Reader responses regarding "The Mormons" PBS series

By far, the most fair and balanced portrayal of our church and its members that I have seen. — Brian Fitzgerald

I felt that because "A picture is worth a thousand words" that the visual portrayals of the prophet and especially the appearances of Angel Moroni were very derogatory to the mission of the church as presented to the world especially in Part 1of this documentary. Also it seemed that in true journalistic fashion, most of the interviews with so-called experts were presented in such a way that their comments appeared to be taken out of context which left questions hanging in the air in the minds of the viewers, casting shadows of doubt as to the validity of the truthfulness of the gospel. I am concerned that because the spiritual aspects of our sacred beliefs were not incorporated that some of my family members who are not LDS have just received justification for their skepticism of the purpose for our religious convictions. — Doni, Utah

What was that about — I have never seen a church disciplinary council held in a room that looks like that with the old wooden chairs lined up like that. I thought it was a little "funky" — no name

I was disappointed with "The Mormons". Although it's important to provide balance, the program focused about 50% of it's efforts on viewpoints which do not accurately portray the church. Roughly 25% appeared neutral, while the remaining 25% presented things from an LDS point of view.

I had to repeatedly ask myself, "Will a non-member come away from this program understanding what Mormonism is all about?" The answer, over and over again was a resounding "No". PBS had an opportunity to air both sides of many issues, including difficult ones. Unfortunately, the scales of information were never balanced. — Don Layton, Bend, Ore.

I watched both segments. It's about as good a documentary as one can expect from a "world" point of view. There was no God in it. Everything was portrayed as "Joseph's"; no surprise there. Folks that do not understand spiritual things will always get it only partly right. When you understand their struggle in that sense, well, it was as good as they could do. No offense taken. — Lee Rosenhan