11 Insightful Documentaries On Mormons
Documentaries have always been a great way for many people to learn about different cultures and religions. It allows individuals who may not have first-hand experiences to accurately understand the traditions and beliefs of different groups of people.
PBS has produced and broadcast notable documentaries about the Mormon faith, contributing to the public's understanding of Mormon history and beliefs.
In this blog post, we will be exploring the top eleven documentaries that shed light on the experiences of the Mormon community. From the history of the Mormons to the struggles of modern-day Mormons, these documentaries delve deep into the realities of this religious group.
Introduction to the Mormon Church
The Mormon Church, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), stands as one of the most prominent Christian denominations in the world today. Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, the church has its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has grown to include more than 16 million members across the globe. The Latter Day Saints are recognized for their strong emphasis on family, community, and missionary work, values that shape the daily lives of Mormons and their approach to faith.
Central to the teachings of the Mormon Church are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other sacred texts, all interpreted and guided by a formal hierarchy of church leaders. The church’s history is rich and complex, marked by periods of rapid growth, migration, and at times, controversy. Early practices such as polygamy and the church’s evolving stance on LGBTQ issues have sparked debate both within and outside the community. Despite these challenges, the LDS Church continues to adapt, striving to foster greater understanding and acceptance among its members and the wider public.
A defining feature of the Mormon Church is its commitment to service and charity. Members are encouraged to support their communities through volunteer work, humanitarian aid, and outreach programs, reflecting the church’s belief in living the teachings of Jesus Christ through action. This strong sense of community and dedication to helping others has made the church a significant force not only in Utah but around the world. As the church continues to grow and evolve, it remains a powerful and influential presence in modern Christianity, shaping the lives of millions and leaving a lasting impact on the history and culture of the regions where it thrives.
Documentaries and the LDS Church
In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in documentaries and TV series that delve into the history, culture, and controversies of the Mormon Church. These films and series have brought the stories of the LDS Church to a global audience, exploring everything from true crime cases to the lived experiences of everyday Mormons. Productions like “Mormon No More” and “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” have offered a closer look at the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals within the church, while others such as “The Mormons” and “American Primeval” have examined the church’s treatment of women, minorities, and the complexities of its past.
The rise of streaming platforms has played a significant role in making these documentaries more accessible, allowing filmmakers to reach wider audiences and tackle topics that might have been overlooked in traditional media. As a result, viewers can now engage with a growing body of work that presents a range of perspectives on the Mormon Church, from its founding and the influence of church leaders to the realities of polygamy, family life, and the ongoing evolution of its teachings.
The LDS Church has responded to some of these documentaries by voicing concerns about the accuracy and fairness of certain portrayals, emphasizing the need for respectful and nuanced storytelling. Despite these concerns, documentaries remain a vital tool for fostering understanding and dialogue about the church, its history, and its members. By exploring the Mormon Church through the lens of documentary filmmaking, audiences are invited to look beyond the headlines and stereotypes, gaining a deeper appreciation for the faith, culture, and community that define the lives of Latter Day Saints around the world.
History of Mormons (2018)
Documentary Central: The History of Mormons documentary, which aired in 2018, explores the origins of the religion and how it has changed throughout the years. Mormon history is rooted in Joseph Smith's claimed visions of God and Jesus Christ, which are foundational to the faith. It takes viewers on a journey through the significant moments in Mormon history, including the establishment of Salt Lake City, Brigham Young's leadership in guiding the community to Utah, and the impact of the Mormon Church on Utah. The documentary also highlights the importance of lineage and the belief among members in being descendants of early Mormon pioneers or scriptural figures such as the Lamanites.
The documentary also examines the discrimination the religion has faced in the past, such as being labelled as a cult, and the challenges it continues to face in modern society. It discusses the violence endured by early Mormons, including mob attacks and forced migrations, which shaped the community's identity and history.
Murder Among The Mormons (2021)
This true-crime documentary explores the case of the Salt Lake City bombings, a shocking event that took place in the early 1980s.
The documentary investigates the complexities surrounding this event, including the connection between the bombings and the religious community of Mormons, which eventually led to the unearthing of a conspiracy within the community itself. It also examines the crimes committed and their impact on the Mormon community. Murder Among The Mormons shows viewers the dark side of the religion and provides an inside look at the intricate workings of the Mormon church.
Operation Toussaint (2018)
This documentary sheds light on a different aspect of the Mormon community. Operation Toussaint highlights a group of people who identify as Mormons and their mission to locate and rescue children from being trafficked.
The documentary follows Tim Ballard, a former government agent, and his team of missionaries as they go undercover to identify human traffickers in different parts of the world. While not exclusively focused on Mormons, this documentary showcases the work of a group of individuals affiliated with the religion and highlights the impact that their beliefs have on their desire to fight against injustice.
Despite the dangers involved, hope and faith drive these missionaries to continue their mission to rescue children and combat human trafficking.
Meet the Mormons (2016)
This documentary features in-depth interviews with six individuals who are members of the Mormon community and gives viewers an insight into their daily lives.
It showcases how Mormons live, work, and raise their families, with a focus on how their faith influences their everyday decisions. The documentary explores the role of kids in Mormon families, emphasizing the importance of raising children within the faith and the challenges they may face. Love and support within families are highlighted as central values in the Mormon community. Each interviewee offers a unique perspective, from a professional football player to a musician, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to being a Mormon.
New York Doll (2005)
This 2005 documentary follows the life of Arthur Kane, an ex-rock star and the bassist for the popular rock band New York Dolls. It explores his journey of redemption following the band’s breakup and his struggles with alcoholism, until he found solace in the Mormon church.
The documentary takes viewers on a journey through Kane’s musical career and his religious journey as he reconnects with old friends from the band and joins the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After experiencing a fall from grace, Kane used the rest of his life to find meaning and redemption through faith.
The Secret World Of Mormonism (2003)
This documentary delves into the hidden world of Mormonism, revealing fascinating insights into the practices and beliefs of the religion, including what is taught within the church to its members.
It explores the controversial history of the church, including the reasons behind the church’s secretive nature, and how its founder Joseph Smith influenced many of its teachings. The documentary also examines the control exerted by church authorities over members' beliefs and practices, as well as the power held by church leaders in shaping doctrine and community norms. Sermons delivered from the pulpits reinforce official church teachings and help maintain religious orthodoxy. The documentary also touches on modern controversies such as polygamy and LGBT rights.
Us and Them (2015)
This film focuses on the relationship between the Mormon Church and the LGBTQ community, exploring the unique challenges faced by gay Mormons regarding their sexuality. The documentary highlights the conflicts between church teachings and individual sexual identities, and the struggles faced by those who are both Mormon and LGBTQ.
Director Kristine Stolakis tells the story of several individuals who have been excommunicated from the church due to their sexual orientation, and how they continue to struggle with their faith and identity. The film also discusses the experiences of those who underwent conversion therapy with a therapist or former therapist in an attempt to be 'cured' of their sexuality, revealing the emotional aftermath of such harmful practices. One story features Lena, a gay Mormon woman who left her temple marriage to find love and acceptance with another woman, challenging traditional expectations within the faith. It is an eye-opening look at the ongoing tensions between the religious and LGBTQ communities.
Boys of Bonneville (2011)
This documentary tells the story of land speed racer Ab Jenkins, a devout Mormon who set numerous land speed records during the 1930s and 40s.
It provides an interesting and unique perspective on the religious community, as we learn how Jenkins’ kind and dedicated nature, inspired by his faith and hope, impacted his views on racing and how he used his success to promote the church. While Jenkins' era reflected certain attitudes, the present state of the Mormon faith is often seen as more open and accepting, highlighting the evolution of the community over time.
Mitt (2013)
This documentary follows the life of Mitt Romney, a prominent Mormon who ran for President of the United States in 2012, focusing on his experiences as a dad and how his role as a father influenced both his public and private life. The film is structured as a series of episodes, each highlighting different stages of Romney's life, including his family, political career, and faith.
The documentary also explores the conflict between Romney’s political ambitions and his religious beliefs, providing insight into the challenges facing many devout Mormons who hold public office. It addresses the reality of balancing these ambitions with deeply held religious convictions, a struggle that is often misrepresented in media portrayals.
A Matter of Principle Mormon Polygamy Documentary (1990)
This documentary explores the controversial subject of polygamy within the Mormon Church. It examines the lives of polygamous families, contrasting their experiences and family dynamics with those of non-Mormon families. The film looks at their daily routines, how they raise their children, and how they navigate the legal and social challenges faced by their lifestyle.
Offering a fair and balanced portrait of polygamous life, the documentary provides insight into the complexities and realities of these families, avoiding stereotypes and presenting a nuanced view.
A Matter of Principle Mormon Polygamy Documentary
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022)
The Netflix docuseries Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey produced by Emmy-winning filmmaker Rachel Dretzin tells the story of Warren Jeffs and the drama surrounding his rise in the Fundamentalist Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), an offshoot of the mainstream Mormon church.
FLDS members practice polygamy and assign women husbands by divine revelation to the prophet i.e. Warren Jeffs. The church turned into a cult under Jeffs’ leadership, and its practices led to concerns from outsiders about underage marriage and statutory rape. The legal case against Jeffs became a pivotal moment for the community, highlighting the broader issues of abuse and control within the FLDS.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey was released in April, marking a significant addition to the ongoing conversation about Mormon history and culture.
Conclusion
Documentaries are a powerful tool for educating people about different cultures and religions. The documentaries explored in this blog post on the Mormon community show the diversity of experiences and beliefs within one religious group.
From the challenges of modern-day Mormons to the powerful impact of the religion on the world at large, these documentaries provide a window into the life of a Mormon. Whether it is delving into the darker sides of the religion or showcasing the more positive aspects, these documentaries give viewers an inside look at the Mormon community and help to demystify the religion.
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