Mormons on PBS
American Experience and Frontline present The Mormons.
It was quite an interesting show that explored the nature of Mormonism and America’s attempt to stamp it out. Given the possibility of a Mormon president, and the fact that one of the top Democrats is one, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about this uniquely American religion.
And like American history, it’s bloody.
Here’s more.
And more.
hydralisk:
With most of my family being Mormon I doubt there’s much I would learn from the program, but I’d like to see it. It’d be interesting see if/how they spin things.
2 May 2007, 7:53 amAdministrator:
Hydralisk
2 May 2007, 10:49 amThe program seemed pretty unbiased to me, and it was clear that even the dissenters held the church in high regard. I feel the same way towards Catholicism myself. I formally left the church before college, but I still want to see it thrive and do good in this world.
hydralisk:
I’m watching it now. No major problems with the presentation so far. Some of my family members are a little bothered with parts. Could be their own biases as much as any bias in the program.
Back when I was deciding if Mormonism was something I could keep believing in I spent a lot of time at this nifty discussion board, which has a nice variety of faithful mormons, have-been mormons, kinda-sorta mormons, etc. I’ve been reading the discussions they’re having about the program. Some statements made by Bagley are disputed, but at least it’s easy to tell when he is offering opinion rather than fact. There’s a lot of historical grey areas owing to the covertness of mormon practices back then (I’m thinking of the controversial stuff), but I’m glad to see mostly agreement between mormons and non-mormons about the facts that we know for sure.
3 May 2007, 7:12 amAdministrator:
Hydralisk
I’m interested in Mormonism for several reasons. First I met quite a few missionaries while traveling abroad, and they aren’t bad folks. Second, I’m a genealogist so you cannot help but praise the LDS for keeping its records open to all. Third, I’m interested in moving West – and I haven’t ruled Utah out.
Then of course there’s the Romney thing – but I’m more of a Rudy man myself…
Glad to hear that I don’t have to worry about the LDS going all freaky on us.
3 May 2007, 4:41 pmhydralisk:
I’m living in Utah now. Man is it dry here. I was exuberant when it rained yesterday.
Well I’ve seen both parts of the program now. They did an excellent job on it. Two thumbs up.
4 May 2007, 7:02 am