opinion

My Turn: 'Book of Mormon' is offensive

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am deeply offended by the Broadway play currently being performed in the Valley. It is misnamed "The Book of Mormon."

As part of the "entertainment" portion of a banquet held at a college, I was subjected to some of the lyrics and antics of the production, and therefore have some familiarity with the content and manner of presentation.

Male singers, costumed to represent missionaries of the Church, (dressed in white shirts, ties and name tags), gyrating around and singing in an effeminate manner, mockingly asked the question: "Do think Jesus Christ visited the Americas?"

I was shocked and saddened at this insulting, anti-religious attack.

Thinking that perhaps I was just unduly sensitive because this display of acidic exuberance was aimed directly at my personal religion, I made inquiry of others, not of my faith.

I learned that a Native American student and her mother had left the banquet, confused as to exactly what was intended by this "entertainment." A devout Eastern Orthodox mother asked: "Aren't there a lot of Mormons around here?" "Yes" was the reply. Almost in tears she asked, "Then why would they want to make fun of them?"

And that is a question we should all ask: "Why?"

Perhaps it is because the producers of the play are former members of the Church (we would call them apostates) whose intentions are specifically to mock and deride the teachings of the Church in order to justify their own actions in leaving their former religion.

An even deeper question is why won't persons of goodwill and peaceful character rise up in righteous anger to condemn such anti-religious mockery?

If the play were anti-Semitic would it be alright? Anti-Catholic? Anti-Protestant?

If the play were anti-Muslim would it be politically correct?

Clueless Romans probably regarded the events at the Coliseum as great entertainment: an afternoon out with the gang.

Yes, this is America; the producers have a constitutional right to engage in attacking, profane, bullying, sexually-explicit speech, and they do so.

However, no one should pretend to believe that this play is anything but offensive to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not just a sort of Saturday Night Live joking around.

The play is not about the Book of Mormon. So don't go to the play to learn about the book or the religion which regards the book as a sacred book.

Simply read the book; go to the source. Don't accept the prejudiced view of antagonists. Examine all the evidence. Go to the website mormon.org, talk to members of the Church or its missionaries who will provide you with a copy of the Book of Mormon without charge.

Yes, I do believe that Jesus Christ visited the Americas. The Book of Mormon contains an account of this visit, including the very words spoken by Jesus. I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior and redeemer.

Mark Smith Bryce of Safford is a lawyer and community college president. This essay was written as a personal statement and not in any official capacity.