They're At It Again

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the only remaining groups you can (without fear of repercussion) persecute, distort facts about, and mock. HBO is at it again. The church's official statement regarding an upcoming episode of Big Love included this: Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.

Apparently the writers hired some disgruntled "ex-Mormon" to fill them in on the nitty-gritty details. You know the details, all secretive and whacked out crazy....ughhh! Let me just say, for the record, the only people who call the ceremonies "secret" are people who have never participated, or those who are no longer invited to attend because of their own choices. There is truly a tremendous difference between secret and sacred. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not call their experiences sacred because they are hiding something. It really does make me laugh when people, who think they know so much, insinuate that we use the word sacred because it sounds better than secret.

Now that I think about it, why would I be surprised at this nonsensical portrayal? Almost NOTHING in this world is sacred anymore! I can really only think of two things left that most people in this country find sacred: (1.) the name of Barack Obama and (2.) protecting the "rights" of everyone except conservative Christians. So it really shouldn't be a shock that this is how HBO will present their material. They have no understanding of sacred. Instead of being angry, I just feel sorry for them. I always feel sorry for stupid people. They really are a sad, sad lot.

I have to say, it's not too edgy on the part of the Big Love writers either. Not if you consider, as I mentioned before, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is never off limits. Mocking Muslims, Jews, the Pope, Hispanics, African-Americans, it's all off limits. Or at the very least, if it does happen, the act will be met with some sort of disapproval from at least a few media outlets. But Mormons? Never off limits. Why? I believe these words from the church's statement say it perfectly:
...when expressing themselves in the public arena (referring to emailing HBO, etc.), Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness. Not only is this the model that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated in his own life, but it also reflects the reality of the strength and maturity of Church members today. As someone recently said, “This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church.

Now comes another series of Big Love, and despite earlier assurances from HBO it once again blurs the distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the show’s fictional non-Mormon characters and their practices. Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints. If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Just a little head's up from Snarky to the Haters...we aren't going anywhere. I am happy to answer questions about my church. You should also know that I respect every person's right to exercise free will, and make their own choices about what they believe or don't believe. Too bad you can't show me that same level of respect. You will not find me trying to convince you of anything, there will be no attempts at persuading you to believe as I do. Because you are going to believe whatever you WANT to believe. But, know this...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has survived things FAR worse than a Hollywood tv show full of false information. And yes, I have in fact watched the show a few times. I wanted to see for myself what is was like. I thought it was ridiculous. It very simply played on the multitude of misconceptions and stereotypes floating around out there. And quite frankly, that isn't too hard to do, definitely not a task requiring great writers.

Haters, this one's for you: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) With love from Snarky.

And for those of you who wish to express your lack of appreciation to HBO (with dignity and thoughtfulness of course), go here.