To which chapters on the "afterlife" are you referring?
I'm LDS and quite familiar with the book. Is there a specific passage to which you are referring? You may PM me if you wish...but I'm not a debater. :o)
There is a "theatrical" presentation on the Book of Mormon performed every year in upstate New York in Palmyra NY (just east of Rochester.) Exit 43 off Interstate 90. In fact, I believe it begins next weekend.
It is performed on a hillside with stages sent into the hill. The cast, crew, directors, etc are all volunteers who act out scenes from the Book of Mormon against a recorded soundtrack which includes the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and orchestrations created by Crawford Gates.
It tells the story of Lehi and his family who flee Jerusalem just before the Bablylonian captivity (about 600 BC) and are led across the ocean to America. They bring with them their scriptures (the writings of Moses and the Prophets) and the knowledge of the promised Messiah. In their new land they eventually split into two primary groups. Those who uphold the teachings and follow the prophets the Lord calls to guide them in this new land...and those who doubt the traditions and history. The two groups fight and go through cycles of humility and pride.
Mormon is the name of the prophet/historian/military leader who was instructed by God to compile and abridge his people's history which included the record of the visit of the Resurrected Jesus Christ to the Americas where he organizes his followers as he did back in Israel. Around 420AD Mormon died because of battle wounds and his son Moroni buried the records which were engraved on gold plates. Moroni, as a resurrected being, is the one who appeared to Joseph Smith in 1823 and showed him where this record was hidden. Joseph was granted the gift and power to translate the records into English and the Book of Mormon was first published in 1830. It is called "Another Witness of Jesus Christ."
The "Hill Cumorah" Pageant gives a simple presentation of the events in the Book of Mormon. It is free to attend and there is free parking. Seating is on the lawn below the Hill and there are chairs provided. You can also bring lawnchairs, blankets, etc. Local organizations (like the Lions Club, the Rotary Club) have vending trucks which sell food prior to Pageant so you can picnic before the performance begins.
It begins at dusk. The costumes, the music, the special effects (including an incredible destruction scene at the time of Christ's crucifixtion in Jerusalem), and the breathtaking descent of Christ to visit the people in the Americas make for a wonderful evening.
So, if you want to see how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents the Book of Mormon, just make a roadtrip up to Palmyra.
As for the Broadway musical,I can only imagine what that team will cook up. Oh well...there's no such thing as "bad" publicity!
Where are we going, and why am I in this handbasket?
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Updated On: 6/27/04 at 10:53 AM
