Culture

Library of Congress, 2016

At a Library of Congress event in December, 2016, the Book of Mormon was named the fourth most influential book in America, as voted by the public that year. It is estimated that 150 million copies of the book have been printed, and it is considered a sacred text by at least 12 Christian denominations. The Senate Chaplain, not personally a believer in the Book of Mormon, said "this influential book has made a transformational impact on the lives of millions, providing them with doctrines and instructions."

Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone wrote the script, lyrics and music for a Broadway show titled The Book of Mormon, first presented in 2011. The musical's plot dwells on missionary activities rather than on the content of the actual Book of Mormon, but the musical has created extensive publicity for the book. New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote that although the play makes light of Mormonism, he found humanity and compassion in its portrayal of the positive power of love and service

The show has won nine Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Circle Critics Awards, one Grammy Award and has set records in ticket sales. After tours of the U.S., Europe and Australia, it is one of the most successful musicals of all time, grossing over $500 million.