The “Great Mormon Author”
About two years ago, Mahonri Stewart posted on A Motley Vision an interesting review of several Richard Dutcher films, along with a discussion this quote.
His [Dutcher’s] sharpest memory of his first year at the university was a statement made by his playwriting professor, Max Golightly: ‘The first great Mormon writer will be excommunicated from the Church for his writing.’
‘That statement sent chills down my spine,’ Dutcher says. ‘I knew that I wanted to become a great writer. I remember hoping and praying that he was wrong.’
Interesting. As for Dutcher himself, the point is of course mostly moot, but I have to say I hope it isn’t so. I have to trust that this community of faithful believers will not only have room for something great, but be an ideal starting point for such greatness. However, I can see where the quote is coming from, and I think there’s some sad truth to this perspective. If you substitute “excommunicated from the Church” with “scorned by the Church community,” you would be hitting much closer to the truth. Read the rest of this entry »