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Calendar-maker ousted by LDS
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arc | 12:25 a.m. July 14, 2008
It states there were 3 reasons for the action. 2 were released by the guy. It
sure looks like this guy is using the church for publicity to sell calenders.
Pretty sad.
arc | 12:26 a.m. July 14, 2008
The key:
Hardy has been inactive in the LDS Church for the past six years. He no longer pays tithing or wears the religious undergarments considered sacred. In an interview last week, Hardy said he had always struggled to fit in and live up to the expectations of membership.
Hardy has been inactive in the LDS Church for the past six years. He no longer pays tithing or wears the religious undergarments considered sacred. In an interview last week, Hardy said he had always struggled to fit in and live up to the expectations of membership.
really? | 12:55 a.m. July 14, 2008
Is this really newsworthy? Good marketing for his calendar but seriously why the
story?
Comments continue below
KB | 1:19 a.m. July 14, 2008
No big surprise, right Chad?
Well, if the 2009 calendar has already been to press, then you might make a little cash this year, providing you don't get slapped with a lawsuit. I wouldn�t expect a 2010 calendar, though. Somehow I think most of those 100 missionaries who expressed an interest might be re-thinking their position.
Well, if the 2009 calendar has already been to press, then you might make a little cash this year, providing you don't get slapped with a lawsuit. I wouldn�t expect a 2010 calendar, though. Somehow I think most of those 100 missionaries who expressed an interest might be re-thinking their position.
Saddened Member | 1:28 a.m. July 14, 2008
Before all the disparaging comments start, please realize that this individual
left the Church many years ago, we don't know and likely will never know
the full extent of how far he fell from the Church. I don't need to know.
This man decided to try and make a profit by selling Church missionaries as
sexual objects.
The Church has every right to defend its good name. Using missionaries, in missionary attire, with missionary name tags, in this manner is against the will of the Church. I am sure that this individual was given every opportunity to right this wrong, but he chose not to.
I wish him all the best and hope that one day he realizes that much of what is good in his life is due to the sacrifices of those six generations who went before him.
It is never a joyous occasion when someone falls away.
The Church has every right to defend its good name. Using missionaries, in missionary attire, with missionary name tags, in this manner is against the will of the Church. I am sure that this individual was given every opportunity to right this wrong, but he chose not to.
I wish him all the best and hope that one day he realizes that much of what is good in his life is due to the sacrifices of those six generations who went before him.
It is never a joyous occasion when someone falls away.
Nothing New | 1:40 a.m. July 14, 2008
King Solomon once said, "There is no new thing under the sun." (Eccl
1:9).
There have always been members of the church, who have chosen to walk a separate path, and there will always be those that make the same choice in the future.
The vision of the Tree of Life, chronicles that there are a number of paths available for the taking. If you don't like the path your on, change direction, however, choose wisely, for each path, eventually leads to a destination.
There have always been members of the church, who have chosen to walk a separate path, and there will always be those that make the same choice in the future.
The vision of the Tree of Life, chronicles that there are a number of paths available for the taking. If you don't like the path your on, change direction, however, choose wisely, for each path, eventually leads to a destination.
? | 1:51 a.m. July 14, 2008
"Men on a Mission," which has sold nearly 10,000 copies at $14.99
each."
""The project is about stepping outside the stereotypes and stepping outside of the image," Hardy said."
So, it wasn't about the money???
""The project is about stepping outside the stereotypes and stepping outside of the image," Hardy said."
So, it wasn't about the money???
Joe | 1:59 a.m. July 14, 2008
I am sorry that Hardy has chosen not to associate with the Church for the past
six years, and I am sorry that he is no longer affiliated with the church (for
his sake). That he considered resigning his membership rather than attend the
hearing indicates to me the true depth of his devotion to the church and his
beliefs.
From a practical standpoint, what really changes for Hardy? He still won't attend church services on Sunday, he won't be doing his home teaching, he won't be paying his tithing or attending the temple with any regularity. Will any of his acquaintances notice any differences?
So, his intention was to help us step out of the stereotypes and images that people have of members/missionaries of the LDS Church? I guess there are worse images he could be promoting than shirtless returned missionaries; I don't think that we really need to concentrate on redefining the image of returned missionaries.
I used to have the image that all sister missionaries were homely; my mission experience taught me otherwise. Maybe Hardy could put out a calender of attractive Sister Missionaries; just, please, keep the shirts on, thanks just the same.
From a practical standpoint, what really changes for Hardy? He still won't attend church services on Sunday, he won't be doing his home teaching, he won't be paying his tithing or attending the temple with any regularity. Will any of his acquaintances notice any differences?
So, his intention was to help us step out of the stereotypes and images that people have of members/missionaries of the LDS Church? I guess there are worse images he could be promoting than shirtless returned missionaries; I don't think that we really need to concentrate on redefining the image of returned missionaries.
I used to have the image that all sister missionaries were homely; my mission experience taught me otherwise. Maybe Hardy could put out a calender of attractive Sister Missionaries; just, please, keep the shirts on, thanks just the same.
Rick Ingram | 2:03 a.m. July 14, 2008
In August of 1969, I was traveling thru a dusty backwater town called Saint
George. I stopped to spend the night in an old Travel Lodge. I pulled open a
drawer and saw a Book of Mormon in it and then decided to look at it to see what
this "Mormon stuff" was all about. I asked for nothing. However, as I
began to read, I knew that the book and all that was associated with it was
true. I was baptised in 1970. The work associated with this individual in Las
Vegas seems to do nothing more than dump trash on those powerful and true
feelings given to me so many years ago. I've sent out 8 of my 9 boys on
missions, and will soon send out the last. In my wildest imaginations, I cannot
conceive of any of them having anything to do with this sort of thing. Speaking
as parent, a son who would be involved in this would have more to fear that just
a Church court. That would be me slapping him upside the head till the light
finally went on, "Oh yeah, don't trifle with sacred things".
Common Sense | 3:12 a.m. July 14, 2008
I am not a lawyer, but...if as an employee I use my company's name to sell
products in my own new business venture and those products are viewed as running
counter to company values, brand image, or cause 'damage' in some way,
etc. then my company has the right to sever my employment and require that I
stop using their name for my private personal gain.
So far the LDS church has only taken the first step of pulling membership. Hardy could have stopped his little venture months ago.
I also have a problem with the fact he used these RM's in a somewhat exploitational way. What if it were Sister Missionaries or Primary kids? The RM calendar is something I've heard many people joke about for years as being a funny idea. Hardy took it to another level when he made this a business.
I think, for a few thousand dollars, he has lost alot. Don't think many organizations would not take exception to what he did.
So far the LDS church has only taken the first step of pulling membership. Hardy could have stopped his little venture months ago.
I also have a problem with the fact he used these RM's in a somewhat exploitational way. What if it were Sister Missionaries or Primary kids? The RM calendar is something I've heard many people joke about for years as being a funny idea. Hardy took it to another level when he made this a business.
I think, for a few thousand dollars, he has lost alot. Don't think many organizations would not take exception to what he did.
SJ Bobkins | 3:20 a.m. July 14, 2008
Anything for a buck, right Mr. Hardy? Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Money | 3:35 a.m. July 14, 2008
This guy made the calendar for the same reason he made his excommunication very
public: to make money!
Jim -Ohio | 3:43 a.m. July 14, 2008
Even if he has been inactive,for six yrs,he knew how the church was going to
react.
Deserved | 4:02 a.m. July 14, 2008
He brought his excommunication on himself. He can't handle the higher
standard himself, but wants to profit from his knowledge of the standard and the
culture. He sold out.
Parents are sad | 4:15 a.m. July 14, 2008
I bet they are sad. I'd be sad too if my son openly embarrassed the church
on such a wide scale, and then laundered his disciplinary action to the press -
another open faced embarrassment. He's obviously got some issues against
the church. His decision to not be a member came long before he was
"ex'd". That was just a formality.
One point the public is not much aware of is that now that he's no longer a "member", it's the LDS belief that while he continues to not live according to the gospel standards, he won't be heaping further sin on his head...at least not the ones mentioned in the press.
Hopefully he'll come around and make the necessary changes, humble himself and have a true change of heart. After all, this isn't just about the here and now, it's about eternity. That's why his family will be sad. I wonder if he thought of that in all his flamboyance.
I hope his family is able to find peace and a way to reach their son.
One point the public is not much aware of is that now that he's no longer a "member", it's the LDS belief that while he continues to not live according to the gospel standards, he won't be heaping further sin on his head...at least not the ones mentioned in the press.
Hopefully he'll come around and make the necessary changes, humble himself and have a true change of heart. After all, this isn't just about the here and now, it's about eternity. That's why his family will be sad. I wonder if he thought of that in all his flamboyance.
I hope his family is able to find peace and a way to reach their son.
KM | 4:42 a.m. July 14, 2008
"Hardy has been inactive in the LDS Church for the past six years. He no
longer pays tithing or wears the religious undergarments considered sacred. In
an interview last week, Hardy said he had always struggled to fit in and live up
to the expectations of membership."
Nobody is excommunicated for the above offenses, so I don't think they have anything to do with the disciplinary council.
Nobody is excommunicated for the above offenses, so I don't think they have anything to do with the disciplinary council.
Amber | 4:51 a.m. July 14, 2008
Hope Chad releases a "Women on a Mission" calendar. I will be first in
line to send in my photos to be Miss January. I wish the church would grow up
and move into this century.
just thinking II | 5:05 a.m. July 14, 2008
And just what did this accomplish? now that the church has exed him he will
continue to publish the calendar. if the church sues him to try and stop the
calendar, then that will only sell more calendars. sometimes it is best just to
ignore some things.
Anonymous | 5:13 a.m. July 14, 2008
The sad part is that so many are willing to pose for the Calendar. That there
is a calendar doesn't surprise me, just that so called "good members
of the church" are willing to be in it. NO the photos that I saw in the
article were not any where near Porno status, it is just the theme of the thing
that bothers me.
BYU Ohio Fan | 5:17 a.m. July 14, 2008
I agree with the outcome. However, if it is true that the men being
photographed were all missionaries (I assume active)then they ought to be
punished in some manner for taking their shirts off and allowing this nut to
photograph them.
Anonymous | 5:25 a.m. July 14, 2008
It isn't the fact that some Returned Missionaries were photographed with
out their shirts on, it was that they were also shown as Missionaries in the
same photo. It went over the line representing the church in the calendar. No
the photos were not immoral, but the context of the calendar is not the
wholesome image the church fights to maintain. SO when you see the young men
in their Missionary dress on the same page it makes it harder on all the
missionaries who are working out there. Many will be harrassed over this and it
is a shame
Houston | 5:26 a.m. July 14, 2008
I live in Texas and I just saw this on my local TV station. It was accompanied
by several crass comments about the church. I guess Hardy has done what he
wanted to do. He has put the church in a negative light. Congrats to you Mr
Hardy, you are where you need to be right now. OUT OF THE CHURCH. But I am
sure this won't stop you from your goal. Have a happy life. ( sarcasm
intended)
This is NOT news. | 5:28 a.m. July 14, 2008
It's a private matter involving a private individual. If it belongs
anywhere (and I can't see that it does) then put it in the Mormon Times.
NOT in the general news section of this newspaper.
sally ann | 5:49 a.m. July 14, 2008
Hardy is definitely using the church for financial gain. He left the church six
years ago. It is a sad fact that some people who leave the church, can't
leave the church alone. We'll probably hear more from this guy.
pat | 6:04 a.m. July 14, 2008
How very sad.
As a person who tries hard to follow Jesus Christ, I cannot help but reflect back to what we are supposed to do.... ask ourselves "What would Jesus do"?
In this situation, I cannot stretch my imagination to "fit" Christ into the picture of total rejection of a person who does not totally agree with all rules set down by MAN. Did Christ Himself "reject" even the woman at the well? How much time has the Morman members who voted to "reject" this person spent personally talking with this "piece of garbage" tossed out of the "church"?
Sad. More than sad.....enlightening!
As a person who tries hard to follow Jesus Christ, I cannot help but reflect back to what we are supposed to do.... ask ourselves "What would Jesus do"?
In this situation, I cannot stretch my imagination to "fit" Christ into the picture of total rejection of a person who does not totally agree with all rules set down by MAN. Did Christ Himself "reject" even the woman at the well? How much time has the Morman members who voted to "reject" this person spent personally talking with this "piece of garbage" tossed out of the "church"?
Sad. More than sad.....enlightening!
Buckeye Guy | 6:13 a.m. July 14, 2008
I don't see why this is making such noise. He made a calendar that has
"sexual content" according to some people and may represent the Church
in the wrong light. However, the article states the calendar also contains the
young men's reasons for beliving in the LDS Church and why being LDS is so
important to them. Not having seen said calendar I don't know how risque it
is but I do find it difficult to believe that it should cause one to be
excommunicated.
charliejdog | 6:17 a.m. July 14, 2008
This guy is just money hungry and all the press he can get will help him sell
his calenders. I think the Elders who posed should also discipline for their
actions. Maybe not excommunicated but something because they were enablers.
Anonymous | 6:25 a.m. July 14, 2008
This guy is just making sure he gets plenty of free advertisement for the wares
he is selling. His motive appears to be $$$ in the bank. I don't know to
many people who would call the media over church disciplinary actions.
unrepentant | 6:34 a.m. July 14, 2008
Doesn't sound like he is considering a return to church membership anytime
soon does he? I wonder if the money earned from calendar sales on the back of
this publicity will go anywhere but to line his pockets?
Ricky | 6:35 a.m. July 14, 2008
Promoting those missionaries as "sex symbols" goes against the
Lord's Law of Chastity where members who have taken upon themselves the
name of Christ with a promise to be obedient to his commandments and endure to
the end...one of these commandments include the Law of Chastity, where we are
taught to be chaste in word, thought and deed which doesn't go right with
the image of "sex symbols." It takes away the proper attraction of
the opposite sex for who she or he is, rather than being attracted to her or his
body.
Ernest T. Bass | 6:42 a.m. July 14, 2008
It's good to know that the punishment fits the crime.
Sarah | 6:46 a.m. July 14, 2008
I feel so bad for his family! But maybe now he won't be able to profit from
the church anymore. And by the way, if any evil people decide to do anything to
the missionaries in the field as a result of viewing this calendar, I think that
Mr. Hardy should pay the damages. In others words be sued!
ramper | 6:57 a.m. July 14, 2008
Being inactive and not paying tithing or wearing the garments is not a basis for
excommunication. What actions are involved in the "struggle to fit in and
live up to the expectations of membership" are really the key. That is none
of our business, but I would hope it was a legitimate basis.
I have posted before and I still wonder how a Marriott or Romney could escape action when the hotels they oversaw could push porn for profit. Does the amount of tithing one pays act as a buffer? Some of the excuses I have read by Marriott execs. on this matter were pathetic. Consider: "It would be wrong to impose his (Romney) own personal beliefs if they were contrary to the financial interests of the company." What is worse? Being a user or a pusher? The excuse that most of the hotels are franchised does not wash either. Try changing anything at a McDonald's if you are a franchise owner without the companies permission. If you sign away your right to control what your name and reputation is attached to then shame on you.
I have posted before and I still wonder how a Marriott or Romney could escape action when the hotels they oversaw could push porn for profit. Does the amount of tithing one pays act as a buffer? Some of the excuses I have read by Marriott execs. on this matter were pathetic. Consider: "It would be wrong to impose his (Romney) own personal beliefs if they were contrary to the financial interests of the company." What is worse? Being a user or a pusher? The excuse that most of the hotels are franchised does not wash either. Try changing anything at a McDonald's if you are a franchise owner without the companies permission. If you sign away your right to control what your name and reputation is attached to then shame on you.
Attention getters | 7:00 a.m. July 14, 2008
A stand-up, really honest guy who goes to the press with something of this
nature would expose to the same press ALL the counts of this disciplinary
council and it's actions - something else is seemingly missing from the
details provided, and its unlikely any potential personal behavior detail will
be forthcoming from the church itself, nor should it since they only commented
publicly after it was known. So, we have to rely on this man, and it appears he
ain't telling the whole story, just the part that sells the calendar...
Hall Monitor | 6:59 a.m. July 14, 2008
That calendar is filth. It should be banned.
Ex | 7:01 a.m. July 14, 2008
Utah again made the national news over a IN state story.I wish him the best and
many more profitable years of publishing!
wanda | 7:05 a.m. July 14, 2008
Isn;t this what the scriptures meant when they said separate the wheat from the
tares?
redthebarber | 7:07 a.m. July 14, 2008
Speaking as a life long memeber of the church, I am stunned by the judgements
being passed here. What happened to, "hate the SIN but love the
SINNER?" This man has done nothing to warrent your scathing judements and
critisism. How many othe memebers have we lost because thier brothers and
sisters scorned, ridiculed and critisized rather than loving them?
Mary | 7:05 a.m. July 14, 2008
There are so many who want to proclaim they are mormon and they then turn out to
be so jack! I guess they get a lot of publicity from saying they are mormon.
Then you hear about their life and your like Do they even go to church? Julianna
Hough???? and others....
scarlet A | 7:06 a.m. July 14, 2008
there is more to this story than Hardy is saying. I know how easy it is NOT to
get ex'd, personally
Candace | 7:11 a.m. July 14, 2008
Sorry I think it is a little bit hilarious when people come on this comment
board and announce that they too are leaving the church. While I am sad for you
in one way, I feel sorry for you in another. The church standing up for
themselves against goons like Hardy or only going to make more honest in heart
people interested in the church. The church is going to keep growing and be more
successful than ever. So sorry to anyone who comes on here and says their
leaving, its just your loss!
FAMILY DISGRACE | 7:10 a.m. July 14, 2008
Hardy...let's get to the heart of the issue. This has never been about
your disenchantment with this particular religion...free speech...coming to the
rescue of those within some religion you have chosen to abandon--those members
who you claim want to express a new image...and this has never been about the
money you have made...your smoke and mirrors scheme has not worked on those of
us who can see past religion.
It has been about selfishness pure and simple. Although I suppose it is possible, I simply can't imagine a set of parents who would have taught you to show such disrespect.
My sense is your parents/family are not so hurt by your departure from thier religion as they are by your display of selfishness.
My hope would be that somehow someway the supremacy of ego in your life will be weakened...that you will get RELIGION out of the equation, look introspectively, and realize the error in your ways.
Those of us not so interested in the religion piece of this equation, but rather are disgusted with your complete lack of respect for others, wonder what's in store for your family, neighbors, work colleagues...those in your next religion of choice?
It has been about selfishness pure and simple. Although I suppose it is possible, I simply can't imagine a set of parents who would have taught you to show such disrespect.
My sense is your parents/family are not so hurt by your departure from thier religion as they are by your display of selfishness.
My hope would be that somehow someway the supremacy of ego in your life will be weakened...that you will get RELIGION out of the equation, look introspectively, and realize the error in your ways.
Those of us not so interested in the religion piece of this equation, but rather are disgusted with your complete lack of respect for others, wonder what's in store for your family, neighbors, work colleagues...those in your next religion of choice?
RE: Pat | 7:13 a.m. July 14, 2008
Pat, if the woman at the well was unrepentant, and covertly went about doing
things that Chris found embarrassing to his church, what would Jesus do?
Certainly he loves us unconditionally, but he only forgives those who repent, just like his church does.
Certainly he loves us unconditionally, but he only forgives those who repent, just like his church does.
So Sad | 7:12 a.m. July 14, 2008
Tradegy. I hope he returns as soon as he can.
But there is an interesting point that we should all realize: evil always wants to hang on and hang around and have a big discussion.
Our reponse shouldn't be to keep the discussion going. We have too much to do. Our reponse should be to kindly dismiss, and get back to our knitting.
And if this guy comes to church, I am sure he'll be treated kindly.
And as many times as he calls his Bishop, I'm sure he'll be welcomed to come chat.
And if and when he says he wants to come back, I'm also sure he'll be welcomed with open arms.
But there is an interesting point that we should all realize: evil always wants to hang on and hang around and have a big discussion.
Our reponse shouldn't be to keep the discussion going. We have too much to do. Our reponse should be to kindly dismiss, and get back to our knitting.
And if this guy comes to church, I am sure he'll be treated kindly.
And as many times as he calls his Bishop, I'm sure he'll be welcomed to come chat.
And if and when he says he wants to come back, I'm also sure he'll be welcomed with open arms.
JL | 7:31 a.m. July 14, 2008
It's interesting that he claims to have been trying to break down
stereotypes. What that really means is that he was trying to convince the world
that the standards of the LDS church are lower than they actually are. The
stereotype of strict moral standards is one that the church will gladly live
with.
RWW | 7:33 a.m. July 14, 2008
What happened to the Mormon doctrine known as �Free
Agency� that is espoused, asserting that each individual is
free to make choices, even to the point of placing God and his plans on hold
until the sinner makes his or her choice concerning him?
Jason | 7:38 a.m. July 14, 2008
Looking at the picture of this dude & the fact he decided to make a Mormon
missionary beefcake calendar rather than one of returned sister missionaries
makes me wonder if there isn't more to this excommunication then just the
calendar. My guess is he may have some sort of "alternative"
lifestyle that had more to do with his excommunication than anything else (not
that there is anything wrong with that).
Regardless, I think it is safe to say the guy is using this whole thing to get PR for himself and his calendar. The last thing is concerned about is excommunication and his family.
Regardless, I think it is safe to say the guy is using this whole thing to get PR for himself and his calendar. The last thing is concerned about is excommunication and his family.
true blue | 7:38 a.m. July 14, 2008
The calendar obviously wasn't the biggest issue. I hope the kid finds what
he is looking for, but next time leaves missionaries out of the picture.
angelino | 7:43 a.m. July 14, 2008
A friend of mine at the gym was asked to pose for this latest calender. He
didn't have a problem with taking his shirt off, as I'm sure most of
us don't think that that is a big deal. He did turn down the offer, because
he felt it was pretty tacky and inappropriate to make the sexy/physical
connection to something such as his mission and a part of his life, which he
felt should be seperated from this kind of marketing. I'm pretty liberal
about taking my shirt off, but I totally agree that this is not the appropriate
venue for it
We don't know | 7:46 a.m. July 14, 2008
There are a lot of comments about the punishment fitting the crime, that Hardy
is doing this just for the money or that LDS church leaders overreacted. The
truth is we have very few details on either side of the debate. I, for one,
don't feel like I can pass judgment one way or another. I hope this
arrangement works out best for all involved, but I am certainly no more
motivated to buy the calendar than I was the first time I heard about it.
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