Category Archives: Book of Mormon

Changes to the Book of Mormon

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So many people have written about this subject that yet another post hardly seems necessary. I have written about the Book of Mormon at least five times previously, but have not addressed the issue that seems to bother some about the changes to The Book of Mormon. I can understand if this is not an issue with you, because it never has been with me either.

From lds.org: “Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. During the process of dictating, transcribing, copying, typesetting, and printing, some human errors were made. Soon after the first printing of the Book of Mormon, in 1830, readers began finding typographical, spelling, and other mistakes.

“The Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery made over 1,000 corrections for the second edition (1837). For the third edition (1840), Joseph Smith made further corrections after careful prophetic review, comparing the original manuscript with the printed text.” In other words, the changes made were typographical, spelling, grammatical, and yes, a few doctrinal clarifications.

Summary of changes

In 1879, with the blessing of the First Presidency, Elder Orson Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles produced an edition with more chapter divisions and with versification that has continued in all subsequent editions. He also added footnotes and made some changes in spelling and grammar. This was mainly a formatting change to make it easier to read with verses.

The 1920 edition corrected a few errors made in previous editions. It was formatted in double-column pages, with chapter headings, chronological data, revised footnote references, a pronouncing guide, and an index. Punctuation and capitalization were also revised. This is the issue that I used as a youth. I still have several well-worn and used annotated copies I cherish.

The current 1981 edition includes extensive cross references, footnotes, and other study aids. This is the edition I have used to teach seminary and gospel doctrine classes. I love the cross reference, topical guide and dictionary. It adds so much to my scripture study. I have used it to prepare talks for High Council assignments and spiritual thoughts in Bishopric meetings.

The most correct book

Joseph Smith declared that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, . . . and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). Understanding his usage of this phrase has been troublesome to many. He did not mean that the book was error free, but that it conformed to truth and set things right.

There are many excellent articles that help to understand the changes. Robert J. Matthews, Dean of Religious Education at BYU, offered this one in the Ensign that is probably the best. George Horton, an associate professor of ancient scripture at BYU shared one equally useful. Another article provides a brief history of the work completed to publish the current edition.

As always, Jeff Lindsay has done an excellent job in explaining the changes. If you Google “Book of Mormon changes” you will find a bunch of negative commentary on the changes. One of the more recent changes has been to add a word to the introduction of the Book of Mormon. The Lamanites are now considered to be “among” the primary ancestors of the American Indians.

DNA and the Book of Mormon

In late 2002, Ph.D. candidate Thomas Murphy published a paper entitled, “Lamanite Genesis, Genealogy, and Genetics.” In it, he presented DNA evidence that the ancestors of the American Indians are from Asia and not from Israel. Although a member of the church, Mr. Murphy admitted that he had not attended church in over ten years. Is that important? I think so.

You can find references to much material in the LDS Newsroom on the subject. Jeff Lindsay has written a masterful and lengthy essay, FAIR has a large number of resources available, as does FARMS. If you can’t find anything refuting the allegations that DNA evidence of the American Indians “destroys” the Book of Mormon then you simply haven’t looked hard enough.

Some people get so worked up about the DNA problem that they lose their faith and leave the Church. One such individual is Simon Southerton who was a bishop in Australia and a molecular biologist. He published a book on the subject, “Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church.” He was later excommunicated but not for publishing his book.

Summary and conclusion

I love the Book of Mormon. I always have. I stopped counting how many times I have read it many years ago. I think I am always reading it and use it almost everyday in my gospel studies. It is a wonderful book. It is scripture. It fills my life with understanding of the doctrine of Christ. Every time I read from its pages I am filled with a greater appreciation for the book.

I do not pretend to be an expert on DNA or the historical evidences of the Book of Mormon. I only know how I feel when I read it, when I teach from it and when I bear testimony of it. The changes in the Book of Mormon over the years do not bother me. I focus on the content and the doctrine contained in the book. Joseph was right. It is the most correct book of God’s truth.

Someday I hope to meet Joseph Smith and thank him for the marvelous works that he did in the name of Jesus Christ. One of those works is the Book of Mormon. I also hope to meet Moroni, Mormon, Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Abinadi and all the other Book of Mormon prophets. They were real characters who lived in the ancient Americas and were not just figments of Joseph’s imagination.

Seer stone in a hat – Book of Mormon translation

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From the Mormon.org page on The Book of Mormon, we read, “By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated this book from an ancient record written on gold plates. In September 1827, Joseph received the record, which was written on thin plates of gold. Joseph translated the book into English by the inspiration of God and called the book the Book of Mormon.”

Inspiration is defined for us on the same page as “divine guidance that comes through the promptings of the Holy Ghost.” Let’s look a little closer at that process of translation. From the LDS Newsroom article on the Book of Mormon we read, “Joseph translated the plates in about three months after which he returned them to the angel Moroni. ” That’s 531 pages in 85 days!

The process of translating evolved

President Faust said, “The process of translating the Book of Mormon was an education for Joseph Smith. When the Lord called him, he was a young man, unlearned, simple, and very ordinary in the eyes of the world. The translation process taught the unlearned young man from New York essential lessons which were vital for his call as the prophet of the Restoration.”

In the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 5:4) the Lord said to Joseph, “And you have a gift to translate the plates.” The Lord also said in D&C 20:8 that He “gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon.” So literally, the Lord said that the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, just as we claim.

“These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites would have said, ‘Interpreters,’ the history or record called ‘The Book of Mormon.’”

Oliver Cowdery, Messenger and Advocate, Oct. 1834, 14, or Joseph Smith—History 1:71, note

How the seer stones were used

Moroni said to Joseph, “that there were two stones in silver bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted “seers” in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book.

“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English.

“Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man.”

Source: David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Richmond, Mo.: n.p., 1887, p. 12.

We do not know all the details

I think the process David Whitmer was describing above may have been true for only the early work when Joseph was first learning to translate. The Lord referred to the process of using the seer stones in translation as having “sight and power.” We know that Joseph did not need or use the seer stones in translating the later portion of the work but we do not know all the details.

Elder Orson Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said Joseph Smith told him that he used the Urim and Thummim when he was inexperienced at translation but that later he did not need it, which was the case in Joseph’s translation of many verses of the Bible (Millennial Star, 11 Aug. 1874, 498–99 as quoted by Elder Maxwell).

We do not know all the details of the translation process or how much Joseph used or needed the seer stones. The Lord made it clear that it was a powerful and merciful gift: “And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon (D&C 1:29).

Judge the results, not the method used

The Lord told the three witnesses that He was pleased with the Book of Mormon as translated by Joseph Smith: “…he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.“

The Three Witnesses testified: “And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.” They saw the plates as shown unto them by a angel.

Joseph Smith declared that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, . . . and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). I add my testimony to the witness of Joseph.

The Book of Mormon is a test

I am confident that there are many who are investigating the Church who turn to Internet sites to get an understanding of what the Book of Mormon is all about. When they read or hear about the use of seer stones for the first time (in a hat), it can seem strange and very different.

Even Hyrum, the brother of the Prophet was told by Joseph Smith that “it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon” and that “it was not expedient for him to relate these things” (History of the Church, 1:220).

Don’t get hung up on the use of a “seer stone in a hat” that may have been used in the early days of translating the Book of Mormon. The method of how it was translated is not a big deal. The real test of the authenticity of the book is found in Moroni’s promise. Ask God in prayer.

The Book of Mormon brings us closer to Christ

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Objection three out of six raised by anonymous is that Mormons can’t be Christian because we believe that Christ visited America as a resurrected being. That argument is weak. If anything, it proves that we are greater followers of Christ because we have an additional witness of His gospel. Perhaps his objection really was that we have additional scripture and thus modern revelation.

This is one of my favorite objections to discuss because it proves one of the most important claims of the Restoration. In fact, almost any objection to our message can be summarized as a reluctance to accept modern revelation. Having been exposed to the idea all my life I have never understood why it is so difficult to understand. The Book of Mormon is the best evidence of Joseph’s prophetic calling.

If someone is a sincere follower of Jesus Christ they will benefit by reading the account of His visit to America as a resurrected being as found in the Book of Mormon. I highly recommend it. The message recorded there should sound highly familiar to students of the Bible. In fact, it would be difficult to explain if Christ had not shared His same gospel with the ancient Nephites.

The Book of Mormon

For someone who has never read the Book of Mormon, Mormon.org is the best source to get a good overview of the book. As part of the Restoration of the gospel, God brought forth the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated this book from an ancient record written on gold plates.

The Book of Mormon is “a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon). The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It helps us understand His teachings, including those in the Bible.

In the Bible, Jesus told His Apostles, “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Soon after He was resurrected, the Lord visited these “other sheep”—the inhabitants of ancient America. They recorded their history on metal plates.

Evidence of Modern Revelation

The Book of Mormon is evidence of modern revelation and of the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith. If one is sincere in wanting to understand our message and know for themselves that it is true, then we offer the promise of an ancient prophet. Millions of people worldwide have found out for themselves that the Book of Mormon contains another witness of Jesus Christ.

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost?” ( Moroni 10:4).

As taught in the Bible, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). These feelings from the Holy Ghost are personal revelation to you that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I have experienced these feelings many times as I have read the Book of Mormon.

Summary and Conclusion

“…the Latter-day Saints have no creed, but are ready to believe all true principles that exist, as they are made manifest from time to time.” (The Journal of Joseph: The Personal Diary of a Modern Prophet, p. 203) Isn’t that a great quote? We have the Articles of Faith, but we do not have limiting creeds. It is those creeds of other churches that keep their members in the dark.

The Book of Mormon is a major stumbling block to many who investigate our church. The Book of Mormon is a door through which you must pass if you are to understand what we are about. It is the best tangible evidence of the work of Joseph Smith. The church that he organized is secondary to a personal witness from the Holy Ghost that is promised to all those who diligently seek it when they read the Book of Mormon.

We are followers of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ. We can come closer to Him by reading it than by any other book. The Bible has gone through many translations that introduced errors. The Book of Mormon had one translator – Joseph Smith. He was and is a prophet of God and the Book of Mormon proves it.

If I could only get through those Isaiah chapters!

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Growing up in the church I often heard members say that they did not understand Isaiah. I’m not sure if they were just repeating what they had heard others say or if they really felt this way. In fact, I recall a gospel doctrine instructor who started a lesson on Isaiah by expressing that same sentiment. He said that even after reading the manual that he was still not sure if he understood what he had studied that week. It did not evoke a lot of confidence in what he was about to teach.

In my scripture study I have come to the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi. I am not a professional gospel scholar. We have them in the church you know. We pay our CES instructors to study the scriptures so they can explain them to us. Of course that doesn’t happen in California where I live. We don’t have released time seminary here but we do have full-time institute directors for the three local colleges and university. A good bishop once told me, “Don’t be too impressed by their knowledge of the scriptures. They get paid to study and teach the gospel all day.”

Nevertheless, I am impressed by the many good commentaries and lessons provided by well prepared institute and seminary teachers who work diligently to understand and to teach the meanings of the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon. It is the preparation of those CES employees who have helped me as I grew up to never really absorb that general attitude of so many in the church when they express that they just can’t understand those Isaiah chapters. I am fascinated by the prophecies of Isaiah. It fires my imagination as I read and ponder them.

I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the soldier who was carrying a serviceman’s copy of the Book of Mormon in his vest pocket when he was shot in the chest but not wounded. What had saved his life was that the bullet had been stopped by the paperback copy of the Book of Mormon in his pocket. Upon close inspection it was discovered that the bullet had been stopped precisely in the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi. He said, “You see, even a bullet can’t get through those chapters.” I am certain that this is a purely apocryphal story but it is entertaining nonetheless.

Nephi said that Isaiah’s words are plain to be understood by those who are filled with the spirit of prophecy. The Savior commanded us to study the words of Isaiah as they are of great worth. Nephi taught that he read the words of Isaiah to his brothers in order to more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer. The writings of Isaiah contain some of the most beautiful language describing the atonement of the Savior. This is found in Isaiah 53:

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” What descriptive words.

The point of this post is that I believe many have been done a disservice in the church by some teachers who have believed this erroneous perception that the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon are hard to understand. Sure it takes a little bit of extra effort to look things up and to read background commentaries of others but it has been my experience that it is well worth it. Isaiah truly knew the Lord and by reading and understanding his words we can know him too.

What do you think? Why do so many in the church repeat this saying that Isaiah is hard to understand?

The power of God descended upon the saints

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As we read through the Book of Mormon again this year, I am enjoying my visits to Nephi’s chapters on his vision of the future of America. It brings back memories of reading them with my family when I was little, then reading them in Seminary, on my mission, in Institute classes, teaching Seminary and many years of Sunday School. They are all wonderful memories.

There are three verses in chapter fourteen of First Nephi that have always been my favorites. One is where the Angel tells Nephi of the fate that awaits those who dig in that great pit hoping to capture the souls of the good people of the world. Another is the proclamation that there are really only two churches – the church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil.

The third verse I really love is verse 14 where Nephi describes his vision of the church of the Lamb of God. I am saddened that his main comment is that ‘its numbers were few” and ‘their dominions upon the face of the earth were small.” And why are their numbers few? It is because of the wickedness and abominations of the world that many hearts are hardened.

There are times when I looked out at the congregation and have seen how few have arrived on time or have come to worship that day. The memory of this verse comes to mind and I am reminded that it has been foretold that the numbers would be few. I imagine it would be even more poignant for a priesthood leader in a country where the church is not as well established.

But then I remember verse 15 and my spirit is strengthened because the power of God “descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” What an awesome vision!

Back to verse three – that great pit “shall be filled by those who digged it.” I can just see this in my minds eye. All those who make a man an offender for a word will be caught in their own snares and traps. Some days as I read the news I am reminded of this verse. There are so many who want to entrap and ensnare good people. They are simply adding to the size of their own pit.

Think about it. How can someone be trapped or ensnared by something they have created? It has been my experience that those who accuse others of wrongdoing are usually guilty of the very crimes they are casting in the face of the righteous. So in the end, the righteous have nothing to fear while those who are the accusers are trapped by their own words and deeds.

I conclude with verse ten – now there is a potentially divisive and offensive verse. Just ask Bruce R. McConkie about what happened to him when he interpreted this literally. I know he is living in the spirit would but when I find him there I want to ask him about this verse. You can read about some of his troubles with the Brethren but I doubt the whole story has been told.

There are only two churches and if you are not a part of the church of the Lamb of God then you are a member of the church of the devil. You are either in support of Christ and his church or you are upholding the works of the prince of darkness. Is it really as black and white as that? If it isn’t today it will be by the time the Lord comes again to the earth to rule and reign forever.

What do you think? Are there some verses in the Book of Mormon that are divisive? I hate that word because it is used by some to accuse. But don’t we all have to take sides in the end?

Three effects of the mists of darkness

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From this morning’s scripture reading: “And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.” 1 Nephi 12:17

I see three things in this verse caused by the mists of darkness or the temptations of the devil:

1. The blinding of the eyes
2. The hardening of the heart
3. The leading away into broad roads

The blinding of the eyes is the devil’s ability to cause us to not see the good in the things of the Lord. “What a waste of time,” he whispers, “There is so much more in the world to see.” People blinded like this often say, “I just can’t see the benefit” of a course of action that leads them to the tree of life. They have no vision. They have lost their way. They have been blinded. They run to and fro looking in all the wrong places for that which can only be found in the gospel.

The hardening of the heart prevents us from perceiving the ways of the Lord as desirable. The adversary works hard to cause us to forget the benefits and blessings of attending church, reading the scriptures or attending to our duties. “You’re too busy,” he whispers, “You don’t have time for that now.” Soon, the idea of engaging in such activities has lost the connection with good memories. Their hearts have become hardened and they do not feel or remember feelings from God.

The leading away into broad roads gets us distracted and side-tracked from our real purpose in life – to prepare to return to the presence of God. We get busy with stuff that is of no real eternal consequence or value. Some of it may be plain worldliness while other paths lead to destruction – evil music, drugs, immorality, drinking – anything that keeps us from growing. The broad roads of worldliness are filled with the snares, flaxen cords and chains of the devil.

The sad state of individuals who give heed to the temptations of the devil are evident to those who are clinging to the rod of iron. “Why can’t they see?” we say. “Why don’t they feel the sweetness of the blessings of the gospel?” we ask. “How can they waste their time in following that path – don’t they see where it leads them?” Sadly, no, they don’t. They can’t see. They don’t feel and they have lost their way. Only faith and repentance will bring them back.

End of today’s scripture study. I hope that’s not too negative. The gospel is full of hope and joy, but sadly, we all know people, often someone close who we love, who have been blinded by the mists of darkness and are wandering down forbidden paths. Clinging to the rod of iron brings safety and peace, but it takes daily effort to read the scriptures and to apply them. My hope in this today is that you will find encouragement and determination to study the gospel.