March 11th, 2009 by Kateastrophe

I am not much of a pot-stirrer. In general, on topics of religion, sexuality, politics and the like, I keep to myself. I believe how and what I believe in what (I hope) is an informed, educated, respectful manner, and I expect the same from others. My beliefs are mine, your beliefs are yours and if we disagree, let’s do so kindly and without malice. Today, however, I have chosen to speak up and stir the pot a little bit.

It came to my attention this morning that the HBO series “Big Love” which portrays a fictional, non-Mormon polygamist family living outside of Salt Lake City, Utah (for those of you who incorrectly think the family portrayed is, in fact, Latter-Day Saints (also known as LDS or Mormon), they are not. The LDS Church does not allow polygamy. Those who practice most often belong to the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saint religion, or FLDS.) will be airing an episode this Sunday which contains a very sacred LDS ceremony which we refer to as the endowment. The character having this ceremony performed is wearing sacred LDS temple clothing and the show has employed an ex-LDS individual to guarantee the accuracy of the ceremony.

When I saw this, my heart fell. As an active member of the LDS Church, I feel as though I’ve just been slapped in the face. The writers of this show, who, in my opinion were already treading a thin line when it comes to mocking what is most sacred to me, have officially crossed it. Some may ask why this is such a big deal or wonder why anyone really cares. I think those questions should answer themselves. The writers and the network are using what is most sacred to our religion as a trivial storyline for a fictional family. They are attempting to take the world inside the walls of our most sacred places. I want to know why they are going down that path.

Muslims do not allow non-Muslims inside the mosque at Mecca, or even inside the city itself. To them it is a sanctuary and a sacred place. The more strict factions of their religion require special attire and grooming standards, all symbolic of their commitment to their God. I would be very offended if someone were sneaking in to Mecca just for entertainment purposes.

In ancient Jerusalem only certain individuals were allowed into certain places inside the temple, the most sacred and most difficult to enter was the center, or the Holy of Holies. The Hasidic Jews wear special clothing and follow strict codes of conduct to show their faith in God.

The Eastern Orthodox Church has also adopted the concept of the Holy of Holies and have restrictions as to who may enter through certain doors and certain individuals will never be allowed.

I respect all religions. I take off my hat and walk clockwise when I enter a Tibetan temple. I do not take pictures in sacred Buddhist sanctuaries. I wouldn’t try to sneak onto the man’s side of the Western Wall or enter inside the walls of Mecca. I do not take communion in a Catholic church or mockingly wear the sacred apparel of any religion. If I have offended anyone based on religious views, it’s because of my own ignorance and not out of malice or the want to mock or trivialize.

The LDS faith does not allow those who are not members in good standing within the walls of our temples. You are required to answer a series of questions pertaining to your dedication, worthiness and faith before being allowed in the doors. Inside the temple sacred ordinances are performed which we believe allow us to take one step closer to being with God. We are asked to wear special garments under our clothes as a symbol of our dedication and promises to the Lord. It’s not a secret, it’s sacred. Pardon me if I expect in return the same respect I try to show other religions.

I think that everyone in this world has things that are sacred to them. Special moments, rituals or things that make them remember who they are and where they are going. Sometimes these things are out in the open for everyone to see. Other times these things are kept quiet and close to the heart of the individual to whom they mean the world. I realize that anyone who wants to know about what happens in the temple can find information on the internet. I realize that the writers of Big Love are “attempting to be accurate” in their portrayal of this situation, but I cannot help but feel immense sadness at the disrespect being shown by the writers, the actors and the network who is airing this episode. As I said before, what they are showing is not a secret, is it something that is most sacred to the members of our church. It is a special ordinance performed only inside our sacred temples and on those who are in good standing with the church. This isn’t like a baptism or a first communion. This is a ceremony which represents the most sacred and special covenants we make with our Father in Heaven. They are the core of our religion and what we hold most dear. We do not keep those who do not belong to our religion outside of the temples with any malice or prejudice. We believe a dedicated temple is a house for God to dwell and, like most religions, believe that one must be prepared to be in God’s presence. Therefore, only those who are worthy and willing to make sacred promises and covenants to God are given entry into an operating temple. I wish that the world understood and respected that.

I realize that I have no power over HBO and this little blog post will not convince them to take that episode of the show off the air. But what I can do is ask any of you who might watch the show or who might consider doing so, to please take a moment to think about the things that are most sacred to you. I ask that you ask yourself if YOU would be ok with those things being shown to the world for the sake of a mere hour of entertainment. I sincerely hope that your answer would match mine.

If you are curious about my beliefs and my religion, I encourage you to email me (kateastrophe(at)cox(dot)net)or visit our Church website at www.mormon.org . I am more than happy to try to answer any questions you might have. I welcome those who are sincere in their quest to learn more. I know that many of you have very different beliefs than I do, and many may disagree with me, but please, if you are planning to be rude and disrespectful, don’t bother.

To read the LDS Church’s official statement on the airing of the Big Love episode, please click here.