Faith vs. Charity in LDS Films

Posted on May 14, 2009
Filed Under Religion | 4 Comments

There’s an interesting discussion at the Deseret News of Joe Spencer’s paper from the “Mormon Scholars in the Humanities” conference. The key point of Joe’s critique is that most of the films in the recent LDS film movement in trying to present transcendence end up depicting faith and charity as at odds. Joe particularly points to Dutcher’s God’s Army 2.

It’s an interesting take since most critiques of LDS film simply point to the fact the movies aren’t that good. They never stepped up their game and (IMO) often never rise above the level of cheap Disney Channel films. (Perhaps not coincidentally a lot of the same folks end up working both on Disney made for TV films and LDS films — although not necessarily as writers or directors)

Joe’s take is somewhat unique in that rather than focusing on the quality of filmmaking he applies a more philosophical critique.

Interestingly Joe suggests that the most LDS film thus produced is…Napoleon Dynamite. When I stop and think about it I have to agree.

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Comments

4 Responses to “Faith vs. Charity in LDS Films”

Clark, I also read that article with interest and was glad that he was able to put his finger on the disconnect that I always felt in those films. I do love Dutcher’s movies though and think that he does a pretty good job of advocating for charity. What I think I love about Napoleon Dynamite is the simple optimism, love, and deep loyalty that is at the heart of Mormonism.

Yes. Joe has been involved in the discussions with Adam and I on the topic of grace over at LDS-Herm. I’ve been so busy the past month I’ve not said much but I always enjoy his comments.

3 Drex Davis on May 15th, 2009 12:01 pm

Is there a copy of Joe’s paper available somewhere I could access it?

4 Drex Davis on May 15th, 2009 12:10 pm

Actually, I’ll just ask him for it . . .

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