Originally Posted by Russell2
Hi Jeanie

Now on to the book of Mormon.

I have read some of the book of Mormon, it’s available on line from the LDS website, and it reads to me much as the bible does. It quotes from books that were written long after it is claimed that it’s original was penned (Chiselled or however you mark gold plates), it is claimed that it was written in reformed Egyptian which is an unlikely language for an Israelite living around 600BCE, it talks of a steel bow long before the technology existed to make such implements, it describes a journey of 250 miles completed on foot in just three days by Nephi and his whole family , Nephi instructs his followers to work in Iron, copper, brass, steel, sliver and gold while the technology to do so was unknown to the Isrelites of 600BCE. It goes on to talk of cockatrice’s, dragons, satyrs, fiery flying serpents and that’s just in the first two chapters. Somewhere in there you lost me. I’m sorry but I find it hard to take such a work seriously and it certainly does not come across as a book for our time. In short it contains many of the same sorts of errors and problems that convinced me that the bible was fiction.

If you wish to follow up any of the info I have posted it’s up to you. That I’ve already read some of the book of Mormon probably shouldn’t count as I did it before you suggested the offer, but it’s up to you.

All the best Jeanie

Russell


I can't believe it took me this long to figure out how to use the quote box! To be honest, it has been a while since I've read the BofM in its entirety, but now you have me curious. However, the first book written is more like the set up which tells the story of Lehi's family leaving Jersalem. Honestly, though, some of your criticisms are a little bold considering you weren't there as far as the language they used (its reformed because over time it was not in its pure form since this group separated from the original). Ever watched The Passion of the Christ? I hadn't ever really heard what that language sounded like and it was rather astonishing to me how similar it sounded to the Native American language. (Hebrew?? Whatever Mel had them speaking. Not sure how that relates to Reformed Eguptian or how that works, but just the same....) Of course the Indian or Lamanite/Nephite languages changed within tribes, too. (I have some Cherokee blood). You are going to find nit picky things about anything. But its pretty apparent that Joseph Smith himself didn't write it. Its a legitimate record. And it speaks of a people we didn't even know about till long after it was found. (People didn't know about the ruins in SA, certainly Joseph Smith did not! He was a barely educated, poor boy. You would have to read more to really get anything out of it, certainly beyond 1st Nephi. My favorite book is 3rd Nephi where Jesus came to America. Have you not heard of the legend of the Great White God? (Quetzecoatal) (sp?) I knew a family in Alaska who were descendents from way back who's grandparents knew of that "legend" and recognized the story when they heard about the Book of Mormon. Being part India, I have always loved Indians and their culture. I feel it in my blood. Maybe that is harder to understand if you can't relate. But anyway, it teaches Gospel principles in a plainer way. For instance, it talks about eternal burning but goes to explain it (and that it is not literal fire but symbolic). The whole reason I even looked into Mormonism was because of the whole "hell" issue. Just didn't ring true to me. Not the way I was being taught it. I have a concept of God being a loving Father and couldn't buy the way he was being represented. As far as the tools, etc., IMO people were a lot more advanced at times than we may have any idea. A written history, to me, is a lot more impressive than things that people have to dig up. On the other hand, there are lots of evidences that verify what the BofM talks about. However, as with the Bible, you do have to pray about whether its true or not and someone who doesn't even believe in God is not likely to do that at this point at least.. I appreciate you even entertaining the idea, though. Check out Third Nephi, sometime...

I forgot I even asked you that question about Ozzy. (Don't know why I did???) My husband has a friend who played bass for him. Talk about a character. (Ozzy) The guys that know my husband compare me and my husband a bit with Ozzy and Sharon : ) (My husband has made some SERIOUS changes in his life for me : ) And for himself, of course. (But with my help).

Last edited by Jeanie; 09/24/08 06:12 PM.