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 was very disappointed with the documentary. I thought the first segment pandered to the old themes of polygamy and Mountain Meadows. While the second segment gave excessive airtime to those who had become separated from the church long before this documentary was even contemplated. I expected more balance from PBS. — Owen Sedgwick, Indiana

I felt that the documentary makers, didn't put enough information on the persecution of the Mormons' that led up to the polygamy in the church and also that a lot of the marriages were to older widows who were unable to care for their selves and for the widows whose husbands were slaughtered by the anti-Mormon extinction orders and persecutions. What happen to the Mormons was no different than what the government did to the Indians and any one else that stood in their way of taking what they wanted. I am proud of the pioneers for their convictions and endurance along with their faith in Jesus Christ. They have earned their place in history and it is about time they were acknowledged for their part in forming the way of our American history. — no name

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As an active member of the LDS Church, I was disappointed in the documentary, "The Mormons" that aired on PBS. I felt it was way too negative and relied on too many interviews from former members whose views were definitely tainted, and possibly inaccurate. The interviews represented ONE person's experience and did not accurately represent the whole church. I don't feel that it represented the church well at all. It was not balanced and dwelt on too many negative issues, when there is so much good. People who don't know anything about our faith who watched this show will definitely come away with a narrow, negative view. What a shame! — Shawna, California

Could have been at least 8 hours longer to give a more balanced overview. Too many anti-sentiments and tainted statements by ex members and dissenters were not clearly, simply answered or rebutted in terms that the non member world could understand. Over all documentary was as expected, in that too much time spent on polygamy, without explaining why it was actually necessary considering the times, persecution, deaths (of male members through murder etc.) and how a woman with children were to survive in those times. I do know there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of intellectuals that are members of the church in good standing, because they choose to follow the prophet, and follow Christ rather than create disharmony and dissent. Those individuals are more interested in building the Kingdom of Christ rather than aspiring to positions or personal gain.

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