It's difficulty to get seats to Broadway's popular production, The Book of Mormon. Not that I'm out to see it, but I did view part of the production, the song, I Believe, performed at the Tony Awards which posted on YouTube. No doubt it was entertaining and had a catchy tune that so many Broadway shows have, but unfortunately it was irreverent to say the least and that was just one of the songs. I can only imagine the rest.
Anyway, it seems when someone else who is not a member of the Church reports about the Church, it usually has a slant to it that doesn't ring true to those who know the truth. Consequently, the truth is jumbled up with inaccuracies and falsehoods. Falsehoods, that were concocted in the 1800's and continue to be carried on today. What can you say, this show seems to be the same way as in not getting all the info quite right. Of course, they're not out to convert the world. They're there to entertain and make some money while they do it. The good thing about it is that in the midst of errors and confusion interest is often shown. People want to know what the Book of Mormon is really all about.
The Church made a statement regarding the show:
The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.
The Church is taking advantage of the attention promoting itself on the flashing New York billboard in Times Square and other places around town showing people from I'm A Mormon of mormon.org. Some peoples comments in viewing these ads showed surprise in seeing that Mormons looked like regular people compared to the conservative looking two-some missionaries dressed in white shirts and ties.
An Apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, has issued a plea to find out for yourself if the Book of Mormon is true. (See the video below.) That's the only way to do it. Read the book, pray about it in faith, and an answer will come declaring the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
I love the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, 4:461.)
I know it's true. I've read it. I've prayed about it. It can make a difference in your life.
My cousin and his wife, Doyle and Julie McMullin, have their youngest son, Elder McMullin, currently serving as a missionary in New York where the popular Broadway hit, The Book of Mormon, is playing. The missionaries do not service that particular area because they are not allowed to be in Times Square unless they are given permission to be there by special assignment from the mission president. Elder McMullin and his companion, Elder Hellberg, were asked to go into the area and do some proselyting.
One day they walked right by the Eugene O’Neill Theater on 49th Street where The Book of Mormon musical is playing. People were in line to go in and people were also leaving the theater because a show had just ended. Lots of times actors will be out to mingle and talk with fans. In this case, the two missionaries were accosted by the admiring crowd who excitedly told them how much they loved the show and enjoyed their awesome performance. The elders tried to explain, “Oh no, we’re not part of the play, we're the real deal!” People in the crowd were shocked to find out they were real missionaries. They encouraged the two elders to see the show and told them how funny it was and how it was up for 14 Tony awards (it ended up winning 9). No doubt Elder McMullin and his companion were amused at the attention, but they know as I know and as we all hope others will learn. The truth is found in the Book of Mormon, not in the Broadway show. READ IT!
Elder William McMullin
Called to Serve
New York, New York North Mission
(Spanish-speaking)
