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The Mormons
May 2nd, 2007“I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting. But it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously.”
-Douglas Adams
Twenty years ago today, I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That’s right, the Mormons. At this time, I won’t go into any detail how that’s worked out for me.
I will point out though, that a couple of days ago, the American channel PBS aired a documentary titled “The Mormons” which offers at least a relatively fair look at the church, its inspiring history and many of its blemishes. If you’ve ever wondered what the Mormons are all about, this documentary is a good place to start.
I believe the author and producer, Helen Whitney, tries to come off as impartial—however, she did make the impression to one of her interviewees that she really didn’t want to hear any negative comments about the church, even if they are true. In an off camera pre-interview he asked her, “If you love the church so much, why don’t you join it?” She responded, “well maybe if I were younger”. It gives cause to wonder at her true impartiality.
Still the documentary will probably show you whatever you are looking to find, whether it’s support for the church or evidence that Joseph Smith was a con man who was so convincing that he even had himself fooled.
You can view it online in its entirety at pbs.org/mormons/.
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 am
I didn’t watch it either, but from what I heard, she had a single person interviewed who was still an active participant in the religion. Everyone else either had nothing to do personally with the religion or were anti/disenchanted. She had Tal Bachman on there for Pete’s sake.
I think you’re right about your assumption on her impartiality.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
I had stumbled upon your backmasking page a while back and followed that to your blog on a day when you had posted about your Mission experience in Utah. I remember being quite moved my your story.
Anyway when I saw that the PBS documentary was coming on, I remembered your story and made a point to watch, especially to see how PBS would balance the history and incorporate dissent.
What was perhaps most remarkable (and eerily familiar after reading your story) was the story of the father who had been trying for days to get in contact with his son (on a mission in Brasil, i believe) to tell him his mother had passed away. The son had to find out from a note on his door days later, saying “your mom has passed, please call home”.
I just can’t imagine having to live through anything like that.
July 12th, 2008 at 2:09 am
I saw the PBS show and it got me to asking questions. So I contacted my local Mormon church. Long story short, I just got baptised 2 weeks ago.