Deseret News | It's a Mormon in the 'House'

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Scott D. Pierce: It's a Mormon in the 'House'

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HiveRadical | 1:00 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

While both the misdirected barbs (House's snide commentary and questions are clearly not crafted with a knowledge of their intended target/audience) and the one presented as being "Mormon" being relatively incompetent in responding to the cookie cutter anti-theistic attacks relative to the education and erudition the role he is cast in would seemingly entitle him too all seem to clearly propagate confusion I have to say that I take Brigham Young at his word when he says--

"If the people will let us alone we will convert the world, and if they persecute us we will do it the quicker"

Persecution can be done passively. I'm not saying the writers or producers or actors are necessarily doing any of this with intent to malign us. But it is possible to passively persecute, to propagate ignorance to the detriment of some person or people.

Adam | 6:01 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Whenever Dr. House says something negative or offensive against the Mormon character of the show, I smile. House is an extremely offensive character who is both respected for his intelligence and despised for his views. Thus, it is not a bad thing to have House bash your faith. House makes a habit out of bashing the good in the world, this is part of the premise of the show. I have not yet seen anything that would portray the LDS church in a negative light on this show. On the contrary, I believe the writers of this show are depicting a good man, who is trying his best to do the right thing, being persecuted by a despicable man no one likes anyway.

Taunja | 6:24 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I have loved the show, but am wary about this development. Surprisingly, many TV guide forum fans appreciate the Mormon character for being different and interesting.

I have to defend TV guide though--House called the character both "Big Love" and "Dark, Religious Nut," rather than the website itself. They covered the possible outrage at this by having someone in the room with him completely appalled at his behavior.

I agree that should this continue, they need to get an actual, practicing Mormon to consult. They are throwing in a bunch of things that aren't actually true, while missing some big opportunities. At least he isn't fanatical and unstable, which is how most people like to portray Mormons.

Comments continue below

Spike | 6:39 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I think it's time for us to just realize that people are going to make fun of us and get over it. We have more important things to do than complain about such things.

Anonymous | 7:00 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Wow! interesting take. I have never watched House and dont plan too. I still think this is a push in the right direction for the Mormon church.

Matthew Sherlock | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Though I have found some of the treatment of this character in the show offensive, it still gives the church exposure at different levels. Yes the facts are incorrect but at the same time- this is exposure for the church. I think if we study or interpret anything too much you are on a course to obsessive compiusive behavior. Lets just accept this for what it is- free advertisement for the church on prime time. Twenty to twenty five million people watch this show each week. I would say from a missionary standpoint that is pretty good.

Sam Hofer | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

So why does the creator of all things care what we put into our digestive tract?

The last few episodes of house have been pretty good. I don't care about factual errors; they make the character more believeable. Yes, i also believe he'd take after the pope with the same venom.

So, calm down and get over the persecution complex. House hates you. Maybe take that as one of the signs of becoming mainstream which mormonism so desperately seeks all the time. Besides, in the show I think he is trying to establish whether Cole's character will act on science, rather than faith, because they're in the science business.

YoYo | 7:19 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

House is one of those shows where I have tried numerous times to watch and have only made it through a handful of episodes. As a Mormon I am certainly not offended by this new charecter, however, it is disappointing that "smart" people can't seem to get a clue about polygamy not being part of the LDS church for over a century. Sure it was part of our "history" but again that was over 100 years ago. On a positive note, the LDS has recieved a ton of free advertising with shows like this, from Mitt Romney's presidential run, etc...The great thing about the church is that if someone is REALLY interested to hear about our beliefs and what we are really about, they will be pleasantly surprised. Of course there are a few weirdos in the church and some of our beliefs may seem strange, but that is the beautiful thing about this gospel...if someone is really looking for truth, it's all here.

RT | 7:19 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Publicity of any sort is just that...publicity. Years ago I thought Don King (promoter of boxer Mike Tyson) was crazy when he said any publicity was good publicity, even bad publicity. But, over the last few years, in this intensly media-driven country I've actually come to think Don King was right. Therefore, I don't worry about it. (And I like the 'House' show.) The missionaries will get 'em!

Gretzky | 7:32 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

hopefully there are no Docs in and around your community who act like "Dr. House". he gives medicine a bad name and rap.
it's very interesting that since Gov. Romney is running for president there is suddenly all this "interest" albeit sideswiping interest in the LDS church. perhaps it is because the writers know they won't be called to repent by the NAACP, Rainbow PUSH coalition, the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Clintons, or NOW or other special interest groups. The LDS folks and leaders will just turn the other cheek. In the end, "any publicity is good publicity" is the modus operandus.

Might makes Right | 7:33 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

We teach kids not to bully and then we do it as grown-ups - unless it is somehow perceived as politically incorrect. Mocking religion and Mormons in general is always in season for the those who consider themselves to be intellectually elite.

doshaw | 7:41 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

The writer at TVGuide didn't make up the term "Dark Religious Nut". He used it in the recap because during one episode that's what House called the Mormon character. It was hardly a case of bigotry on the part of the TV Guide writer.

Overall, I think the writers have done a pretty good job of portraying a Mormon character on the show. While most of what House has said about the Church has been pretty infuriating, the Mormon doctors responses, I feel, have been fair at showing that we should turn the other cheek, so to speak, but we also can be human.

St. George Reader | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

There is an old saying, "Bad news coverage is better than no coverage at all." I personally believe that with all the coverage the Mitt Romney is getting, and his religion being scrutinized, that anything said about Mormons only heightens peoples curiosity and for those seeing the truth about what Mormons really believe it is a good thing. For those who are looking for anything negative to support their ideology this kind of misinformation becomes just another arrow in their quiver. You know, you do not have to believe what I believe for what I believe to be true. It is only important that you know I that I believe it.

Mentay | 7:49 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I would like to be accurately portrayed. If someone on TV is going to pretend to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would hope they would consult an active member of the church to get it right and not someone who "was" a Mormon or "grew up around" Mormons or some such. There is much they could intellectually explore and ethically challenge without cheaply targeting what is sacred.
I have been a fan of the show and would like to continue to be, but will be very disappointed if they take the low road on this instead of what I've come to expect from them. And, by the way, my friends and I speak quickly with wit with no writers.

Chris | 7:54 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I think your review is way off the mark. My thought after watching several episodes this season was, "wow, they must have a very sharp mormon writer on the show." Yes, the things House says are offensive, but what mormon hasn't heard them before? Cole's responses to House's behavior are intelligent and fair, and I think that they help correct a lot of misconceptions people have about the LDS church. Dr. House may be critical of mormons, but the show is actually quite complimentary of the mormon way of life.

Mark | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

In a few short years "House" will be gone and forgotten, as almost all TV shows are. In a few short years, where will the LDS Church be?

Mike | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Mormon is the new minority. You need a querky person to be on your show. Make them a mormon. Being just black, gay, or a vampire isn't good enough any more, make him or her a black mormon, a gay mormon, or a gay vampire that is black and a mormon. This kind of writing and casting = Emmy or Golden Globe.

Re: Mark | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Hopefully gone and forgotten.

David the Canuck | 8:22 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

We are not alone! One of the most hilarious TV shows mocking our Catholic friends came from the old country. The show was called "Father Ted" and featured several unorthodox characters - and Irish at that! Thousands upon thousands of people, perhaps even millions, the world over tuned in to watch the humorous antics. So I don't believe for a moment that unorthodox Mormon characters as such a bad thing. It's good to laugh at ourselves once in a while, and Richard D proved that with his movies.

Kel | 8:29 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

House has taken on several religious beliefs, mainstream and otherwise, and frequently 'takes on' God himself. His character pushes buttons, whatever they may be. I can understand you being upset about your beliefs being portrayed inaccurately--in fact, I agree with many of the commenters that there should be a consultant for the show who is a member of the LDS Church to ensure that those beliefs are shown accurately. But since you admit to not having been a regular viewer of the show, your criticism of House's comments comes across as reactionary rather than informed.

House Viewer | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

House rips lots of religions and ethnic groups. I have seen every episode and it is my favorite show. He has made more racial remarks to Foreman stereotyping young black men than anything else on the show. We laugh so hard when he makes the references to the Mormon doctor, it is a TV show and it is funny, let's lighten up some.

Chill Out | 8:40 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

The reality is that while we mainstream Mormons might not currently practice polygamy, it was most defitely openly practiced by the founders that we esteem, and was a key force that drove our forebearers to pack up, trek across the Great Plains, and isolate themselves in the middle of the desert. Not one of our modern day leaders has disavowed the doctrine of polygamy as a Celestial principle, so we should lighten up on people who still think it is part of our religion. Why? (Drumroll)...BECAUSE IT IS. Fundamentalists, such as Warren Jeffs, get spurned in the media for quoting Brigham Young, but we accept Brigham Young as a prophet and his teachings as prophesy.

We need to learn to relax, ease up on people who might "reasonably" believe we believe in polygamy, and be willing to laugh at ourselves more.

This article did little more than highlight our collective inferiority complex and paranoia.

Leah | 8:45 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I do watch Dr. House and enjoy the show. I don't like the whole LDS faith being misrepresented. I will continue to watch every week.

RE: Chill Out | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Well said Chill Out. I am not from Utah and am not Mormon but I live here now and call Utah home. The fact is a lot of Americans have these stereotypes of Mormons and Utah in general. The fact of the matter is that it is still a relatively small religion in America and globally. I never really knew or heard about Mormonism until I moved to Utah in 2003. I am an educated professional but I never really paid attention to or knew any Mormons growing up. I can easily see why these stereotypes still exist. As far as the inferiority complex, I think it is a small percentage of Mormons that have that issue.

Dan A. | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

The writers of the show are not as ignorant of "the Mormon way of life" as some comments here allege. In fact, at least one of them probably knows more about Mormons than most "active" Mormons do about their own Church and its history!

Just because you don't agree with someone doesn't mean they are ignorant and don't know anything about your religion. The statistical truth is that the diversity in the Church is increasing dramatically, so people in general are much more likely to have a Mormon associate like the character Cole than ever before!

As for the "publicity" angle - what a disappointment that all Mormons can think about is how much publicity they can get out of everything - California burns & the Mormons see it as a great publicity moment (look how we helped!); a sit-com portrays a Mormon and Mormons think its great publicity!

Being so concerned about publicity is what BUSINESSES do; NOT genuine Churches.

Craig | 9:23 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

House is an entertaining show. I enjoy it. I believe this character will stay for House to have a "punching bag". I think it has been more positive on the Mormon church than negative (because of the context of the show). The main reasons for misinformation (coming from House) is because this is telling of how a lot of the outside people see the Mormon church until they look into it a little bit.

Luke | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

From the episodes i have seen of House so far this season its been interesting to see a new character who happens to be LDS.

Father Ted when it was first showing in the UK on Channel 4 had figures of around 8.9 million, classic comedy.

Sheldon | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

The underlying argument of the show is that high intelligence equates to rejection of religion, cynicism and overall crankiness. This worldview is portrayed in the show as being funny and empowering.

Don't get me wrong; the show is clever and I have enjoyed the few episodes I've seen. But I think it is important to understand what we are being sold when we watch a program. There is no such thing neutral media. Everything contains arguments, and it is important understand those arguments so that we can accept or reject them.

Educated Literate | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Well..

1. Itï¿½s a TV SHOW!!
2. There is NO SUCH THING as ï¿½badï¿½ press.

Frankly, I like the show. The writing is excellent, original and not trite as found in the resurrected shows of the Bionic Woman and Journeyman (Which is a re-hash of Quantum Leap) but I digress,,,

Even with the ignorance of the writers, it will spark interest for people to learn more about the Church. Who Knowsï¿½.it may increase baptisms.

shenpa warrior | 9:37 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Sam Hofer: A better question to ask would be: Why does the creator of all things care about anything?

I really like the character (and the show). It is a more accurate portrayal than I was expecting out of Hollywood. Plus, House looked like an idiot when he called Cole a hypocrite for accepting evolution as an explanation.

rehun | 9:42 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Scott Pierce seems a bit oversensitive in this piece. Big Love is about Mormons and anyone who tries to to deny it is is denying the heritage from the early 1900s back to Joseph Smith. Scott seems to think that all LDS teachings should be warmly embraced by all...not so. I think Mr. Pierce needs to drag his Ostrich attitude body out of Utah and see what is happening in the rest of the world.

John | 9:47 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Mr. DesNews Critic, I understand you're paid to be somewhat subjective in your criticisms, but it's rather apparent to me that the subject matter hits way too close for home for you here. This is television, after all. (And Mormons are more fun to poke fun at than Catholics.)

To RE: Chill Out | 9:51 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

"The fact of the matter is that [the LDS church] is still a relatively small religion in America and globally."

You should fact-check before making such assertions. The LDS church is currently the fourth-largest religion in the country. Just because you "never really paid attention" to it doesn't mean it's small. It merely implies ignorance of a substantial portion of your nation's composition.

9:52 | 9:52 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Entertaining discussion here on all sides. It should be pointed out however that the least moderate or reasonable voices come from the author of the article in question and Mr. Dan A.

Oregonian | 9:57 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I was born and raised in Utah but have now lived elsewhere for over a decade. It stil cracks me up how Utahans and Mormons care so much about what others think of them. Here's a hint - most people NEVER think of them. As far as the Mormon faith goes - if people hear jabs about it on TV - they are NOT looking at is as a possible faith they would consider joining - they are not considering ANY faith as worth joining. Most people care about their own states - not Utah, and don't care about religion at all.

bugged with Dan A | 10:02 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Why do we care about publicity you wonder? Because of all of the misinformation. I'm from NY, when I decided to move out here- EVERYONE I worked with had comments about polygamy and other stereotypes. So Dan A that is why we like getting good publicity, so that people no longer hold incorrect opinions. And trust me other religions care about publicity. Who wants to be known as a bunch of child abusing leaders like another religion recently has run into.
Dan your comments were ignorant at best- thanks for playing!

Newman | 10:17 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I love the show and I love the development of the Mormon character. I cheered when he punched House in the face. This is definately nothing to get offended over.

Scott | 10:18 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I have to start out by saying that I find Hugh Laurie's portrayal of Dr. House hilarious. He is also a very intelligent manï¿½when it comes to medicine. He is not a religion expert, so he might not be aware that todayï¿½s latter-day saint does not practice polygamy. They probably donï¿½t cover that in medical school. Like the PBS documentary earlier this year or the movie September Dawn, this Mormon character does give us missionary opportunities to clear up misconceptions about our faith and just talk to our neighbors about our beliefs. I havenï¿½t made up my mind yet if I would want the Cole character to stay or not. After the last episode finished I turned to my wife and said, ï¿½Why canï¿½t they ever have a normal Mormon portrayed on TV or movies?ï¿½ Mormons can be peculiar funny without having to be an abnormal oddity.

Mike | 10:23 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Members of the Church need to understand that a lot of strange and quarky things were practiced and preached particularly in the first 100 years or so of the Church. We can't deny it (or sufficiently explain it for that matter) and it is readily available with the click of a mouse. It is part of who we are - we can either fight it every time it is brought up or have a little humor about ourselves and our history.

Mary | 10:39 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I am a Catholic nun, and I was terribly upset when House and Case had a conversation: C: "I hate nuns." H:"Who doesn't?""

But I got over it, realizing that God and people in general don't have that reaction. An old adage: "We wouldn't worry about what people think of us if we realized how seldom they do."

I think that one of the reasons House baits people is to prepare them for what they certainly ought to expect from some of their future patients. If they learn to "take it" from House, they may be better able to manage their emotions when prejudiced people attack them as they try to do their jobs.

I see House as a wounded healer--a man hurting so much physically and emotionally that he and his comments are to be taken with a whole shaker-full of salt--and with a great deal of forgiving compassion.

Thomas | 10:55 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

to "To RE: Chill Out" -- Mormons make up about 2% of the American population. That counts as "relatively small."

It's only the "fourth-largest religion in the country" because Protestant sects generally can't go five minutes without splintering into twelve or so different sub-groups. Stick the PCA and PCUSA together, and you double the number of Presbyterians; stick the various Pentecostal groups together, and you've got a massive church, etc.

That said, Mormons definitely punch above their weight in American society. We may be 2% of the population, but we're (I think) at least 4% of the Senate.

Heidi | 11:00 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Hugh Laurie is a very talented actor. Previous to "House" I'd only seen him in British comedies like "Black Adder," and "Jeeves and Wooster." In these he plays idiotic but likeable fops. His "House" character is completely different. Having a non-stereotypical "Mormon" character to play off of Laurie's cynical character is interesting indeed. I may be wrong, but perhaps in some circles, "Mormons" are a renewed fascination--a popular topic thanks in part to Romney's campaign. This new development in "House" does not bother me.

Re: Re Chill Out | 11:18 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

It is a relatively small church. I believe 13 million total members worldwide? Maybe half of that in America? How many are actually practicing, I don't know. While it maybe the fourth largest religion in America the number of Mormons in America is still relatively small compared to the population of America. Therefore, it is not a large part of society in most of America. When I lived in Georgia, Southern Baptists were very influential even though I wasn't a member of that church. Mormons are very influential in Utah but not in a lot of other states. Try not to take things so personally. I am not a religious man by any means but it amazes me how the LDS Church acts more like a PR Firm in Manhattan at times than a church. All churches do this at times but really the LDS church and the Catholic church are probably the most organized religions in the world and they both do this kind of thing all the time.

Fredd | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Mary-Excellent comment.

To RE: Chill Out-What four religions? Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and LDS? I thought LDS was Christian.

Scott--The character is very normal. House is the oddity. Dr. Cole is a normal young intelligent black man raising his son by himself.

I'm not the biggest fan of Mormonism, I get a kick out of the digs House takes. But I think Dr. Cole handles it in a dignified honorable manner. I find myself rooting for him because House is so rude and unfair. Its pretty obvious that House is goading the LDS character. I'd say the portrayal overall is a sympathetic portrayal of LDS people.

TO: To RE: Chill Out | | 11:21 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

How funny - the fourth largest religion in the country. The figures I have seen are around 2% for Mormans, compared to the Prots who are at 52% and the Roman Catholics who are at 24%. Jeez, Buddhists are also at 2% and Muslims are at 1%. I say all of this full well understanding that statistics can be skewed and that you can find many different figures while doing research....
Maybe someone is getting a bit too big for their britches Mr. Fourth Largest......

Re:To RE: Chill Out | 9:51 a.m. | 11:43 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

13 million members of the LDS church and 6.7 billion people in the world = .0019% That is very small. However, per Thomas LDS is well represented in leadership positions (government and corporate)...hmmm must say something about the quality of people we are dealing with?!?

To Fredd | 11:53 a.m. Oct. 30, 2007

LDS by its own definition is not christian. Remember, all christian churches are false, so if LDS is christian, then it is false too.

Re: Fredd | 12:23 p.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Think Catholic.

Definitions | 12:27 p.m. Oct. 30, 2007

Are LDS members Christian? I think it depends on how one defines the word. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as their savior in redeemer. By that definition, Momrons are Christian

2002 | 12:28 p.m. Oct. 30, 2007

I admit that I used to be concerned with what other people thought of Utah and Mormons. But then the Olympics came here in 2002 and I have felt the need since.

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