 25 yrs ago and I applaud your balanced film. If anything,it was too low-key in exposing the high-pressure techniques missionaries are taught to rush vulnerable people into baptism. Often, new converts realize too late that this seemingly family-friendly church can be very detrimental to people's lives. Truth be told, I have NEVER seen a happy Mormon family as they are overloaded by the excessive demands of a corporation masquerading as a church. Moreover, anyone who seriously studies their claims realizes soon enough that what the church teaches cannot hold up under close scrutiny. The latest fact is that DNA studies directly disprove the claims of the Book of Mormon. Although the apologetic arm of the church likes to trot out a couple of scientists to give their spin on the DNA disaster, the fact is that no other reputable scientists in the world buy into the claims of the church. Thankfully, the fabled growth of the Mormon church is also a myth, since it has been stagnant

for years. People leave the church as fast as missionaries bring in new converts, add to that lowered birthrates and only 30% activity and the picture becomes much clearer. The only areas where the Mormon church grows any more are third world countries where under-educated people join without realizing what they're getting into and often because they are under the false assumption that the church will give them opportunities in America. We need MORE films which expose the Mormon church for the cult it realy is and the damage it does to unsuspecting victims who fall for it.

12/24/03
A Orullian

Wow. If Steve from Broomfield, CO's remarks about the church and temples were really true, than all other Christians and our military men and women are suicide cultists.

I've been to the temple and you don't promise to "take your life" every time you go. You do promise to sacrifice everything you have for the gospel or "cause," if God ever requires it. Sounds exactly like what Jesus required of his disciples. Also sounds like what we ask of our military.

12/24/03
Scott Taylor
Chandler, AZ

I was flipping channels and found this show to be interesting, because I am a very happy member of the LDS Church. I'm also a guy who sevred in the Seattle, WA Mission from 97-99.

I thought this show was very skewed, things were taking out of context. The producer/maker of the show found 4 guys who went on missions that were kind of disgrunted. For every 1 guy that had a bad experience, there are 1000 that will tell you how great it was, how it made them a better person.

You see I have studied religon, history, science and other people's opinions for years. I found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be the truth. I'm proud to be a Returned Missionary and a member of the church. The more I learn sectorially, the more it backs up what I found to be true in 1995, that the missionary program is inspired of God, that there are 60,000 Young Men and Women who are helping other people in the world. I help alot of people in Seattle, alot were baptised, some were not... thats ok, I meet alot of great people of every walk. It was awesome.

I thought your program was a documentry, the producers jaded opinions really kind of corrupted the neutral viewpoint that every program of this type should have.

I also understand how people who aren't familar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, might think we are a little weird. The Bible talks about how the people of God will be a peciular (spelling) people. I respect the maker of this films opinion, I definitely don't argee with it. I thought it was poorly done.

12/24/03
Mike Stanger
Las Vegas, Nevada

Independent, yes. Objective, no. To fill her one hour documentary, Ms. Du Pleiss has chosen to frame her subjects in the most cynical, negative way possible. Having served in Germany, I looked forward to seeing this film. I was sorely disappointed.

The narrators of this film are all disenchanted former missionaries. The film proceeds by having these disgruntled gentlemen make a negative comment about the church or the missionary program, followed by a vignette illustrating that negative point.

For example, at one point, a returned missionary remarks on how he was unable to find any Germans who wanted to convert. Instead, he asserts, converts are those who are vulnerable, with little time on their hands, often foreigners who don't have a family nearby and need a support system, including U.S. military personnel. The film then shows a missionary challenging a U.S. soldier to be baptized. The soldier accepts.

While the baptism of U.S. Servicemen is certainly not uncommon in the German missions, it is far from the only source of converts. Indeed, none of the conversions that took place as a result of my teaching were anything but native Germans.

Among the other lovely assertions/implications made during the film:

Missionaries are forced to go on missions.

Without having served a mission, you can't expect to date or get a job in Utah.

The church mandates that its membership wear a certain type of underwear.

The Mormons were intense supporters of the Nazi regime.

Those who don't strictly follow every rule in the missionary handbook risk death.

Families who send out missionaries must pay a monthly "assessment" to the church.

The church, and the mission program in particular, is completely obsessed with numbers.

Thinking people don't join the church.

Thinking people don't serve missions.

Women shouldn't serve missions because they should stay home, get married, and have kids.

The language skills of missionaries are absolutely lacking, especially in terms of gra mmar. (I guarantee that there were missionaries who spoke better German than were shown on this film. The more severe the grammar mistake, the more likely it was to show up on the screen.)

Mission presidents grill their Elders about sexual transgression.

Mission president grill their departing Elders about dating and marriage.

Most missionaries spend close to 50% of their time standing around in the Fussgaengerzone singing cheesy hymns rather than actually attempt to speak to people about the gospel.

I honestly don't think I could make a more subtley negative film about the whole experience than this one.