That message is our testimony that the Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and that by and through the power of the Holy Ghost others can come to know this truth for themselves.
And it is this message that changes lives forever...
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued this brief statement in response to inquiries from the media about the musical, The Book of Mormon:
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.
There's no arguing that the play has apparently done just that -- entertained audiences briefly. And now it is our turn to share with our family and friends how the REAL Book of Mormon has changed our lives and brought us closer to Christ. Last week I gave you a few suggestions for how you could use Social Media to get started sharing the gospel online. And now, you can use this challenge to actually do it!
For each of us, how we decide to share our own testimony of the Book of Mormon with others will be different. Those of us who have personal blogs could consider writing our testimony and sharing it with our readers. Others may choose to use Social Media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to share various LDS Church resources about the Book of Mormon. There are numerous ways for us to take the opportunity to share our testimony of the Book of Mormon, online.
My friend, Seth Adam Smith, produces wonderful videos on various Mormon topics. He just completed this amazing video, in response to the play - The Book of Mormon. I just had to share it with you! You might consider sharing it, too.
The REAL Book of Mormon Musical by Mormons
"Billboards in Times Square, signs on taxi tops and ads in subways feature a few of the 14 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the statement "I'm a Mormon." The ads refer people to the mormon.org website, where they can read the profiles of more than 30,000 Mormons, chat live with representatives who will answer questions about the faith, and watch dozens of videos giving a glimpse into the lives of Latter-day Saints from all over the world.
This latest campaign is a continuation of an undertaking that was launched in nine cities last year. The effort seeks to break through the stereotypes of what people think they know about Mormons and demonstrates that the Church consists of diverse people from all walks of life who seek to follow Jesus Christ. That message seems to resonate with those seeking to better understand Mormons."
You can read the entire LDS News release HERE!
And if you're interested you can check out my personal Mormon.org profile HERE -- and consider setting up your own if you haven't done so yet. You might have noticed that I have the "I'm a Mormon" button on the right side-bar of this blog. I'll be adding to this profile page my personal testimony of the Book of Mormon. Watch for it!
tDMg
Kathryn
Update: I just found this video clip via the CNN Belief Blog that shows the digital billboard "I'm a Mormon" campaign in downtown New York City, Times Square. It's pretty cool. I hear that this can be seen right around the corner from where The Book of Mormon Musical is actually playing. Imagine that!
Are Mormons Offended by Book of Mormon Musical?
Learn More About the Book of Mormon
I think that the billboards are useful.
ReplyDeleteTHe problem with some of the programming that's shown outside of church circles is that it's really structured to appeal to members more than it is to non-members.
Here is my point - sorta
Many "Christian Faith Congregations" participate in entertainment-based religion. There is a multimedia presentation, a string band, a steel band, and no commitment to anything other than a vague set of "Christian values". People who attend those groups 'try to find the church that's right for them'. (Doctrines of men mingled with scripture.)
So that's their orientation. LDS Church meetings are somber by comparison and have -0- entertainment value. Therefore the problem the Church has in creating its own Musical (other than the Mormon Miracle or Hill Cumorah Pageants) is that it's competing with entertainment-based faith.
And it's tough to compete when you're running 100% doctrine with no 'fun'.
@LL -
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm well aware of such "Christian Faith Congregations". I live in an area where they are particularly numerous and make it quite the challenge for missionaries serving here. My children also went to high school with many of the youth from these churches. In fact, one of my son's best friends belongs to a very active nondenominational church here in town that he has attended a few times. He's made note of these differences, but also sees this type of fellowship to be more for creating a social connection than for teaching doctrines. Exactly as you mention.
It wasn't too long ago that I attended a funeral at one of our local nondenominational Christian churches and was surprised by the rock band, stage lighting and professional sound system that the pastor preached along side of. So yes, this is very different than how we as Mormons worship. And to many, in comparison, ours would seem boring.
I think it's interesting that a young teenage boy could clearly recognize these differences and understand them. -- and not be swayed by the glitz and super activities often provided for their youth . I believe that along the path of spiritual progression, with any honest seeker of faith, will come the realization that there must be something more that social conversion. And hopefully when they do come upon the LDS Church and our seemingly simple ways of doing things, their spirits will be prepared to feel the Spirit testify that the Church is true.
Not only do we have these obstacles to deal with as we share the gospel here in the U.S., but worldwide the gospel message must break through many cultures and long established traditions.
And that, is the power of truth!
KS- I think that's the challenge. Presenting the message in a way that encourages people to look deeper.
ReplyDeleteThe propaganda always (since day-one) has been heaped on the Church and its members by their detractors. (clinging to the iron rod rather than standing in the large and spacious building, laughing) Digging out from under that while keeping to the high-ground has been the approach that the Church took - and is taking.
I believe that as we do this, we need to keep the message simple and direct rather than offering 'musicals of our own'. We can't compete with entertainment because our message is a gospel message. The Holy Spirit does not thrive in America's entertainment centric environment.
Therefore the simple message, and its contrast to the message delivered by the 'whited sepulchurs' may be the best approach.
@LL -
ReplyDeleteThe LDS Church seems to be doing a very good job learning from past experiences, how to deal with the current media explosion. I've been impressed. They know how to stick to the message and not be detracted.
However, as individual members, I think there's an important place for our voices to be heard on the issues. And at the foundation of our voices, should be somewhat of a correlation to the position that the Church takes.
For instance, the video in this post is an excellent example of a member with a voice and a talent responding to current events -- in what I feel is a very positive approach. Certainly I don't expect the Church to respond by actually doing a Broadway musical. Members however, I believe, can and will be inspired to use their personal inclinations to address various subjects in unique ways.
Personally, I encourage this -- as long as the voice remains positive and has the potential to build.