Latter-day Saints are often taught to avoid the “very appearance of evil. ” This makes sense for any group that believes deity has called it to be “a peculiar people.” The individual examples of LDS members speak far louder than tens of thousands of missionaries in white shirts and ties (and dresses or skirts, of course). While this wise counsel can be taken to extremes, most seem to understand the principle behind it.

A recent news story from Utah, however, has me thinking about appearances vs. reality — something Jesus addressed when he talked about “whited sepulchres.” Several years ago, Daniel D. Thompson and Isaac R. Lifferth operated a franchise video store under the banner of Clean Flicks, Inc.  The idea was simple enough.  Thompson and Lifferth purchased videos of PG-13 or R rated films, and edited them to remove what many LDS felt was “inappropriate” content (read: sex and at least some violence).  What better business model in a state where 72% of the population has been repeatedly cautioned to avoid naughty movies?  Well, maybe a legal one would be a bit better.  In mid-2006, the company was brought to a halt after a federal court ruled that the business’ activities constituted copyright infringement.  Many were disappointed with the “end” of the Clean Flicks story.  Thompson and Lifferth reopened their store under the name “Flix Club.” Continue reading…