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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Regarding the documentary "The Mormons" I have only seen the first night but I thought it captured the history and migration well as compared to my reading of it. The only event I didn't know much about was the Mountain Meadow incident. Regarding that the documentary frames it in the context of a nation with difficulties and a human weakness and fear; I don't think they portrayed the LDS church leaders as defensive, showing Elder Oaks' comments which is the best they can do at this point. I think a lot of things happened in the early years of this country that don't play well. I think showing Brigham Young as leading the people again to a new place and his excellent logistical planning and organization was well done. And as Lutheran I would say President Hinckley's comments that you either believe Joseph Smith is a prophet or not has to be the foundation of the church. I think the Mormon religion has to stand or fall with the foundation that is Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon. I'm looking forward to watching the 2nd part. — Lois in Utah

I didn't feel it was a very good representation of Mormonism, in fact I thought it was very one-sided against. They took things out of context continually and made it seem normal, when it was far from the way things really are. I was very disappointed in the anti-Mormon point of view that made up 70 percent of its content. Thanks — Alan Mueller

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I watched both episodes of the Mormons, and I was impressed with the effort to present the complex history and misunderstood doctrines of our religion in a way that the general population could relate to. However, I found it lacking in journalistic integrity, as unbalanced views of various subjects were presented and even overwrought without the illumination of the perspective of a normal, non-excommunicated, non-intellectually focused Latter-day Saint. Why was such an inordinate amount of time spent on the titillating, undersupported and misrepresented topics of polygamy, Mountain Meadows, gender orientation, and negative opinions of the Prophet Joseph Smith, through the eyes of non-believers? The message and doctrine of the LDS church is of God's love for us and his desire that we have joy, both on Earth and in the eternities - this production essentially ignored this important basis of the Mormon faith! While those at the extremes of the Mormon population draw media attention, I would think that the lifestyle, beliefs and challenges of regular LDS families should have been a more integral part of the production and are of significant interest to the rest of the world who are our friends, neighbors, and associates, and who must wonder how our lives really differ from their own. This production failed to deliver a balanced view of our history, and to provide an honest portrayal of Mormon life in 2007. — Laryn Hill

Regarding the "Mormons" documentary here is part of what they didn't say:

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