"HBO's 'Big Love': Combination of Sexual and Cult Fascination!!!"

[Bluebear]

Wow, I will have to check it out! :evilgrin:

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To: National Desk

Contact: Jerry McGlothlin, Special Guests, 630-848-0750

MEDIA AVAILABILITY, March 21 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Expert on the Church of Latter Day Saints and the "Book of Mormon," Art Vanick, is available for comment on the new HBO that explores Mormon polygamy in the pay-TV series, "Big Love."

"Big Love exploits the worst public image of the Mormon church, while at the same time desensitizes views to the sad perversion of a multi-spouse 'family.' HBO's Big Love is the worst possible combination of sexual misconduct and cult fascination."

In response to the new show, Vanick said, "This new reality series can prove to be a real embarrassment to the Mormon Church 'establishment' in Salt Lake City. Polygamists claim that the Mormon Church has gone apostate, and that they (the polygamists) are now the 'one true church'. This new program just gives credence to the polygamy faction of the Church of Latter Day Saints."

In Art Vanick' s new book, "Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon?" he provides proof the Book of Mormon has now conclusively been disproved and information pointing to the virtual impossibility of Mormon founder Joseph Smith haven even written the core religious text most widely used by Mormons. Furthermore, Vanick comments on recent DNA tests that contradict the bedrock of Mormon teachings from the Book of Mormon that declares that American Indians are descendents of a lost tribe of Israel that reached the New World over 2,000 years ago.

Vanick's book has been referred to by Time Magazine, The Los Angeles Times and in many newspapers across the United States.

http://www.earnedmedia.org/sg03211.htm

[kevinbgoode]

1. Seems to me that Governor Mitt should have this thrown into his face

along with some questions about his devotion to a church which goes against a Catholic belief. . .you know the beliefs that he panders to in Massachusetts.

[bliss_eternal]

2. I watched the pilot, and this week's episode...

...if nothing else, it's an interesting study in how sick and warped fundies (and many rw'ers) are. It's disturbing to see a guy treat women like possessions, yet it's kind of funny to watch it all bite him in the ass.

That family is a mess, at least two of the wives are miserable, and the guy is getting shaked down for money by his father in law--leader of the polygamist compound and all the fundie freaks.

Ah, good times... ;) lol.

[B Calm]

3. The dude swallows Viagra like candy trying to keep up with 3 horny

women.. The show is kinda funny. Other than the sex you would have to be out of your freakin' mind to want be married to three different women.

[sandnsea]

4. It's hysterical

And has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Mormon Church, it was clear to say that in every show. These people are not Mormons in the show. They actually don't even go to any church.

Anyway, the show is a hoot, Bill Paxton plays his part so well. I don't know what you call it when people are playing serious characters while knowing that the audience is laughing AT them, but they do it really really well.

[eugeneliberal]

7. Footsies

My favorite part in the last episode was when Paxton's co-worker brought his three wives over for dinner and while they were playing cards two of the wives were playing footsie under the table. Opens up an interesting concept of whether bi women might find the lifestyle attractive in terms of having children and financial security.

[seaglass]

8. I don't think you have to go to church to be a member of a

religion, depends on how you live your life and if you live it according to the tenets of your faith. That being said, BL does not focus on the Mormonism of the characters very much, I wish it did.

I think they are purposely not focusing on the fact that they are Mormon, otherwise wouldn't they be wearing the garment (I don't think this is optional but I could be wrong) and wouldn't they be clearer that at the bridge party they were drinking something other than coffee/tea from the coffee mugs?

[sandnsea]

11. They aren't Mormons

In the last show he said Barb missed LDS. In the first one, the one girl at the burger joint was talking all about their family's church activities, and the daughter said they don't go to church. They are not Mormons.

[H2O Man]

5. Years ago,

in the house I now own, going back two owners, there was a group of people here living in an "alternative" relationship. One guy had two children with a woman; they had since broke up, but remained close friends. She had a boyfriend. The father of the children had three girlfriends. There were a scattering of other children.

One of the women babysat for my oldest son a number of times. I wish there were more people who provided the high quality of day care she did. I often came over in the evening for games of Trivial Pursuit. One of the women still works at the local State University; her sons work for Yoko Ono.

I never considered their living arrangement any of my business.

[mattclearing]

16. Understood. I was discussing this show recently.

I said that the family in the show seems somewhat acceptable (if still illegal) in that it is completely consensual.

However, a lot of polygamists marry underage girls under duress. They are told it is God's will, and they are often too young to understand the differences between God and man, love and rape.

Edit: The show explores the latter variety as well. Jon Krakauer wrote a great book about polygamists called Under the Banner of Heaven.

[AllegroRondo]

18. They are starting to explore the dark sides too.

for example, when they go back to the compound and find out one of their daughters friends (Im guessing around 16) is now "married to the prophet"

In last weeks episode we find out that Paxton's character was abandoned by his dad at age 14. As his dad explains it, thats how life is on the compound. Young men are kicked out, and old men get all the girls.

[mattclearing]

21. Yeah, I edited yesterday to reflect that.

A smart move...they can expose the seedier side of it while still having somewhat likable lead characters.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

6. New reality series???? Huh????

In response to the new show, Vanick said, "This new reality series

[MADem]

9. Oooops, Dr. Freud, your slip is showing!!!

Ole Vanick probably knows a few families constructed along those lines!!!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

10. lol! Exactly! eom

[mattclearing]

14. I caught that too. Nice clue.

[geniph]

17. Bill Paxton only WISHES it were reality!

I doubt poor ol' Bill really gets to do the wild thing with those three actresses. ;-)

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

20. And those three actresses are probably thrilled that it isn't!!!! eom

[NYCGirl]

12. Art Vanick has never watched the show if he thinks it's a reality series.

It's scripted, you jerk!

[mattclearing]

13. It's not a reality series...it's a scripted drama.

It stars actors and actresses.

[Nickster]

15. Huh....watched the pilot and it didn't really keep me interested.

Very odd, since I can't remember an HBO series that I haven't liked yet. Go figure.

[nonconformist]

19. I love this show... I'm hooked. nt

[noonwitch]

22. The show put me to sleep

I watched it, as it follows "The Sopranos". I fell asleep both weeks. I am excited for "Deadwood" to return for a 3rd season.

[mzmolly]

23. Makes me wish I had HBO

;) Sounds very interesting. For the record, I don't care if people want to have 20 wives, so long as one can also have 20 husbands.