"Book of Mormon" - The Musical, Not the Actual Book

[Tzimisce]

A good friend of mine recently gave me a pair of tickets to see the touring company production of “Book of Mormon.” I don’t know much about it other than the fact that it is very popular and supposedly very funny. On one hand I am very much looking forward to it. I love musicals and I love comedy. On the other hand, I am a bit uncomfortable with the idea of poking fun at someone else’s religion - and the Mormons are awfully easy targets.

So…

Has anyone here seen this production? What did you think? Does it, in fact, poke fun at Mormonism? If so, is it good natured fun, or is it inappropriate?

Thanks.

I have not seen it.

But it was written by the creators of South Park - which means that anything and I mean ANYTHING goes.

South Park is known for its rude, offensive language and jokes. Parker and Nelson have had actors quit their show because of the jokes mocking religions. They’ve done horrible rips on Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, Gays and others.

 

[RebeccaJ]

While it is disrespectful and rude, the play ends in a way that shows it doesn’t matter that the characters believe any of the things portrayed via comic disrespect, because in the end the characters are happier and have a hopeful outlook to their dire circumstances that they didn’t have before contact with Mormon missionaries. They turned from their very offensive tune about God, to a tune about how much hope they have…all because of the Mormon missionaries. They even convert the antagonist who was making their lives unbearable. This really does align to the LDS Church message, even though it is presented in the play in a way that the LDS Church would never do.

The LDS Church has take the stance that the musical brings curiosity to Mormonism, and therefore, potential converts. They put ads up on the street outside the theatre in New York City, that pointed people to getting a free Book of Mormon. The LDS Church-owned Deseret News had a story about a woman who converted to Mormonism because of the Book of Mormon Musical. deseretnews.com/article/865579364/From-Book-of-Mormon-musical-to-Mormon-convert.html?pg=all So, they push it to their own members as Good, in the long run.

For myself, I didn’t go see it because I like plays that bash on religion, or that I’m on board with disrespectful, raunchy and rude. I work in the film/theatre industry and have an interest because of my employment. Film/theatre and culture is a major area of focus of my employer. I tend to approach almost all film and theatre with that view, even Catholic productions. I tend to have no patience for film/theatre that doesn’t address culture as a major aspect. So, that is where my POV is coming from.

For most people, film/theatre is entertainment only, and of course people are making moral judgements in selecting entertainment. No, I wouldn’t recommend this particular play for the purpose of entertainment only.

 

[Tarquin]

While it is disrespectful and rude, the play ends in a way that shows it doesn’t matter that the characters believe any of the things portrayed via comic disrespect, because in the end the characters are happier and have a hopeful outlook to their dire circumstances that they didn’t have before contact with Mormon missionaries. They turned from their very offensive tune about God, to a tune about how much hope they have…all because of the Mormon missionaries. They even convert the antagonist who was making their lives unbearable. This really does align to the LDS Church message, even though it is presented in the play in a way that the LDS Church would never do.

Neither I nor my friends were aware of that.

For myself, I didn’t go see it because I like plays that bash on religion, or that I’m on board with disrespectful, raunchy and rude. I work in the film/theatre industry and have an interest because of my employment. Film/theatre and culture is a major area of focus of my employer. I tend to approach almost all film and theatre with that view, even Catholic productions. I tend to have no patience for film/theatre that doesn’t address culture as a major aspect. So, that is where my POV is coming from.

That’s exceptional. If I were in your position, I would see it, too. I have read some ugly books I would otherwise have ignored, because I needed to understand and respond to them. I have also listened to people who - I’m sorry, I can’t bring myself to say it. But there are very good people who review some very bad material in order to understand, explain, expose, and warn about it. Given what you have said, I would respect your artistic views about such performances as well as, and separately from, your religious and spiritual perspectives. Thanks for adding a ray of light

 

[jtkalehua88]

From what I’ve heard, and granted some of it hearsay from friends who have seen it, it’s utterly offensive. Quite racist as well, in my opinion. And the language and some of the songs are absolutely vulgar and gross. I would not suggest seeing it. Plus, mocking Mormonism is not okay in my book. I don’t agree with Mormon theology, but to plainly mock them isn’t right.

 

[Kount_C]

Neither Trey Parker nor Matt Stone are Mormons. Parker is a Deist, and Stone is an atheist.

Are you sure that Stone is an Atheist, if you watch their commentary on " Go God Go"
one of the two creatures mentions about how magician Penn, was very disappointed to find out that he is not an Atheist.

Though I think the two had defiantly grown up in an large Mormon populated area, being that they are so familiar with the personalities and mannerisms of stereotypical LDS people.

 

[BettyBoop416]

Well…finally went to see it. As others have said, it’s pretty rude and crude. Even I, who am not easily offended, experienced a few uncomfortable moments. That said, it was extremely funny.

Interestingly, the LDS church advertised in the Playbill.

Thanks for everyone’s opinions.

 

[FabiusMaximus]

I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable with it because it mocks Mormonism. I just don’t really approve much of mocking other religions to just be crude. I don’t particularly like Mormonism, but if it mocks their practices so much, I wouldn’t think I’d laugh at it. The same goes for a musical about Islam. I very much dislike that religion, but going to a musical that just makes fun of it isn’t really my style.

 

[BettyBoop416]

I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable with it because it mocks Mormonism. I just don’t really approve much of mocking other religions to just be crude. I don’t particularly like Mormonism, but if it mocks their practices so much, I wouldn’t think I’d laugh at it. The same goes for a musical about Islam. I very much dislike that religion, but going to a musical that just makes fun of it isn’t really my style.

I really wouldn’t call it mocking. More like poking some good natured fun. In either case, it doesn’t sound like it would be your cup of tea. Which is fine. To each his own.

 

[FabiusMaximus]

I really wouldn’t call it mocking. More like poking some good natured fun. In either case, it doesn’t sound like it would be your cup of tea. Which is fine. To each his own.

I’d like to clarify that I hope you’re not considering my words as a criticism of you going. It’s just with regards to*** me specifically and me alone***.

 

[BettyBoop416]

I’d like to clarify that I hope you’re not considering my words as a criticism of you going. It’s just with regards to*** me specifically and me alone***.

Oh no, I didn’t take it that way at all. We’re cool.

 

[Sabacthani]

While it is disrespectful and rude, the play ends in a way that shows it doesn’t matter that the characters believe any of the things portrayed via comic disrespect, because in the end the characters are happier and have a hopeful outlook to their dire circumstances that they didn’t have before contact with Mormon missionaries. They turned from their very offensive tune about God, to a tune about how much hope they have…all because of the Mormon missionaries. They even convert the antagonist who was making their lives unbearable. This really does align to the LDS Church message, even though it is presented in the play in a way that the LDS Church would never do.

The LDS Church has take the stance that the musical brings curiosity to Mormonism, and therefore, potential converts. They put ads up on the street outside the theatre in New York City, that pointed people to getting a free Book of Mormon. The LDS Church-owned Deseret News had a story about a woman who converted to Mormonism because of the Book of Mormon Musical. deseretnews.com/article/865579364/From-Book-of-Mormon-musical-to-Mormon-convert.html?pg=all So, they push it to their own members as Good, in the long run.

No. They don’t push it to their own members, period. The church hasn’t said anything in church meetings or to my knowledge in any LDS leaders’ articles about the musical. The positive response has been from church PR folks, who have used it as proselytizing events.

I might point out that the early Christians used the martyrdom of Christians in the arenas as a proselytizing event. Paul preached in the middle of pagan temples in Greece, and devoted a sermon to the shrine to the unknown. The point is, mockery isn’t persecution. They aren’t preaching scary conspiracy theories, teaching folks to hate and fear mormons. Let them laugh. Big deal; we don’t have to act like fundamentalist islamists about it.

 

[RebeccaJ]

No. They don’t push it to their own members, period. The church hasn’t said anything in church meetings or to my knowledge in any LDS leaders’ articles about the musical. The positive response has been from church PR folks, who have used it as proselytizing events.

I might point out that the early Christians used the martyrdom of Christians in the arenas as a proselytizing event. Paul preached in the middle of pagan temples in Greece, and devoted a sermon to the shrine to the unknown. The point is, mockery isn’t persecution. They aren’t preaching scary conspiracy theories, teaching folks to hate and fear mormons. Let them laugh. Big deal; we don’t have to act like fundamentalist islamists about it.

I didn’t mean the LDS church is pushing the musical.

Ate you really comparing a Broadway musical to being eaten by lions?

 

[badnewsbarrett]

I believe they were both “born in the covenant” and left later. They get soo much right on Mormonism.

I would not be surprised to learn that they both served on mission, but I don’t know.

Neither of them have ever been Mormons, but one of them dated a Mormon girl in…was it high school or more around college? I can’t even remember which one was in that relationship, but I do know it was a pretty serious relationship and he engaged with their faith and practice at a deep level. And he did enjoy family game night and the general family togetherness, for what that’s worth.

They also took a field trip to Salt Lake City and just talked to a bunch of people. In Salt Lake City, it’s not hard to find people who have a mission or two in their back pocket, and the way they came at it wasn’t really a full-on personal attack- they do respect Mormons as people, they’ve liked nearly every Mormon they’ve ever met, and when they go talk to Mormons it’s nothing at all like when Bill Maher talks to people about their religious beliefs. This should not be confused with Religulous, is what I’m saying.

I cherry-picked a couple of quotes that start to show where Trey Parker is coming from:

[SIGN]“I have religious friends, and they’re like, ‘Well, if you look, it’s proven.’ And you’re like, ‘No, it’s not proven.’ Don’t try to tell me that you can prove this stuff. Just say ‘I believe it,’ and I’m down with you. Don’t mix the two together. Because you can’t logically say, ‘We know that Jews came from Jerusalem and settled in America and turned into Native Americans.’ That just doesn’t make any sense. But at the same time, if you say, ‘I believe this,’ I say, ‘OK. Cool, man.’ Because at the end of the day, we all have certain beliefs and deeply held things that probably don’t make a lot of sense to anybody else…
We love the goofiness of Mormon stories. Some of them are incredulous, and we loved almost all the Mormons that we had ever met. So this was sort of this conundrum that we like to talk about — we think what they believe is really, really ridiculous, and yet they seem like pretty happy people.”[/SIGN]

Foul language and inappropriate stuff aside (not that it’s without consequence, of course)- if you focus on their general assessment of Mormons, there’s the incredulity that comes along with a fairly in-depth understanding of their beliefs which most of us lack, and then you also have a certain level of respect and affinity for Mormons as people while still addressing how ridiculous some of their beliefs are in a way that seems to have worked out fairly well. You put this in front of a general public that doesn’t understand Mormons well at all and still has to figure out how to interact with it, and the general premise that went into the play as a whole is something that could have gone badly but in the end turned out to be successful, meaningful, and generally a positive thing that has quite a bit of value.

 

[Sabacthani]

I didn’t mean the LDS church is pushing the musical.

Ate you really comparing a Broadway musical to being eaten by lions?

Are really you telling me you’ve never looked to the martyrs of the early day saints and used them as examples to get through your hard times? Never compared your situation to theirs in order to put yours in perspective?

I meant it as a funny and hyperbolic comparison, designed to put the musical in perspective. If the saints of the early days can endure public crucifixion, getting eaten by lions and raped by baboons, Mormons can endure a little insulting and mockery in the name of their faith.

The Saints died, partly as a testimony to the world. That we might look to them for strength, and through them, to Jesus. I never thought I’d have to explain that to a Catholic.

 

[zaffiroborant]

Are really you telling me you’ve never looked to the martyrs of the early day saints and used them as examples to get through your hard times? Never compared your situation to theirs in order to put yours in perspective?

I can honestly say I never looked to the Martyrs of the Church to compare my situation and put it in perspective. There has always been a person within my sphere who’s trials eclipsed mine thus putting my suffering in perspective. I’ve admired the grace that these people marshaled in the face of these difficulties and told them so. Most were uncomfortable with the praise and demurred saying what they experienced and how they reacted was not that special, but I still admire them and am grateful for their example.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Are really you telling me you’ve never looked to the martyrs of the early day saints and used them as examples to get through your hard times? Never compared your situation to theirs in order to put yours in perspective?

I meant it as a funny and hyperbolic comparison, designed to put the musical in perspective. If the saints of the early days can endure public crucifixion, getting eaten by lions and raped by baboons, Mormons can endure a little insulting and mockery in the name of their faith.

The Saints died, partly as a testimony to the world. That we might look to them for strength, and through them, to Jesus. I never thought I’d have to explain that to a Catholic.

Not bad, just I see comparing getting eaten by a lion to a musical as over exaggerating.

Beyond that Catholics view the martyrs as witnesses of Christ. When we have times of suffering, we join our suffering to His and offer it to Him. The martyrs did the same, in a much bigger way than most of us experience.

Hope that helps.

 

[zaffiroborant]

Not bad, just I see comparing getting eaten by a lion to a musical as over exaggerating.

Beyond that Catholics view the martyrs as witnesses of Christ. When we have times of suffering, we join our suffering to His and offer it to Him. The martyrs did the same, in a much bigger way than most of us experience.

Hope that helps.

You know I don’t think anyone really gets it without spending a lot of time in prayer and reflection. It is among the most beautiful of the Churches teachings. That the only thing lacking in Christ’s suffering is your suffering. Not that His is insufficient in anyway, but that in your suffering He wants to bring you to Him and will put your pain along side His, that while His is enough yours will be added to it. I am probably incoherent here, it’s very late, but it is one of those things where I see Catholic teaching of great comfort and profound meaning.

 

[RebeccaJ]

You know I don’t think anyone really gets it without spending a lot of time in prayer and reflection. It is among the most beautiful of the Churches teachings. That the only thing lacking in Christ’s suffering is your suffering. Not that His is insufficient in anyway, but that in your suffering He wants to bring you to Him and will put your pain along side His, that while His is enough yours will be added to it. I am probably incoherent here, it’s very late, but it is one of those things where I see Catholic teaching of great comfort and profound meaning.

Same here.

 

[Sabacthani]

Catholics view the martyrs as witnesses of Christ. When we have times of suffering, we join our suffering to His and offer it to Him. The martyrs did the same, in a much bigger way than most of us experience.

Yes, that’s exactly what I meant by “through them, to Jesus.”

 

[RebeccaJ]

Yes, that’s exactly what I meant by “through them, to Jesus.”

OK.