Latter-day Saints are said to be a peculiar people.

In the world, but not of the world, funeral potato casseroles, heavens opened for prophetic revelation-those are curious things.

Now bring Mormon myths to the table.

Did Elvis really read the Book of Mormon? Was that miracle performing, mystery man actually one of the three Nephites? Has the Jaredite barge been discovered?

"Mormon Myth-ellaneous," an Issimo Productions film, has produced a DVD to bust myths and tackle theories.

"The movie is something people can relate to," said Amy Nielsen, marketing assistant for Covenant Communications. "We've all heard myths and wonder if they're true or not."

Jacob Hoehne, the producer of "Mormon Myth-ellaneous," decided to make the movie after being called as a gospel doctrine teacher in his ward.

"So many gospel-like stories came to my mind, but I didn't know where they came from or why we tell them," he said. "I wanted to know."

The 41 minute film discusses and illustrates numerous Mormon myths and unveils their truth or falsehood. A variety of people-from researchers to students-weigh in on the myths and share own personal knowledge and experiences.

The myth-based movie is presented in a comical manner, but there is certain depth to it.

"In the end, the take-home message is building faith on the things that the spirit will verify," Hoehne said.

The movie includes several faith-affirming testimonies to matters that can't be busted or debunked by scholars or students. Experiences with one of the three Nephites are among the testimonies offered.

Nearly half of the movie was shown after the 4 p.m. session of Saturday's General Conference, and Hoehne said it had the highest television rating, second only to General Conference. According to Hoehne, one in three people watching TV in Utah were watching "Mormon Myth-ellaneous."

The 41-minute production is available at Seagull Book and Deseret Book. Wal-Mart and Costco will also begin selling the movie within the next couple of weeks. Visit http://mormonmythellaneous.com/ for more details or to discuss Mormon myths with others in question.



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Nov 2008