Picture this: In the not-too-distant future, you take a date to see the latest "Mormon" comedy movie.

The lights go down, the screen flickers to life, and the husky voice of the announcer works its mojo in an effort to encourage you to drop $8 on the producers' next effort.

"Every story has a beginning," he says in the most intriguing tone he can muster. "Every spiritual journey has a moment of awakening. For one young man, that journey is about to begin."

For the next few minutes, you fight a moral battle between your curiosity and your desire to retch as you are subjected to a preview for Mormon Pop Culture's next offering -- "The Sunbeam."

Sound farfetched? Maybe, but given the recent tidal wave that is Mormon Pop Culture, don't write it off.

Although the efforts of these people to create "good, clean humor" have been well received in the Happy Valley, maybe viewers should be more critical. Everyone wants clean entertainment, but does "clean" have to mean predictable, bland and not funny?

But this goes far beyond movies. Other individuals have become less concerned with following the prophet than following the profit, and have joined the market with board games, greeting cards, jewelry and even action figures.

I was once sent an Alma the Younger action figure. While I admire the man and everything he stands for (that's post-conversion, mind you), I fail to see how his example translates into an action figure. Although the idea of collecting all the prophet action figures and playing Royal Nephite Rumble to decide who was best is intriguing, it somehow seems inappropriate.

I admit, in some ways I admire the efforts of these people to provide an inoffensive alternative for people of greater sensibility. But as the "Mormon" movies, games and action figures continue to pile up, I find myself asking, "Where do you draw the line between providing clean entertainment and capitalizing on the gospel?"

That's a question that everyone will have a different answer for, but everyone should ask it of themselves. In my mind, the line has been crossed.

Of course, there would be no supply for this market if there were no demand. Many members of the church seem to feel required to support the Mormon Pop Culture movement as they try to find shelter from the world. But I've yet to hear a prophet tell me buying a gold-plated CTR ring will aid in my salvation, and I doubt I ever will. The fact is, if it doesn't appeal to you, don't feel compelled to see it or buy it or support it.

Although I'll be one of the first to poke fun at the foibles of Mormon culture, there are still some things that are too important to be made fun of or commercialized. Take the religion, but leave the greed at the door.

Copyright Brigham Young University 12 Nov 2003