Mormon Book

Mormon Book questions and answers

Find more information on LDS Mormon Statistics @ The Adherents Religion Website.

Q: Where can i find the documentary trace of the book of Mormon?
I have seen the Dead Sea scrolls and the Nag Hammadi texts as well as centuries of other writers. Where can i find example of ancient reformed Egyptian ( not Coptic) writings that would support the book of Mormon?

A: There's a 4-Volume book set called "The Fundamentals" edited by R.A. Torrey. There's a lengthy essay/article about the origins of Mormonism in this work. I'm sure you can get it digitally, as I got my digital copy from WORDsearch Bible software publishers after I'd owned the four-volume book set for several years. The consensus is that the book of Mormon was produced largely as a plagiarism of an American Romance Epic being drafted by a novelist. There was never any intent for the original work to be construed as a religious text; it was just a work of fiction for entertainment. The real mastermind behind Mormonism is not Joe Smith, it is Sidney Rigdon, if I remember his name correctly. He stole and harmonized this fictitious draft with quotes and concepts from the Bible and vioala! The Book of Mormon. The source I cited gives all the names and dates and specifics of this venture.

Q: Did Joseph Smith unsuccessfully try to sell the Mormon book before using it to start a religion?
I just heard this; is it true? And apparently he also listed himself as author and proprietor of the book…

A: The Book of Mormon was printed in March 1830. The church was started on April 6th of the same year. That's only one month apart. Not much of a span to consider your marketing efforts in vain. They did sell nearly all of the first 5000 copies of the Book of Mormon. They were not rich and barely had enough money borrowed to print the first copy. They sold for about $1 each. Books were not cheap then and $1 for a book was a decent amount of money. Keep in mind, they had to print each page by hand and then bind each copy by hand. Book printing wasn't what it is today. So, someone who is clearly trying to slander the LDS church can make this claim, but the evidence just isn't there to support it. Keep in mind, it was about 10 years earlier that he had his first vision. Further, the revenue from the Book of Mormon sales went into printing more books and paying off the debt. There was never a profit motive behind it.

Q: What great truths can critics of the Book of Mormon bring forth?
If the Book of Mormon has falts then what great thing have you to offer that even comes close to what great truths the Book of Mormon offers? If you want to blow, then show

A: People are quick to "tear down" the Mormon faith, yet they rarely offer an alternative. They say "Pray to God", "Read the Bible", and "pray that Christ forgives you of your sins". We already do all of those things. The fact is that most of they time they are seeking to destroy faith rather than build it. They are seeking to sever a relationship that people have with God and the scriptures rather than enhance it. As far as non-LDS Christians go, they don't have anything that we don't already have. They offer very little to the faith that we already have.

Q: Why does the book of Mormon have inacurate translation?
The book of Mormon is supposedly the most perfect book on Earth although at 2 Nephi 30:6 talking about the Lamanites (native Americans) in translations older than 1981 it says their scales of darkness will become WHITE & DELIGHTSOME but in recent editions it says PURE. Why is this?

A: In 1981, the LDS Church decided to change what Joseph Smith called "the most correct of any book on earth" by reverting to the wording of the lone 1840 edition. The word "white" was replaced with the word "pure." Some Mormons insist that this was a clarification since the word was never meant to refer to a person with dark skin pigmentation who would magically turn white based upon a conversion to the Mormon gospel; rather, it is claimed that the change referred to a cleaner state of heart. This assumption fails to explain (or counter) other passages in the Book of Mormon that still make a connection with "iniquity" and skin color. For example, 2 Nephi 5:21 still says: "And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, and they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them." 3 Nephi 2:12-15 continues to teach that dark-skinned Lamanites who converted unto the Lord had their curse "taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites." That the context refers to skin color is verified by a number of LDS leaders including Joseph Smith. WAKE UP LDS! How do you argue a verse that states the SKIN BECOMES WHITER??? More of this here... At the October 1960 LDS Church Conference, Spencer Kimball utilized 2 Nephi 30:6 when he stated how the Indians "are fast becoming a white and delightsome people." He said, "The [Indian] children in the home placement program in Utah are often lighter than their brothers and sisters in the hogans on the reservation" (Improvement Era, December 1960, pp. 922-3). QUOTE: During the same message Kimball referred to a 16-year-old Indian girl who was both LDS and "several shades lighter than her parents..." He went on to say, "These young members of the Church are changing to whiteness and to delightsomeness. One white elder jokingly said that he and his companion were donating blood regularly to the hospital in the hope that the process might be accelerated." No answer, except according to mormonism. the whiter the skin the better... It has also been taught in Mormonism that opposite repercussions could result when a white person abandons their Mormon faith. For instance, the Juvenile Instructor (26:635) reads, "From this it is very clear that the mark which was set upon the descendants of Cain was a skin of blackness, and there can be no doubt that this was the mark that Cain himself received; in fact, it has been noticed in our day that men who have lost the spirit of the Lord, and from whom his blessings have been withdrawn, have turned dark to such an extend as to excite the comments of all who have known them." In 1857, Brigham Young declared that apostates would "become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like the Devil" (Journal of Discourses 5:332). To say 2 Nephi 30:6 was altered merely for clarification, and had nothing to do with skin color, is certainly not supported by comments from past LDS leaders, or from current readings in the Book of Mormon. The LDS answering here cannot hide from this doctrine!! IT's CLEAR.

Q: Can someone give me the latest copyright date for the most recently published Book of Mormon?
Can someone give me the latest copyright date for the most recently published Book of Mormon? And can someone... I'm in a discussion with someone who says the most recent BOM is copyrighted 1981. I have a copy that's dated 1987. Also, can you (with the most recent copy) quote Alma 7:10 for me? Thanks.

A: From www.lds.org website here is Alma 7:10: 10 And behold, he shall be aborn of Mary, at bJerusalem which is the cland of our forefathers, she being a dvirgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and econceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. I'd say that's as official as you can get. As for copyright, that can be applied to different editions by different publishers. Copyright is for any changes-- a new preface, an illustration, different footnotes, etc. Here's a list from wikipedia of editions, including at least one from 2006: * The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the expanded title The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (since 1982) * Herald House for the Community of Christ as The Book of Mormon - Revised Authorized Version (1966) and The Book of Mormon - Authorized Version (1908) * The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) as The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates taken from the Plates of Nephi—an original edition compiled by a committee made up of Church of Jesus Christ apostles: Thurman S. Furnier, Charles Ashton and William H. Cadman * Richard Drew, Burlington (Voree), Wisconsin for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite); a photo-enlarged facsimile of the 1840 edition * Zarahemla Research Foundation as The Book of Mormon - Restored Covenant Edition * The University of Illinois Press as The Book of Mormon: A Reader's Edition (2003) (this edition is based on the 1920 LDS edition) * Doubleday under the title The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (2004) * Herald Heritage (Herald House) (1970) - a facsimile of the 1830 edition. * ExperiencePress.org (2006) reprint of the 1830 edition. The type was reset to match the original 1830 edition in word, line and page, with the exception that typographical errors were corrected.[59] [edit]

Q: Should a Christian pray about the book of Mormon?
I am a born-again christian who has got involved with some missionary's who want me to pray about the book of Mormon.

A: You can if you want to. You can take anything to God in prayer. But do not confuse discernment of Spirit with passing emotionalism and be mislead. Reread the entire New Testament. God has given us a new covenant already. It stands until the end. There is no need for another. Remember when Jesus said others would come in His name - speaking for God- , wolves in sheeps clothing? He said not to be mislead. I'd look into the history of the Mormon church if I were you. Galatians 1:6, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel." Galatians 1:8,9, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." ----- The gospel is more than praying, it is the means of our redemption. Paul is quite clear as we see if we read *all * his letters. The bible does not support the doctrines of Mormonism. http://contenderministries.org/mormonism/bomproblems.php http://www.tbm.org/are_mormons_christians.htm Any prophecy and revelation that cannot be fully supported by the bible and the commandments entailed therein is false. Period. Jesus is the fulfillment. Does Joseph Smith meet these guidelines? 1 Timothy 3 1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop(overseer/leader), he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of ONE WIFE, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) You will know a tree by it's fruit.

Q: What is the last war the happened in the Book of Mormon?
What is the last war the happened in the Book of Mormon? Im writing a paper on the last war in the Book of Mormon only i don't know what the last war is about or anything. Any info will help me. Thank you!!

A: The last war takes place from Mormon 1 thru Mormon 6. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/morm/1

Q: Why did Joseph Smith write the book of mormon?
Was joseph smith sincere when he wrote the book of mormon, or was it the work of secret socities to which he belonged?.

A: He didn't write it. He translated it. Read the introduction and the statements of the witnesses. He joined the Masons 10 years after the Book of Mormon was published.

Q: What, that is supposedly lacking in the Bible, does the Book of Mormon add??
I believe that the Holy Bible is the complete Word of God. The Bible's book of Revelation warns damnation will come upon anyone who adds to or takes away from the Bible. What does the Book of Mormon supposedly add, in terms of life advice or guidance, that the Bible lacks? I believe it adds nothing, but I'd like to know the perspective of others on this topic. Why do Mormons believe the Book of Mormon is so holy and necessary, and that the Holy Bible is lacking? Thank you.

A: You say "The Bible's book of Revelation warns damnation will come upon anyone who adds to or takes away from the Bible". So if you deny additional revelation, you are taking away from the the BIble. Revelation 10: 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. 8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. 9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. 10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. 11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Q: Does anyone have the 1995 or the 2002 or the 2004 copyright edition of the Book Of Mormon?
Does anyone have the 1995 or the 2002 or the 2004 copyright edition of the Book Of Mormon? (not the published date, necessarily); the copyrighted date. I'm looking for one published in the 90s (1995 or later, probably), or after the Millennium. I'd appreciate it you'd type the following verse into your answer: Alma 7:10 Thanks.

A: The most recently published version of the Book of Mormon is the online version (copyright 2006). See the footnote on http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/ttlpg As for Alma 7:10 see the 2006 text here: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/7/10#10

Q: Is there any DNA evidence that would prove the Book of Mormon to be true?
The Book of Mormon describes two distinct Semitic migrations to the Americas. Surely if this were true some DNA evidence would be left behind. Thanks for your help! thanx for answering, but could you provide a reference please? Ender: You may be right that the question is not yet answered "conclusively"...but 99% is pretty close. After reviewing information submitted by both sides I can only conclude that the account in the Book of Mormon are most likely not true. Thank you to everyone who answered, I appreciate your time and efforts.

A: The DNA evidence indicates the contrary.

Q: CHRISTIANS-what is the best book in the bible for a new ex-mormon to read?
I have decided my faith lies alone in the bible, not the book of mormon and I do not believe the book of mormon to be true. How can I begin to establish my new Christian faith in the bible? What is the best book that I can read to understand what I am supposed to believe? I so badly want to find the truth for being deceived for so long. Please help me with where I should start!

A: listen... christians will tell you john 3:16. Believing in Jesus is not all that saves you. In maythew 25 10 virgins (believers) were on the way to the wedding (heaven). 5 did not have enough oil to make it (faith). The best passage to understand what Jesus wants you to do is... Matthew 22:37.... The greatest command. Love the lord they god with all thy heart sould and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. This is what jesus commanded us to do. By believing in him, you must believe that this is what he said. Love God... If you are thinking this much about it, than I'm sure your on the right path. No matter what church you go to. Loving god will build your faith. Love him. Thats the best answer to this question...

Q: If Mormon is a Name, who is Mr Mormon who wrote the Mormon book?
I thought Joseph smith found the golden tablets & translated them through a seer stone.

A: Supposedly the book gets its name from Mormon who was a prophet and abridged the original book. And yes, Smith was the original founder.

Q: Can you be any religion BESIDES LDS and believe in the Book of Mormon?
I just got baptized into the church this year but a family I know really well is having problems. They are thinking of leaving the church. They say the ONLY thing they believe is that the Bible is true and that the Book of Mormon is true. They no longer have a testimony of D&C or POGP. Can they actually join another church and still believe in the Book of Mormon? I don't see why they couldn't, I just can't think of a religion that would allow it

A: Absolutely! The LDS church is just one of many churches descended from Joseph Smith's Church of Christ. When Brigham Young went west, many churches broke off from him. Just because the LDS Church is the biggest Mormon-based church does not make it the only one. Here are some websites you may want to refer them to, to look at other churches that believe in the Book of Mormon: I do not know much about some of these churches, but they all have in a common a belief in the Book of Mormon: Here are some actual websites of churches: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite): http://www.churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints.org/ Community of Christ: http://www.cofchrist.org/ The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite): http://www.thechurchofjesuschrist.org/ Church of Christ (Temple Lot) (Hedrickites): http://www.churchofchrist-tl.org/ Church of Christ with the Elijah Message: http://www.elijahmessage.com/ Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches http://conferenceofbranches.org/ Lion of God Ministry http://www.lionofgod.com/ Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.restorationchurch.net/ Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.theremnantchurch.com/ Aaronic Order http://houseofaaron.org/ Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (no site, has one congregation, in Louisiana) At any rate, you get the point. :-) One can definitely be a Mormon, believe in the Book of Mormon, and not be a member of the LDS Church. The guy who introduced me to the Book of Mormon was a Seventh-Day sabbath keeping, Jewish-dietary law keeping Christian. :-)

Q: Your favorite verse from the Book of Mormon?
What is your favorite verse from the Book of Mormon?

A: Jacob 7:27 - "Brethren, adieu." How did French get into the English translation of the supposed Reformed Egyptian language? The Book of Mormon dates 'Jacob' between 544 and 421 B.C. The French language didn't exen exist till around 700 A.D! (Some people don't know the difference between the Bible, the Book of Mormon and paint-stripper instructions.)