Reader: Scientology gets a free pass, while "news" outlets focus on Mormons

The Book of Mormon may seem gut-bustingly revolutionary, but creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are building on a tradition of god-mocking that is as old as belief itself, Josiah Hesse reveals in his pop-history of religious satire. From Chaucer and Voltaire to Kevin Smith and Bill Maher, comedians have...

By Patricia Calhoun

August 27, 2012

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The Book of Mormon may seem gut-bustingly revolutionary, but creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are building on a tradition of god-mocking that is as old as belief itself, Josiah Hesse reveals in his pop-history of religious satire.

From Chaucer and Voltaire to Kevin Smith and Bill Maher, comedians have drawn the bottomless well of religious satire, which never seems to run dry.

Says Steven M. Palmer thinks one group is getting a free pass:

Funny how everyone is suddenly taking an interest at pointing out the shortcomings of the LDS church but not a damn one of these "news" outlets has the balls to point out the uber-scam that $cientology is much less to do an hour long TV special on it.

Of course, Parker and Stone have taken on Scientology in South Park -- but so far, no musical about it. Then again, so far no Scientologist has run for president...that we know of. Does Scientology deserve to be the focus of more serious scrutiny -- as well as satire? Post your thoughts below.

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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