HBO: Big Love and Mormon Temples
I have received emails from several friends suggesting that I should join Facebook groups and other groups on the Internet specifically created to react to the new attempt made by the producers of the HBO series Big Love to portray Mormons in a negative way. According to the the Church Newsroom
Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.
So, what should we do as members of the Mormon church (who have really nothing to do with those characters depicted in the series)?
I believe that we can share our feelings with friends or even with those who produce the show, but what is most important is to stay focused on filling the world with light, including the Internet, and remember that the Church has grown in spite of opposition and attacks. Sometimes, negative information may even create an interest in the church.
Specifically talking about temple ceremonies, I believe that those who make fun of them, or treat them with disrespect, will probably receive their reward from Him who is the author of such ceremonies. Therefore, we really do not need to worry too much.
On the other hand, perhaps others, the honest truth seekers, will be able to see through the inaccuracies of that show, and feel the desire to know more, in the right way, about Mormons, Mormon temples and the happyness that can come to their lives by following the teaching of Jesus Christ.
I know that temples ceremonies are sacred, and I know that it is a serious issue to treat them with disrespect or unworthily, but at the same time I cannot avoid thinking that God knew beforehand that some abuse would happen. I am sure He will take care of it and He knowshow to protect His work.
Many people think that Mormon temples are full of misteries and they want to know them, but they forget, or better, they do not understand, that most of the knowledge, revelations and inspirations that we receive in the Mormon temples come through the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, even if they were allowed to see and hear everything that is done in a temple, they would not benefit from it, because the Lord knows how to protect His real secrets.
His true secrets can only be revealed by His Spirit to the spirits of worthy and honest men and women. The temple is simply a place that facilitates this comunication. In the past the Lord used the top of mountains, or wildernesses to communicate with His prophets and other worthy people. So, there is not need to try to sneak in in a Mormon temple. All that is needed is preparation and obedience and all of His mistery will be revealed to those who deserve it, in His proper time and according to His will.