It's too bad that they hadn't tried to give more of the facts. I found that they dwelled more on the negative than the positive. To make a program to understand a religion, one would think they would want to bring to the front, the reasons why there are so many people who follow this religion. Instead I found it leaning towards, Why did????? people follow this religion and still continue to. Interviewing people who are bitter towards the church certainly bring a tainted opinion. You know it's OK to have different beliefs, but, you should respect each ones belief. That is the only way to bring understanding to any difference there is. — From A Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints / Linda, California/ USA

I would like to comment on the Mormon PBS special. I am an active member in Lakeside, Montana. My name is Debby McCready. I thought the 1st part was fairly good. I felt that someone watching it might get an idea about what we are about. I felt that even the critical portrayals were done in a way that left the audience to have enough info to decide for themselves. There were enough positive to balance the negative.

However the 2nd night was awful. I was offended by the comments of excommunicated members that obviously had a bone to pick. Without a working testimony, sacrifice, dedication and commitment to and in the church can not be understood by those who do not have a testimony. I was even concerned by some of the comments made by active members that may have been taken out of context when only portions of full statements were aired. I was particularly offended by the way missionaries were portrayed. Being the only member in my family, with parents and siblings that hate the idea of my daughter serving in Uruguay, and didn't like my other daughter in Peru on missions, I was praying that they were not watching the special, because it would have given them more fuel for their opinions. there were not enough positive missionary experiences. the way the Primary children were portrayed singing I hope they call me on a mission looked like a segment of brain washing rather than a testimony building activity. I also felt that they missed the boat when things like home teaching, visit teaching and youth programs were not covered. — Debby McCready, Lakeside, Mont.

I have not yet seen the second segment. However, I thought the 1st segment was fairly evenly handled. Yes, there are historical problems that many in the church do not recognize. However, that need not erode their faith. One need only remember that although the gospel itself is true, people are fallible.

I agree the Mountain Meadows segment was long but was treated well, and gave a basis for understanding How it happened. Unfortunately, it is an event that cannot be comprehensively treated and answers found in a few minutes. Thus leaving more questions than answers. The polygamy segment bothered me only in the sense that it made it to appear that the church abandoned polygamy to stave off persecution, and create legitimacy. Unfortunately, an outsider could easily view it that way and they did so. I did not appreciate the inclusion of modern polygamists as they are heretics, not part of the church about which this documentary was supposed to be. — Randy W. Smith, Pocatello, Idaho