House, MD: 10/2 Episode
Last night, on House, MD (Fox), Dr. House was slimming down his selection of fellows-to-be and one of them was casted as a black member of the LDS Church. House questioned his faith and tested his beliefs about the Word of Wisdom. Basically, it came down to this student was a non-drinker and for some diagnostic testing, House needed to know how quickly he would show signs of getting intoxicated. This character did a good job of refusing until House challenged him with “every life is sacred” and then, the student relented and agreed to participate.
My wife and I were watching this and got a bit nervous during this scene. We were hoping it would come out as a positive and while not being entirely negative, it showed the guy compromising his beliefs after being challenged and given a “good reason”. 
Without getting too much more into personal beliefs, how did you that saw this feel about the alleged exposure this very popular TV drama brought to the Church?
October 6th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Nice to see a Mormon finally portrayed as secure enough in his beliefs to not let a House-type rattle him. For me, anyway, it’s getting pretty tiresome to see Mormons’ beliefs being ridiculed, and with such meanness. A school can’t name their team “The Warriors” because it might offend Native Americans, but not one Mormon sacred practice or belief is off limits to the entertainment industry. What happened to Do unto others?
October 7th, 2007 at 12:06 am
Well, Michael and I saw this too and also got nervious. I would have to say that I wasn’t happy with him compromising his standards, but that is a personal choice, and even though it does throw a some-what negative life, it would most likely strike up conversations among members and non-members alike and may be a seed-planting oppertunity. There was a Question on the Power of 10 show that Drew Carey also stood up for the LDS beliefs about polygamy. It is good to see there is both negative and positive press going on right now, which is to be expected with Mitt Romney bringing a lot of general attention to the church.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
My husband and I, and a few LDS friends that also watched, were actually pretty happy with the episode. Of course House would have to take some shots, he wouldn’t be true to his character otherwise. However, I thought the Mormon did a good job setting the record straight on LDS beliefs. I actually wonder if there is a LDS writer on staff. And I also didn’t think that it was so horrible for him to go ahead and drink the alcohol- it wasn’t as if he was doing it to get drunk- it was to save a life. I think it was a personal choice gray area situation, and didn’t think it painted LDS members in a bad light. I am looking forward to any more future exchanges- if he last that long!
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
In the episode of House tonight, the character was offering a prayer over the patient. It was extremely odd, something someone of the LDS faith would never say. It painted an inaccurate and “mystical” portrayal of Mormons.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Thanks, everyone for your great comments. I haven’t seen 10/23’s episode yet. It’s on the DVR so tonight. Dave, what you mention does sound odd. I’m looking forward to seeing it. Keep commenting!!
-Timmy
October 24th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Agreed, I watched House for the first time last night and didn’t realize the character was Mormon until he punched in the nose House after the “What would Joesph Smith do?” and the “Smith was just a horny fraud” comments.
Yeah, the prayer over the patient because she was wearing a cross was odd. At least it promoted the fact that Mormons are Christians!
October 24th, 2007 at 9:30 am
I turned it off last night after the “Smith was just a horny…..” comment. I won’t hear that in the name of entertainment. I am done with it completely. Feel that the wrath that “shall be epoured out without mixture upon the whole earth” has just become a little more real. Sad isn’t it?
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Well, maybe the mormon religion is ridiculed because it’s so easy to do so?
I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice religion, if you are all about being good to people and loving thy neighbour, but the entire religion is based on a lie. Even more so than any other. So yes, it is very easy to ridicule it.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Thank you, Ian, for your comments and feelings. I respect your opinions and feelings. Religion is a personal subject and each of us needs to explore for ourselves what is the right thing for us to believe.
May 15th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
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May 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
What an interesting post to stumble upon. Glad I found it.
First, happy blog birthday, Tim.
Second, I was interested in this episode. (The drinking one) I was interested to see how the gentleman reacted to what House had to say. House always has a convincing argument. Although I was surprised to see the gentleman go ahead and drink the alcohol, I understood his reasonings. With that in mind, I probably would have made the same choice. I agree, that all life is sacred, and I see House’s point for the reason he wanted the gentleman to drink the alcohol. I was glad to see the gentleman put up a fight in the name of his beliefs and to refuse to drink, but I do not feel he was wrong to change his mind after hearing what House had to say.
When it comes down to it, this choice would have been between the gentleman and God. And personally, I don’t know that God is so black and white He would have sent the gentleman to Hell for this.
I don’t think this episode made all Mormons look bad. The weak ones maybe, but the strong ones will still resist temptation. In fact, I agree with Brian M- this might bring up opportunities for discussion and open some doors for us to share what our beliefs are and WHY.
As for Ian and your comments, I am interested to hear what you have heard and where you have heard it from. . .