To get involved or not to get involved… That is the question I often ask myself when controvery erupts. For example, today I learned that HBO plans to air an episode of Big Love where they depict sacred temple ceremonies. I was invited to join the Facebook group Stop HBO from showing LDS temple ceremonies!, which now has over 11,000 members. In that group, there is a link to HBO’s feedback page, with the admonition to ask HBO to refrain from airing the episode.
Today, Church Public Affairs issued a statement on it’s Newsroom Web site about the dilemma of responding to such events.
- Should we tell all our friends to write to HBO to ask them not to air the show?
- Should we cancel our subscriptions to Time Warner products (the producer of the show) to cause them economic pain?
- Should we watch the show out of curiosity to see how much of the temple ceremony they portray?
The Church as an institution leaves it up to individuals to take the actions they feel are appropriate. However, the dilemma is that these very actions may generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end may increase audiences for a program that currently has a narrow audience.
The Newsroom commentary reminds us that “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.”
Therefore, the Church as an institution tries to stay out of such controversy. But what is the role of individual members? What is our individual role in standing for truth and righteousness? What kinds of actions do you feel are appropriate and helpful?
I remember an example of protests prolonging something that would die if people would just leave it alone. When I was a student at BYU, a “strip club” opened in Provo and it was challenged legally and was constantly in the news. After months and months of continuous coverage, the owner won in court the the right to have the club. Guess what – it closed shortly after the controversy died out because the publicity was driving traffic to the bar and now no one was going anymore.
For starters, I don’t think that we ought to be drawing so much attention to the link leading to a pic of one of the ‘Big Love’ actresses in temple clothing. This will only increase the number of people who see the pic and come away confused.
But if members want to contact HBO and calmly and respectfully voice their displeasure, I feel that falls within the parameters of the “Christian courage” Elder Hales spoke about.
Most importantly we need to stay calm rather than falling into the trap of succumbing to unbridled rage over an issue which ultimately won’t affect us or the Church one iota. I keep thinking of the Savior’s words, “My sheep hear my voice.” Lovers of truth will hardly be phased by this issue. In fact, this episode of ‘Big Love’ will likely cause some viewers to think that they show’s writers and producers have gone too far and they will abandon it for better information about the Church and its beliefs and practices.
For me, joining the Facebook group was a small way of reminding my friends there, many of whom are not members of the church, that I am a member. I have always felt that any publicity is good publicity. Yes, the producers of Big Love are stirring things up specifically to increase viewership. But I joined the Facebook group out of a missionary effort to remind people of what I stand for and believe in – that some things are sacred and should be treated that way.
I am one that does not believe that all publicity is good publicity. However, LDS members protesting this will likely result in simply being one of the most anticipated and most watched Big Love episodes ever.
A silent protest can often be equally effective.
I hope that members remember this next time they consider going to any film that Tom Hanks has any role in, whether it be acting or directing.
I tend to agree with Nate on every point he made. I personally sent a message to HBO yesterday, via their website, and asked them to reconsider and cancel the episode. I did forward that request to some friends and family who I know are strong temple-attending members. I feel that this is my way of “standing for truth and righteousness”; I am actively opposing the issue and encouraging others to do the same, but hopefully I am doing it without adding to the controversy in the media that could help increase viewership of the episode.
Matthew 5:44 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;
There are lots of ways that this could be analyzed; I recall how the “mountain meadows” movie flopped, partially due to a lack of reaction by the church. In some ways it seems like energy directed towards boycotting HBO might be better channeled towards sharing testimony with others.