First, Joel Campbell at the Mormon Times (the online site sponsored by the Deseret News), with "HBO Big Love response shows ethical lapses, arrogance." Campbell takes HBO and Big Love producers to task for "cross[ing] a very bright ethical line" by airing, in an upcoming episode, a scene set inside an LDS temple and depicting LDS temple ceremonies. Campbell suggests the series knowingly blurs the distinction between the LDS Church and fringle polygamist groups.
Vince Horiuchi at the Salt Lake Tribune wrote a response to Campbell's column disputing the charge the show blurs identities.
The producers have done a very good job of making sure viewers are not confusing the polygamists with the mainstream church members. This season, Bill Henrickson's (the polygamist played by Bill Paxton) brother in law is an LDS stake president and clearly at odds with the polygamous sect. Another LDS character is a loyal and understanding friend of one of Bill's daughters who does not condone the practice of polygamy despite her strong friendship.
You might also want to read Horiuchi's earlier post "Lotta Love for Big Love, Part 2," to get a better idea of what the episode is about. But I have to be honest ... his post with the new trailer for the upcoming Star Trek movie is more fun than either column. It's Top Gun in the 24th century: Maverick gets a starship. Big Love will come and go, but Star Trek will always be with us.
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The LDS church hasn't condoned polygamy since 1890.
It is amazing that those of you writing to condemn Big Love, did so before the episode even aired. You didn't even wait to see what was portrayed or even shown. From a non-Mormon's point of view and someone who actually watched the show, I don't believe that what was shown was distasteful or portrayed Mormons in a poor light at all.
What does portray Mormons in a poor light is your blinded following of what church leadership tells you to say and how to act. To not watch this episode but to strike out in misguided postings on web sites and organize boycotts. It is this behavior that leads so many of us to view Mormons suspiciously and never want to deal with such narrowed minded members who are always demonstrating how little they can think or act on their own.
Do ficticious polygamous TV marriages 'lead' to ficticious same-sex TV marriages?
When did the church issue the Manifesto -- claiming the end of Mormon polygamy?
Church leader Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto in 1890. Many members were caught by surprise. Only three apostles approved the Manifesto in manuscript and half the church's top quorum were barely supportive when they met just before the church conference to discuss the newly published document. (Dialogue, Spring 1985, pp 46-7)
Did the Mormons follow the Manifesto ending polygamy?
No, many did not. In fact, church President Joseph F. Smith's wives bore him 13 children after the Manifesto, even though he publicly testified he was not "cohabiting" with them. (Dialogue, Spring 1985, p.83)
At least 3,300 children were born to Mormon men who married polygamously with official LDS Church authority from 1890 through 1904. (Dialogue, Spring 1985, pp. 3-104)
mormon doctrine Church Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated: "Obviously the holy practice (of polygamy) will commence again after the Second Coming of the Son of Man and the ushering in of the millennium." (Mormon Doctrine, 1966 edition)
Let's at least be honest mormons. The truth will set you free. Tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may
Let's at least be honest LDS.. The truth is the truth. Tell it and let the chips fall where they may and not censor those that may try and tell the truth though we don't wish them to, that too is dishonest:
When did the church issue the Manifesto -- claiming the end of Mormon polygamy?
Church leader Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto in 1890. Many members were caught by surprise. Only three apostles approved the Manifesto in manuscript and half the church's top quorum were barely supportive when they met just before the church conference to discuss the newly published document. (Dialogue, Spring 1985, pp 46-7)
Did the Mormons follow the Manifesto ending polygamy?
No, many did not. In fact, church President Joseph F. Smith's wives bore him 13 children after the Manifesto, even though he publicly testified he was not "cohabiting" with them. (Dialogue, Spring 1985, p.83)
At least 3,300 children were born to Mormon men who married polygamously with official LDS Church authority from 1890 through 1904. (Dialogue, Spring 1985, pp. 3-104)
mormon doctrine Church Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated: "Obviously the holy practice (of polygamy) will commence again after the Second Coming of the Son of Man and the ushering in of the millennium." (Mormon Doctrine, 1966 edition)
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