Deseret News | Calendar-maker ousted by LDS

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Calendar-maker ousted by LDS

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Something more | 7:53 a.m. July 14, 2008

The issue her can't just be the photos in the calendar. That by itself is not grounds for excommunication. There simply had to be other issues here. Perhaps the title implied that this is what missionaries do, I don't know; but clearly the grounds for excommunication were something beyond the photographs themselves.

It's a shame | 7:57 a.m. July 14, 2008

Nobody mentions forgiveness...

tld | 8:00 a.m. July 14, 2008

What we see here is another example of the clash between artistic expression and religious conservatism. Many artists, both well-known and unknown, have challenged and continue to challenge established religious beliefs and religious propriety. Many advances in science and technology have been made by individuals who have been willing to think outside the box. There have, however, sometimes been consequences that adversely affected the lives of these individuals and there families. Take, for example, the lives of Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Hemmingway. While the stability of society and of families is important, advances are often achieved only when individuals have been willing, sometimes at personal risk, to challenge social and religious custom. This is the way it has always been and will probably continue to be. It goes without saying that not all ï¿½advancesï¿½ have been for the good and benefit of society.

Comments continue below

Mayhem Mike | 8:04 a.m. July 14, 2008

NOTE TO "AMBER:" Yeah, right. . . Only YOU have the answers. The Church, led by a prophet of God, just doesn't "get it." When will the Church understand that it needs to "move into this century" and follow the enlightened counsel of you and other critics, rather than direction by the Holy Ghost?

redthebarber | 8:10 a.m. July 14, 2008

This feels familiar. Oh yes I know, very like a small East Texas town where the white, middle class, Protestants know what is right and wrong, with and for, everyone around them. The glee here is almost palpable.

Anonymous | 8:10 a.m. July 14, 2008

To outsiders, excommunicating someone for merely publishing a shirtless missionary calendar makes church officials look petty and vindictive.

I suppose these church officials can live with that.

Not a victim | 8:14 a.m. July 14, 2008

Clearly, this guy wanted to be ousted. He just wants the public to think he's a victim here.

Something else | 8:12 a.m. July 14, 2008

By the way thousands of people make money off the church daily. How about the guy who writes a book titled "Commentaries on the Book of Mormon". In that title he used the word Mormon, which I don't believe can be tademarked. Thousand of people make money off the church by servicing the needs of members e.g. family history helps, speaking, food storage supplies, etc. etc. etc. Making money off the church is not the issue here and is not grounds for excommunication.

to:Sarah | 8:16 a.m. July 14, 2008

If any evil people do anything....?!

What world do you live in? Seriously, wandering around with that kind of paranoia and fear is not healthy.

Jon | 8:17 a.m. July 14, 2008

Amber, when did conforming to the smutty mores of society become an obligation of faith-based organizations?

Uncle Fred | 8:24 a.m. July 14, 2008

"He no longer pays tithing..." This has nothing to do with the calendar.

Jon | 8:23 a.m. July 14, 2008

Pat, if Chad Hardy believed in The Church, then he would believe that the rules weren't passed down by "MAN," but God. Obviously he didn't believe and therefore has no qualms publicizing his excommunication (and expressing indifference). This article exists because he made this public, as The Church doesn't comment unless the individual does, and even then, only in vague generalities that protect the privacy of the disciplined. Consequently, we only hear his side of the story, but there was something he didn't comment on, and that was the vague statement about him not keeping some covenants. What those were, and what he did, The Church won't comment on, and neither, apparently, will Chad. It does seem, though that there's more to his excommunication than publishing these pics and making money off of the name of The Church.

Also, the attitudes of those on the council that excommunicated him are of helping to repent and come back. The Church will try to keep open communication with him, if he'll allow. The purpose isn't to damn him, but to aid in repentance. Those members on here who rip on Chad are out of line, as Pat suggests.

Pixton | 8:28 a.m. July 14, 2008

There are already over 55 comments on this fairly trivial "story" about an inactive member hawking a shirtless beefcake calendar. No doubt by the end of today there will be hundreds. Meanwhile nine American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan yesterday and there are only five public comments on that story. Truly sad!

Vegas Ed | 8:26 a.m. July 14, 2008

It wasn't the calender that got him in trouble. It was his running to the media. Church discipline is a private matter. To be excommunicated for something like this, you almost have to ask for it.

DCnTN | 8:27 a.m. July 14, 2008

The excommunicant is free to tell the press anything he wants, while the LDS church is bound by it's commitment to confidentiality, and unable to fully tell it's side of the story.

That being said, it's a little disingenuous to call this a local decision when it's clear that the whole process was started from Salt Lake. The final decision may have been local, but local leaders likely had a very clear understanding of what was expected from them.

re: RWW | 8:30 a.m. July 14, 2008

Could you be more obtuse?

"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?"

This story is a perfect example of agency. Obviously, Hardy has been free to choose his entire life. Look at what he says are the choices he wanted to make.

The concept the world often doesn't grasp is that freedom to choose does not mean freedom from consequence. God would cease to be God if he infringed on agency or abandoned justice.

One small element of mercy, in this case, is the church disciplinary council.

I'm sure that will seem ironic to you.

RWW | 8:30 a.m. July 14, 2008

Mr. Hardy had his free-agency. The one thing that free-agency DOES NOT release us from is consequence. We can NEVER choose our consequences they are fixed and immutable.

Dutch | 8:33 a.m. July 14, 2008

To RWW - Free agency is a key doctrine of the church - however what most forget is when we use free agency we have to suffer the consequences of that use.

To all:

Also I am sure there are other reasons for this action not known to the general public - in general these decsions are based on 3 things

1) Protect the good name of the church
2) Protect the innocent
3) Save the persons soul

If you fit this situiation to these points answer for your self where it fits

sidney | 8:33 a.m. July 14, 2008

Just to reiterate what some people have said already -

If you actually read the article, it is very clear that the calendar was not the reason for the excommunication. I am sure it did not help his case, but the actual reason(s) for excommunication are not shared, other than failure to keep church covenants - as it should be.

Mr. Hardy (or the reporter) has made it seem that the calendar is the main point here.

Alex | 8:35 a.m. July 14, 2008

This guy can make his excommunication about any issue he wants it to appear to be, because he is not bound by confidentiality. Now I am sure that the calendar had something to do with the disciplinary action and so I don't think that he is lying, but it is not entirely clear if we have the whole story here. The church councils are bound to confidentiality on these matters absent a compelling reason.

Nekkid Truth | 8:35 a.m. July 14, 2008

All these comments about "tragedy", "sad," "sorrowful," "forgiveness," etc. It's only sad in your eyes. He couldn't care less about the church and neither can I. The guy is smart and knows exactly what he is doing. I say right on!

It didn't have to go this far | 8:41 a.m. July 14, 2008

As someone mentioned earlier, excommunication is not taken lightly in the church. I'm sure this guy had other issues going on, as indicated by his inactivity for the last six years. If you are repentant, the Lord will work with you.

Also, I'm sure he was given the opportunity to make it better. He could very easily have done pictures with them wearing shirts, maybe dressed casually and I'm sure that would have been fine.

so sad | 8:39 a.m. July 14, 2008

While it is sad that he has gotten to the point that he, himself, wants nothing to do with the church, I feel truely sorry for his family who will bear the brunt of the pain for what he has done. They were not in the council room, and so will never know what really happened; but they know that he has made and continues to make poor choices.

As I read this article, though, I also have sorrow for the families of the missionaries whom he has enticed. I have many very handsome nephews who have served honorable, faithful missions, and I would be so sad to see one of them in one of these pictures. I can't comprehend the hurt that a mother would feel, and particularly the mother of the young man whose picture is now being plastered in news stories across the world. These are not about art nor beauty. They are about money and exploitation. They tell these young men that it is not worse than wearing a swimming suit on the beach. That is how the devil always works - a modicum of truth baiting the devil's snare. So sad!

Henry Drummond | 8:43 a.m. July 14, 2008

I just drove up to Salt Lake City from St. George yesterday. I saw numerous billboards advertising services that were trading on the name of the Mormon Church. This included everything from everything from books, religious tapes, apparel for missionaries to a real estate firm that is using the name of the Church.

I have always wondered why the Church doesn't step in and object to those. If anyone is aware of the Church shutting down such operations I would be interested in hearing.

Vegas Ed | 8:41 a.m. July 14, 2008

Does ANYONE think the local leaders here in Vegas ran to the media about this? No. It's about his 15 minutes(or seconds in his case) of "fame".

Join the Ranks... | 8:43 a.m. July 14, 2008

Many Great Men, Artists, Intellectuals and Free Thinkers have been excommunicated by their Church over the centuries. Congratulations!

Hollier than thou art | 8:45 a.m. July 14, 2008

When did the Lord set you people as judge and jury. You ARE NOT JUDGES IN ISRAEL. Get off it. The Lord will judge you as you judge him. Some of you will be in big trouble.

boo hoo | 8:48 a.m. July 14, 2008

WHAT?!!! no more calendar boys? This is very sad.

Jon | 8:53 a.m. July 14, 2008

Dear "Hollier than thou art,"

Just as you're judging those you accuse of trying to be judges in Israel (and I'm judging you)? Dude, just don't confuse being judgemental with expressing opinion on the issue of his using The Church's name to peddle something that goes against its teachings and his making his own excommunication public. Yeah, people can be more nice, but you just damned people ("Some of you will be in big trouble,") which is exactly what you're criticizing/judging them for.

Not surprising | 8:54 a.m. July 14, 2008

I can't imagine any large church allowing this to happen. Can you imagine the "hot nuns" bikini calendar? I am sure that would not draw any ire from the Catholic leadership. The difference is not that some mormon men posed with their shirts off, it is that they played off the mormon theme. By wearing their missionary garb they were saying that they were nice missionaries that can be sexy/bad if they want to be. Not in line with Church teaching at all. Again, if it was just 12 mormon dudes posing for a lifegaurd calendar, I doubt there would be any uproar.

Get over it. | 8:58 a.m. July 14, 2008

"we teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves."

we sure jump fast to judge people and disregard the agency we are each given.

I am surprised Kirby H hasnt found his way into this conversation with all the stuff people have judged him about.

Anytime | 8:58 a.m. July 14, 2008

Anytime one of tehse calendars is made, I'll buy it! I bought the first and I'll buy the rest.

IN NO WAY did he use ANY LDS images. The pictures of the missionaries were their own private photos.

This is simply more LDS control over the media. First they get rid of the printing press, then they go after the printer. Who's next?? The person who thinks??

Jim in GA | 8:58 a.m. July 14, 2008

I have been present at Church Courts and when it comes right down to it, the member excommunicates himself. The decision and choices are his. Excommunicable offenses and church membership are not compatible and not always in the best interest of the member when his eternal progression is considered. The final consideration is, "What is in the best interest of the individual?" Of course, the best interests of the church have to be considered also, especially when others are being given the wrong message.

RL | 9:01 a.m. July 14, 2008

If he feels "free," no longer being a member, he should have left the church silently on his own accord. Why on earth is guy talking to the media about all this, if he isn't looking for publicity? I have been through this with a family member, and know firsthand what these councils involve. They don't make the decision lightly, and they don't make it on their own. They pray earnestly about it, and don't state the final decision until they all know it's the right one. It's done with love and genuine concern for the person they are dealing with... the worth of everyone's soul/spirit is GREAT.

Dear Henry Drummond | 9:01 a.m. July 14, 2008

Do you really not see the difference between the calendar and these other ads???

Looking in | 9:01 a.m. July 14, 2008

Really...why do we care? Everyone has their own opinion of the Mormon Cult. It's guys with their shirt's off. Try visiting the rest of the world. Good for you Mr. Hardy.

Dave | 9:02 a.m. July 14, 2008

I say congrats to Hardy! He thought of a great business idea, found good looking returned missionaries to pose for his calendar, which turned out to be a great success and hopefully earned him a lot of money.

Soooo..... | 9:09 a.m. July 14, 2008

Should we feel like those firemen and even morticians that pose shirtless for calendars are bad, immoral people? Who should be disciplined? The fireman or the publisher or, dare I say it, the people who purchased the calendar?

All the LDS church has done is make the church look foolish.

Question. | 9:10 a.m. July 14, 2008

WHERE is the church's name used in promoting this calendar?

Ore LDS | 9:15 a.m. July 14, 2008

Chastity is MORE than just about sex. Do you suppose to change GOD's mind on the matter? Do you not know that he is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow?

If you seek to change his option on this what is next, pre-marital sex, traditional marriage?

If you go down that path, I will NEVER get between you and GOD. May his judgements be JUST and QUICK.

There will be a day when Mr Hardy will wish he had acted differently, no doubt in my mind. I only hope he can give up his pride and truely follow GOD.

Jon | 9:18 a.m. July 14, 2008

Why do people suggest that his free agency is being disregarded or supressed? He's free to do what he wants. If his free agency was being disregarded, then The Church wouldn't have let him make the calendar in the first place. The Church is simply demonstrating the eternal priciple of reaping and sowing. You're free to plant whatever seed you want, but be warned, that's what you're going to sow. Sheesh, people, we seem to have a serious lack of comprehension for simple principles.

Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. July 14, 2008

Hardy was just expressing his Constitutional Right to Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speach; What an absolutely disaster this turned out to be, expecially since, earlier this month, we celebrated the 4th of July.

lensylinda | 9:23 a.m. July 14, 2008

RWW:

"What happened to the Mormon doctrine known as ï¿½Free Agencyï¿½ 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?"

Nothing whatsoever happened to Hardy's free agency. It was was never removed from him. He is only reaping the natural consequences/outcry of those free choices, as we all do in every single decision that we make. Free agency was never designed to be without consequence.

Rob in Las Vegas | 9:22 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!"

Mr. Ex, thank you for informing the world that Las Vegas, Nevada is in Utah. We learn something new every day.

Reasoning | 9:29 a.m. July 14, 2008

I wonder how many read past the comments on the Calendar to see the "failure to keep covenants" reference. Could it be that he had some other issues and wants to divert the attention to a profit calendar instead.

Excommunication is an opportunity to start over in the process of making and keeping covenants if you so choose.

JOHNNY | 9:33 a.m. July 14, 2008

I'll bet 10 to 1 that the guy wasn't ex'd for publishing the calendar. He needs to tell the press what really happened in the last six years to take him away from the church.

return of the prodigal son? | 9:37 a.m. July 14, 2008

re: So Sad @ 7:12 a.m. on July 14, 2008

"I hope he returns as soon as he can."

Somehow, I highly doubt it.

"And if this guy comes to church, I am sure he'll be treated kindly."

"And if and when he says he wants to come back, I'm also sure he'll be welcomed with open arms."

Perhaps, but if he felt like an outsider then imagine how he'll be treated and what they'll say behind his back.

Ardie Varky | 9:38 a.m. July 14, 2008

One more step. Every year the LDS church takes one more step towards becoming less tolerant, more narrow-minded and monolithic. I'm sure many view this as a good thing but there are those of us who view it as the same path the Pharisees took toward a barren, rigid culture. Why make yourself more peculiar to the world? I know, I know, Mormons are a "peculiar people" and take pride in that label but how long before the church is just another joke to the world?

Travis | 9:42 a.m. July 14, 2008

Anytime: "First they get rid of the printing press, then they go after the printer. Who's next?? The person who thinks?? "

This does not reflect a true understanding of LDS History. The 'getting rid of the printing press' (I'm assuming you're referring to the Nauvoo Expositer) was an action done with civil authority (not religious) and was in response to inflammatory statements. Our own government has the authority to shut down a press outlet that threatens security. In other words, free speech has its limits.
Your comment that the LDS Church is now attacking the printer has a severe logical fallacy. You're assuming that this excommunication somehow limits this guy's right to print his calendar. It doesn't. All the Church did was remove him from its records. There was no infringement on his freedom of speech....unless your're assuming you need to be LDS to have free speech.
I challenge you to find a religion that has suffered more negative press over its history and yet been so free at permitting that negative press. It only draws the line when the printer is a member of the church, who then can suffer excommunication.

john in texas | 9:40 a.m. July 14, 2008

Question, BIG question? How and where did he find twelve returned missionaries willing to participate? That, alone, rattles me.

Everyone, everyone, BE ALERT that there is a major enemy that is VERY REAL who opposes all we are about doing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I don't plan to alter my loyalty one micro-inch.

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