Of course many people warned Parker and Stone that they will face protests from the Mormon Church against the musical. After all, that is what most people will expect when you satirically comment on any religion, but the reaction of the Church of Latter Day Saints was rather amusing and they took it in good humor.
The Church even advertised in the playbills at many of the musical's venues in an effort to encourage theater goers to learn more about the Book of Mormon, with phrases like "the book is always better!"
Richard Bushman, professor of Mormon studies, said: "Mormons experience the show like looking at themselves in a fun-house mirror. The reflection is hilarious but not really you. The nose is yours but swollen out of proportion." Michael Otterson, the head of Public Affairs for the church said: "Of course, parody isn't reality, and it's the very distortion that makes it appealing and often funny.”
How refreshing that the LDS Church could take it in such good spirits without condemning anybody to hell!
