A Nice Pahoranism

[_Analytics]

In case anybody logs or collects Pahoran’s inimitable insults, he fired off a pretty good one yesterday.

QUOTE(Analytics @ Mar 5 2009, 02:53 PM)
From an artistic perspective, showing a Mormon character go through aspects of their sacred rituals is a totally legitimate way to develop and explain the character. In fact, if you really wanted to explain him fully, it would be essential to show this. I have some appreciation for why this is considered offensive, but from my perspective, it is like the prude being offended by seeing private body parts diagramed in a book. Sure, it might be offensive to somebody’s personal sensibilities, but that doesn’t mean that others who want to understand the truth must be denied access to it.

To which Pahoran responded,

They're not "denied access to it." The Temple is open to everyone who is willing to enter by the gate.

Which, incidentally, is baptism.

What it's not open to is those who want to peep through the windows. I can understand why you would be such an enthusiastic advocate for that kind of voyeurism (and probably not only that kind) but it is in no wise "essential" to show it...

Pahoran is more right than he claims--people who want to understand the truth about why Mormons are the way they are aren't denied access to temple content. They may learn all about the details of the temple rituals in various books, websites, movies, and now apparently HBO series.

Here is the context:

http://www.mormonapologetics.org/index. ... 735&st=100

[_Some Schmo]

That one was pretty tame by that guy's standards.

Pa Whorin' does more for the anti-mormon cause than any critic ever could.

[_Yoda]

That one was pretty tame by that guy's standards.

Pa Whorin' does more for the anti-mormon cause than any critic ever could.

OMG!

This is very sig worthy!

[_cinepro]

Pahoran's response is also a total non-sequitur.

For me, the critical consideration for the Temple's use in "Big Love" is that it isn't done for mockery, or "voyeurism". The writers have created characters, and they must be true to the characters. If Barb is/was LDS, and going to the Temple means something to her in such a way that it's important to her story, than the writers would be irresponsible to not show it, especially if it is something most viewers won't be familiar with.

Based on past episodes of "Big Love", we have every indication that the Temple ceremony will be treated seriously and with respect because Barb will be treating it seriously, and with great respect.

There are many situations where viewers can put 2+2 together, and we just need to be told what happened without being shown (like Sarah's miscarriage). That is part of the human experience. But for uniquely Mormon things, if they are to play a part in the character's lives, then they must be shown so we can understand why (like the baptism-for-the-dead in the hot tub). My biggest annoyance is when they get the details wrong, not when they get them right.

I think LDS frequently get their emotions about the temples a little mixed up, and mistake "I'm so embarrassed" for "I'm righteously indignant". Technically, there are only a few, specific things that Temple participants promise not to divulge. As far as I remember, the clothing and interior design of the Temple aren't included in these. The LDS Church itself publishes pictures of sacred ordinances getting performed all the time, without diminishing the "sacredness" of these ordinances in the slightest. So the very act of dramatizing or publicizing an ordinance can't be considered de facto sacrelige.

Of course, "Big Love" could prove me wrong, and play the Temple for humor or mockery, but based on past episodes, I'll wait and see.

[_The Dude]

And Pahoran's got you covered, Cinepro:

Every participant in this thread knows perfectly well that what HBO is doing is wrong; some, however rejoice in iniquity, hence their support for it.

[_Analytics]

Pahoran's response is also a total non-sequitur.

For me, the critical consideration for the Temple's use in "Big Love" is that it isn't done for mockery, or "voyeurism". The writers have created characters, and they must be true to the characters. If Barb is/was LDS, and going to the Temple means something to her in such a way that it's important to her story, than the writers would be irresponsible to not show it, especially if it is something most viewers won't be familiar with....

I think LDS frequently get their emotions about the temples a little mixed up, and mistake "I'm so embarrassed" for "I'm righteously indignant".

Very well said. I'd also add that once you go into the temple, it is a different religion--it's beyond being a different religion--It's a different universe. It's shockingly different. People who frequent the temple adjust to it, and many find peace in leaving this universe to spend time in that one. But beyond the fact that everybody keeps it very secret and it is a bit embarassing, it is easy to develop an instinct that the two universes shouldn't be mixed.

[_JohnStuartMill]

I don't think anything beats the time Pahoran told me that I was supportive of pederasty (I think he meant pedophilia, but whatever) because I wasn't opposed to gay marriage.

[_Calculus Crusader]

Pahoran is a true *******, as we've discussed before. He waxes choleric because critics are constantly knocking over his house-of-straw beliefs. Did I ever tell you about the time I had Pahoran frothing-at-the-mouth when I described how Fred's balls were anointed by a septuagenarian during his endowment circa 1960? Pahoran flatly denied it ever occurred and went on to say something about Fred and I meeting up to concoct the "lie" on fire island. LOL!

(And the **** Pahoran comes up with in a vain attempt to save Mormonism is something else. A dimbulb on Christian Forums tried to defend Holy Joe's Book of Abraham Facsimile 3 misidentifications by citing an article by Pahoran and looney-tune Shirts concerning Egyptian priests dressing up as gods, which included cross-dressing.)