"the book of mormon" = don't judge the book by the cover

Greg and I were given tickets to this AWARD WINNING Broadway performance by our daughter, Lauren for Christmas.    The production is currently running here in Little Rock.

We went to the show on Saturday for the 2:00 pm matinee performance.  I don't think there was an empty seat at The Robinson Center.   Normally parking is plentiful, however, the big RV Show was in town as well.    Greg had to drop me off and go find a spot a few blocks downtown.

Our seats where Orchestra level, I managed to get to my seat about ten minutes before the show began.   A gentleman and his son were seating in the seats next to ours.   The dad looked at me and said "Have you seen this before"?  with this astonished look.   I hadn't seen it and I didn't really know that much about it.  I just knew it was an Award Wining production and I wanted to see it.    I told the man, "It's okay, I work in Construction and have five older brothers, I have heard it all."   

Greg made it to his seat just as it was beginning to start.   The Production began with its opening chorus and then jumps right in.  Yes, I admit I thought I had seen it all.   I noticed the man look over at me to see my reaction.  I decided I was going to sit through and give this production a chance.     I think he might have been judging my book by its cover.

As the production continued, I don't think I have ever laughed or paid attention to something as much as I had "The Book of Mormon."   These actors/actresses were amazing!   The play is witting, beautiful singing, and intriguing.   You need to definitely pay attention and stay to the end to understand that this wonderful production has a deep meaning.   

I find that Christians can be "closed minded" and let's face it, a tad (some more than others) judgmental.    This Production is about a culture that doesn't understand God as some of the Christian faith does.   It reminds us that we should teach the Word sometimes in terms that other cultures or nations understand.   Some of us who think that we might think we are "better Christians," are really self centered. It is about what God can do for "me" than what I can do for God.   Sure it has very harsh language in the production, sure it is a little strong and a little harsh.  However, it reached inside of me to remember that all people don't believe the same as I do.   It reminded me that spreading the Word sometimes means getting out of our "comfort" zone to reach others.   I know some gasped when I mentioned I seen this production.   How can one be offended if they were so "blind-sided" to the harshness that they missed the meaning of the Production all together?   I know some women that saw "Fifty Shades" and they weren't offended by that.   It had harsh language, sexuality and well....   No, it didn't have the beginning "God"part.   

I feel this play started out strong to make you reach deep inside yourself to not be judgmental.  That if you want others to learn the message, you have to come down to their level and understand the sufferings and pain that they have endured.

If you are absolutely closed minded, deeply offended by foul language, and can't get past it, then this production isn't for you.  However, I "got it" and it really made me think more about Christianity as a whole.   This Production isn't for young children or teens.   Leave them at home!  Remember, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

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