Scripture or Wholly Fraud?
Written: Apr 25 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A manual for happy living and an interesting read.
Cons: Some may object to the outdated use of Old English, akin to the KJV.
The Bottom Line: Like most reviews this is an individual judgment of thumbs up or thumbs down (1-5 stars). Only my review can adequately explain why I gave this product 5 stars.
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| BrokeASkag's Full Review: The Book of Mormon Books |
The Book of Mormon claims to be a second witness of Jesus Christ, a partner to the Holy Bible, and companion to the weary soul. Whether that claim is verifiable is in my opinion relative. It clearly depends on your basis of verification. One might approach a study of the Book of Mormon from a purely empirical manner and therefore under the scientific microscope find that, like the Bible, certain occurrences confound the laws of nature. Historically, one may peruse the pages of this book and learn about the possible origin of the American Indian, New World pyramids, and even Polynesian natives. Socially, this book dabs into the cultures of two peoples as they struggled to integrate varying beliefs, the wars that ensued, and the causes thereof. A novelist would analyze structure, syntax, grammar, and figures of speech in order to ascertain consistency with the language of prophets and ancient authors. The skeptic would probably initiate their study by learning what other critics may have said first, then perhaps dissect its origin and how it came to be in our hands today. The spiritual learner on the other hand would weigh the veracity of this book against other truth already in hand, for truly one truth cannot contradict another, and in so doing judge this book by its fruits as is advised by the Savior of mankind. In addition, prayer would accompany this learner as they strove to make an intelligent decision as to the truthfulness of this book. As many a schooled Bible scholar would agree, "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." The truly wise searcher would utilize all aspects mentioned above, but in his/her wisdom would rely on the sources he/she considered most reliable.
I am now in my twenty-eighth year and have struggled throughout my life and study to learn truth. Truth, as so commonly stated, will set you free. How so? True principles, whether they reside in science, morality, politics, philosophy, or matters of spirituality are insurmountable. Truth governs our life and in every truth there is a consequence for its opposite, or in spiritual verbage: disobedience. For example, gravity is a universal truth. No one can refute it, but before Newton it was a little understood concept. Did it not exist before Newton? Of course it did, despite the lack of man's comprehension. One learns at a very young age that gravity is ever in effect. Man may exceed its bounds through flight and powerful engines, but the gravity is still there affecting the craft just the same. In this case the laws of thrust and inertia exceed the laws of gravity, not cause it to lose its influence. Disobedience of this principle in this case would be like stepping off a twelve story building. Despite your rebellion and unbelief you WILL fall to your death. Likewise, laws of inertia, relativity, displacement, and others are constantly active and constantly affecting our lives in some manner. The consequences of these laws are obvious and easily measured. Then, the challenge is to measure the truth in human behavior, morality, and matters of spirituality. I affirm that one can measure these things, or judge them by their fruits, in some form or another. Take for instance: Thou shalt not kill. What is the social impact of its disobedience? Ultimately, extinction. No growth, no perpetuation, no progress. Easy for me, killing is bad. Isn't that what we were taught when we were children? Therefore, as I am determined to follow this doctrine I am free from endangering the human species, not to mention the guilt and destruction of spirit that are also sure to follow. So truth does set us free, but only if we are willing to follow its dictates. Okay, so how does this all pertain to the Book of Mormon? Well, within its pages it delineates doctrine, prophetic teachings, allegory, historical data, and other matters pertaining to the spiritual. Therein lay the scrutiny.
Joseph Smith claims to have translated the Book of Mormon from ancient plates of gold carrying the inscriptions of ancient prophets that lived on the North and South American continents. The Book of Mormon was published in 1827 when Joseph was 22. So, was he a brilliant liar or a true modern-day prophet? Despite his leadership, founding of the Mormon faith, and other accomplishments (or failures as you may opine), his largest claim to fame is the Book of Mormon. In other words this book is his fruit. Also, in the foreword to the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith states that the Book of (Book of Mormon) "...is the keystone of our religion." Therefore, at stake in this analysis of the Book of Mormon are three things: the book, the prophet, and the religion.
Central in all matters of Christian faith is Jesus Christ. He has taken such titles as the Creator, Savior, Redeemer, the First, the Last, Jehovah, Lord, God, Alpha, Omega, the Greatest, the Least, the Good Shepherd, Master, Father, Friend, and Son. In studying the record of the Jews (The Bible) one comes to understand His personality, His demeanor, His attitude toward man whether they be obedient or disobedient, and His will. The veracity of the Bible is not the subject of this epinion but that of the Book of Mormon. Therefore, in order to keep this epinion to a feasible minimum I shall not debate the truthfulness of the Holy Bible, but agree that it is, for all extents and purposes, truth. Along with this assumption then is my assertion that there is a God and that His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of mankind. I could, if time, length, and my patience permitted explain all the ins and outs of that personal affirmation, but it will suffice for now to just say, "Yes, God exists"; He loves me, He has had prophets among the Jews which wrote the various books contained within the Bible, and that the pinnacle of all that is written therein points to one man who died to save us all.
The Book of Mormon begins with the book of Nephi. This book of "scripture" recounts the tale of a God-faring family from Jerusalem with a "visionary" father who claims to have been called in his dreams to preach repentance among the Jews. According to the date depicted at the bottom of the first page this takes place around 600 BC, around the time of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. Apparently this is about ten years or so before the destruction and occupation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. The father of this family, Lehi, is rebuked and rejected as a prophet by the Jews of the time (so too was Jeremiah). The people to whom he preaches even go so far as to seek his life. Therefore, in order to preserve a righteous seed God speaks again to Lehi in a dream that he should take his family into the wilderness, forsaking all his many riches and home. Lehi obeys, and with his family, they travel for many years in the wilderness experiencing many hardships that are consistently trying their faith. During this time the youngest son, Nephi (for whom the book is named because he is the author) seeks to have a similar relationship with Deity and diligently communes with his Father in Heaven in prayer. Soon, he too, receives revelation and is shown the great visions and works that were shown to his father. Together they direct their family and that of another through the wilderness until they reach the sea (presumably somewhere in the modern-day Persian Gulf). There, Nephi is instructed to build a ship, and with instructions given to him by God and with the help of his rebellious brothers, he is able to construct a vessel that will enable their passage over the great sea (Indian and Pacific Oceans). After many months at sea and the severe rebellion of his brothers, Nephi and family arrive at a land, "…blessed above all others." Soon after their arrival Nephi and those that are willing to follow are instructed by God to leave their brothers behind for fear of their wrath and dire intentions. Thus begins the history of the Nephites (the society formed by Nephi and his followers, for the most part a God-faring people throughout the Book of Mormon) and the Lamanites (named after Nephi's eldest brother, Laman; these people continually plague the Nephites throughout the Book of Mormon with wars and bloodshed).
The Book of Mormon, however, is not only a book of history, but intermingled throughout the 1000 years of history over which the BOM takes place are the teachings and prophecies of the prophets who authored its individual books and manner in which the people accepted or refused their teachings. Therefore, like the Bible, the Book of Mormon has many smaller books that make it a whole (i.e. Nephi, Jacob, Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, Mormon, and Moroni) each, as previously mentioned, is authored by the man for whom it is named. The entire BOM is so named because it was the prophet, Mormon, that compiled all the various books and combined them into one. His son, Moroni, is the angelic visitor that delivered the plates unto the young Joseph Smith and then reclaimed them again once the translation was completed. Also essential to this brief overview of the Book of Mormon is the narration of Christ's apparent visit to the inhabitants of the American continent. His teachings to them are also detailed. Most interestingly, a good portion of His teachings presented in these chapters are nearly identical to those found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John of the New Testament. A skeptic might look at this as a blasphemous ploy by Joseph Smith to copy or parallel his book with the Bible. However, logically it is only common sense to think that what the Savior would teach His children in one nation of the world He would teach to another. In my opinion that made those teachings that much more poignant and gives increased value to such teachings as the beatitudes, Sermon on the Mount, and the various proverbs He shared with His disciples.
In my numerous readings through this book I have found my interest spiking at different junctures. For instance, in my first sojourn I found the war chapters (Alma 43 - 63, Helaman, and 3rd Nephi 1 - 7) intriguing albeit narrative. Also, in this first reading I found the middle portion of 2nd Nephi (the second book in the Book of Mormon) hard to follow and comprehend as Nephi presented the teachings of Isaiah to his followers and then sought to explain what Isaiah was trying to say. Even now after at least twenty-five readings I find that portion of the book challenging. To many Mormons they are affectionately nicknamed, "The Isaiah chapters."
Each time I have discovered something new and have redefined my "favorite" part. The following is a list of what I would call my favorite parts, but in truth I feel somewhat inadequate since what impresses me most may to another be old news or doctrine cast under foot. The following is my summary of the Book of Mormon and what I believe are some of the most important points contained therein, although by no means is it conclusive or encompassing of everything written or taught. I have already touched upon the first book of Nephi so begin with the second book in the Book of Mormon:
2nd Nephi 2, 4, 9: the Atonement chapters. These chapters are full of insight regarding the Mormon beliefs about the fall and atonement of the Savior, why it was necessary, what it encompasses, and what it is we are saved from. Also, chapter two, verse 25 and 26 do well to answer an age long question, "What is the purpose of life?"
2nd Nephi 26 - 33: Nephi's testimony and closing statements. In first Nephi we are dealt the life, trials, suffering, and visions of Nephi and his people. These chapters, on the other hand, basically catalog what he has learned during that time and what truths he most wished to pass along to his posterity.
Mosiah 1 - 4: King Benjamin's discourse. King Benjamin addresses his people about one hundred and thirty years before the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. He instructs them on topics such as neighborly service, familial relationships (particularly for children), the state of those that are obedient unto God, man's necessity for the Savior, and the definition of a free nation.
Middle Mosiah: the less effective example: King Noah. The effect of an evil king contrasts starkly with the Christlike King Benjamin. This story also gives us the teachings and prophecies of the prophet, Abinadi, and the emergence of a future leader, Alma. Chapter 18 is an excellent chapter on the Mormon view of being "born again" and baptism, and how they relate.
End of Mosiah & Alma 1 - 13: the prophet Alma (the younger). These chapters begin with the miraculous conversion of Alma (son of Alma), and the sons of Mosiah. Alma 1 - 13 recount the teachings and mission of Alma unto his own people, the Nephites. My favorite of all chapters is Alma 5 wherein Alma challenges a good people to be better, and then how he attained his testimony of the Savior and the gospel of JC. "Have you received His image in your countenance?"
Alma 17 - 29: the missions of the sons of Mosiah. The sons of Mosiah, in their zeal to preach the gospel unto all creatures yearn to spread their message of truth and love to their forlorn brethren, the Lamanites. These chapters deal with their success in this endeavor.
Alma 30 - 34: the great mission to redeem the Zoramites. These chapters deal with Alma, Amulek, Zeezrom, and others mission to the wayward Zoramites, a sect of Nephites whose worship of God had become more a public display of pride and vanity. Alma's discourse of faith in chapter 32 is an outstanding explanation of faith and how it is nurtured and fostered. Amulek's discourse on the atonement of Christ in chapter 34 sheds new light on the essential nature of the Lord's work on this earth.
Alma 36 - 42: the great father's blessing. Alma writes epistles unto his three sons, Helaman, Shiblon, and the faltering, Corianton. In his letters to Helaman we learn the indispensable role of prayer in our relationship to God and in our lives here on earth, and also the sensitive nature of Alma's conversion from his personal point of view. Also of particular note are Alma's chastisement and instruction of Corianton who had not only gone wayward, but had been a bad example to the Zoramites during his father's mission among them. These chapters display the incredible love of Alma for his sons and portray the character of a true man of God.
Alma 43 - 63: the war chapters, but namely the rise of Captain Moroni. Not to be confused with Moroni, son of Mormon, these chapters, as mentioned before deal with the great wars between the Nephites and Lamanites. More importantly they also detail the rise of the great man, Moroni, commander of the Nephite armies.
Helaman: war and the Gadianton Robbers. War continues years after Moroni has passed away and now the Nephites are faltering in their adherence to the will of God and the Lamanites are beginning to convert. These chapters also include the great sermon of Samuel the Lamanite upon the great walls of Zarahemla.
3rd Nephi 1 - 10: secret combinations and war threaten annihilation. Wickedness prevails and war continues as the society seeks after the glory of the earth rather than after "the riches of heaven". This also discusses the great destruction that occurred on the American continents on the day of the Savior's crucifixion and the three days that followed.
3rd Nephi 11 - 30: the resurrected Lord's sojourn among the ancient inhabitants. The Savior of mankind visits the New World, names them the 'other sheep' of whom he mentioned, to those in Jerusalem (John 10), that would hear His voice. He instructs them how to baptize, institutes the holy sacrament, and teaches them many of the same lessons He taught in Galilee and Jerusalem. He chooses 12 apostles to continue His teachings when He is gone. My favorite moment in this stretch of chapters is the Savior's dealings with the Nephite children. In a few verses the reader becomes a witness of the immense tenderness and care of our Lord.
4th Nephi: 350 years in one chapter. For two hundred years the inhabitants followed their Master and prospered in righteousness. About two hundred and fifty years after His birth factions surface and soon begin to lean on human understanding instead of Godly inspiration. Believers are soon persecuted by the reemerging Gadianton Robbers and wars begin anew.
Mormon: the end of a civilization. The Gadianton Robbers and Nephite dissenters, now called Lamanites, unite in a grand war against the remaining righteous Nephites. The Nephites turn from God and without His aid are continually driven from city to city until the final battle in year 384 AD. Mormon, who had been given charge of the writings of the prophets and also who had been the great commander of the Nephite armies gives the plates unto his son, Moroni, and later dies with the rest of his people, who are all but extinguished completely.
Ether: the history of the other people who lived upon the American Continents. Moroni translates and includes the history of the Jaredites, the first inhabitants of the American continents, some 1400 years previous to Nephi's initial landing in the New World. During this period a massive civilization had been established and finally self-destructed in a series of battles that claimed the lives of over two million men, not including women and children. Ether 12 is especially noteworthy as Ether is instructed by God to catalog the history of his people and warn them to repent lest they be destroyed. It also deals with Ether's personal worries that men shall not appreciate his ability to write the history of his people and how the Lord encourages him.
Moroni: the last book. Moroni, now all alone, and perhaps the last survivor of his people, while awaiting his ultimate fate, writes a few chapters and concludes with his testimony and how others may also know the veracity of his and the Book of Mormon's words. Chapter seven includes an explanation of the light of Christ, how it works, and how man may utilize it. Chapter ten contains his testimony and challenge. He states that after we have 1. Read, then we must 2. Ponder, and 3. Ask if these things are true in the name of Christ. He, like James promises that we will be answered, and that that answer would come in the form of the Holy Spirit.
From my tone it is evident to any reader my opinion on this book. My opinion, however, is of essential worth to only one, me. I have studied this book many times, each time coming away with something new. I have looked at it from many angles and perspectives, as an unbeliever, a skeptic, and a believer. I continue perusing its pages daily and make it my personal companion in life. I have come closer to my Father in Heaven and Savior through its. I have better learned why I am here on this earth, where I have come from, and where I may expect to go afterward. I study this book alongside the Bible as a help-meet, so to speak, not a help mate. If you do not understand the difference, basically they are equal and that together they shed light on a greater whole, just like a husband and wife together create a greater whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Neither is subservient to the other in either circumstance. Empirically, historically, socially, and in every other aspect I have challenged this book, but it is the confirmation from above that has made it essential to my existence.
I have heard many arguments and have come up with many of my own that pointed at a small specific here or a miniscule detail there that challenge the light of this book. I have hurdled them all, doing my best to assuage those concerns on a personal level and also inquiring of my Father on those matters I could not fathom. My conviction remains the same, concrete in its hold on my soul, and adamant in my desire to do what I must to follow its precepts for I know that in so doing I will grow closer to that Holy Providence above. Therein lay my joy, my peace, my confidence, and my hope. What is the fruit of this book? Well, there you have it, a better person. I am a fruit. And although I trip and scathe myself in my travel through life, I know in whom I have trusted, and I know whose Hand will be there to raise me when I have fallen. There is always a way out our personal chasms. There is always hope. In this very personal way truth has set me free.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
BrokeASkag
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Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 3 members
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