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What are your thoughts concerning this film on the history and beliefs of Mormonism? Did it broaden your understanding of this very American religion?

 

In light of the several novelettes above I'll try to keep my post short.

This documentary drew me in from the beginning and was compelling until the credits rolled. It seemed well-balanced and researched, at least from the perspective of a 43-year old recovering Catholic of middle income living in American suburbia.

Sad that the only real conclusion I personally kept arriving at is that Mormonism is yet another attempt by man to find deeper meaning to life on this little blue planet beyond procreation. More specifically it's another stab at quelling our fear of death.

Sure, Joseph Smith borrowed text from ancients and made up stories to build credibility, but then that's nothing new in the history of theologies. Brainwashing, knowledge-suppression and misogyny have been the stuff of organized religions over the centuries too, which no surprise came to light here as well.

Amazing how fervently they organize and work. Like a colony of ants these LDS zealots are.

Thanks PBS for airing such a thought-provoker.

Mike Ivanitch
Raleigh, NC

 

A number of years ago 2 young men knocked on my door and I invited them in. I had no idea that this would be my first contact with LDS missionaries and my first copy of The Book of Morman. They would visit me fairly regularly, I would listen, ask questions, we would pray and I would typically give them some great homemade Italian food to heat up later at there place of residence. I am not sure where they are today but I would like to say I never forgot them even though I remained a Catholic. Several weeks ago in a new home and 20 years later there was a knock at my door....this time 2 young ladies were there and I invited them in. Since that time my husband and I have been to the Johnson Farm in Hiriam, Ohio, we have been to the visitor center and historic site in Kirtland, we have shared 2 meals with these missionaries, we are reading The Book of Morman, asking questions and listening and praying. All I can is the search is on. One of my husband's co-workers told us about Frontline today. We thought the program was very informative, fair and objective. It gave us more information for us to discuss with our missionaries at our next scheduled meeting time.

Esther Pla
Chagrin Falls, Ohio

 

I think it is unfortunate that you spoiled what could have been a rewarding and beautiful documentary of the Mormon Church to have so many ex-Mormon homosexuals and excommunicated apostates featured. You make the excuse of not having enough time (who controlled the time--you did) to tell the Mormon Story. You sure spent an inordinate amount of time to feature those members who do not represent the Church or even its critics even if you felt the need to treat polygamy. Too bad.

However, other parts I thought were well done and beautiful.

Duane Hansen
Apex, NC

 

Thank you for a wonderful program that provided history, opinion and current information. My family practices various religions including Catholic, Protestant, United and through marriage, Mormon. My parents always taught me that I could follow whatever religion (or none for that matter) that I wanted, but I had to be educated to make my choice.

When I was taught about the various religions in our family, it was taught with "warts and all". This is how I felt about the program that you presented. I am sure that most would agree that there are no religions out there that do not have their dark moments.

I have read responses from others that either hated or loved the program. They felt that it was accurate or inaccurate. I feel that some missed the point. This program made me think. It made me ask questions and made me wonder.

I believe that what people should take from this program is the ability to ask questions because that is where true learning comes from.

Kim Seki
Barrie, Ontario, Canada

 

I am a practicing Mormon. I enjoyed the film very much. I was impressed with the thoroughness, and the balance of the presentation. I commmend you.

Charles Martin
Lorton, VA

 

As an active LDS member, who converted at age 16 I would just like to say quickly that I agree with the Black Woman Mormon Christina Collinwood that this film was well done, all things considered. I can understand how some Mormons still feel vulnerable to forms of persecution and unfair treatment by the media and others which may skew the way they view this film. And perhaps some of their accusations hold merit, but as I watched with an open mind I didn't feel that Mormons were ever purposely portrayed negatively.

I much appreciate the programs on PBS and always view such programs with an open mind. I find it important that in watching such programs to be careful to develop opinions until I have carefully researched the topic at hand. Even then, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to learn more about the subject.

Thank you PBS for the program about The Mormons, and thank you for such a wonderful discussion board for people to talk about it. I think this is great.

David Colclasure
Seattle, WA

 

I was appalled by the portrayal of Mormons in this documentary as a people who consider themselves above the law, wildly zealous and unquestioningly obedient. I must say I have never felt so misrespresented. The program brought more controversy into the subject than it quelled, and I was extremely disappointed that the comments of the church leaders were so limited. I felt the documentary to be offensive and one-sided. I do not recommend it to anyone wishing to know more about Mormonism. Get to know a Mormon if you want to know about Mormonism.

Renee Mota
Portland, TX

 

It seems obvious that this cult, mascarading as a religion, is made up of the decendants of unindicted criminal murderers. It is also clear that this murderous, unrepentant faith should have come to a complete end in the courts of the United States of America.

I find the excuse that the current practice of close knit family and ommunity should somehow wash away the sins of such barbaric behavior in the Mountin Meadows Masacre, arrogantly rediculous. The excuse that the Biblical Abraham is an example of being Godlike. Certainly, no enlightened Human could never look up to the likes of a Biblical figure who,by the writing, was nothingbut a crazed, senile, spousal abuser and fornicator. Not to mention attempted murderer who, in today's world, would have been shot dead holding his knife by law authorities and his tramatised son would be in therapy for years from the event.

Until this quasi-religion admits its responsibility for suchcriminl behavior, sells off the aasets of the LDS Empire and makes reparations to the murdered decendants, declares the Church Fathers responsible and tries them in absentia for murder, I for one, will never have any respect for this Cult mascarading as religion! Touting their belief as wholesome and the example of family life, is hipocritical and should not be allowed to exist.

Richard Vaughan
Twin Falls, Idaho

 

My husband and I finally had the opportunity to view at least parts of your documentary on the Mormons tonight, and we were very disappointed. The way ideas and opinions were slanted was so obvious to me, as a practicing Mormon, that I felt like the rest of the world was being cheated of the chance to form their own opinions. There were certain parts during which I found myself thinking, "If I didn't know anything about the church and learned about it from this, I don't think I'd want to join it!" However, with my years of experience as a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nothing could be further from the truth. Every joy, every blessing, every particle of hope I've experienced in my life has come from my membership in this church, and I'm a member of my own accord, as a result of my own research, pondering, and praying. While your documentary focused so much on the negative, our church is a religion of joy, hope, and happiness. It brings peace to people's lives, and its members desire to share that with the world. What can be so negative about that?

Amber Brunjes
Cedar City, UT

 

For some reason or other, I have almost always had close friends that are LDS. So my experience with members of the LDS chruch has been constant, but at a low level. Since I was in Junior High, to my college roommate to my close friend who is in her 30's, as am I. I watched the program with her teenage daughter, who has been raised in the LDS church.

She was astounded at the information about the Meadows Massacre and plural marriages. She had a hard time understanding that polygamy was connected with the Mormon belief at all or that people today may think that the LDS church practices this. This lack of information could mean a couple of things. Like maybe she has no knowledge of her church's history because that this information is so repressed in the culture of the church OR that the community of the LDS church has moved beyond this history and doesn't want to keep stiring it up.

Of course, she only 17 years old, but has been an extremely active member of her church. (I was raised Episcopalian and we were taught a lot of church history as we grew up. Even the Henry VIII-kind of warts. lol)

I just thought it was very interesting that she didn't know a lot of the basic info presented in the film. I had heard a lot of the history portions before, particulary in relation to Native Americans (I am one, as is my friend and her daughter). But I was struck by the conscious effort by the film makers to keep a balance.

I can see why some may think that the documentary focused on some more sensational events/pratices, rather than the day-to-day events. However, the majority of viewers (non-LDS) have probably only heard of the sensational aspects and the film gave logical responses to reasons and trends that may have explained them. I appreciated the balanced presentation of a controversial topic. Thank you

Lawrence, KS

 

I have just read some of the comments by other viewers of your show. I'm a bit surprised any member of the Mormon church would have reason to complain about the coverage because it was so obviously designed by them and for them to make their faith look good. This was not unbiased journalism. The people you interviewed and listed as "author" or "historian" were simply Mormons puffing their own religion.Your web site can not even state in black and white why Christians do not believe Mormons are Christians. In no place do you use any well-known Chritian theologians to explain the difference. Your poor journalism is only helping to continue the mystery that surrounds this religion and allows them to draw in unsuspecting persons.

Duane Dale
Topeka, Ks

 

Viewing this documentary was a positive experience for me. The family is of great significance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While writing about this topic, one person on this site commented, "I hope and pray that revelation will continue to come and that doctrine can be established soon to give hope to homosexual, single, and divorced children of God, because they are part of our human family too and will be saved." As a well-informed, divorced member of the Church, I can tell you that we teach that God loves all of His children. The doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims that every human being is a child of God. Those who do their absolute best to follow God in this life will be saved in the next - regardless of earthly marital status.

Thank you for the time and effort you spent on a well-made program. Thank you also for providing a link on this site to the official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which provides an accurate description of our core beliefs.

Caitlyn Tetmeyer
Indianapolis, IN

 

I have watched a little over half of this series and really thought it was wonderful. I think it presented a balanced view of the Mormon faith and of their incredible accomplishments.

As an agnostic, I have tremendous respect for the Church of Latter Day Saints and for the way Latter Day Saints live their lives. I plan to show this to my AP US History class as an example of a reform movement that survived the Civil War and thrived while most of these movements, unique and wonderful as they were, faded away.

I don't think Mormons should be disappointed in this film. I think they should be proud. To put the polygamy issue and Mountain Meadows in some perspective, I would expect future filmakers to spend considerable time on the priest abuse scandal in the Catholic Church and not shy away from it. It is just being intellectually honest.

I thought Frontline did a great job handling the complex issue of polygamy and while current members may disdain polygamists as "not even part of the church," they must remember that they were once very much a part of the faith and many still believe they are. Polygamy in my mind does not put the current church in a bad light.

Barbara Stam
Long Beach, CA

 

As a convert of over forty years to Mormonism, I thoroughly enjoyed this great effort by Helen Whitney. My protestant upbringing has allowed me to view "The Mormons" production from both sides of the fence. I intend to read some of Ms. Whitney's works. "This Frontline special was as balanced as it could be in the brief four hour time frame allowed. Viewers need to understand that the theology of Mormonism is dynamic, fluid and always moving forward. It is an exciting journey.

ALVIN KORITZ
Sandy, Utah

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the program. It was historically informative. I cannot say that I believe or disbelieve however it helps with tolerance of all people to understand them a little more. It might be of assistance to some to say "we do not need to practice any specific "organized" religion to be able to speak with God". My belief (a baptized, non-practicing Catholic) is that He is within each of us and hears each of us. We can talk to him through prayer, or plain language - with praise, intercession, etc and follow those Ten Commandments given to us all - Thanks to PBS and to the producers and directors of the program.

jane westlake
FT MYERS, FL