Deseret News | Mormon missionary calendar-maker facing discipline

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Mormon missionary calendar-maker facing discipline

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Sterling | 7:53 a.m. July 12, 2008

We do not know all the facts in this matter. Consequently, we ought to leave the JUDGING and DECISION-MAKING process to those who do. "Ten men may have ten opinions of the truth but the truth remains the same."

I also find it very difficult to believe NO ONE in six years has endeavored to encourage Mr Hardy to return to activity. Here again, there are two sides to every issue and we are not privy to this information -- furthermore it is not our business to know!

This is not a case that is to be "tried" in a public forum. Anti-LDS will read into it what they will. Pro-LDS will interpret what they read in their own way.

There is nothing, nor should there be, for "others" to chew upon that will change the facts. Again, LEAVE THE ADJUDICATION OF MR HARDY WITH THOSE WHO HAVE AUTHORITY TO ACT IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!! Let us not presuppose the outcome when we know not the entire matter!

Whe it counts | 8:01 a.m. July 12, 2008

LDS peopel just want the image of being a good member in the eyes of others. Visit Provo or UTah County for that matter. No wonder so many members especailly the youth down there are jacked up and many of them don't live the standards. Take off the mask and realize it's okay to be a good member of the church even if your peers may not think so.

Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. July 12, 2008

I have so many repsonses to this but the bottom line for me is that here is a man who was active in the church, made sacred covenants,for all intents and purposes has left the church, is making money off of "lightmindedness" and "trifling with sacred things" It also appears he is "kicking against the pricks" and is about to pay the price. He's just making sure he gets some more publicity out of it and the chance to make some money. It seems he has already made his choice.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 8:01 a.m. July 12, 2008

This is all about a buck. I'm thinking that alot of people need to get a life. To bad people can't focus on real issues. Nowonder the DN has to let so many people go if this is one of the top stories of the day in their view.

Sorry Hardy | 8:11 a.m. July 12, 2008

you may claim to be a 'good Mormon boy', but your actions have proved otherwise. The calender was innapropriate and you know it. Hardy, remaining LDS inactively solely to 'keep your heritage' dishonors your heritage. Why not just leave the Church. Why don't inactive members leave the Church? Because they KNOW the Church is True.

David the Ex-mo | 8:11 a.m. July 12, 2008

If a Catholic produced a calendar titled "Altarations" about hot priests, the Catholic Church, or "witness this" regarding hot Jehovah's Witnesses would also come out with a church action. It seems many of you are missing that point.

Disgusted RM | 8:15 a.m. July 12, 2008

As A RM I am disgusted by the actions of these so called 'returned missionaries.' Everyone has free agency in this world to do what they want. But, I was taught to respect my covenants and would never agree to such a public display of my body. Did these missionaries learn anything on their missions? But they CHOSE to be in the calendar from an individual who CHOSE to put it out. These public choices have consequences. And this generation has a hard time dealing with consequences. If you don't like church policy you are FREE to leave. No one forced you to be a member or the church and no one will forcy you to remain. It is your CHOICE.

Free Speech? | 8:20 a.m. July 12, 2008

Alright, for all you people who think the church is infringing on his right to free speech, GET A CLUE! The constitution governs the United States, NOT the church. His right to free speech is NOT being infringed on...he can still make the calendar, but church discipline is in NO WAY a violation of his right to free speech. And regarding the discipline...any time the church's image or reputation is called into question by the acts of one of its members, that member will more than likely undergo some form of church discipline. So, again, GET A CLUE!

Cats | 8:27 a.m. July 12, 2008

Dave's comments show either lack of knowledge or just a lot of bitterness. Church leaders are NOT uneducated or uncaring. My last bishop was a Ph.D. and very kind.

These Professional Mormon Haters are really quite tragic. They have to spend a lot of time attacking the Church because otherwise they might have to face the possibility that, by leaving the Church, they have committed a terrible error. They have to go on convincing themselves of this in order to find justification. It's really quite sad.

This guy has apparently done something (The calendar being one item) that has called his Church membership into question. It is between him, the local leadership and the Lord. I can promise him that he will find no long-lasting satisfaction out of this or whatever money he might make from the calendar. He is selling his birthright for a "mess of pottage." Remember Sonja Johnson? Really sad!

Since the Church never divulges anything to do with Church Courts, he must have leaked it to the news media himself. I hope he is able to eventually realize that he needs to get his life back in order. So Sad.

News? | 8:35 a.m. July 12, 2008

Church culture is full of characteristics the world finds peculiar and enjoys mocking. If this is what the AP considers news, I suggest it assign a reporter full-time to the beat. We'd get the inside scoop on disciplinary councils and church actions I can assure you are far more titillating than this nonsense. I'm confident there are plenty of misguided members (and even more ex-members) who would love to share their experiences with the rest of us, believing in some warped way that a desperate news media and public opinion are better alternatives to solving personal spiritual issues than a loving Church leader and Church activity. Nice job Associated Press. Keep up the great work.

Andy Boys | 8:49 a.m. July 12, 2008

He's right about one thing, the churchco, inc. is phenomenally image conscious. It is probably the companys' most important product for external consumption. So it's no surprise that they want to punt Hardy for this, and he has to decide for himself if that's what he wants.

An Anti Who Agrees | 8:52 a.m. July 12, 2008

I have as many problems with LDS history and doctrine as anyone. But the Church is a private organization that can set any standards it wants and can disipline anyone they want. Hardy has clearly used the church name and missionary image in this endevor and he knows he deserves this court. He also knows this has nothing to do with the constitution and everything to do with publicity. I honestly hope though that the church sticks to the calender issue and does not go after any personal issues that, without this calender, they never would have blinked an eye at. Keep this to the calender as the Church has the right to do otherwise they will seem like they are just trying to silence or discredit him anyway they can.

RE: Gary | 8:59 a.m. July 12, 2008

That was a great response to dave. I think people are missing a important statement in the article. "I prefer not to say anything else about it," he said. "There is more involved, and he and I will have our meeting."

We don't know what else he did but by leaking it to the press he made sure to make it look like he is mocking the LDS church.

Talisyn | 8:57 a.m. July 12, 2008

The reason he's been asked to explain himself to a church court is summed up in his own words:

'"I wondered what would happen if we took that perfect Disneyland image that the church spends millions of dollars cultivating each year and shook it up a little bit."

The disrespect and contempt in that statement is pretty amazing for someone who claims to want to keep the 'culture'. Up here in Idaho the LDS culture does not include half-naked RMs outside of swimming pools and basketball courts. Talk about a lot of hot air for cheap publicity.

"The Miracle of Forgiveness" | 9:08 a.m. July 12, 2008

President Spencer W. Kimball - A direct excerpt from "The Miracle of Forgiveness"

"It would almost seem that some phases of immodesty in dress, in both men and women, border on exhibitionism, the perverted behavior in which people satisfy their lustful desires in displaying their bodies to others. One has indeed slipped a long way down the ladder when he resorts to this detestable expression, though fortunately he can regenerate and restore and transform himself with total repentance, and can be forgiven. Still, no one but a depraved person could approve of the practice or grant its acceptance."

"But is this ugly displaying of one's private body to others so far removed from those instances of men who do their yard work wearing only pants and shoes."

"Can there be in all these expressions total innocence and total modesty?"

"We cannot overemphasize immodesty as one of the pitfalls to be avoided if we would shun temptation and keep ourselves clean."

Quotes taken from "The Miracle of Forgiveness" page 227.

Comments are silly | 9:17 a.m. July 12, 2008

Wasn't Donny Osmond shirtless in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat? He was live too!

RE: Steve-O and others 6:55 p.m. post...spot on!

brrb | 9:15 a.m. July 12, 2008

i served my mission with one of the missionaries on that calendar. he's definitely not gay, but the rest of us who served with him didn't particularly approve of what he did. me included, and i'm as open-minded as active mormons get. for me, the calendar sends the wrong message about the Church. it's not about PR. it's about maintaining a standard of public conduct that should be met at all times, if possible. the Church doesn't need, want or require this kind of attention. Church officials have and do make mistakes when pursuing disciplinary action against its members, but this is not a mistake.

go ahead, accuse the Church of being "stuffy" or whatever else. it's one of the only institutions left in the world that does its best to be uncompromising when it comes to things that matter.

Samantha | 9:31 a.m. July 12, 2008

To "Not Fair" - Marie Osmond's outfits on dancing with the stars were not "immodest"! When in a dancing competition (an athletic venture) you wear dancing clothes. Dancing is about body movement, grace, rhythym, and style. How can you do that in a MOO MOO! If in a swimming, running, triathalon, or any kind of atheletic sport, you have to wear the clothing that is appropriate to that sport - and it is NOT immodest. Now, making a calendar on the premise of "returned missionaries going shirtless" . . . .? That is an entirely different issue.

Robert Oh | 9:30 a.m. July 12, 2008

Hmm, taking advantage of one's religion for personal gain. Where could he have gotten that idea?

We have people selling art, jewelry, books, travel packages, music, crafts, clothing, games, ... all based on their religion and making money from it.

The list of ways to exploit religion is endless. We even had a leader who made up war stories to sell books.

This person has been taught well. Good for him, he is following the example of those around him.

CH | 9:37 a.m. July 12, 2008

Dave | So you think church leaders are uneducated, uncaring, & a "hierarcy" that discriminates against those who don't do things their way. Nothing could be further from the truth, and you think it makes the church look ridiculous. You are immensely misinformed.

They are all well educated, 2 are former presidents of a university, at least one a federal judge, and other highly respected careers that they leave to serve the church. They teach us to love one another and live a Christ-like life, helping those in need no matter what their religion is. Free agency is a major part of LDS doctrine.

Stupid | "Isn't there an election they need to rig somewhere?"

The LDS Church leaders have a long-standing policy of not influencing the members in any politial direction. Some are even democrats. They ask us to vote the way we see fit. You, Mr. Stupid, are also misinformed.

This is forum is used to bash church leadership, church policy, and/or doctrine. Give me a break.
I suppose you would let a Ford dealer tell you to never buy a Chevrolet.

Learn the truth from the right source, and you will be well informed.

Renny | 9:38 a.m. July 12, 2008

Let me add some Idaho perspective into the mix. If you believe that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, then you also believe that the leadership of His church is inspired and led to operate accordingly. If you don't believe such, why should you care. This guy has the "right" to do as he wishes with obvious consequences. But, it is his right. Just as George P. Lee, whom I loved as a GA, had the right to make his own decisions. And is the Church wrong for acting accordingly? No. The mission of the Savior is to bring God's children back to Him. And the question must be asked, does this calendar or behavior support that? If you don't want to be in full fellowship in His Church, you too may do as you wish. However, when you involve the Church, especially in a capital venture, the Church needs to respond. This is simply another case of secularization or private religious matters. I have no doubt that his stake president and leaders will exemplify the Savior and show love and compassion, allthewhile calling this young man to repentance. But remember one thing, it is still his choice.

CB | 9:46 a.m. July 12, 2008

How do we know that these are even real,former missionaries? On the say so of someone who is no longer active in the church? I go by a 'Mormon coffee shop' every day, but I'm sure it not run by the church.
Making money off of the church and it's name is big business for those who have willing to sell their souls. This too will pass.

JD | 9:50 a.m. July 12, 2008

Iï¿½m one of those dreaded ï¿½antiï¿½sï¿½ but my disagreements with the church revolve strictly around doctrinal and historical perspectives. I must say that I am dismayed that Mr. Hardy chose to profit from making a public mockery of an institution considered sacred by a religious group. Just as it was wrong for Colorado LDS missionaries to mock a Catholic shrine, it was wrong for Mr. Hardy to publicly insult and disrespect the LDS people in this manner, and he should have expected a fall-out to occur. In this case, I would have to concur with whatever disciplinary or possible legal action the church chooses to take.

Enough sniveling now, Chadï¿½..take your punishment like a man.

It's not about the shirts! | 9:56 a.m. July 12, 2008

Come on people... you ought to know full well that it isn't about the shirts or lack of them. If he made a calendar of men or women in swim suits and left the church alone, he'd be fine. It's the fact that he used the church and linked it to his calendar and the church doesn't want that association. If he got rid of the association with the church and its representatives on his calendar, it would have never come up as an item of church discipline.

Sarah | 9:59 a.m. July 12, 2008

There is a major difference between going swimming or playing shirts and skins basketball and posing for, or creating, a topless calendar designed specifically to arouse sexual feelings in the viewers. And to publish the calendar in the Church's name for profit, as though they approve of the mocking of sacred things, is quite obviously against Church standards. It doesn't infringe on anyone's free speech, it just enforces the consequences of doing such. And many people missed (though some didn't) that there was more involved in the disciniplary hearing than just the calendars. The LDS Church certainly didn't go the press with this, Brother Hardy did. That can easily be seen as trying to embarrass the Church or to turn public opinion against the Church leaders. Again, that's not something a member in full fellowship would be allowed to do. The reason many LDS members are unimpressed by this man's calendars is that he's mocking so much of what we hold to be sacred and important in our lives, and moreover, he's doing it for profit.

CJ | 10:11 a.m. July 12, 2008

The Church does not control minds. There is no Mormon Mafia that makes sure members stay in line. The Church is full of independent thinkers in all trades and in all nations. To align oneself with the teachings of a Church is not to be controlled. As a kite will not fly without a string, so will the soul of man not learn its true potential without discipline. The Church is not trying to control this man. They are simply going to do their best to help him see what he is doing. Why do those outside of the Church want him to treat sacred matters with such disregard? I would ask all what they hold most dear. Would they like that item to be treated in such a manner? I am a very happy person. Really. It is possible to be very happy as a member raised in Utah. In fact, I know many such people. My joy comes from living a clean life aligned with the teachings of the Church. That is not control, it is freedom.

Mocking that which is sacred | 10:37 a.m. July 12, 2008

Hey Dave, last I checked this thing happened in Las Vegas NEVADA..........not Utah..........moron

Anyway, 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 the ENTIRE christian community.

truth be told | 10:56 a.m. July 12, 2008

I was in Chad Hardy's mission, and he got sent home less than 6 months into it for dabbling in things he shouldn't be, am I surprised he is inactive now, not at all, he was a loser back in 1996 when we sent him home from our mission and looks like he is still a loser today. To make it sound like he is a "returned missionary" is silly.

Enough, please! | 10:58 a.m. July 12, 2008

Ok, why is everyone here making statements about what should happen to him? It is a matter between the man, his church leaders. We have no right to say one way or another what should happen. We do not have enough information to make the judgment here. I hope he and his church leaders follow the spirit much better than many of us on here do.

Not just the calendar | 10:55 a.m. July 12, 2008

Didn't you all read the article? The stake president said that there was "more involved" than just the calendar. I seriously doubt that Mr. Hardy would face possible excommunication over this silly calendar alone. It is probable that there is other misconduct in his life, and that is the reason why he is facing possible disciplinary action from the LDS church. However, a Mormon facing possible excommunication over a shirtless calendar makes a much more sensational, eye-grabbing story for cable news.
This story is absolutely not newsworthy in my opinion. It has simply been fluffed up and sensationalized to the point of being ridiculous. I get tired of the general public reading or watching news without any sort of critical eye.

transplant | 10:58 a.m. July 12, 2008

Only one man to be disciplined? Hello! How many men posed for the calendar? If it was wrong for one it is wrong for all.

Anonymous | 11:08 a.m. July 12, 2008

This man made a calander. For those of you who are offended... Dont look. It is simple. The RMs made the decision to be in the calander. If they thought it would be detrimental to the LDS faith then they are acting on their own will and will be punished for their actions on judgement day. It is not the place of a few men to make him live his life a certain way.
Have fun rolling to the bank. And everybody else, STOP BEING SO CONSERVATIVE. THIS ISNT THE 1950s

listen up SLC | 11:12 a.m. July 12, 2008

If anyone at SLC is reading this:

I used to be active in the Belmont, Massachusetts, ward. (We had a very famous Bishop for a while.) Petty preoccupations, like women working outside the home or shirtless calendars, are among the reasons my husband and I became inactive.

When did Mormon become a synonym for 'primitive'? Our local Unitarian church has no such hang-ups.

you people are nuts | 11:12 a.m. July 12, 2008

A friend sent me a link to this article. I can't believe shirtless calendars are an issue for Mormons in Las Vegas, of all places.

What is wrong with you people? You sound like the Taliban. Get a life.

transplant | 11:19 a.m. July 12, 2008

Only one man to be disciplined? How many men violated the principles of mormonism when they posed for the photos?

MOJ | 11:23 a.m. July 12, 2008

Doctrine and Covenants 134:10 (August, 1835).

to Sarah | 11:36 a.m. July 12, 2008

For profit?

What about the LDS mall in SLC? Not to mention thithe cash flow. Do the math:

4 million (at least) LDS in USA= 1 million families.
Avg income of LDS households (per Pew Survey)= $90,000
Annual tithe income, conservative estimate: $9,000 x 1 million= $9 BILLION per year.

So who is doing what for profit?

CJ: kites will fly | 11:37 a.m. July 12, 2008

CJ, physics 101, kites will fly without string, you just won't be able to CONTROL the kite.

Get it?

homophobia without limits | 11:48 a.m. July 12, 2008

LDS fear of anything even remotely possibly gay is pathetic.

If shirtless calendars offend, you should consider moving to Iran, they share your values.

Anonymous | 11:58 a.m. July 12, 2008

Church discipline is handled by the Bishop of the ward in which the person's records are held.

Only if the discipline is expected to result in excommunication does the Stake President get involved.

Take it for what it is worth.

talk about dumb | 12:10 p.m. July 12, 2008

"What about the LDS mall in SLC? Not to mention thithe cash flow. Do the math:

4 million (at least) LDS in USA= 1 million families.
Avg income of LDS households (per Pew Survey)= $90,000
Annual tithe income, conservative estimate: $9,000 x 1 million= $9 BILLION per year.

So who is doing what for profit?"

This is for "to Sarah"

Do you think they just sit on this money? As with any church, they have operating costs (electricity, hymn books, publications, etc.) and also use money to build new buildings, including temples. There is also the upkeep and repair on all their church buildings. Not to mention, all the humanitarian aid the church provides to members and non-members alike. It takes money to run a church...that is what the tithes are for.

kathyn | 12:19 p.m. July 12, 2008

The church authorities are handling this very properly. Those who judge the local clergy don't know the real story behind all of this. You can be sure there is much more than a calendar involved. I'm not judging Chad Hardy; that's not my place, but I also am not judging those in church authority over him. Chad and those brethren are the only ones who know the real truth. Methinks that Chad Hardy is the one who is "calling the church out" for a confrontation. Yep, in his heart it seems he has already left the Church. This is about the money, not free speech. He has that all the live- long day. He is not free to mock the Church standards and sell his calendar as a church product. I suspect he knew this all along.

Shell | 12:30 p.m. July 12, 2008

I'm a former member of the church. Some of the hateful comments posted on this website is one of the many reasons I left. For people who believe this church is the only true church, you all have a tremendous amount of hate and intolerance for each other. You should all be ashamed of your words and actions. Have you forgottes that Christ himself hung out with thieves and prostitutes. His mission was to help not hate. I don't regret leaving the church for one min.

Anonymous | 12:32 p.m. July 12, 2008

I believe it was Elder Joe Christiansen who said in general conference years ago: "you can leave the Church but you can't leave it alone." It's too bad people feel they have to punish the Church. For their sakes, I wish they could leave in peace.

I am sorry for those of you who feel you had to leave the Church for some reason. As for Mr. Hardy and you who have left the Church or have become less active, I hope the day will come when you feel you can turn and come back. We need you and you need the blessings of fellowship the members can give you. None of us are perfect, and we often do a poor job of loving others the way we should, but if you'll return, we can work together to find the peace and joy promised by the Lord. Each person has special gifts and talents, and we in the Church lose out when any of us pulls away taking our talents with us. I know I am a better person by my association with each of you; I hope Mr. Hardy, and you who have left, will come back.

Socalmon | 12:33 p.m. July 12, 2008

This is just going to turn into more cannon fodder to fuel the anti-Mormon element within the pro-gay activist's movement. They will try to buffoon the church in the media with this one. It's all about the agenda in the end. This guy will become a useful idiot for their cause.
He deserves to be scrutinized by the church.

Curtis | 12:40 p.m. July 12, 2008

Its not that there shirtless or there LDS its that there being protrated as representatives of Jesus Christ and as sex symbols. The Catholic church would and should take similar steps if there nuns were in a similar type calander.

Vernal Roid | 12:41 p.m. July 12, 2008

Let's see if he would have just made a calendar with shirtless men then would it have sold? Probably not, but he had to use the church to gain the attention to sell his product knowing the church's view on modesty, that's where he went wrong. I can't help but feel sorry for this guy when he says that no one has reached out to him from the church. He went on a mission; he knows where to find members. Sometimes we need to be responsible for our own spirituality and church membership and not always play the role of the VICTIM.

TO: to Sarah | 12:44 p.m. July 12, 2008

You hit it on the head as far as whom is for profit. It is very sad to see the ratio of charity and giving that the church provides to those in need when compared to the income it brings in (I wonder where the money goes?). Good for this young man he is industrious and has a right in a free market.

Holding On? | 1:01 p.m. July 12, 2008

Dude, you said you still want to "hold on to [your] heritage" but you no longer attend Church meetings, no longer pay tithing, or no longer wear your Temple garments?

It's obvious to me you're not holding on to your heritage very well....

Fredd | 1:10 p.m. July 12, 2008

FYI - The catholic church is mocked daily and much more explicitly then this calendar. How many women dress as sexy nuns for halloween? And by the way, the catholic church does nothing. They have bigger fish to fry.

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