Reader responses regarding "The Mormons" PBS series

We're outraged! The obvious negative bias and slant towards the LDS faith was clearly demonstrated with the emphasis of NINE interviews from those who malign our faith! (The splicing of Mr. Givens comments did not reflect that he was faithful LDS.) We are disappointed because the show edited and sandwiched the comments of our beloved prophet, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, our esteemed apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, our devoted seventy, Elder Marlin K. Jensen, and our dedicated professor, Daniel C. Peterson, between thick slices of anti, inflammatory, and negative opinions. The only positive rating that we can give is for the inclusion of the transcripts of the interviews with Pres. Hinckley, Elder Holland, Elder Jensen, and Prof. Peterson on the Internet. Their comments provide the 'real' truth and include the following comment from Elder Holland (which we echo about the show consulting others for our story): "You don't want somebody else telling you your history, and therefore I would like to tell my children, and the children of the church, the youth of the church collectively, I'd like to be having them hear it from friends rather than enemies. I'm just doubtful about the motives of some. ... But there is not anything anybody can say to me that will make me afraid of my history." — no name

A group of us watched the final part last night, all less than active LDS, and the general consensus was that it was pretty balanced and allowed people to draw their own conclusions. It might have even been a little easy on the church, i.e. the gay guy featured was excommunicated and lost his family and his idyllic home in Alpine said yet basically said that he still wishes he could be part of the church. I loved the missionary segment, the street contacting was so like it is, and I got teary eyed at the MTC scenes. The service/welfare segment was touching as well. — no name

I only saw half of the first segment which was mainly the MMM and polygamy and I didn't have a problem with it. On the MMM it even gave some good background on why people may have acted the way they did. And I'd never really thought about how wrenching it must have been for the church membership when the manifesto was published.

So, all in all, I think people would be left with the impression that Mormons are a little weird but probably nice to have as neighbors.

My 2 cents. — Mike.

I was disappointed and saddened by "The Mormons". It is clear to me that the primary aim of the production was to highlight the controversial aspects of the church, which is in line with the objective of most "Frontline" productions. That's what "Frontline" does. But because of the cooperation of the LDS Church, and because they didn't want this to be labeled as anti-Mormon, they tried to show some balance, and show some of the positive aspects of the church. However it was far from being a fair balance. They missed an opportunity to really show what present day LDS members are like, how devoted they are, how they serve each other and their communities, and what inspires them to do what they do. I don't think this production defined Mormonism well at all. — Kevin Nelson, Richland, Washington