re: Big Love. I LOVE IT. My dear friend, Kenny, is the 1st AD on the show and I’m dying to hear the inside scoop. You made some great points here.

They could be freaked out because one of the writers and I believe one of the creators of the show is an ex-Mormon. He also wrote the screenplay for MILK. I’ve worked on a few Mormon films and I equate their religion to that of Scientology. Very secretive, cultish and defensive. Once again, not making sense probably-must go to bed now!

oh, and tonight’s scene was done with respect as far as I could tell-must do more research whenever time allows. if ever.

I wonder if there was a big issue when they were filming… I mean to say, I wonder if they had any idea/thought that this would cause such a stir. Not being Mormon, I wouldn’t know what really goes on with the religion BUT what I saw did not seem extreme, and actually seemed very respectful.

I’m didn’t know that Dustin Lance Black also did Big Love! The writing on the show is outstanding, especially this year. Big Kudos to him on this.

As always, I want the inside scoop too. When you find out what went on, let me know.

I just posted on the Mormon-Big Love topic and came across your post. I’m a practicing Mormon and perhaps it is the sociologist in me but I couldn’t help but comment.

I don’t think your theory of control is the real story here. In fact the official LDS statement about the episode was rather indifferent. The reaction was coming from the community through email chains and the like. So it really was not an organizational or institutional reaction, it was more of a sociological/cultural reaction.

I think the reaction has more to do with the element of what is viewed as “sacred” as opposed to the depiction of religious worship. The closest parallel I can think of was the response from Muslims a few years ago when there was a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in a cartoon in Denmark. Again, it is viewed by the community as disrespectful and a violation of the sacred nature of the subject, no matter the intention of the media. Thankfully, and I think to their credit, the Mormons get upset by writing letters to the editor.

I think the Mormon community in general struggles with it’s response to things like this because historically the treatment of Mormon faith and practice has been so misrepresented and often openly disrespectful. And it has been that way since day one, so it is built into the consciousness of particularly multi-generational Mormons. I think Mormons still feel they are in an uphill battle to tear down misconceptions and tell their own story in their own voice. So much so that little episodes like this still set some off.

As the Mormon faith becomes more mainstream I think depictions like this will become more frequent and everyone, mormons included, will think less of it.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for stopping in.

You do bring up a good point on the official LDS statement.

Looking at the situation from the perspective you bring to the conversation I can see how such a reaction by the community may be seen as disrespectful (not a control issue).

Let me ask you this question, if things the community is facing an uphill battle to change the perception of the Mormon faith, why do they not address topics head on when events like this take place? That is to say, why is it there is no open discussion with people outside the faith regarding any questions that may come up?

It seems that the reaction of the community (not the LDS) is self defeating because such a reaction only bolsters the view from an outsider that something “odd” is going on.

In regards to the own voice aspect, as Kim pointed out, one of the writers of Big Love is an ex-Mormon. I would make the argument that he potentially has some authority on the subject. (Authority being used as a loose term here)

Thanks again for stopping by!

[...] a week ago I raised the same question with Big Love. Some members of the Mormon community raised concerns about a sacred ceremony, saying a line had [...]

Hey Van- cleaning up my inbox I found that you responded earlier. Sorry the slow response.

Regarding some of your questions, about why the Mormon faith does not face hot topics head on or have open discussion… First, I would argue that they try but their numbers are not strong enough when a large tide arises. Those efforts really blossomed recently under the leadership of Gordon Hinckley, who was the first president in generations to open up for questions at his first press conference, he also fielded all the tough questions from the likes of Mike Wallace and Larry King. The interviews, all the missionaries around the world, a strong public relations department, a rise in interfaith activities, etc, could all be seen as efforts to have open discussion. I think it comes down to when there is a hot topic, who gets the media hits and what fits well in a soundbite, and it typically is not the conservative or institutional voices or long enough to explain things in context.

Public discussion of the temple is a little different and I think everyday Mormons still struggle to find that balance in their conversations. I am on the side that says Mormons should talk more openly about the temple and that, as you say, the cutting off of the conversation only bolsters outside opinion that something “odd” is going on, when in fact it is a beautiful and deeply meaningful experience.

Regarding an exmormon being a ‘voice’ for the LDS community and that being authoritative… I think most active Mormons would react very strongly against having an exmormon being their voice. The exmormon voice, not always but frequently, has a particular ax to grind or in general the ex-anything voice, just by the nature of an ex- and losing the faith component, loses the ability to describe belief or personal meaning in the same manner in which a practicing believer would describe the experience. I think there is room for both voices but one should not be able to speak for the other.

Hi Dave!

No worries on the delay, it’s quite OK. Just know that I appreciate the input and discussion you provide.

Based on what I’ve witnessed, I would agree with your take that the numbers are not strong enough. Looking back at past situations, when I look through that point of view, it makes a lost of sense. On thing other religions have – well, I’m thinking the Catholic church – is a massive PR team that takes on just about any topic that comes their way, and addresses it in a number of media formats. I wish the Mormon faith would put out more info as the church appears to do A LOT of good.

For me, no matter what the religion, one should be able to openly discuss faith. Not in order to “convert” someone but simply to further knowledge and ideas. No matter what one believes, it should be good to hear what someone thinks to help guide further thoughts/views for oneself. You are right, it is a beautiful experience.

As for the voice – I wasn’t trying to say he was an end all, be all authority. You are also right, he may have an axe to grind, but that does not mean he is presenting wrong information. It may be biased, but the same can be said for anyone within the faith. I don’t think simply because he is out of the faith that negates his views. One needs to listen to both sides and take bits of info and judge for themselves.