Hmm. Went to see The Book of Mormon. Very funny and lively, but it gave me something to think about, too. The faith that takes root in a community must address that community’s problems–in the show, AIDS and child abduction. Of course (we learned in the show) salvation is metaphorical, not to be taken literally.
Much of today’s Judaism developed from the ashes of the Temple; we implore God to rebuild it, we lovingly (well, some of us) recall the details of the Temple service, and though we sort of think prayer is a substitute, we still seem to feel we’re missing something.
Some people look for a literal restoration of the Temple and all it entails, much of which seems unsavory and far from inspiring by today’s standards, but perhaps today’s standards are degenerate. Others think we should stop praying for the Temple; we don’t want it. And still others think the Temple and all it represents is a metaphor for an ideal relationship with God and fellow human beings.
Perhaps we know in our hearts that the Temple for whose restoration we pray is a perfect ideal that never existed in practice, nor could it exist in an imperfect world.
And perhaps this is a common feature of many a religion. They lovingly recall a past that’s idealized and retell a story that seems historically questionable but that reflects problems that once plagued believers. The narrative may be part fantasy, but it can still inspire people to improve themselves and their world, and the metaphor has real power for good. That’s what The Book of Mormon helped me to see.
Still, I felt awkward seeing the show and laughing at its jokes. Did I betray my friends, those members of the LDS church whom I know and cherish?
Sharing Jewish Tradition 
Why don’t you ASK your LDS friends what they think of the show? I think it’s turned into a great marketing opportunity for them.
Love, ME
It is good to hear that you are concerned about how your LDS friends feel.
I can’t speak for them, but I am LDS. I did not see the production and do not plan to see it because I have no desire to see some things that I hold sacred mocked. I have heard that it has excellent writing and music, so I am sure the jokes were funny. They might even be funny to Mormons. But, I would not see a production that mocked the sacred in a religion, either mine or not mine. The sacred is sacred, regardless of which people embrace it.
We know there are funny things about us. But, it is sort of like the age-old rule about families–I can laugh at my family, but it is hurtful when you laugh at my family.
That being said, I don’t think your friends would hold it against you. I think most of us realize the play is meant to have fun, and is not produced or attended in the spirit of meaness.
Interesting post on the Temple, though.
Kate @ BJJ, Law, and Living
Thanks for the reassurance. The LDS approach to the show has been impressively good-natured and constructive; realizing that the Broadway show demonstrates curiosity about the LDS faith, the church welcomes people to find out more from authoritative sources.