Is the book of Mormon simply a 'copy-cat' of the King James bible? He claims he translated it from ancient writings. But his book even contains words and sentences from the King James that were written in italics. Meaning, that the translators added them to scripture, for english clarity. The implication here is that Joseph Smith worked with a King James Bible. For example, the book of Mormon contains some 27,000 words directly from the King James Bible. There are whole chapters that have been lifted from Isaiah. If the book of Mormon was first penned between 600B.C and 421AD, as claimed. How could it contain extensive quotations from the AD.1611 KJV, using archaic King James english, which was not written more than 1000yrs later?
The four gospels of Jesus in the NT were all written by disciples. All 4 gospels build upon genuine historical tradition and preserve different aspects of it. The gospels present 4 portraits of Jesus, each in its own characteristic manner. Matthew writes for the Hebrew mind, Mark writes for the Roman mind, Luke writes with the Greek mentality in view, & Johns gospel is more of an interpretation of the facts of Jesus, rather than a a historical timeline of events. Moreover, we have 24,000 ancient MSS of the NT all attesting historically and traditionally to the books adhered to in the NT.
The book of Mormon has also never been supported by archaeology. Even though the book of Mormon speaks about the ancient inhabitants of America. According to Mormon scripture, Nephite and Lamanite nations had huge populations that lived in large cities, waging large scale wars for hundreds of yrs, culminating in conflicts in which hundreds of thousands were killed, in what is now present day New York state (Mormon 6:9-15).
The National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institute have affirmed "Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the New World and the subject matter of the book of Mormon". The Bureau of American Ethnology asserted "There is no evidence whatsoever of any migration from Israel to America, and likewise no evidence that pre-Colombian Indians had any knowledge of Christianity and the Bible". In a february 4, 1982 letter, the National Geographic Society stated "Although many Mormon sources claim that the book of Mormon has been substantiated by archeological findings, this claim has not been verified scientifically". In an article published in Dialogue: A journal of Mormon thought, Dee Green (assistent professor of anthropology at Weber state college said "The first myth we need to eliminate is that book of Mormon archeology exists... If one is to study the book of Mormon archeology, then one must have a corpus of data with which to deal. We do not... No book of Mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Biblical archeology can be studied because we know where Jerusalem and Jericho were and are, but we do not know where Zarahemla & Bountiful (nor any other location for that matter) were or are". Mormon scholars continue to try hard to find book of Mormon lands somewhere in Central America. The fact remains there is virtually no solid archeology support for book of Mormon history.
There is also the perversion (christian perspective) of the holy scriptures. In that Jesus Christ is reduced to a spirit brother of Lucifer. Among many many many other differs and changes to christian doctrine. For example about sin, Christ, salvation, God etc. Although claiming to be christians, mormons depart from historical christianity on a number of essential doctrines.
GOD: The Bible is emphatic that human beings are mere creatures and are not Gods, yet mormons believe humans should work towards godhood and godhead. Yet the Bible teaches that humans are now and forever will be creatures in submission to a one true God. Mormons cite many other new-age theories that contradict the gospel, for example preexistence, mormons believe humans preexisted as spirits. Mormons also believe in more than one God. They believe that there are thousands of Gods besides the tri-unity of God (Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit).
JESUS CHRIST: Mormons believe Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer. According to mormon theology, Jesus Christs cruxifiction dealt only with Adams transgressions, and salvation is gained only by good works. But the Bible makes it clear that salvation is by faith, not by works (working hard, loving your kids, and giving, does not mean salvation).
SIN: Mormons define 'sin' as a wrong judgement, a mistake. Thus removing the moral sting. With this weak view of sin, it is not suprizing that Jesus Christs role in salvation is dramatically reduced. They believe that because of his resurection, we will all be resurected. They thank Jesus, because of his atonement, mankind can become gods, and become spirit children. Mormon requirements for salvation include, regular church attendance, good works, attaining 'worthiness', engaging in temple work (rituals), among others. The Bible however teaches that sin is an enslaving death-producing condition involving moral rebellion, sin has affected the entire race, Jesus atonement builds a forgiving relationship between man and God. Salvation is based entirely on Gods grace, not by how many old ladies you helped across the street. (Ephesians 2:8,9/ Titus 3:5/ Romans 3:20/ Galatians 2:16)
Im not attempting to explain Mormon theology or history. But rather give a brief description of Mormon theo, to hopefully continue debating once proposed. Mormons gladly call themselves christians. But is this justified???
The reason i want to study the world-religions, is to see if we can somehow investigate each doctrine and belief, and analyze its credentials and answer the question... does this have the evidence that would have to apply to Holy scripture, or for a revelation from a true living God? But the question i ask to you now is, can we trust the book of Mormon to be a revelation from God, or rather a 'better' revelation from God? Can we dismiss Joseph Smith as a fraud/hack/not from God, and move on to the next world-religions belief system?
This message has been edited by almeyda, 10-27-2004 07:09 AM
™ Version 4.2