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?