Deseret News | Mormon Media Monitor: Time to grade LDS coverage

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Mormon Media Monitor: Time to grade LDS coverage

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Daniel Longo | 5:14 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008

The "world" will never love the Lord's people and His worst enemies will always come from those who were closest to His bosom. I cherish the various discourses of the prophets and apostles. If the "world" can't handle the truth it is to their own peril. Joseph Smith tried to teach the people and bring them higher, but he also lamented that when he tried to introduce something new they would "fly apart like glass" which is to paraphrase the Savior's lamentation that men are like old wine skins that burst when the attempt is made to fill them with new doctrine. Those others who profess to be Christians would bind your neck with the iron chain of ignorance and suppose they can command God in what He does or will do. It is analogous to those who, steeped in their religious traditions, and sure of their religious heritage and canon, cried "Barabas" and crucified their God. It was Christ's "new" teachings that drove their anger. That spirit always hunted the blood of the prophets and of the saints. It always will. So for the media...frankly, who cares? God commands I obey.Period

Phil | 5:43 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008

This is a reply to the posted comments implying that those who are LDS members don't "think for themselves" and don't "allow themselves to be critical", and "believe only what they are told to believe":
It is bigoted and short-sighted to make a blanket comment such as that. The LDS faith encourages people to seek out all truth for themselves, both through their own efforts and by asking God, not by blindly following what others tell them. All people are "independent thinkers" in that everyone first chooses what they want to believe, then either continue or abandon those beliefs based on their choices and as a result of their experiences in life, their personal relationships, etc. I have thoroughly investigated much of the critical arguments against the LDS faith and have rejected them because of the fact that I have much more persuasive and numerous arguments in favor of believing in the truth of the LDS faith. It has nothing to do with "not thinking for myself", or "blindly following my leaders", thank you.

Marc Hamann | 5:40 a.m. Jan. 8, 2008

It makes no sense to me when people denounce the brotherhood of Jehovah and Lucifer.Are there earthly families with a mix of good and bad kids? Sinful us humans are also spirit brother of Jesus Christ! THE BIBLE TELLS US NOTHING CONTRARY TO THIS!

Polygomy is not what the Lord wants us to do right now; BUT, polygomy is better than cheap sluts getting pregnant without any real commitment from the father of the child, knowing who the father is, cheap sluts biologically "fathering" children that they have no intent to take care of or be there for, cheap sluts who think it is bad for a husbandless, impoverished, single, and recently given birth mother to give a baby up for adoption, and people living together as if married(children or not)who are not married.

The writer of the article that got this started did not denounce going to other sources in and of itself. He denounced going to other sources ONLY and not matching with current believing Mormons.

Comments continue below

Edwin | 7:58 a.m. Jan. 8, 2008

On the car analogy: you can't get a fair answer on a Ford from a Toyota dealer, nor can you necessarily trust a Ford dealer, both are going to give you skewed information. You can't trust an ex-ford owner, as they are obviously going to focus on the negative, but you can't necessarily trust a happy owner either, as they may not really know the car they are driving (Bought it because their friends/family drive Ford... weren't even aware it had a CD Player....).

Guess what? Both have a motor, both have wheels and tires, both use steering wheel.. and both get you from Point A to B. They have more in common than different, and there is room for both on the road (and if you are a Christian, as many of you claim to be, Jesus told you to love all car owners, and not judge them).

What about Tractors or Buldozers (Muslims or Buddhists)? They still mave a motor, and go from A to B. Or Pogo Sticks (Athiests - not meant to be a slight)? They may seem to have nothing in common, but still go from point A to B. Golden Rule Folks.

University faculty & LDS woman | 12:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

In response to Ex Mo in New England comments on LDS woman not being encouraged to get education:

"The Lord has mandated that this people get all the education they can. He has been very clear about this. . . ." (Current LDS President, Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov. 2006)

Just because a woman chooses to stay home with her children does not make her uneducated. LDS woman are encouraged to continue to learn and educate themselves even as they nurture their children. LDS woman of every educational level have chosen to put their energies and talents into the work of motherhood (Jane Clayson Johnson, former national morning show anchor, is one good example).

It is a great sacrifice but we are talking about our children. To me they are more precious than any worldly accolade the business world can offer. Oh and LDS woman aren't the only woman making this same difficult choice so why are LDS woman cast in such a "oppressed" light.

Kevin | 3:51 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

In response to Joel McDonald's comment
about archeological evidence supporting the Book of Mormon, one has to take into consideration all the facts when discussing archeology. We know for a fact that desperate thieves steal and destroy findings on any dig, way before the archeologists can examine what was lost. Often times those artifacts are sold on the black market. We know for a fact that for all the knowledge we have of the Mayans, Toltecs, Olmecs, Mixtas, and any other civilization is only the tip of the iceburg. Any casual observation of the horizons in Mesoamerica will reveal that there are tons and tons of ancient cities to reveal, and that somewhere in the distant future you'll have to re-examine the reason why you thought the Book of Mormon wasn't true.

Peter Unsworth | 5:28 a.m. Jan. 9, 2008

Learn to love, forgive other, live a good and honest life. I am English LDS and proud of it, having friends who are Catholic, Protestants, Muslims. Jesus tought us to love all and not just those who share our beliefs. If you want to find out if it is good try it. The Church is true its doctrines are sound, but the people make mistakes. None of us are perfect but we are tryin to be better. I have not always been active in the Church but that was my problem, dont blame others if you are not able to live the standards

Re: Archeology | 11:12 a.m. Jan. 9, 2008

I had something of an interesting thought the other day. How is it that millions can place their trust in a man to lead them to heaven if he can't even lead them to the actual Hill Cumorah?

Archaeological evidence, or rather the lack of it, is a minor issue in considering the validity of The Book of Mormon. The text itself, and modern history surrounding its development, is enough to cast doubts.

"Natural man" | 2:53 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Natural man is an enemy to God and His Works.

Omega0401 | 11:50 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

For Archeology,
You said, "The text is itself, and modern history surrounding its development, is enough to cast doubts?"

Read Alma 32 on faith. It says you need a "desire to believe". Obviously the converse it true, if you have the desire NOT to believe then you will get your doubts. No question about that. When you have the desire to believe then you will receive the revelation that many have received. Those who read the book with skepticism will always receive doubts about it.

Many Are Off topic | 12:51 p.m. Jan. 15, 2008

I think many of the posts are off topic. The point of the article was fair reporting. To go to an opponent of the Church and express his/her views as Church doctrine is not good journalism. I think to report on what the Church teaches and believes then one ought to go to the source. The person who said you have to go to anti-mormons to be fair and balanced is a bit off too. That depends on the nature of the article. To say Mormons believe this...then Mormon sources would be sufficient. If the article is about differences between the LDS and Evangelicals then both sides of the story would be reasonable. Writing an article about Evangelicals beefs with Mormon beliefs and practices, I think it would be reasonable and fair to allow the other side respond. The same principle would be true if it were an article about Mormons' concerns with some other religion's beliefs and practices (although I have never seen such a thing, but I do have some issues with the way Huckabee is running his campaign). Some are just venting their biases and making snide remarks. I won't name names, you know who you are!

Wow | 3:05 p.m. Jan. 16, 2008

All I can say it that emotions sure are running high. All religions are based on faith, that is why the word "faith" is often used in place of "religion" ie Mormon Faith, Catholic faith, etc. Why can't we be kind and give people the right to believe and have faith in what they choose. If what I have faith in and choose to believe does not interfear with another persons rights then why should anyone call me names, make fun of my beliefs, or any other kind of negative behavior.

As for the article this whole conversation is based on "fairness in reporting" this whole conversation has proven that fairness may just be impossible because no one can seem to agree on what "fair" means.

As to a big reason why the LDS church is so forefront in the media now, the presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney, why do we have to spend so much time talking about his religion, or any other candidates for that matter. No head of any Church, Mormon prophet, Pope, Rabbi, etc. is going to make national policy and even if they tried isn't that why our government has checks and balances!

Marc Hamann | 3:43 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

oop! I made a typo. I meant to type"...,not knowing who the father is,..." instead of"...,knowing who the father is,...".

Harold Rust | 10:42 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I have lived in non-Mormon communities throughout my life and have almost always found a very positive acceptance of the Church by anyone I talk to regarding either Church teachings or Church practices. I believe the grading system applied here is just one method among many that can highlight the shallow and deceptive remarks that are often made by those who benefit from a public eager to read something negative or startling. In the end, I've always seen the Church come out on top even when some of our history such as the Mountain Meadows Massacre reflect bad decisions by Church members at the time.

R Golding | 10:56 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I will resist the temptation to comment on the many off the wall remarks by those just taking advantage of a free forum to spew their nonsense and just comment on the subject of the article.

After participating in several dance festivals and spending every Friday night in the summer of my youth at a church dance I was a bit surprised to read in the pages of Time Magazine (somewhere around 1979) that ï¿½Mormons do not believe in dancing but allow an exception for Donny and Marie.ï¿½ I have never since expected a report that references the church to have any research associated with it. I could deal with the tripe spewed by our opponents if it were balanced with information from a friendly source, or at least a non-bias informed source.

M Christensen | 10:17 a.m. Jan. 28, 2008

I would say that unless you are genuinely concerned for our(LDS People) welfare and salvation that you give it a rest and go on living your lives the way you choose to and we will live ours the way we have already CHOSEN. Do not presume to know my feelings or that I am naive or ill informed, or that nay of the others in my faith are just because you don't believe it or that it didn't work out for you does not justify you in proclaiming that the whole LDS releigion is a "cult" or a church which does not acknowledge its past, or that the people are "blind followers". Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact that we don't dwell on the "negatives" as you call them or our past could be because we feel it is irrelevant to our salvation, or that it is not an essential factor in our testimony of our Savior. We know people are not perfect-even our leader past and present, but we believe that they were called of God to help guide us to living a more Christ-like life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ IS perfect.

M Christensen | 10:18 a.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Please stop ridiculing us and demeaning us. I personally have read most of the anti-literature and non-LDS writings about the church. I like so many others of my faith are completely informed of our doctrines and beliefs and would appreciate that respect from those of you who would choose to say otherwise.

To all | 10:56 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Whatever would be your comment 'bout the church, you can never change the truth founded by our pioneers. Do you think it would be much wiser if you kneel in prayer and ask God what is true instead of relying on the ideas of the world? Do it if you're a "CHRISTIAN". I know from the bottom of my heart you'll be answered. Time shall come the truth shall prevail.

Ariel

Caren | 1:37 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I believe that if one wants to know the "truth" he must go to the right source..like for medical problems, he has to consult a doctor..not a chef, if one wants to know how to become a good farmer, he has to go to an agriculturist..one has to go to a bonafide mormon to understand mormonism.

I know that truth is truth..whatever you do about it, its still the truth. It passes the test of time and persecutions (if i may add)

If we are to acuse early mormons who praticed polygamy as ungodly & unchristian..what would you call the early patriarchs like Abraham,etc.?

John | 12:10 p.m. March 10, 2008

Having been a former photojournalist/reporter. Most of the examples you use show worse than media bias. The quality of journalism is nothing but cutting corners and downright lazy reporting. A story on the a U.S. president without a comment from that president or his representative would be indefensible in any journalism school. These reporters who received lower than a "B" serve neither their employers nor their readership/audience.

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