Deseret News | Religious leaders say HBO overstepped bounds

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Religious leaders say HBO overstepped bounds

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Anonymous | 11:34 p.m. March 15, 2009

I seem to remember some LDS missionaries getting a lot of heat for disrespecting another religion's sacred site in Colorado a while back. Shouldn't other people take the same heat when they disrespect ANY religion?

Mike | 12:11 a.m. March 16, 2009

Boo hoo.

Anonymous | 12:31 a.m. March 16, 2009

The representation was completely accurate. What exactly are you complaining about?

Comments continue below

Danny Haszard | 12:46 a.m. March 16, 2009

[[Jackson and Richard Wolf, an elder with the Jehovah's Witnesses in Davis County, said Hollywood likes to be sensational.
"Everything is game to Hollywood," Jackson said. "Hollywood is in the business of making money]]

It's unlikely HBO would whitewash the dirty laundry of the Watchtower society.Moreover,the parent corporation of Jehovah's Witnesses the Watchtower is also out to 'make money'.
Google * Jehovah's Witnesses* for interesting script material.

Adeyinka Ojediran | 2:45 a.m. March 16, 2009

Professionalism includes respect & fairness among others. Much as there is freedom of expression within legal bounds, I still belive that the belief of any religious group, faith or organisation should be respected. Trust some lessons must have been learnt.

Re: Zulu | 2:49 a.m. March 16, 2009

I have no idea what MTC you went through but I have been on two missions and the MTC twice and other religions were not even mentioned let alone, your accusations. You sir, never set foot in any MTC. Caught you lying didn't I?

Alex | 4:39 a.m. March 16, 2009

Since when did the Jehovah's Witness religion start respecting other religions? They think every religion except for their own is of Satan. JW's used to picket in front of churches with placards saying things like 'religion is a snare and a racket'.

Eugene | 5:18 a.m. March 16, 2009

What is to be expected from the basis of the show? It is to ruffle feathers and promote interest in the show. Poor taste + disrespect = dollars, the typical Hollywood revenue equation.

Some of the poor bloggers above don't understand that sacred isn't an every day topic. While Mormons aren't perfect (and no one is), the goal of church members is to strive to be a better person every day (should be everyone's goal). Not a bad goal to have despite those who want to tear it down.

End the criticism and analyze ways to improve your own lives. Tearing down others never builds one's own self.

Name one thing in the 80s | 5:30 a.m. March 16, 2009

that wasn't racist, homophobic or otherwise somehow could be deemed offensive using today's standards.

Doug | 5:39 a.m. March 16, 2009

Since the HBO producers said they research the sacred Temple ceremonies in every detail, they would have invariably come across the warnings that are built into the ceremony not to reveal them or they would call down the judgments of God. I would hate to think what kind of repercussions that might entail knowing that these things arent things to be trifled with and that God cannot stand idly by. If they truly understood what the ceremony is saying and that God has built into the ceremony a warning voice that these things arent to be spread outside the walls of the sacred temples, it certainly is evidence that these producers disregarded any attempt to keep them sacred and have blatantly come out against the very ceremonies themselves. They will have no one to blame for what is to come forth, for the judgments of God will surely come as is stated in the very ceremonies they researched and overtly depicted. I am so appalled at the total disregard by HBO of religious rites being blatantly displayed without any regard for their obvious sacredness.

Sue in the UK | 5:53 a.m. March 16, 2009

the HBO 'apology' is like someone saying 'I'm really sorry if this offends you, but I am going to do it anyway.' Suppose a bank robber, or a mugger, or a terrorist said it...would it be accepted as an apology then? Of course not...

as I am forever teaching my kids, 'I'm sorry' means 'I am sorry I did that (or thought to do that) and I promise I won't do it any more (or at all)'
Otherwise, the apology is worth nothing...

metamoracoug | 5:54 a.m. March 16, 2009

There are few in our society that understand the difference between secret and sacred. Trying to explain the difference here would not be worth the effort.

However, I'm guessing the HBO execs who chose to air this episode would be incensed if I trespassed in their home after cleaning out the cow barn. Maybe I could prop my boots up on their coffee table or shed my mud covered clothes on their suede sofa.

Of course, prior to entering their home I would issue an apology for poop stains on the carpet that I intend to make, but I would still enter their home and leave poop stains on the carpet.

re Zulu | 6:00 a.m. March 16, 2009

the LDS church isn't 'struggling' to be recognised as anything. We just object when people claim we are not Christian...

What? | 6:22 a.m. March 16, 2009

Enter Danny Haszard for interesting script material.

dj | 6:24 a.m. March 16, 2009

I personally don't think it could possibly be accurate without the spirit of understanding. That is my faith.

But for those who share my LDS faith and are upset by this, consider each time you make that "Vulcan" greeting or call someone a "guru." Carefulness and respect must go both ways.

By the way, was a worthless apology on the part of HBO.

re: zulu | 6:30 a.m. March 16, 2009

You must have been at a different MTC than I went to in the 1980's. Contempt? Disrespect? Dismissal? I don't think so. I don't know any religion that assists as many "other" religions as the LDS church. It is amazing how apostates like zulu recreate history to cover their own shortcomings and faults. The MTC taught me love, not contempt, even for those who continually slam my church on these websites. Sounds like zulu is a spill-over from the hate-filled SL Trib.

Boy in BOYCOTT | 6:32 a.m. March 16, 2009

LDS thrusts themselves into the MOST sacred areas of LGBT families and attempted to have their LEGAL marriages disolved, and to have them be the one minority outside the equal protection clause.
DON'T whine when a big white hot glaring spotlight is shined on YOU.....seriously don't!

Failed miserably | 6:37 a.m. March 16, 2009

"In approaching the dramatization of the endowment ceremony, we knew we had a responsibility to be completely accurate and to show the ceremony in the proper context and with respect"

Depicting someone who is trespassing in the temple by using another person's recommend is not ompletely accurate or in the proper context and is completely disrespectful.

Not Too Surprising | 6:37 a.m. March 16, 2009

With several writers for "Big Love" being disillusioned artists with LDS ties, and with the need to use controversy to increase ratings, it follows that they would try to use sacred temple ordinances to raise viewership. In so doing they seal their own coffin. Since the entire program is supposedly fictional with no relationship to LDS beliefs, the representation is odd at best.

Well, what you going to do? Do you show your own Christian Courage and turn the other cheek or do you get all up in arms? I like to consider it a back handed compliment that Hollywood, though lacking the spiritual depth to understand my beliefs, would consider my beliefs worthy of misrepresenting. Of course they had hoped to portray events as authenticly as possible, yet they lack the ability and the desire to truly understand them. None of that is really important to them. Sensationalism is more box office worthy, they suppose.

The last movie to try to spit in the LDS face was the hideous September Dawn. These tactics almost always fizzle instead of sizzle.

The Book of Mormon described a Great and Spacious Building. It stinks when your mockery fulfills prophecy.

WildeWest | 6:44 a.m. March 16, 2009

Hollywood will never bring down the Church of Jesus Christ.

lhs | 6:55 a.m. March 16, 2009

No more HBO, AOL or time warner for me or buying the products they advertise !! It's nice to have other choices. Life is filled with agency !

Free Agent | 7:03 a.m. March 16, 2009

Listen, I left the church a few years back because of theological matters I couldn't reconcile--including those that take place in the temple. Nevertheless, I feel that HBO crossed the line, and knew in advance that they were tweaking the nose of every believing Latter-Day Saint in the process. Even though I no longer believe in the "Mormon" doctrine, out of respect for those who consider the temple rites sacred, I don't mock them--just as I would not mock the beliefs of any other religion. And while I think Mormons as a group have a bit of a chip on their shoulder generally, this was wrong, and the advance apology from HBO was insincere from the start.

Jared | 7:06 a.m. March 16, 2009

"LDS thrusts themselves into the MOST sacred areas of LGBT families and attempted to have their LEGAL marriages disolved [sic]."

First, I think you misunderstand the meaning of the word "sacred." How is same-sex "marriage" holy or sanctified? I thought most proponents of same-sex "marriage" aren't fans of religious things.

Second, a state passing an amendment defining marriage as only between man and woman does not violate any "equal protection clause." Further, the LDS Church did not pass Prop 8, a majority of the voters in CA did. That's democracy for you.

Third, The LDS Church is not whining. Are they suing HBO? Are they calling for boycotts of HBO? No, not at all. They've very respectfully said that they disagree with HBO portraying temple rituals. That's it. They do not encourage boycotts; they do not encourage lawsuits (unlike many in the gay community).

James B. | 7:08 a.m. March 16, 2009

At least we now know what makes Mormons the one and only true religious group. Up until now I've wondered what it was. If you are going to engage in elitism, you are going to be targets, whether in religion, politics or in personal endeavors. And there is no argument that Mormonism equals elitism. Just ask any third grader of another religion in Utah. If you don't have a third grader, just read these blogs.

Jozef | 7:12 a.m. March 16, 2009

Rabbi Zippel said in the article: "Of course it would offend me" if a TV show or movie focused on sacred Jewish rites or beliefs".

Well, in the French blockbuster "Rabbi Jacob" a lenghty scene shows the rites in a synagogue, with the main character, a Catholic dressed up as Rabbi, obliged to participate in a hilarious way. Before the film came out, many Jews were very offended. In turned out the scene did an immense good to help outsiders understand Jewish rites and it gained them much respect.

Why Do You Care? | 7:16 a.m. March 16, 2009

It is obvious that those who do not like or respect the LDS church are posting here. They are being dishonest & deceptive in the least. Believe it or not, we can tell who is being honest here & there are several of you who are wolves in sheeps clothing! Shameful! If you don't like the LDS church, that is your right, but no reason to attack & degrade. The LDS church does more good that you are even willing to admit.

TO Boy in BOYCOTT | 6:32 a.m. March 16, 2009 - HUH?
The LDS stood up for MARRIAGE between a man & woman. We didn't thrusts ourselves into anything more than protecting the law of marriage. Take your soapbox somewhere else, this isn't about gay marriage. And since it is obvious that you don't like the LDS church, drop the load off your back & move on! All you are doing is carrying a burden that hurts you. Get on with your life & leave the LDS church out of it.

Have a great day! And, God Bless!

Be prepared | 7:17 a.m. March 16, 2009

Fellow church members: We should not be surprised at this disrespect and be prepared for a lot more. Unfortunately our tough stance on Prop 8 ruffled the feathers of a lot of the gay folks that have a stranglehold on what flows out of Hollywood. They are getting a little payback. I won't be suprised to see all sorts of disrespectful stuff coming out in many of the more popular shows soon. I say ignore them just like a schoolyard bully. They'll see it's not bothering us and stop.

So What | 7:23 a.m. March 16, 2009

Why be offended by "Big Love"? It does provide a quite accurate and fair portrayal of Mormon culture and practices. If that is offensive, then why is that? I do understand the temple factor based on how it is built up to be so sacred, but imagine my surprise when I was "invited" to a Master Mason ceremony while serving mission. No secret to me where some of the endowment came from.

To those talking about the MTC, I remember it as a good experience, but I do remember and still know many of my fellow LDS who are very disrespectful to other religions and minorities.

John C | 7:30 a.m. March 16, 2009

Exactly why I don't subscribe to HBO.
Although not a practising LDS member, I follow their teachings for the most part, too bad they get so mischaracterized.
Save your money, just unsubscribe, HBO like so many others slanted and biased media will feel the effect sooner than later.
Besides what is entertaining about tearing someone's beliefs down?

cheri | 7:31 a.m. March 16, 2009

No unhallowed hand will stop the work of the Lord...bring it on.

Scott | 7:31 a.m. March 16, 2009

Unfortunately, this continued discussion gives those producers exactly the type of attention they were seeking. Ignore them, and their show will finally finish fading away.

I find it sad that the very people who preach tolerance when it involves changing societal and family norms are so unwilling to practice that same tolerance for the opposing view. It would seem that hypocrisy is alive and well among the posters here.

If this show causes people to ask honest questions, and to listen to the honest answers, it's a positive. Don't attack it, just deal with the fallout one person at a time. The controversy will die quickly if you just let it.

Bart of Georgia | 7:34 a.m. March 16, 2009

I consider my relationship with my God as very private. My communication and covenant with Him are sacred. Holywood should not trample these my sacred rights to exercise my religion in the privacy of our temples.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

This is clearly Hollywood's mockery of things that are sacred, oblivious to other people's belief and liberty to exercise their religion according to the dictates of their own conscience.

Anonymous | 7:34 a.m. March 16, 2009

Boy in Boycott,
the two issues, sancity and preservation of marriage, and showing our most sacred of ceramonies are two very differnt issues. HBO showed this for one reason, and one reason only. Ratings. They attempted to start a 'war' with the LDS church to gleen free publicity. Frankly, I don't think they got any more viewers than they normally get. If fact, they might have gotten less.

We don't have HBO, so we have nothing to 'protest'. We also spent our Sunday eveing enjoying our family, and NOT watching the Boobtoob.

Big Love People | 7:36 a.m. March 16, 2009

Apology rejected.

@Sue in the UK | 7:37 a.m. March 16, 2009

Can you say hypocrisy? you mean HBO apology sounded a lot like Buttars and the LDS churchs apologies countless times before? for shame!

Ken | 7:41 a.m. March 16, 2009

From raunchy pornography to the most sacred religious rites, Hollywood has proven that it knows no bounds or self-respect when it comes to earning a buck.

First Amendment Uber Alles.

Kenneth in Texas | 7:43 a.m. March 16, 2009

People practicing polygamy have no more necessary preparation for partaking in those ordinances, or understanding them, than the HBO executives and producers responsible for this. HBO should have known that, and probably did, before even venturing into what they think goes on inside the temple.

Placing a kindergarten child in a college Physics class does not lessen the accuracy of what's presented in that class, though the child would likely gain little or no understanding of what is being presented.

Toad | 7:44 a.m. March 16, 2009

Hey "Alex", LDS also believe if you do not belong to their church you are of the church of the devil. 1 Nephi 14:10.

Ken | 7:49 a.m. March 16, 2009

"Obviously, it was not our intention to do anything disrespectful to the church, but to those who may be offended, we offer our sincere apology," HBO said in a statement issued Tuesday.

How utterly condescending. [In an arrogant English accent]: "...BUT to those who MAY be offended.....we offer our sincere apology."

MAY be offended? Didn't they read the e-mail/newspapers/websites voicing the members' disgust? SINCERE apology? But not sincere enough to table the episode?

It's hard being civil with such ethics-challenged hooligans.

LOL | 7:53 a.m. March 16, 2009

What about posthumous baptism? Aren't you trampling on someting sacred by taking someone's soul and baptizing them in a religion they didn't want to be baptised in? When you start respecting other's rights, SOULS and ways of life then maybe you will get some respect.

Anonymous | 7:58 a.m. March 16, 2009

@JARED
LDS did attack LGBT families and if you had READ prop 8 it stated it disolved same sex marriages in it's TITLE, marriages which were LEGAL.
There have been BOYCOTTS of AOL from Mormons over Big Love.
There are MANY churches open and affirming to LGBT people. MCC was formed by gay people...so much for your theory gays and lesbians aren't RELIGIOUS.
What you don't know...is a lot.
btw. the folks commenting on Big Love who state they don't have HBO, it's kinda sad when with complete lack of knowledge of the show you make a judgement about it, kinda like families you don't know, but JUDGE TOO!

Anonymous | 8:01 a.m. March 16, 2009

What's the matter, little Mormons? Are you all having to double up on your antidepressant dosages because big bad mean old Tom Hanks and his HBO show Big Love hurt your little feelings and made you sad?

Wanda | 8:05 a.m. March 16, 2009

Only a story about "secret" LDS rituals could engender the record-breaking number of comments to both the SL Tribune's and the Deseret News' articles on the Sunday episode of "Big Love." My point here is: no political story, no story about war, the economy, politics or any other issue I have seen has engendered this type of reaction (number of comments to stories in both papers). Get over yourselves if you are offended - this is fiction, not fact - get a life and start worrrying about real issues, not a fictional TV portrayal!

Not offended | 8:08 a.m. March 16, 2009

Not all Mormons are offended. As a Mormon, I think the temple scene was depicted respectfully and can help outsiders understand what the temple means to us. LDS who say they are outraged, make things worse.

say what? | 8:12 a.m. March 16, 2009

So, is the LDS church the Rodney Dangerfield of religions? Respect is a 2 way street. Does THE CHURCH follow the adage of do unto others? Maybe not, that's from the old testament.

No Disrespect | 8:12 a.m. March 16, 2009

The accusations that HBO is making a mockery of LDS temple ceremonies is baseless and bases itself on ignorance. I watch Big Love, so I would know, whereas those criticizing the show have not seen it, and therefore do not know what they are talking about. I've watched episodes where the main characters pray just like LDS members pray, and there is no mockery involved.

I will watch the episode involving the temple ceremony, but not because I'm only interested in the temple ceremony but because the ceremony actually has something to do with the development of an on-going story line that leads up to the temple ceremony. I am 100% sure that the depiction of the ceremony involves a story that generates sympathy for a character who misses the ceremony.

All this talk of disrespect is nonsense. Just because someone will watch the show contrary to your wishes does not amount to disrespect. After all, many of you posting her probably believe it's okay to continue with baptism of the dead of Jewish people despite the wishes of Jews who ask they you respect their religion by stopping the baptisms.

John | 8:17 a.m. March 16, 2009

Whaaaa whaaaaa whaaaaaa someone call a whaaambulance for all nthe little mormons whose feelings were hurt.....GET OVER IT ALREADY!!!!

Zulu is right. | 8:18 a.m. March 16, 2009

See...Mormons rally to defend themselves against any perceived threat. They'll deny accusations such as Zulu posts, they will claim never to have been told by authorities whom to vote for, etc etc. They can SAY anything they want, but for those who know, it rings hollow. I served a mission in the early 70's. I was also schooled on how to handle objections from those resisting Mormon information. I was coached in LDS superiority, and essentially, since we were the one true church, we had Jesus on our side to back up our claims. All other religions were dismissed as inferior, and right there was a huge red flag.
After two years on the east coast, I returned and never set foot in an LDS church again. I felt sorry for being forced to lie to the good people me and my companions tried to convert. ANd I have never been happier. I urge all LDS to reassess their beliefs. Are they yours? Or are they MANDATED to you. Think about it.

AL

Secrets | 8:30 a.m. March 16, 2009

The problem seems *not* to be that HBO portrayed a sacred ceremony. TV shows baptisms and weddings all the time, and those are sacred ceremonies in every mainstream Christian religion. The problem is that other mainstream religions do not have "secret" ceremonies. The rest of society is not obligated to keep Mormon "secrets," and refusing to do so is not disrespectful - it's exercising the right to choose. Since the LDS church has a long history - to say nothing of doctrine - that is outright hostile towards other belief systems, I find Mormon reactions to the portrayal of the ceremony more interesting, and telling, than the portrayal itself. HBO could have created a very different program, one that portrayed all the "secrets," but so far it has chosen not to do that. Be grateful. Question why keeping "secrets" is so important to Mormonism and why many Mormons feel so threatened by public disclosure of those "secrets."

Insignificant? | 8:33 a.m. March 16, 2009

For many years, people around this country deemed the LDS church and it's members as insignificant. However, this past year or so these same people are persecuting the LDS members for what they believe in. Could it be that they see the LDS church as a threat to their immoral activity and beliefs. The LDS church was not the only religion that fought against Prop 8. Why is there no persecution towards these other religions? Are they now the ones that are insignificant? Think about it.

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