I Believe
The Book of Mormon
Unwavering Faith in Song: 'I Believe' by The Book of Mormon
The song 'I Believe' from the musical 'The Book of Mormon' is a satirical piece that reflects the inner turmoil and reaffirmation of faith of the character Elder Price. The musical, written by the creators of 'South Park', Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Robert Lopez, is known for its humorous and often irreverent take on the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church.
In 'I Believe', Elder Price sings about the challenges he faces in maintaining his faith while confronting the realities of his mission in Uganda. The lyrics express his doubts and fears but ultimately lead to a strong declaration of his beliefs. The song lists several specific doctrines of the LDS Church, some of which are more controversial or peculiar to non-members, such as the belief that ancient Jews sailed to America or that God lives on a planet called Kolob. The repetition of 'I believe' throughout the song emphasizes the importance of faith and conviction in the face of adversity.
The song also touches on the idea of unquestioning belief and the notion that true believers must accept all aspects of their faith without doubt. Elder Price's journey in the song from questioning to certainty is a comedic exploration of the struggle between personal doubts and the pressure to conform to religious expectations. The song's upbeat and powerful delivery, combined with its satirical lyrics, makes it a memorable moment in the musical that both entertains and provokes thought about the nature of belief and the complexities of religious faith.