Off Topic: HBO to Disrespect Mormons
March 10th, 2009 by Admin
As most or all of you know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a "Mormon"). While I have NEVER been happy with their "Big Love" series, I've never made it an issue. They are free to air whatever they think will sell as entertainment. What are they harming?
However, HBO has gone over the line with its decision to air an episode depicting our sacred temple ceremonies. Notice I said sacred and not secret. There is nothing secret about what we do in the temple and every worthy person in the world is capable of taking part themselves.
But the fact is that these ceremonies are very sacred and do NOT belong in the public spotlight. It is a flagrant attack on our religion to disrespect our beliefs in such a way. The network relied on excommunicated members and critics of the church for their research into the subject and never asked for church permission in airing this episode.
Then, HBO has the audacity to "apologize" for their "disrespectful" depiction yet will air the episode regardless. Some apology. Let's face it, these ceremonies are available all over the internet thanks to former members of the church who violated their vows to keep these things sacred. That is not, however, tacit approval to continue the despicable act of further bringing the public into our private, sacred ordinances.
HBO has created some AWESOME series as they relate to the military and our troops. But, if they air this episode I will NEVER again promote one of their projects regardless of the subject matter. Here is the letter I sent to the network a few days ago:
I recently read the TV Guide article about an upcoming Big Love episode that will completely disrespect the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. By publicly airing very personal, religious, and sacred events within our church, you go a bridge too far.
I've been a big fan and support of HBO for a long time. Your channel has created numerous shows honoring our troops (I'm active duty Army), which I respect. However, if you disrespect my religion by flagrantly airing this episode portraying our temple ordinances and ceremonies, I will hereby boycott everything HBO. I will cease my HBO subscription, refuse to purchase any future HBO specials on DVD, and use all the resources at my disposal to bring this issue to the attention of as many other HBO subscribers as possible.
It is simply wrong to air these ceremonies without permission from the church. I have a military blog that gets more than 25,000 visitors per month and have driven a lot of traffic to HBO products. This will cease and be reversed upon airing of this episode.
Finally, I will file a complaint expressing my shock and dismay at HBO treating the sacred ceremonies of any religion with such mockery and disregard, and that it is shoddy work hiring excommunicated members/enemies of church and giving them a public pulpit to hurt us.
I strongly urge HBO to pull this episode out of respect for the more than 13 million members of the church.
I put this here because this is my site with the most readership. I would be just as pissed off if they were airing similar sacred ceremonies of other religions that aren't meant for the public domain. IF you want to side with me and write a letter in opposition, here is the direct link to their complaints department: http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
Posted in Military Perspective
CJ my brother, I know exactly how you feel.
I am Wiccan. And every time I see a movie, or a TV show utterly butchering a Wiccan sacred circle, or even depicting it as evil, I want to vomit. Some of the most blessed and peaceful times in my life have been spent within a sacred circle, and yet it is almost always shown as an evil monstrous thing, summoning demons, and casting evil spells on people. And I cringe every time I see that the abomination called "The Craft" is on TV.
But, I have absolute respect for the military. Why? Well, other than the obvious reasons, is that they were one of the first groups to recognize that Wicca is legit. IIRC, there is even a full circle (I don't like using the term coven, too many negative stereotypes) at I believe Ft. Hood. (I may be wrong about that though.)
You're not alone, my brother. A lot of other people feel disrespected as well.
Bob, thanks. I feel you pain. As I said below, I don't know what is sacred in the other religions and would equally as perturbed if HBO was airing their sacred doctrines.
I'm Catholic, but I find the show "Big Love" is entertaining and fabulous… Hey, it's a show, it isn't real. How many times have there been shows about Catholic's, Jews, Muslims, Wiccan's, and other religious organizations. Maybe we should just learn from them! I have learned a tremendous amount from Big Love – not about Mormonism, but about plural marriages – how the people survived, how they got along, how the different groups fought each other, what effects it has on the children, etc.
Wendy, if it wasn't real, they'd make stuff up. Instead they are actively researching our very sacred ceremonies and making them public and "as realistic as possible." If you want to learn about Mormonism, ask a Mormon! Why would you ask a non-Mormon or watch a stupid TV show?
I'm not a Catholic, Muslim, Wiccan, etc so I don't know what is sacred and private in those religions, but I would be just as pissed off if HBO was publicly airing their sacred ceremonies and rights without the church's permission.
CJ,
I'm not an Elder, or even a member, but I spent a lot of time with the missionaries in Korea. In fact, they were the people that indirectly brought me back to God. I have the utmost respect for Mormons. Just tell me who to boycott and I'm there.
I have a lot to say about how the Elders and Sisters helped me, but not enough time or space. Thank you for being who you are. I may have some irreconcilable differences, but true Chistians must help each other no matter what.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Robin
Robin, I totally agree!
Anytime a large portion of text owned by one organization and in effect published by another without the expressed permission of the owner, you have a case of copywright violation. Beyond the issues of reasonable culteral sensitivity, and assuming your reporting is accurate, it would appear to me that HBO has just themselves into considerable legal liability. Might be a good idea to sell your stock in the company.
Brain, I don't think this is a legal issue. These are doctrines passed down from God. I'm sure he has other avenues he can use against people violating HIS sacred trusts.
HBO should not air this outright attack on the Mormons. It seems all religions are fair game for attack lately.
CF, I won't allow you to lecture me on my religion. How about a little substance next time?
What? Schooling you about the correct way to spell your religion's name is not substance?
Maybe to a libtard with nothing better to offer, but not to common sense thinking individuals.
[...] an old friend of mine who did me proud serving in Iraq happens to be a non-Utah Mormon, ain't none too happy about it. However, HBO has gone over the line with its decision to air an episode depicting our sacred temple [...]
I'm the only one in this world. Can please someone join me in this life? Or maybe death…
What's going on Bupe? How can we help?