Deseret News | Mormon missionary calendar-maker facing discipline

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Mormon missionary calendar-maker facing discipline

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molly mormon | 11:40 p.m. July 12, 2008

He has the right to write, but he has to deal with the consequences. Who would buy that anyways?? He was trying to make money, but he ended up embarrassing the the church. Of course this is inappropriate.

Re: Tuffy Parker | 11:46 p.m. July 12, 2008

Tuffy, you made some excellent observations and I couldn't agree with you more.

Sadly, sometimes as members of the Church we forget that money or fame, etc is not the most important thing to pursue....

Anonymous | 11:56 p.m. July 12, 2008

In the 19th century, publishers knew that if they wanted a best seller, they had to have their book banned in Boston.

The publicity generated by LDS Church officials by making a fuss over this calendar can only increase its sales.

Will the LDS Church be getting a share of the increased profits this calender will now earn?

Comments continue below

Derek | 12:14 a.m. July 13, 2008

Sorry Mr Hardy. Like others have said, I feel this is an attempt at publicity. That doesn't mean that if you are excommunicated/exhonorated/disfellowshiped/nothing happens, that we can't be friends. I'm in no position to judge and neither is anyone on here given the facts of that ridiculous article and all these heated comments. Good luck to you, hope to see you at church on Sunday, and at the shirts and skins game on Wednesday. ;)

P.S. I think you would pulled it off had you not made such a point of making a Mormon Missionary calendar. Bad idea jeans to use the church to market a product.

Bad idea | 1:02 a.m. July 13, 2008

Mr. Hardy has full right to make the calendar and the Church has full right to give him the boot ... and they should. The whole point of Mr. Hardy's marketing plan was to display Mormon missionaries in an inappropriate manner. If the calendar was simply about men posing, then the Church would likely let that pass by. But to deliberately use Mormon missionaries as the core marketing idea when he knows it's in direct conflict of the principles and standards that missionaries are asked to uphold, that's where he crossed the line. As far as the letter, the Church is very careful in handing the letters directly to the individual involved in a dignified and private way. Typically, no others are around during this process in respect for the individual. The only way a story like this would become public is if Mr. Hardy initiated it. He is all about himself and he should be embarrassed about it.

Some just don't get it | 1:11 a.m. July 13, 2008

Those posters saying the calendar's no big deal because these guys were FORMER missionaries just don't get it.

It's not like every RM is and will ever be a saint, true. Some Mormon models, male and female, have modeled outfits most of us wouldn't consider modest. Others haven't. It's a matter between them and their Savior.

However, those models didn't openly proclaim themselves LDS in their photo shoots. Chad Hardy, though, explicitly MARKETED his product as a Mormon Missionary calendar. He's using the church as a tie-in, and the traditional clean-cut missionary image as a foil. The message: Hey, take a look under the white shirts, ties, and nametags! It's voyeuristic and exploitative--and it explicitly references the church. THAT'S the angle that's so objectionable.

The church is associated with this piece of beefcake, whether it likes it or not--and surprise, surprise, it doesn't like it!

The issue isn't whether it's OK for an RM to be an Abercrombie & Fitch-type model. That's a whole other free-agency issue. The issue is whether it's OK for a product like this to associate itself with the LDS Church and appropriate the missionary image.

Guess what? IT ISN'T OK. End of story.

To Law dude | 4:03 a.m. July 13, 2008

The copyright and trademark laws make explicit exceptions for 'fair use'. Words in common parlance, like the word "Mormon," cannot be removed from speech on the basis of trademark (e.g., the question of the words "fair & balanced" in Fox News v. Franken.)

The First Amendment, and the fair use doctrine above, protect expressions of satire, mockery, criticism, sarcasm and irony. This is especially true when the subject of speech is a "public figure or entity engaged in political or cultural discourse." The LDS Church is very much engaged in cultural and political discourse.
Moreover, there is no defamation here because a male posing shirtless is not unlawful in any jurisdiction and no reasonable person could conclude that the calendar is obscene.
The Church has no claim under trademark in this particular case, and I am confident Church attorneys would agree and will not pursue a frivolous lawsuit.

Sincerely,
Another Law Dude

Seriously | 7:21 a.m. July 13, 2008

Porn in certain forms is also free speech. Although, I do not believe that your calendar is as awful as pornography, it is a close second. There are certain things that being a member of the Church prohibits you from doing and you have obviously crossed that line. Now, learn from this and don't permit bitterness or ignorance to rule the day.

Best of luck, those hearings are never fun!!

GO UTES!

byu dentist | 7:47 a.m. July 13, 2008

First, I'm not a zealot. I am very permissive and non-judgmental, but I think things have crossed the line here a bit.

In the Church, General Authorities and Missionaries carry the title "Elder." Even though Mr. Hardy technically can do what he wants, he is violating the sacred calling of a missionary, as an "Elder"- a disciple and ambassador for the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially when he has pictures of these men when they were missionaries.

If he chooses to do his calendar, don't show any pictures of the young men with their black name tags on. That's all.

I think he'll be rightfully disciplined and it's his decision as to how he wants to react. He probably won't care if he has served a mission and hasn't been active for six years.

azldsguy | 9:04 a.m. July 13, 2008

What is sad to me are the young men that will regret their actions of being in this calndar for the rest of their lives. Mormon or not, people make stupid decisions just to make a buck. In life we all face that time when we need to choose what is right over what is easy.

The Church has a saying - CTR (Choose The Right) Many non-menber friends of mine have adopted this into their own lives. I wish those involved in this clendar would have taken a moment to decern out the inmorlaity of their actions.

Mike from Chino | 9:15 a.m. July 13, 2008

Those who are quick to cast blame at the Church or local leaders for "forgetting" about poor Mr. Hardy would do well to remember we only have his account to consider. As you notice, the Church is appropriately silent on this man's situation out of respect for him and the process.
Does that not say something to you? I suppose not if you have an agenda.

The Hardy flap is all about sexual titillation and he uses a Church icon to accomplish his own personal gain. What's next? I shudder to think of it.

Shirtless? | 9:17 a.m. July 13, 2008

Is this about being shirtless? Doubtful.

I am betting the only reason he is being called in is because he has TAGS on those missionaries. Those tags are likely considered property of the LDS church, as they have the name prominently displayed.

Get half-naked all you want. The church isn't going to discipline models (unless perhaps they are nude) or NFL players who aren't modest, or girls wearing bikini's at the local pool. But if they are displaying the church's name...well, that is an infringement on the CHURCH'S RIGHTS, now isn't it?

Houston Mormon | 9:53 a.m. July 13, 2008

I own the calendar. I have been a member since I converted at age 19 and served a mission, graduated from BYU, married in the temple and then held many leadership positions in the Church.

The one thing I found is that there are too many judges in "Zion". Everyone judges and gossips and sins. Yes even local Church Leaders.

I thought the Church was about caring and loving one another. In truth we get up on our Ramiumptom(sp) and say how great we are and then go home and degrade everyone verbally.

Just like other Christians, Mormons are bigoted, self absorbed, ignorant and pathetic. Don't forget the mote in your own eyes.

Perpetual v.s. perverted | 10:15 a.m. July 13, 2008

I ran across a post in the comments that lamented the fact that this story has more than 250 comments, and that the story about the Perpetual Education Fund had 25. I went to the story about the Perpetual Education Fund to find the story of a member of the church in Brazil who is making leaps and bounds in his circle of influence there with those who are not members of the church. He is providing for his family, and has become a person of influence where he works for standing up for his beliefs. - The comment I came across was the best one I've read yet. I also like the Jimi Hendrix quote and I think that's exemplary of the contrast between one person who 'loves power', and another who uses the 'power of love'. The Brazilian man providing for his family shows the 'power of love', Chad Hardy's actions evidence his motivation for a love of power - although I'd add that it's weakness and not power he is actually going to get. Ironic by the popularity contrast of the two stories. Well said.

Oh My | 10:39 a.m. July 13, 2008

Sometimes local church leaders aren't as "inspired" as they claim. I've seen it first hand..... some of them love to cast stones.

Sandy | 10:50 a.m. July 13, 2008

I like the bad boy missionary calendar. They need to do this for a permanent business. I will buy one. Really cute guys.

Eileen | 11:26 a.m. July 13, 2008

A few thoughts:

1. What if the calendar included female missionarys?

2. He has the right and priviledge to publish the calendar.

3. The Church has same right and priviledge to address behavior.

Re: Houston Mormon | 11:57 a.m. July 13, 2008

Well said. Thank you for that. I don't necessarily agree with Mr. Hardy's actions, but have been appalled by many of the comments here and think we could all use a little introspection.

Moretoit.... | 12:07 p.m. July 13, 2008

Those of you who are bashing the LDS church, member or not, active or not. You just don't get it do ya?
They are return missionaries posing as if they are still missionaries, minus the shirt. If they were just modeling swimsuits for a bathing suit company, no big. Look at the whole picture!

Tom | 12:14 p.m. July 13, 2008

Come on folks. Let's give this one a rest. Besides, everyone knows that when all is said and done, that it's really all about the hokey pokey anyway.

Anonymous | 12:29 p.m. July 13, 2008

Pssssssst.....let's stuff the ballot box while the Mormon's are at church. Come on!!

Anonymous | 12:45 p.m. July 13, 2008

Hey, no fair! Why aren't there any pot bellied or skinny chested guys in the calendar? My body image is devastated.

charles | 1:05 p.m. July 13, 2008

It's funny how an article like this brings out a lot of value comments from the unprincipled.
The values expressed by Chad Hardy and his supporters can never change correct principles like those taught by the LDS Church.
For those of you who are lost...Principles are guidlines for human conduct that are proven to have enduring, permanent value like honesty, goodness, truth & integrity. They are fundemental and self evident. Or, maybe like Chad and his fellow posters we should consider following their opposites ...Deciet, baseness, mediocrity, and degenation.
Chad in his little free speech boat along with his misguided map of values will eventually crash upon the rocks of truth.

CA Mormon | 1:24 p.m. July 13, 2008

In reading come of the comments of members and non-members in his posting. I see that this is the perfect example of those trying to live a spiritual life by secular standards. Sorry that will never work.

People judging their church leaders and ultimatly the Church Presidency. If it is such a bad place for you then please leave. I am sure the highly more judgmental and hyprocate non-demonitational church down the road would be happy to accept you in. Then they will exploit your story of how bad the LDS Church is.

All this is noting more that the wheat being separated from the shaft.

Cindy | 1:27 p.m. July 13, 2008

I'm a good Mormon girl and i like the calendar missionaries. They are good looking guys. If you had a body like that you will feel blessed?

Lighten up people!

xxxxxxxxxx | 1:27 p.m. July 13, 2008

there's alot of em , who have become complacent.

Canuk | 1:31 p.m. July 13, 2008

Right on to "$$Real Reason$$"...

You hit the cash register right on with your insights!
There is always more to the story than is written in the press.
Free ads and publicity are the potivating force here and the rest of you (us) got suckered in for even feeling a tiny bit sorry for Mr. Hardy and his stupid calendar. He knows what he is doing and like so many of you said, "This should be a private matter.
He is laughing all the way to the bank and at us for caring one iota!!

Terri Dance Salisbury Missouri | 1:38 p.m. July 13, 2008

Why am I confronted with this man's sleazy calendar in a picture on the front of this website? Why are you covering this at all? I avoid this stuff voluntarily to try to have the Holy Spirit as a companion and get it plastered before my eyes on Deseret News--come on editorial staff/General Manager--what is going on here??

Granny, Lynda | 1:49 p.m. July 13, 2008

Thanks Deseret-News for great picture. I think the missionaries are very sweet boys. Makes me wish I were a young girl again.

To- Terry-- why don't you keep it to yourself and not look. No one is twisting your arm or eyeballs.

Idaho Mormon | 2:01 p.m. July 13, 2008

Folks, there are two issues here:

* Is the calendar a big deal?

People are infusing all kinds of things into this calendar. Is it of missionaries? No. It is people who were missionaries and have now gone onto other things. It shows that Mormons are normal people with diverse interests. The shirtless element is little more than one would see in a host of BYU calendars that have been issued over the past couple decades. The hysterics over this are just plain overdone.

* Do Mr. Hardy's local leaders have a reasonable basis to discipline him? Probably. But, the calendar is probably a side issue. The key ones are probably undisclosed.

What people really need to step back and look at is that this silly calendar is not a clash between good & evil. It is a case of arguable taste. It is not worthy of half the venom expressed here.

This is the kind of stuff that really hurts the Church. President Hinckley once said that Mormons are not weird. These odd little issues really hurt the building of that perception.

Janette | 2:31 p.m. July 13, 2008

It's interesting that men who beat their wives get less discipline than this. It's a stupid calendar.

Kristin Barrus | 3:09 p.m. July 13, 2008

I grew up outside of Utah, where LDS missionaries in white ties on bikes are the symbol of our church. People have respected the church because of the clean cut nature of these boys and their sacrifice. I don't think anything about this calendar reflects that, or respects the gospel they share. I'd also like to add that although our church leaders are not elected, it has been my experience that they are nothing if not caring, and if you look into their lives, they have all been incredibly successful business people and leaders outside of our religious community. I believe what they say, and know they speak from our Savior.

Gloria | 4:02 p.m. July 13, 2008

Anytime someone behaves in a way that we feel is in contrast with our convictions, we need to protect our peace, the peace that comes from God. We protect ourselves from judging others by honoring the right of people to choose the wrong, because God gave everyone the gift of agency with all its perils. The people involved in this sad incident are not within our stewardship, so it is best to leave the matter to those who have that stewardship. May they be blessed. May all those involved in this incident, be blessed. May the church be blessed and protected. I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love the peace from God achieved from following the counsel of the leaders of the Church, by studying and applying the scriptures, and by trying to live in humility before God, seeking to do His will. To those who feel negatively about the Church, I respect your right to do so. I honor your right to choose, I honor the gift of agency given by God to eveyone. I offer you my good will and respect.

Wise up!! | 4:16 p.m. July 13, 2008

This bruda saw the opportunity to make some dosh and decided to go for it!
Hopefully this individuals will get some loving counsel from the brethren and hopefully he is not blinded by the cashflow but rather be humble and be repentant.
He can either learn from this and become active again or he'll disregard the spirit and look for the justification of his errors.

control freaks | 4:19 p.m. July 13, 2008

All these posters talking about how the Church owns the BoM are revealing their own doubts and apostasies.

Only man-made ideas can be "owned" through copyright. Scripture, if it is truly Revealed, cannot be owned. Who would dare copyright the text of Genesis or Psalms? Are you suggesting that BoM was written by a man who bequeathed it as property to a Salt Lake City corporation?

For students of religion, it is amazing how much the LDS Church is beginning to resemble other highly centralized control-freak systems like Roman Catholicism, Hasidic Judaism, and even Saudi-style Islam.

How about Nuns? | 4:54 p.m. July 13, 2008

What if somebody made a 'sexy' calendar of 20-something year old Catholic Nuns and marketed it as such? Would the same scrutiny be applied?

Jed | 5:15 p.m. July 13, 2008

More missionary calendar boys please. Much better than all the polygamy garbage you people preach! Get real! You cannot have it both ways. Morals? Hummmmmm?

Anonymous | 5:32 p.m. July 13, 2008

crazy how immature people can be sometimes...

There they go again | 5:35 p.m. July 13, 2008

the christians , stoning each other!

and the sighn | 5:46 p.m. July 13, 2008

long hair creepy people need not apply!!All we are saying is give peace a chance!

Sid | 6:01 p.m. July 13, 2008

No doubt "the dude's" conduct was unbecoming of a member of the church and the priesthood for that matter, but what happens to his models? They all should face church discipline and hopefully they will. There should be little to no tolerance for this type behavior.

anom | 6:17 p.m. July 13, 2008

Chuch courts aren't usually made public. I wonder who dropped a dime to make it public and what was their motive for doing so? Is it possible that the person is trying to market their calendar a little? You can bet your bottom dollar that their is an ulterior motive for doing so

Jen | 6:22 p.m. July 13, 2008

OK....I'll admit I went over to the website and sneaked a peek. Nice looking guys, and nothing too overly provocative. I actually thought his polygamist T-shirts portraying a male figure holding hands with a whole string of female figures was more objectionable.

You have to admit though, this calendar would never have been allowed for a minute, if it featured former sister missionaries in bikiniï¿½s. 2008 is half over. Why did it take this long to voice an objection? Apparently, the old stereotype that the modesty commandment applies only to women is still prevalent in LDS culture.

I will say however, Mr. Hardy didnï¿½t do his homework. The Church has the ability to easily put a stop to this commercial enterprise. His products are intended for ï¿½entertainment, educational and philanthropic purposes,ï¿½ which leaves no question that it in fact infringes on the Church's existing trademark.

to control freaks | 6:22 p.m. July 13, 2008

That's not really the point here. The reason that action is being taken in my opinion is that the LDS church doesn't want anyone thinking that this could have been produced by them. LDS people like to avoid "even the appearance of evil." Most people and corporations try to do the same.

But thanks for the insight. you have a valid point I believe. At the same time, I would hate to see the bible associated in a calender with men posing with half their clothes off, and I can't imagine the outrage we would have on our hands if a calendar with the Koran appeared with these same dudes. I would be equally disappointed with sexually suggestive images associated with any holy writ, be that the Koran, the Bible, or the BofM. I feel it just goes to show that when such images are produced, it is always done for the express purpose of sensationalism. I'm sorry but any such image reflects lack of respect. It's simply another way to sell more copies and get more publicity-in other words it's done with ME and $$$ in mind.

Mocking sacred things | 6:27 p.m. July 13, 2008

The church reveres the calling of a missionary as sacred, and when you take something sacred and try and make it fashonable and sexy, then you're pretty much mocking that which is deemed sacred by that religious group and the LDS believe that "God will not be mocked"

So take your models, your firefighters, even your Mormons and do your calendar, it's not a big deal. It's when you throw in the words "Elder" or "LDS Missionary" that's when you're taking it to a level that mocks something sacred to the LDS church

I mean why not take Jesus and do a calendar of him with sculped muscles, half naked, and portreyed as a sex symbol??? I don't think that would go well with Mormons or the ENTIRE christian community

Sponge Bob | 7:27 p.m. July 13, 2008

And no more creepy funny rolls on top of the head with funny dresses, and square stuffed shirts, and STUFFED ROCKET PANTS, need not reply. To all you anti LDS from all us anti LDS. A confused people.

Nonmormon | 7:40 p.m. July 13, 2008

To IdahoMormon
A voice of reason. How refreshing to know that all LDS are not self righteous and judgmental. Just when I have the sterotype of the members of your Church all settled, here you come with your calm voice of reason with no platitudes. I like the way you represent your Faith. Thanks.

Uhhh .. | 8:13 p.m. July 13, 2008

There HAVE been calendars of Catholic priests, nuns, etc.

NO ONE cares.

This is way, way, way overblown.

End it now. | 8:25 p.m. July 13, 2008

My goodness people, let this rest, move on both sides, it is getting childish and nothing is getting accomplished.

I was invited to pose | 8:48 p.m. July 13, 2008

I was invited to pose for the calendar, but my mission president told me to pray about it first. I felt I would only cause sisters to sin, so I didn't pose.

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