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SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday night's NBC program, "Mormon in America" has drawn a variety of different reactions as well as a large audience in Utah and throughout the country.
Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have expressed differing opinions on the exposure of their faith. But most people agree that the network spent a lot of time and put forth a good amount of resources for "Mormon in America."
"I thought it hit some good issues, had some negatives and some positives," said local Kevin Swenson. "I like how they talked about the welfare system and the missionaries."
Many LDS viewers appreciated Harry Smith's interview with JetBlue Founder, David Neeleman and also the tour of Welfare Square.
Kim Woodbury commented on facebook: "Overall, I thought Rock Center with Brian Williams was very fair and balanced. While I wish they had treated some aspects of my faith more respectfully, I appreciate their effort to help people better understand who we are and what we believe."
I thought it hit some good issues, had some negatives and some positives.
–Kevin Swenson
Others were turned off by the shared views of Mormon feminist and LDS author, Joanna Brooks.
"Mormon women do hold leadership positions," said Joelle Pierson Peterson. "I have been a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and have never felt like I am unequal to my husband. Nor have I been treated as such."
The most unanimously negative reaction from LDS members was in regards to the picture of the "temple garments."
"I really was offended by the picture of the garments, no questions about that," said Kirk Anderson. "That was like, Whoa!"
But, overall members of the LDS faith seemed pleased with the outcome and happy to have more exposure on their religion.
