Deseret News | Mormon Times: New section every Thursday to bring more LDS news, info

Reader comments
Mormon Times: New section every Thursday to bring more LDS news, info

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lemur | 12:53 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

It's another bashing website. Mormons vs anti's. It should be quite good.

Robert | 12:53 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I believe Mr. Robinson hit the nail on the head in his column a few days ago. The LDS Church is being blasted from all sides with impunity. I am sick of the sordid, untruthful comments made in print and on the nightly news.
Thank you!

There was a Nauvoo Neighbor. Now we have a Mormon Times neighbor.

John Fee | 1:13 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

The comment about his reinforcing a "separation of church and state" problem is laughable. Since when has the Deseret News been part of the state government?

Comments continue below

Ezra Smith | 1:16 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Sometimes Mormons scare me with their naivety and need to control reality. There are two privately owned newspapers that dominate this state, and yes they are privately owned. But you are wrong about their free right to slant the news any way they want (outside of the opinion columns.) The proud tradition of MAJOR newspapers in this nation is to NOT be influenced by any one group, and to act as neutral reporters of the news. The Desert News has claimed again and again that they are unbiased and not controlled by the church or any biased board. It is and should be their Journalistic Creed to do so. But old things often become new. Joseph Smith burned down the opposition newspaper in order to sanitize his Warren Jeffslike multiple marriages.

Fredd | 1:22 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I look forward to reading it. I'm not LDS and I don't believe the theology. But My in-laws are and I like to be informed. If you can weed through some of the more vitrolic comments (from both LDS and anti) there is a lot to learn about the LDS church in these blogs.

on-line subscriber | 1:29 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I am a paying subscriber to the News On-line edition, and this section is nowhere to be found. I subscribed on-line because I got tired of searching the bushes, the roof, and the street for a soaked and soggy (unreadable) paper that may or may not be delivered each day. I feel that my paid subscription should entitle me to the entire paper.

Charles | 1:33 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Ezra Smith just graduated from journalism school and still has the naivety to THINK that the MAJOR newspapers are neutral.

Please shake off the cobwebs and understand that all MAJOR newspapers have agendas and ARE influenced by them. Boston Globe, NYT, LAT, AZRepublic, WashPO etc.

If you really think they are neutral, then call me because I have this really nice beach front property in Arizona to sell you.

Ezra Smith | 1:34 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Why are Mormons naive? Because we believe that God still talks to prophets? Because we believe that Joseph Smith was a good--no--great man, and resotred, not founded, the church that Jesus Christ built during his ministry. Is it because we believe that families can be together in eternity--forever? Is it because we believe that the Bible is a record of God's dealings with man in the Old World, the Book of Mormon is a record of ancient peoples that inhabited the Western Hemisphere, and that there are still prophets that are tasked with keeping records of modern peoples--in other words, the Bible is not the only book of scripture? Is it because we believe in giving money and/or service to the people of this world, that have it a lot worse than we do? Or is it because we just don't agree with your point of view, and the points of view of all the critics in Salt Lake? One caution I would make to you, is that you really study the history of the Church before you make asinine comments, believing that you're an expert on the subject. The historical records are open for anyone to read.

Tired | 1:40 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

To all of you (Mormon bashers) look at the history of this state....who opened up the desert...who converted a wilderness into a garden...surprise it was the Mormons. This state and city (SLC) were founded on the principles of the religion it is why it is such a nice place to live and raise a family. If you don't like it LEAVE.....PLEASE LEAVE!!!!!

hogwash | 1:43 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Yet another means by which mormons can keep convincing themselves that mormonism is valid by isolating their mindset with pro mormon propoganda, lest they stumble on the truth.

Thank you | 1:51 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I will read it. For those who don't like the idea, who's focring you to do what I will? No one. Simply don't read it. Seesh.

To Wake Up Joe | 1:57 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Interesting when I've ever had any comments concerning Joe Cannon, they've always been editorially deleted from this blog. Congratulations for finally getting one through. And by the way, I totally agre with you.

CD | 1:58 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

re: LOL 11:08am
I see your interests are still in spelling and criticizing.

Have you ever tried not to be so judgmental of others and their SIMPLE mistakes? I bet you have misspelled a few words a long the way as well. Why do you like to criticize others so much?

Ralph | 2:04 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Well, there goes any pretense at all that the DesNews is a real newspaper . . . rather than a mouthpiece of the LDS Church, which owns it -- body, and apparently, soul.

Grouchy & Grumbling! | 2:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Re: TIRED, ....GRUMBLE GRUMBLE GRUMBLE!

To all you (Anti-Mormon bashing people)

It's another website for the 2 bashing sides to come 2gether.

NonMormnon News | 2:39 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

The Deseret News has to come up with something like 'Non Mormon News' to have a voice for the non Mormons in this state who have been persecuted by Mormons. The Mormons in this state of Utah says they don't persecute minorities.

re: Ralph | 2:47 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I think Deseret News is very fair and lets both LDS members and Nonmembers voice their opinions. So why are you "RALPIE" dumping on them. No one forces you to come on to their website. By the way, you don't know what you are talking about and don't make any sense. So why hang around! The DN will continue on rather anyone likes what they do or not!
I rather enjoy each day reading DN...positive or negative.

jess | 2:54 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

glad to have new section to the Des News. as for george zinn - the Mormon hater - don't think anyone is tying you down & forcing you to stay in Utah. You are here by 'invited' to move out of the state. think there is a place where you'll be welcomed? doubt it....go go go we'll help you pack.

Angie from SLC | 2:55 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Oh, no -- this is a terrible idea! Why would a newspaper that it supposed to be the voice of ALL PEOPLE choose to divide itself even further from the non-Mormon community? Count me out. From now on, I'll read the Trib only....

Veniece | 2:55 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I, too, was surprised that the name "Mormon" was used rather than LDS, since the LDS Church has been trying to educate the non-member public that this is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not the Mormon Church. Constant references to "Mormonism" isn't going to help establish a world-wide understanding that we definitely DO believe in Jesus Christ.
Other than the name issue, I am very pleased with the new section, and will be a regular reader.
There are sections of the paper I do not read, and I believe everyone has the right to read or not read as they see fit. Just because someone doesn't like sports, should they throw out the Sports section?
If you don't like it - don't read it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

Relocated Southerner | 3:03 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

So why do you read the DesNews if you think it's biased or does not represent your views? Almost all major papers are "biased" in one way or another. And while I'm not a Mitt supporter (yes, I'm LDS), one of the big news items of any election is always which candidate that newspaper supports or endorses. None of this is unique to the DesNews or Utah, for that matter. This just happens to be a paper owned by a privately held interest, as are most other papers in this country. I agree with a previous post on this site -- the fact that this is a predominantly LDS community would lend credence to having a section of the newspaper dedicated to their interests, just as a paper in some other part of the country or world would likely have a section dedicated to news for their dominant religion. I really don't see the problem. If it doesn't interest you, don't read it. I'm not a huge sports fan so I hardly ever read the sport section, but I'm not "crying" to the paper about including it every day!!

Leo | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

"I thought the Church was trying to distance itself from the "Mormon" label." That is a common misunderstanding. "Mormon" is fully accepted, "LDS" is not. Reread the official statement!

Only "Mormon church" should be avoided, but Mormon as adjective for all other uses, "Mormon" for members and "Mormonism" as the whole is fully endorsed. And indeed important: the rest of America, let alone the world, has no idea what LDS means. Moreover, with "Mormon", it's the same word in all languages.

Thoughtful Mormon | 4:04 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

This is a powerful idea. There is no point in trying to mimic the Salt Lake Tribune--creat something different, something unique. Thank you for creating this. We love it!

To Arm of Orion | 4:05 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

"This news paper is not public it is owned in the private sector."

Mormon haters live on lies, half truths, and innuendos.

New Subscriber | 4:07 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Go Joe and Team! This is what so many people have been waiting for. We finally have a voice in this community. The Tribune and most other media have one angle. This is the direction we should be going, while still coving other local news and information in the core newspaper. Great work!

Please refrain | 4:10 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

To all of you, on both sides, who just sit in the coziness of your home or office and cast silly barbs about these issues, please refrain in the future.

Telling people to leave if they don't like it is childish. You need to learn how to get along with others who don't necessarily have your same belief system or train of thought.

Telling people that you've had enough bias and slanted news is just as childish. Find a new source for your information.

Would any of you actually SAY the things you are writing here? If not, then why is it ok for you to type them? because no one actually knows who you are? Sad, but true. Please look in the mirror and see if you like what you see. Then please refrain!

JustAnotherJoe | 4:18 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

This is a very good idea. We have learned from the earliest days of the church how important it is to control the press at any cost......

Bonnie | 4:27 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I find neither of the Utah newspapers really presents an unbiased view of the world. But I think that is to be expected in any area where one religion dominates everything from politics to news. This occurs is many places in the world. Although I do not have an interest in the new Mormons Times, I imagine many LDS people do. So they will enjoy it.

I prefer to get my news from many online sources to see world events from many different perspectives. This the Deseret news does not do.

I hope the new section does well. Even though I do not find the News very useful personally, I think many people will enjoy the new section.

Chamula | 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Why add a MormonTimes section? Please read Doug Robinson's "Better duck -if you're a Mormon", on today's Deseret Morning News, and get a hint.
These Mormon journalist, seem to me, are picking-up the Mormon label and running with it; in the same manner earlier journalist took the Muckraker label and made it into a badge of honor. I congratulate them for taking incoming fire and going forward with what they think it is right!

onward | 4:31 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

to 'Please refrain' good comments to both parts of the 'conflict' about the new addition to the Des. News. Controversies about the Mormons will never end - they will go on forever. We know it, and should be used to it. Sad when they hit so hard. The comments hurt and show the ignorance of the people who send them out. As for me, yes, I would actually say the things I am writing - I'm not 'hiding' behind a keyboard. Childish? Maybe, but I still want to let people know that their 'ignorance' is showing when they say what they
do about things they obviously don't understand. Oh well, it will never end - we know it, we need to grow thicker 'hides' so we can get through it! Time marches on - it will get worse, look forward to the time when it will all be over. Read the paper or don't - that's your decision! Simple...

A in LA | 4:36 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

There are many comments here being made by the same people. DON'T YOU PEOPLE HAVE JOBS? Do you really have such boring lives that you have so much time to devote to bashing and stupid retoric? A lot of these comments are just pathetic - as are the comments by people who take the bait and respond to them. GET A LIFE!.

Icedgin | 4:47 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Nice to know that as a non-mormon, you would prefer me to move out of the state?

So much for tolerance and having lived here for almost 20 years, it seems to be the one thing this state lacks. My mormon neighbor will not let their children play with mine because they just can't trust someone that goes to another church?

Nice, way to make us feel unwelcomed, again!

Kyoda | 5:10 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I'm glad to have that in the newspaper. It will be a great missionary tool to those friends of who are not of our beliefs. I like the name Mormon Times. The opposition will never go away as has been stated. Its something that my ancestors have had to deal with and I will deal with it as well.

A in LA | 5:12 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Are talking to yourself in the mirror, or are you suffering freeway panic.

Love DN in L.A. | 5:26 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Thanks, DesNews, for your great paper. Yes, we in L.A. do read you and will enjoy your new section. Keep up the good work.

John Atamanczyk | 5:38 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Thanks a lot for this new section. I enjoy reading Orson Scott Card's & Jerry Johnston's columns as well as the other articles. As noted in some of the
other comments, one can pick & choose which sections to read. For instance, I rarely read the
sports & business sections, but I am glad that they are available on a daily basis to those who are interested in those areas. I look forward to next week's "Mormon Times" section. Keep up the great work!

Caleb Wilson | 5:55 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Excellent. This is an amazing idea!!! It is true that newspapers do cater to their audiences and are all influenced by their contributors, editors, boards, demographics, etc. It is better than being controlled by the government like in the Middle-East. I have been to Dubai many times and have experienced this. I lived abroad most of my life as my father worked for the government abroad. Also, it is funny that the bloggers on the Salt Lake Tribune website say the say comments as on the Deseret News blogs. Why so much Romney? This newspaper is biased! Romney and Mormons are this and that....blah...blah... Two totally different newspapers and the critics leave the same comments. Check for yourselves if you doubt this.

Californian | 6:10 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I live in San Francisco where liberals and gay activists pull the media strings. Weï¿½re plagued with people pushing these agendas, along with some who routinely bash religion (specifically Christianity). The S.F. Chronicle has this creep named Morford who is so hateful toward religion (specifically Christianity) that even some anti-Mormons here might be shocked. I donï¿½t recall ever threatening to move to Utah because of all the media contents that I don't like.

Not a golf fan? Any problem with news about golf tournaments? Move! How about the operaï¿½do you have season tickets and love a rousing ï¿½Aidaï¿½? If not, be warned, the Deseret News sometimes reviews opera. Maybe you donï¿½t travel. Are you going to move to another state to avoid reading a newspaper section on travel? Good luck.

Do you read the Saturday section where events and practices of many religions are covered? Did it bother you to see the recent stories on the Quinceaï¿½era for Catholic Hispanic girls, a Torah scroll salvaged from the Holocaust, Assyrian Christians worried about their homeland of Iraqï¿½even an event for ex-Mormons?

Or are you just about bashing Mormons and the LDS Church?

LOUISIANA READER | 6:16 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I read the Church AND The Deseret News and am glad to have an additional sourse of information from the Church in which I am a member.

I firmly believe that GOD or JESUS CHRIST still has the AUTHORITY and POWER to call PROPHETS DIRECTLY, in in our own time,and has done so, and any one that really believes that GOD can do ANYTHING, will not limit his powers.
(New Testament | Revelation 22:19)
19 And if any MAN shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
My reading of this verse says IF ANY MAN!!! takes away fron this writing

I have found nothing in the KING JAMES version of the BIBLE where God has limited HIS AUTHORITY to call Prophets, at this time, as well as He did in the OLD TESTAMENT times. I want to hear as much as I can from the Church HE HAS ESTABLISHED in our time. Others may ridicule me as they did in JESUS' TIME.

ckm - Edge.H.C. | 6:25 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Joe, THANK YOU. This new section is really great. Your interview with Doug Wright this morning was very informative as to your goals. Way to go!

to: icedgin | 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Did you ever stop to think that maybe the neighbors won't let their kids play with yours because they just don't like them, or you. Maybe it has absolutely nothing to do with religion.

I am so tired of some of you out there categorizing Mormons as in-tolerant bigots. Give it a rest already. I'm sure that some members of the mormon faith are intolerant of others' religious affiliations, but I'm also sure that the percentage is no higher than that of other religions being intolerant of mormons. I've seen it numerous times from the other viewpoint, kids aren't allowed to play with the neighbors because they are mormons.

Quit the sterotyping, there are plenty of idiots out there on both sides of the fence. And for the record, Mormons have been putting up with the persecution and bigotry much longer than you have.

Why can't we all just get along?

Dale | 6:35 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Interesting comments from all. The best one said in effect "don't read it if you don't like it". Off subject, the D-News has a great web site.

My answer to-- A in LA | 6:46 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Nice article with good things happening with DN.

RE: A in LA? You are making as many comments as anyone else on here. I thought I would answer you meaning you were asking everyone on here if they had a job. And, yes, I do thanks... DO YOU HAVE A JOB? I was wondering with all your comments.

bear lake | 6:46 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I would love it if Deseret News would inform me of what the Mormon church teaches. I am so confused. I didn't know that if families were not sealed in a temple that they wouldn't be together or that I have to have the help of a profit in order to know what God is saying to me. I also always thought that God would protect me, I didn't know that a pair of magic underwear would do this for me. It would be refreshing if this newspaper would put all of the LDS churches beliefs on the front page of the first article and let people judge for themselves what the LDS religion is really about. To the LDS fans out there, do you really think that God or your heavenly father is going to require you to get married in a temple, pay tithing, word of wisdom, take out endowments, keep the saboth, visit teach, home teach, have a calling, do baptisms for the dead, get married, go on a mission, follow the profit, graduate from seminary, and procreate the world with little mormon kids in order to return to you father in heaven? I don't think so.

Wow | 7:31 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Bear Lake,

Wow, one thing the LDS church teaches is happiness. When I read your spot, I don't really get the impression that you are happy.

Be kind to your neighbor, control your anger, live for peace and harmony, pray for your spouses, be kind to your children. Those are all things that the prophet has taught recently. Is that really all that bad?

Idaho Reader | 7:31 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I'm in Idaho and the ONLY reason I read your website is for coverage of the Church and topics that are of interest to its members. This is a great move. Please continue in this direction.

LDS in VA | 8:22 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Thanks so much for this wonderful addition. I read the Deseret News online every day to keep up on what is happening in Utah while I have to live out of state for awhile, and I will be looking forward to the Mormon Times every Thursday.

Cavalier | 9:29 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I think that this is a great idea . . . whoever you hire to manage this should be a highly talented individual. Thank you Joe.

Anonymous | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Mr. Cannon,

1- This is a good idea. It serves your readers well.

2- Now, take the next step and become a conservative paper. Quit this watered-down tribune business.

3- Improve your paper's integrity by dumping your lobbyist opinion writers.

4- Require identification for posting. Too many trolls.

SS | 11:16 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Although I tire of the anti-Mormon nut jobs that chime in on nearly every article that mentions the LDS Church (don't they have jobs?), I am not sure if this is a good idea. I enjoy this paper's reporting, although the sports section could be beefed up a bit. But--this paper already reports thoroughly on LDS news, and additional reading can be had in the Church News. Mormon Times may be more appropriate in a place where there isn't a church on every corner, and 5 out of 6 neighbors are LDS. In Utah, it seems to be overkill.

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