Mormons Exposed

November 13, 2007 - I was on youtube the other day and a few clicks and there led me to the Mormons Exposed website. The website is promoting a 2008 "Men on a Mission" calendar featuring 12 former Mormon missionaries posing shirtless in very suggestive positions. The producer of the calendar argues that in addition to the eye-candy factor, he hopes the calendar can help reshape perceptions, heighten awareness and encourage and inspire a broadened acceptance of human religious diversity. In addition to the steamy pictures, the calendar also talks about each missionary's journey to other parts of the world.

For those who don't know, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or the Mormon church), when a guy turns 19, he submits his name to the church to prepare for a two-year mission in a different part of the world. This rite of passage is paid for entirely by the family and often, the missionary will take time off school or work to fulfill his missionary requirement. Called Elders, you may have seen them on the subway or on the street, in their dark suits, white shirts and tie, with their trademark black name tag. In addition to preaching the Gospel wherever they go, missionaries are required to also participate in local volunteer work, which could include everything from teaching English to working in a homeless shelter. Missionaries are only allowed to call home twice a year - on Mother's Day and on Christmas Day - so for most the two years, they have very little contact with the world that they know.

The returned missionaries (RM) featured in this calendar traveled to all parts of the world for their missions. While I think the intention to change the image of Mormons (often ridiculed as polygamists or uptight traditionalists) is of value, I don't think having RMs pose shirtless as male models is sending the right message to the public. The Mormon church believes in modesty and this calendar has got to go against that believe. Is the calendar saying that Mormons are also hot sex objects? Is that the image the Church really wants ? Could they not just pose with their shirts on, like GQ or any other fashion magazine?

I'm not sure if this is right path to go - what's next? Nuns in swimsuits calendar? I guess the bottom line is - sex sells and having these hot young RMs pose semi-naked will get people talking, which will generate more sales.

Having said that (and being the hypocrite that I am), the site is worth checking out, if not for the incredibly hot guys (Matthew and Kenny are my favourites and yes, you get to vote for yours too!), but for the interesting testimonies. In a way, you can say the calendar was successful - at least it got me reading and blogging about Mormons.