On "The Book of Mormon" Again

[_Daniel Peterson]

From a prominent Evangelical intellectual:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on- ... _blog.html

[_Dad of a Mormon]

It was unfortunate that he admits to having never seen the play. I would think that would be a requirement before doing a review.

While I haven't seen the musical either, I will make some observations based on the soundtrack. Yes, The Book of Mormon does poke fun at Mormon beliefs, but it is hardly "mindless mockery". Reynolds would have known that had he done as much as listen to the soundtrack as well. The fact is that you really develop a sense of empathy for the Mormon protagonists. When they are about to find out where they are going on their mission, you begin to understand that there really is something positive in their motivation. They really do see this as an opportunity to make the world into a better place. There is some self-aggrandizing, but you also see the honest conviction.

Mormonism may be the vehicle that is used to tell a bigger story, but it really isn't just about the idiosyncrasies of one specific religious group. It really is about religious belief and how it affects people. In some places, it shows how a Mormon missionary objects to female circumcision by quickly making up stories about early Mormons and how God forbid them from performing the procedure. The song points out that he is making things up, but it leaves the audience to decide whether this a good or bad thing. Yes, he told a lie, but the lie may have prevented the tribesman from committing genital mutilation. So was it a bad thing that he lied?

While I think it is true that people will laugh at Mormon beliefs as presented in the musical (mostly accurate), overall, I don't think that Mormons come out looking bad. At least, I didn't see it that way. I found the Mormon characters likable and sincere. And while I'm no closer to be ready to convert, neither am I further away. I can't wait to see the show. Yes, I'm sure I will laugh heartily at songs and dialog such as "I Believe" (that God lives on a planet called Kolob), but I think I will also marvel at the bravery of an Elder Price that bravely walks into a war camp with the courage of his convictions that the local warlord will accept the gospel and convert. If all you see is "mocking" of a minority religious group, I would daresay that you missed the point. Which is easy to do if you didn't see the show or at least read a synopsis or listened to the songs.

[_aussieguy55]

I just watched Stephen Cobert introduce at the Tonys the song "I believe" It's a catchy song, even though I knew all the teachings once that came through the song, I could not help feel for the guy. Will it increase sales of the Book of Mormon? People like Bill Maher will make jokes about it as well as Jon Stewart and Stephen Cobert. Mormon theology is going to get exposure, some of which Mormons may be reluctant to talk about like God living on a planet, a Mormon being able to develop to be a god of his own planet, the concept that God has a father and a grandfather etc...

[_Daniel Peterson]

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/1939 ... ng-moments

Incidentally, Reynolds can't see the play these days because he's in Istanbul.

I envy him.

I was there a few weeks ago. It's one of my favorite cities. Spectacular setting, spectacular history, marvelous food, endless things to see.

I would be happy living there.