Program Reminder: Part 1 of "The Mormons" by FRONTLINE/American Experience is on MONDAY (tonight)..

[Up2Late]

Part 2 is on Tuesday, during Frontline's regular time slot.

Here's the link to the web site and video preview: <http://www.pbs.org/mormons/>

Please Note: I personally do NOT know enough about the Mormons to make any judgments about them, not that I would anyway, and I have not seen this show yet. I do know that FRONTLINE and American Experience usually produce excellent documentaries and usually treat their subjects extremely fairly, so I do not know if this is a good and fair program yet, but I suspect it will be.

Here is the PRESS RELEASE about the show:

<http://www.pbs.org/mormons/>
PRESS RELEASE

FRONTLINE and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Profile a Religion That Is One of the Great Neglected American Narratives

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of America's fastest-growing religions and, relative to its size, one of the richest. Church membership, now at 12 million and growing, sweeps the globe. But from the moment of its founding in 1830, the church has been controversial. Within a month, it had 40 converts and almost as many enemies. In the early years, Mormons were hated, ridiculed, persecuted and feared. Yet, in the past several decades, the Mormon Church has transformed itself from a fringe sect into a thriving religion that embraces mainstream American values; its members include prominent and powerful politicians, university presidents and corporate leaders.

Mormons have always had a peculiar hold on the American imagination, but few know who the Mormons actually are, or who they claim to be, and their story is one of the great neglected American narratives.

This spring, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and FRONTLINE, two of PBS' most acclaimed series, join forces to present THE MORMONS, a new documentary series about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In two, two-hour episodes, filmmaker Helen Whitney ("John Paul II: The Millennial Pope" and "Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero") explores both the history and the current reality of the Mormon faith. Whitney gained unusual access to Mormon archives and church leaders as well as dissident exiles, historians and scholars both within and outside the faith. "Through this film, I hope to take the viewer inside one of the most compelling and misunderstood religions of our time," says Whitney. The two-part film airs Monday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS.

Devout Mormons believe that in 1827 in the town of Palmyra, New York, 21-year-old Joseph Smith dug up a set of golden tablets that contained the seeds of a new religion. According to Smith, he was guided to that spot by an angel who appeared to him in a vision. "The kind of revelation that Joseph describes is the scandal of Mormonism, in the same way that the resurrection of Christ is the scandal of Christianity," says Terryl Givens, the author of several books on Mormon history. But Smith's visions, which reportedly began when he was 14, are central to Mormons' faith. "We declare without equivocation that God the father and his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, appeared in person to the boy, Joseph Smith," says Gordon Hinckley, LDS president. "Our whole strength rests on the validity of that vision."

THE MORMONS begins Monday, April 30, 2007, with the turbulent early history of the Mormon faith, from Joseph Smith's astonishing visions and the creation of The Book of Mormon through the Mormons' contentious and sometimes violent confrontations with their neighbors and the founding and ultimate abandonment of three major religious communities a in Ohio, Missouri and Illinois. "The persecution of the Mormons was officially sanctioned by at least two different state governments," says Dallin Oaks, elder of the Mormon Church. Adds Truman Madsen, author and historian, "House burning, rapings, abuse, taking over land and possessions, all that was part of it, but it was also denunciation from every other level, from state houses to pulpits."

"Why would they be so hated?" asks Jon Butler, professor of religion at Yale. "It has to do with ... fear of unknown personal practices, polygamy, fear of unknown beliefs, the fear of power and hierarchy a did the Mormons really think for themselves or did Joseph Smith think for them?"

The cycle of violence climaxed in 1844 in Nauvoo, Illinois, when Smith was killed by an angry mob. Following Smith's death, Brigham Young led the faithful across the continent to the Great Salt Lake in what would become modern-day Utah, now the seat of the Mormon Church.

"Mormons have a very complex relationship with their own sense of persecution," says Sarah Barringer Gordon, historian. "It is unfair to say that they courted persecution. On the other hand, it is fair to say that it brought them exhilaration and conviction that what they were doing was the right thing because God's prophets have never been welcome in their own lands."

THE MORMONS continues on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, with a look at the contemporary realities of the Mormon Church. Whitney explores the massive missionary program, how the church has entered the mainstream of American culture, the intricacies of Mormon theology and ritual, and the excommunication of those who challenge church doctrine or who do not follow its teachings.

"Being gay in that culture is beyond hell ... I wanted to be cured so badly," says Trevor Southey, artist. "The family is the center of Mormonism a it is the sacred, potent unit. ... It is a great failure that family can only be the family almost by the Ozzie and Harriet definition, and anything outside that is not family at all."

"The only marriage sanctioned by God is of a man to a woman," says Marlin Jensen, official LDS historian. "In the case of a gay person, they really have no hope. ... And to live life without hope on such a core issue I think is a very difficult thing."

The Mormons' protection of their view of family life also became political. "The Equal Rights Amendment was threatening because it changed the role of women ... from a nurturing housewife staying at home, taking care of the children, to someone who could now make decisions for herself," says James Clayton, professor of political science. Author and feminist Gloria Steinem says Mormon involvement in the ERA issue of the 1970s was pivotal: "If the Mormons had supported the Amendment, it would have passed. They were enormously powerful in opposing it because there are certain key state legislatures which they control."

"On the one hand have this long tradition of encouraging knowledge and education, and yet at the same time there is a real anti-intellectual strain," says Margaret Toscano, one of many ex-Mormons whose questioning of the status of women was punished by excommunication. "To be a Mormon intellectual means that you are opening up yourself to being called into a church court." But Elder Dallin Oaks sees the church's position on these issues as the fulfillment of a sacred duty: "The scriptures speak of prophets as being watchmen on the tower with the responsibility to warn when an enemy approaches," he says in the film. "The watchmen on the tower are going to say intellectualism is a danger to the church ... and if people leave their faith behind and follow strictly where science leads them, that can be a pretty crooked path."

THE MORMONS traces the Latter-day Saints' transformation in recent decades from the status of outcasts to mainstream players in U.S. politics and culture and into a global religion with as many as 240,000 converts annually, thanks to the efforts of Mormon missionaries. Each year, 50,000 Mormon teenagers join "God's Army" and march across the planet from Latin America to Mongolia to Zimbabwe. "You go," says Bryan Horn, a returned missionary. "Dad went. Grandpa went. And Grandpa, who's a descendant of Wilfred Woodruff, who was taught by Joseph Smith, went on missions."

The mission can be dangerous; missionaries have been kidnapped, tortured and killed. This crucible can provide a profound spiritual strength to the missionaries for the rest of their lives. "That was the moment really when my hope and my tender belief turned into something really solid, which has been the foundation for the rest of my life," says Jensen. "So when people say, 'how was your mission?,' I say, 'it was everything.' Because I've never been the same since."

Underwriters: The Park Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, The Scotts Company, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Public Television Viewers and PBS. Co-producers: FRONTLINE and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (WGBH/Boston) and Helen Whitney Productions. FRONTLINE executive producer for special projects: Michael Sullivan. FRONTLINE executive producer: David Fanning. AMERICAN EXPERIENCE series producer: Sharon Grimberg. AMERICAN EXPERIENCE executive producer: Mark Samels. Producer/director: Helen Whitney. Writers: Helen Whitney and Jane Barnes. Editor: Ted Winterburn. Format: CC Stereo DVI Letterbox/HD where available.

copyright © 2007 wgbh educational foundation · all rights reserved <http://www.pbs.org/mormons/>

[Rosemary2205]

1. My personal take on the Mormons.

I spent 10 years amongst the Mormons, even got Temple Endowments. I joined on the basis of their lifestyle of frugality, honesty, family and service to the needy. I considered them just another version of Christian. Eventually I realized could not stay because I do not believe the claims about Joseph Smith AND more than anything, as a "passing for black" multiracial woman I was incredibly offended by the Mormon beliefs concerning blacks once I learned those. Something rarely talked about in the open.

Mormons believe that blacks have dark skin as a sign of sin. Mormons did not allow blacks to be baptized or for black men to hold any leadership position until the 1970's....and even then, that was partly due to intense pressure from outside the church.

At every juncture, the living prophet (currently Gordon B Hinkley) seems to conveniently get revelations from God just in the nick of time. For instance that polygamy was for the hereafter only right when the US gov't was getting ready to put an asswhoopin' on the Mormons if they kept it up. And that God revealed it was OK to start baptizing and ordaining blacks right when the lawsuits started getting a little expensive.

Another thing I found is that devotion to family is not quite what it was cracked up to be. Over time I realized nearly every single family I met was a blended family. Many of these people were juggling kids from 3 or more marriages (no not polygamy but multiple divorces) and I have to say wives were constantly on guard to stop husbands from getting to close to anyone that might potentially become the next wife. Single women (never married or divorced) were treated with great suspicion. I was single when I joined that church and never held any sort of even remotely important function within the church until after I was married. Suddenly the floodgates were open and "God" was calling me to hold very important functions within the church.

I have to say I did not find the Mormon lifestyle here in Georgia to be very good for the women in it. I am not sure if the church tended to attract women with mental problem or the lifestyle created the mental problems but probably 70% of the women I met in the church had what I considered to be serious mental health issues.

The one really plus I can say is they were, as a whole, extremely honest and forthright in their dealings. They also do have a genuine belief in helping the needy - though they do tend to stick with their own first and foremost. The beliefs they have in baptizing everyone, living or dead, is genuine and sincere. Excepting a few paid staff to keep the Temples clean and maintained all of that geneological work is done by volunteers who do genuinely feel honored to be able to do it.

This is a long post. Likely most won't read it. But for those interested, this is my personal take on the Mormons.

And thanks to the OP for the heads up on the Frontline special.

[murielm99]

2. This was a good post,

and I read it.

Thank you.

[trotsky]

3. Thank you for your perspective.

It's always interesting to hear from someone who was part of the group.

[FreeState]

4. Lots of miss information here

I am a former Missionary and very less active member (I have not been in years and do not believe in 99% of the doctrine). That being said there is a lot of misinformation in your post.

Mormons believe that blacks have dark skin as a sign of sin. Mormons did not allow blacks to be baptized or for black men to hold any leadership position until the 1970's....and even then, that was partly due to intense pressure from outside the church.

Wrong. The church taught that Black people are the descendants of Cain, who was cursed with dark skin for his sins. Some members have speculated that those who are black are black because they could not make up their minds in the pre-exsistance who to follow between Jesus or Lucifer (please note that is not a sin nor doctorine). Blacks have always been able to be baptized. In 1978 Black men were given the Priesthood. (see: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/od/2)

At every juncture, the living prophet (currently Gordon B Hinkley) seems to conveniently get revelations from God just in the nick of time. For instance that polygamy was for the hereafter only right when the US gov't was getting ready to put an asswhoopin' on the Mormons if they kept it up. And that God revealed it was OK to start baptizing and ordaining blacks right when the lawsuits started getting a little expensive.

This is common for most churches - however you still have your facts wrong - Blacks have always been able to be baptized - its the priesthood only that was given in 1978 (see link above to official church scripture). Also when the church stopped practicing polygamy (at least in the open) the US government had already taken all the church property and installed their own Governor for the state that was not LDS. They already had their asses whooped.

Another thing I found is that devotion to family is not quite what it was cracked up to be. Over time I realized nearly every single family I met was a blended family. Many of these people were juggling kids from 3 or more marriages (no not polygamy but multiple divorces) and I have to say wives were constantly on guard to stop husbands from getting to close to anyone that might potentially become the next wife. Single women (never married or divorced) were treated with great suspicion. I was single when I joined that church and never held any sort of even remotely important function within the church until after I was married. Suddenly the floodgates were open and "God" was calling me to hold very important functions within the church.

Were you in a married Ward or Singles ward (congregation)? I have 5 single sisters who are Active LDS and would disagree with all you stated above. That may well be your personal experience, however its your experience not church doctrine or how the church is supposed to be run. Sometimes we non-believers are to quick to blame the whole church for the actions of a few in our previous ward(s) and stake(s).

I have to say I did not find the Mormon lifestyle here in Georgia to be very good for the women in it. I am not sure if the church tended to attract women with mental problem or the lifestyle created the mental problems but probably 70% of the women I met in the church had what I considered to be serious mental health issues.

Wow, this is just amazing conjecture that reaks of religious bigotry. 70% have mental problems? Get real. Im speechless.

[Rosemary2205]

5. Snicker

Yes, your experience is everyone's experience and therefore my experience is invalid. (sarcasm) Hey, if negating my experience makes you feel better more power to you.

[poverlay]

11. I've had many similar experiences with the Mormon church and have had multiple

persons here at DU try and attack me the way you just were. Any time you try to so much as suggest that Mormonism(Or most other religions) might not be completely perfect, peachy, altogether dandy, and most likely the cure for all the world's ills, they're going to jump you en masse. Try not to take it personally. They troll these boards looking for such posts. I've discovered that many people are extremely sensitive about their religion because they know deep down that it is a horrid, prejudiced, xenophobic, and inflexible system of institutionalized hatred and fear. If you look closely at their defenses they are full of some of the worst logic gaffes known to man, loads of apologia, and always, -always an unnecessary attack . They'll figure it out someday and regret their treatment of people like you. Until then: forget them and have a margarita: Happy Cinco De Drinko!

~Poverlay

[Evoman]

6. My question is: How the Hell is it the fastest growing church?

They make nutty claims, just like the rest of religion. Why would anybody think: Oh man, this Mormon thing sounds great.

I don't get it. Seriously, I feel like I'm living on the wrong planet.

[kwassa]

7. Should have watched the show ....

I only saw the last hour or so, and was sorry I missed the rest of it.

What is appealing to many about it is the strong sense of community and family Mormonism engenders. They exhibit strong, supportive family values, almost obsessively so, in a time when many families are fractured and there is not a sense of belonging in modern society. They are also known to help each other out financially.

What struck me about it was what the woman who was excommunicated said; essentially, that they tolerate absolutely no dissent from church doctrine, but are so very, very nice about it. There is no room for a woman to get out of old traditional gender roles, but are very supportive within the limitations of those roles. For some people, that is fine. I think it is particularly powerful with people who have a certain nostalgia for what they might see as better past times.

All Mormon boys are required to be a missionary, I believe, so the religion automatically sells itself. The Mormons also changed their direction and targeted minority communities for evangelism, too. My ex-girlfriend, who was black, found them appealing. I was pretty appalled.

[Evoman]

9. Shoulda, woulda

But I'm cramming for my thesis defense, so there is no TV for Evoman. There is no anything for Evoman except for work and the occasional visit to DU :(.

I don't know...maybe it just because I'm the kind of guy who loves change, and abhors tradition for the sake of tradition. I hate filling roles, and I hate authority and attempts to control me. So, I find it hard to understand those who do.

[Silent3]

8. It's my plan...

...once I get cheap interplanetary travel working, to claim Mars for scientifically-minded atheists and agnostics, and build a new society there. You'll be invited -- I just hope you don't mind roughing it for a while before the terraforming is complete.

I'll be ready as soon as my future self (the one who invents time travel) comes back to visit an earlier me and brings the advanced technology I need. I wish I knew what I was/am/will be waiting for -- just how old does my future self want me to be before he figures I'm "ready", dammit? :)

[Evoman]

10. Are you fucking kidding me..that would be my dream come true.

You don't know how many times I've thought of leaving this planet to religious, the superstitious, and the mediocre and going somewhere else. Not only that, but I would be a good candidate for your Mars team....I'm tough and I'm a pretty good scientist.