The Horror Movie ‘Heretic’: An Unlikely Gateway to the LDS Church and Conservative Christian Values
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who spent years navigating the tumultuous waters of ideologies, from veganism and socialism to my role as a former executive director at CAIR-Columbus, I never imagined my spiritual journey would lead me to the doors of the LDS Church. And yet, the very forces that once sought to push me away from Christianity, even in its most peculiar forms, ultimately guided me back to a faith that resonated deeply with my search for conservative values.
One such force, perhaps ironically, was the horror movie Heretic — a film that is widely regarded as an anti-LDS piece, yet, in its portrayal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), it became an unintentional tool in helping me learn more about the faith and its values. As someone who had been raised in an entirely different religious and political context, the vitriol in the film served as a strange catalyst for my exploration of the LDS Church.
The Anti-LDS Agenda of "Heretic"
Heretic, like many other forms of media, is part of a broader anti-LDS narrative that portrays the church as a dangerous, cult-like organization. This narrative isn’t new; it's one that has been perpetuated for decades, fueled by both theological and political animosity. Critics often target the LDS Church for its unique doctrines, including its views on the afterlife, the role of modern prophets, and the practice of polygamy (which was officially ended over a century ago but remains a point of contention).
However, as is often the case with media that seeks to demonize a particular group, it inadvertently sparks curiosity in people who might not otherwise have considered that group. For me, Heretic was no different. I was initially drawn to the movie because of its anti-LDS messaging, having been curious about the nature of the criticisms being leveled against the church. It didn't take long for me to realize, however, that the film's portrayal of the LDS Church was far from accurate, and I began seeking out other perspectives to better understand what the church actually believed.
A Strange Path to the LDS Church
As I delved into my search for answers, I encountered YouTube channels and podcasts by former LDS members who criticized the church — most notably Dr. John Dehlin, an influential figure in the ex-Mormon community. Ironically, these channels, which were intended to dissuade people from joining the LDS Church, became instrumental in my understanding of its conservative values.
Through Dr. Dehlin’s content and those of similar creators, I began to learn about the LDS Church's deep commitment to traditional family values, its staunch pro-life stance, and its focus on self-reliance and community. These were the very values I had been searching for during my time as a socialist and a vegan, and they resonated with my growing desire to find a Christian faith that prioritized personal responsibility, strong family units, and conservative morality.
The Hidden Blessing of Negative Media
It is often said that there is no such thing as bad publicity, and in the case of the LDS Church, negative media has served as an unlikely ally. Like many others, I had grown weary of the left-wing, progressive ideologies that had once guided me. I longed for a community that upheld the values I now cherished: personal freedom, family integrity, and a reverence for scripture and tradition.
Ironically, it was the anti-LDS rhetoric, the very media designed to tarnish the church’s image, that helped me discover a community where these values were not only embraced but actively cultivated. My exploration of the LDS faith — spurred by the criticisms of ex-Mormons and anti-LDS figures — ultimately led me to the Christian scriptures that had been twisted and distorted by those who sought to destroy the church. What I found instead was a vibrant, faith-filled community of believers who adhered to values that aligned with my evolving political and spiritual views.
Conversion to Conservative Christian LDS Beliefs
By the time I found my way into the LDS Church, I had already shed many of the false ideologies that had once ensnared me. I was no longer a socialist or a progressive, nor did I hold on to the secularism I had been raised with in the aftermath of my Muslim upbringing. I had undergone a profound transformation — from a Muslim leader to a conservative Christian, from a left-wing ideologue to someone who now values the principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and the sanctity of life.
Joining the LDS Church wasn't just about theology for me; it was about finding a community that shared my values and offered a path to spiritual redemption. The values I encountered in the LDS faith weren’t just words on a page — they were principles that I saw reflected in the lives of faithful members, in their families, and in their dedication to their country and their faith.
Conclusion
In the end, Heretic and other anti-LDS media, though designed to drive people away, helped bring me closer to the truth of the LDS faith. This experience has taught me an important lesson: sometimes, the very forces that seek to destroy a community or ideology inadvertently help people discover the strength and value of that community or ideology. The negative media surrounding the LDS Church didn’t dissuade me from its teachings; rather, it prompted me to look deeper, to study its scriptures, and to ultimately find a Christian home that aligned with my beliefs.
To anyone who is searching for a community that holds to traditional Christian values and conservative principles, I would encourage them not to be swayed by the negative portrayals of the LDS Church. Instead, I suggest studying its teachings and discovering for yourself the powerful truths that lie within the faith. Just as I was once drawn to the church through the very criticisms designed to keep me away, so too might others find their path through the misconceptions and misinformation that surround it.
Citations
- Dehlin, John. "Why I Left the LDS Church." YouTube, 2015.
- “Heretic (2020).” IMDb, 2020.
- "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." LDS.org, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2024.
- “The New LDS Church: A Conservative Stance on Family, Life, and Morality.” Deseret News, 2023.
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