From Deseret News archives:

Reader responses regarding "The Mormons" PBS series

Published: Thursday, May 3, 2007 12:10 a.m. MDT
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I really enjoyed the 2nd segment. Quite touching and sensitive for the most part. The first segment on Monday night really got me riled. I didn't think the portrayal of Joseph Smith and the early history of the church was fairly represented. I was left with the impression Joseph Smith was a charlatan, a sexual deviant and a treasure hunter. I didn't think there was enough of the true side of Joseph Smith and the start of the church. Too much time was spent on the Mountain Meadow Massacre and polygamy. Why was Warren Jeffs represented so much? He has nothing to do with the church. I think that part would be confusing to people who don't know much about the church, especially polygamy in its past. I think if a documentary is written about the church, it should be done by a reputable member of the church, not an outsider looking in. — no name

I am a Chinese convert to the LDS church since 1974. I have watched the four long hours of the documentary on "The Mormons". To me the film was disturbing because most of the contents were misrepresented. Most of the comments were made by those who were former members of the church. It appeared the comments made by the church leaders were crafted and cut to fit the script of the film. Gladly my conviction of the LDS church which contained the gospel of Christ is not based on any film, book, speech, or individual. Every time when I read the Book of Mormon I have no doubt it is the word of God. If the Book of Mormon is scripture and is a testament of Christ, Joseph Smith was not a schemer but was a prophet of God. I have to say no word, event, act, nor any trail in my life can alternative my knowledge that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church of God on earth. — Isabella Ng, Hong Kong

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One cannot truly understand any religion from the objective view of an "outsider." One must live the religion and feel the Spirit to fully comprehend what the LDS Church is all about. Although fairly balanced, too much time was spent on polygamy. A viewer could easily be confused by this presentation. Members in good standing view polygamists as lawbreakers who have totally forsaken the Mormon religion. There is no allowance or sympathy for their modern day practice. — Ronald White, Salt Lake City, UT

It was exactly what I expected, an anti-Mormon diatribe. — Claudia Orr, Blanding

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