LDS and news media

[pam]

I've read many times in threads, of which I have also participated, where we discuss the news media and how it relates to LDS. Especially when someone has been arrested and the media are quick to point out they are LDS. We say, "Religion would have never been brought up if it weren't for the fact the person was LDS." We've been outraged and offended.

Tonight while reading from the New Testament and reading some quotes I found this one by President Hinckley that really gave me a new perspective on the issue.

Sometimes we take offense when one who is nominally a member of the Church is involved in a crime and the public press is quick to say that he is a Mormon. We comment among ourselves that if he had been a member of any other church, no mention would have been made of it.

“Is not this very practice an indirect compliment to our people? The world expects something better of us, and when one of our number falters, the press is quick to note it. We have, indeed, become as a city upon a hill for the world to see. If we are to be that which the Lord would have us, we must indeed become ‘a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [we] should shew forth the praises of him who hath called [us] out of darkness into his marvellous light.’ (1 Pet. 2:9.)” (“A City Set Upon a Hill,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 99–100)

[Snow]

That's a nice spin but I'd suggest that the issue is not so much that the media and the world expects better of us and is thus disappointed, but rather that some relish denigrating us when ere they can - at any opportunity.

Those that truly do expect more or us - and there are plenty - are not the kind to seize the opportunity to whine when Mormons prove human.

[Gatorman]

That's a nice spin but I'd suggest that the issue is not so much that the media and the world expects better of us and is thus disappointed, but rather that some relish denigrating us when ere they can - at any opportunity.

Those that truly do expect more or us - and there are plenty - are not the kind to seize the opportunity to whine when Mormons prove human.

That is an interesting perspective Snow. After much careful thought and consideration, I think I will consider President Hinckley's perspective more in line with what is truth. But, an interesting and thought out perspective none the less.

[john doe]

I would say that both views are valid. We set ourselves up as examples simply by our stated expectations of ourselves, and they are admirable standards. And when we fail to meet those standards, enemies of the church relish in that.

[StallionMcBeastly]

That's a nice spin but I'd suggest that the issue is not so much that the media and the world expects better of us and is thus disappointed, but rather that some relish denigrating us when ere they can - at any opportunity.

Those that truly do expect more or us - and there are plenty - are not the kind to seize the opportunity to whine when Mormons prove human.

I agree. Those who truly expect more of us will not delight in pointing out that a criminal is LDS.... but those who like to say "Ooh look at the religious person, who is supposed to be so righteous, look at him commit a crime and be so hypocritical!".

[Traveler]

My biggest problem with the media is not when they are critical of LDS or of any people of deep religious conviction. My problem is when they do not get the story and facts correct – especially when the facts are more available than the distortions.

The Traveler

[pam]

I would agree with Snow's point of view as well. I brought this up because I had never thought of it in the light that President Hinckley gave. He just gave me a different perspective to ponder on as well.

[Moksha]

That's a nice spin but I'd suggest that the issue is not so much that the media and the world expects better of us and is thus disappointed, but rather that some relish denigrating us when ere they can - at any opportunity.

Those that truly do expect more or us - and there are plenty - are not the kind to seize the opportunity to whine when Mormons prove human.

This sounds to pragmatic!

[Snow]

That is an interesting perspective Snow. After much careful thought and consideration, I think I will consider President Hinckley's perspective more in line with what is truth. But, an interesting and thought out perspective none the less.

I'm not saying that President Hinckley is incorrect but his take is more from the perspective of a teaching moment and my is more from the angle of blunt assessment - although my assessment is just a gut instinct, not an analysis based on data.