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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Revealing details of temple ceremonies, which faithful members of the LDS Church consider to be sacred and confidential, and which they do not discuss outside the temples even among themselves, is grossly insensitive. This willingness to trample on sacred things exemplifies the producers' attitude toward "the Mormons." — no name

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I would just like to comment on the recent documentary on the Mormons. As one trained in historical methodology and as a believing Mormon, I thought that for the most part the documentary was fair and balanced. I think it was extremely valuable to show a multitude of different viewpoints from Mormons and non-Mormons, from scholars and artists. Although some may complain that this technique does not show the true Mormonism as believed by many, I think it is valuable to hear the perspectives of those outside of the believing Mormon world-view in order to get a more nuanced perspective of Mormonism. I think the series leaves the believer and non-believer with a pretty balanced view of Mormonism as viewed from the outside. Of course, if someone really wants to know the truth of Mormonism spiritually, there is a different, established procedure for this. I especially appreciated the second segment of the series as it discussed several pivotal issues that current Mormonism has to deal with. I am glad that LDS authorities participated in the film and commented in such a sincere and frank way about these issues. I do think the documentary spent too much time on the Mountain Meadows massacre, even though I agree that it needed to be discussed. I believe the documentary can be very valuable for especially believing Mormons to recognize and reconcile the issues addressed in the documentary in light of their religious convictions. Thanks for the opportunity to give feedback. — Dan Combs

I thought the "The Mormons" was a fair and very unbiased piece of documentary work. It looked at the church from many directs and facets. I don't think the church could have had a better unbiased look at the history and how the church is today. You may disagree with some of the comments, but this was a work of art and I think the LDS Church really came out looking very good. — John Herbst III, Ogden, Utah

The dissidents and outsiders were postmodern intellectuals, finding in Mormonism whatever they were looking for. The faithful were sincere. Honest truth-seekers will recognize the difference. — Randall Lund, Lindon UT

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