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53 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Important lesson in American history, May 4, 2007
This review is from: The Mormons (DVD)
Whether you are a believer in the Mormon faith, a skeptic, or are generally unfamiliar with this Christian denomination, you should be able to appreciate this in-depth documentary about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
This documentary, produced by PBS Frontline & American Experience, does not try to promote the faith for purposes of expanding its membership, but it takes an unbiased path to explain the Mormon religion from a historical perspective.
The lengthy documentary cover many issues regarding very relevant aspects of Mormon history and modern Mormon culture. Many opinions from knowledgeable historians are offered to help dispel the myths & misunderstandings about the faith. There are many positive aspects about the church that are introduced to those unfamiliar with Mormonism. Several topics discussed may not sit well with some modern members and believers, but they need to keep in mind that the pursuit of truth is not about denying or hiding from factual history, but about telling the whole story whether or not it is a source of pride or a source of embarrassment.
"The Mormons" deserves to be watched with an open mind, in the spirit for which it was produced. It is an important and very relevant part of our American history, whether you are a believer or not.
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35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A More Complete Story, July 9, 2007
This review is from: The Mormons (DVD)
Despite the protests of some on either extreme (ultra-orthodox or anti-mormon) "The Mormons" was a balanced treatment of the LDS religion, history and dcotrine. Pro-Mormons might think it focused too much on uncomfortable history-- Anti-Mormons will think it didn't focus on those items enough. The fact that neither is fully satisfied speaks to how well the director covered the material.
It must be remembered that this is not a LDS proselyting picture produced by the Brethren. It is a secular documentary. It's goal isn't to convert but rather to inform. And so polygamy, polyandry, Mountain Meadows, and fundamentalism are as much a part of the story as the Haun's Mill, the First Vision and the importance of eternal families.
In fact, many members of the LDS church have only a cursory understanding of their own history. Because I believe that it's impossible to fully believe in something you don't fully understand I would recommend this film to all members.
Those interviewed run the range. LDS General Authorities to LDS academics to non-Mormon scholars to former Mormons. The director purposely avoids identifying the Mormon-slant of each person so that the viewer will consider their comments without bias. This has lead both pro and anti- mormons to wrongly claim that the numbers of interviews are skewed against their point of view-- when actually the numbers are pretty even.
A quote by Hugh B. Brown, counselor in the First Presidency, in closing:
"Thoughts and expressions compete in the marketplace of thought, and in that competition truth emerges triumphant. Only error fears freedom of expression."
"The Mormons" tells more of the story.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a HISTORY lesson, not a definitive work on the religion!, November 30, 2008
This review is from: The Mormons (DVD)
As a non-Mormon living in Mormon Country (Utah, USA) I was anxious to see this PBS program when it first aired last year. I have been married to a Mormon lady for the past 37 years and during that time I have had much contact with the church and have learned much about the faith and its people, although for personal reasons I have decided the faith is not for me. This documentary holds true to what I have learned about this most unique of American religious denominations. It is a fair-minded HISTORY of the Mormon Church and its wonderful people. It does not, however, delve into church doctrine or dogma. If you are interested in learning only about doctrine, this documentary is not for you. It would behoove you to contact your local LDS missionaries or the Church in Salt Lake City itself. They will be more than happy to cater to your curiosities, I'm sure.
One of the most insightful moments in the documentary is when the narration proposes an explanation as to why the Mormons are so centered upon the temple rites of sealing your spouse and your children to yourself for "all time and eternity". To paraphrase, "The church was organized in America during a time of great westward migration and family separation. It was a period in our history when children would leave home to seek their fortunes and never be heard from by their families again. The temple endowments were aimed at keeping the family together, if not in this life, then in the next 'for all time and eternity.'" This goes a long way in explaining why the Mormons think the way they do, and why the Church is organized the way it is.
I heartily recommend this documentary for anyone who is interested in American History and the history of the the Mormon people. It is one of the best, if not THE best, films on the Mormons I have had the pleasure to watch and own.
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