Tad Callister's 5-Minute Fireside: A Case for The Book of Mormon
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2019
- In this episode of 5-Minute Firesides, Tad Callister shares a case for The Book of Mormon and reveals several golden nuggets found within the sacred scriptures.
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As our Ward’s Sunday School President and Gospel Doctrine teacher (one Sunday a month) I challenged our teachers to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. I challenged them 2 1/2 weeks ago. Yesterday i finished it and will start again on Monday after my class this weekend. I love the Book of Mormon at the same time I’m teaching the New Testament ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This Sunday in our lesson in Hebrews 7-13
Would fall asleep after first chapter.
They left comments open? Ohhhhh boy.
What a blessing right! Lots of missionary opportunities! That is the whole point!
Freedom of speech is the right of everybody. Yeah, some will use it for wickedness, but we should give them the choice in the first place.
I love you Tad! Your father was my bishop in Glendale.
The experiences I have had with the Book of Mormon have changed my life! I use to doubt the credibility of it but from hearing witnesses from others, I decided to put it to the test and “experiment upon the word.” I cannot doubt the experiences I have had with this book. Not only have I witnessed first hand the truth, change and miracles that have been poured out in my life from it but I have also seen first hand how this book can bring someone closer to Jesus Christ than anything else. Thanks for this inspiring video!!!
Like the book of Abraham being funeral texts? I guess God was wrong with this revelation
1:36 he says that another evidence for the truth of the book is its language and its "divine eloquence." Is that really a legitimate standard for truth, or does that merely reflect one person's opinion of the writing. I can tell you that I have attempted to read the book, many times, and find it unreadable. That is, I find it to be the opposite of eloquent. We also have many other religions with well written books. Why doesn't that speak to their truthfulness? Divine eloquence would not hold up in any basic logic class when determining accuracy. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, right?
English is not my mother language but even I read the Book of Mormon in English many times. Try more legitimately.
The parts where Joseph Smith copied from the KJV or quoted Shakespeare are eloquent, IMO.
@Cyril Fletcher I agree that mainstream Christianity is - often - philosophically illogical. Mormonism suffers from the same problems but these are compounded by the level of certainty the LDS church members allege.
If you read Elder Callisters book youll see what he meant by "divine eloquence" isnt writing. Its how the authors explained theological doctrine simply and consistently
Your opinion needs to read the Book of Mormon sincerely. I can tell youre just parroting a talking point
The Book of Mormon is absolutely incredible. Read the entire thing for yourself in a spirit of humility. Don’t allow those who hate the Church stop you from having your own experience with the Lord.
We dont hate the church. At least not all of us. We did find out the church isnt true by looking at the facts and realizing they dont add up.
your church is dry and boring... the walls are covered with carpet, there is no art work and most of the women look like robots. there is extreme peer pressure to conform. I feel sorry for anyone who has to spend time at any kind of meeting there. The book of mormon is far more interesting but it is only a work of fiction. That's fine if you enjoy it but don't think it is because a person hates your church that they know what the book is and what the church is like from a place of reason.
@@davewilson4094
The church building I attend has artwork in every Hall and the carpet is to reduce an eco
Plus the temples have even more artwork and beauty.
many of the paintings are inaccurate, for example, no horses in na at the time of the bom, also, js used seer stones in a hat and didn't even need to use the physical plates.
Good luck with 1830 version. “Them a lamanitea are a coming”
Love your clear logical explanations and your evidences and testimonies. Thankyou so much.
Joseph Smith translated, Oliver Cowdery transcribed. All written changes, errors, are due to Oliver Cowdery who simply was writing what he heard. There was bound to be countless changes with this type of transcription/translation.
Martin Harris said Joseph would spell out words and wait to have them read back to him, only continuing when the transcription was accurate. Hard to defend all these errors knowing that, huh?
I'm betting you have never read the first edition.
I'm betting you don't know what EB Grandin said of the typesetting process - that someone would like deliver him a few pages are a time.
I'm betting you didn't know Oliver wasn't the only scribe on the original manuscript.
I'm betting you haven't read that Oliver Cowdery was writing the printers manuscript daily - he took spelling corrections from the printer and incorporated them into the pages he delivered to the printer.
And there's more... Your statement is a simple recitation of the apologetic talking points folks like Tad Callister throw out to members. The truth is far more interesting, but fair warning it may annihilate your opinion of Joseph Smith.
@@ozymandias6743 Good thing you haven't wagered anything on your betting.
You proved my point in that with more than one scribe to the original manuscript, it will naturally lead to more discrepancies with the translation. The chief compositor of the original 1830 edition, John H. Gilbert, found that the manuscript Oliver Cowdery prepared was "closely written and legible, but not a punctuation mark from beginning to end." Gilbert said that he added punctuation and capitalization in the evenings to make it grammatically sound.
Oliver Cowdery stood by his personal testimony of the Book of Mormon to his death bed. Even after his split from the Church and Joseph Smith's death, if there was a moment he could tell the world it was all a fabrication, it was then and he only reconfirmed its validity.
@@DK412724 I agree that Oliver Cowdery stuck to his story, as did the rest of the Whitmer family (although they did abandon Joseph Smith).
It could be that Oliver believed it to be true... Or it could be that he spent his entire adult life with the Whitmer family promulgating a fraud. I guess we'll never know.
However to pretend that no man could write the book of Mormon - or that Joseph "translated" it in only 65 days - is a ridiculous conclusion for any sane person.
There is simply no reason that Joseph couldn't have his piecemeal storytelling gears turning...
A Start: Martin Harris unwittingly walked into a con, Joseph ready with the book of Nephi storyline (Lehi, originally) ready to dictate.
A Stop: Lucy Harris interrupts the translation process when she tries to talk sense into her gullible husband, who is about to mortgage her father's farm to pay for the Book of Mormon.
A new Start: Joseph meets Oliver Cowdery, who's married to a Whitmer, who writes well. Miraculously, Joseph is able to re-tell the entire Lehi's Family story since God was tuned in sufficiently to have Nephi make SEPARATE golden plates but also so checked out that he didn't simply stop Lucy Harris from obtaining the 116 pages...
There is absolutely no chance that any of these Foundational Mormon Truth claim/miracles happened as the believers claim.
So you have never read the Book of Mormon, gotcha
Thank you!
I love the Book of Mormon. It has meant alot to me throughout my life. I love all the scriptures that the Lord gives us. They help me understand my purpose in life and find peace.
The true Christian God, had nothing to do with your "book".
Very happy to have found this. Thank you.
72 drafts, wow, I believe it. Joseph had the power!
Incorrect sir, it was all done in on the first draft. Punctuation and verses were added later
@@jamesmaclean5586 he's referring to McCallisters book and # of drafts it took him.
@@allanmount ???
@@jamesmaclean5586 you're correcting kdeltatube but misunderstood his comment. He isn't saying that Joseph made 72 drafts. He's referring to the video where Tad says Tad had to make 72 drafts of his own book... Pointing to how miraculous Joseph did it on only one draft. We good now? 😊
@@allanmount Ah! Ok I see der whatzz youz sayzzing. :-p Oops!
Thank you bro. Ted for the wonderful case study of the book of Mormon. I know it is a word of God. I read it everyday. I love it!
Bestor Yadao If it wasn’t for Joseph Smith there would be no Mormon religion.
Seek Jesus before it’s to late.
@@donotcompromise The Book of Mormon actually testifies of Christ and lead the reader to strengthen their faith in Christ.
2 Nephi 33:10
"And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good."
Luke skywunner Was Jesus Christ created or is He God in the flesh?
Another question: If the Book of Mormon is true why have the Mormons changed it so many times?
I know the Book of Mormon, is the word of God! And it's strange to me, that the Book of Mormon is a book that so many PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, it's because they are afraid of truth!!!!
Cling onto it people, for your dear life, hold on to Mormonism....Or you could step out of your binary box and start thinking for yourself. Why do you think Mormonism is dying? Growth rate will be below 1 percent this year, and is only in the positive because of the Children of Record stat. Missionaries in the USA are averaging 1.5 baptisms per 2 years. People are stepping down from callings, going to church less, or leaving the church completely, and a few are resigning. They are stepping out of their binary box, and living better and happier lives. Why do you think Utah has huge issues with suicide and opioids? Step out of your box and start thinking. The LDS church is shifting their view of the BOM to allow for people to not view it as a historical document, and purely a revelation. The Community of Christ church has already made this transition. Unfortunately, I don't think that ends well, but it is the church's only option going into the future. The information age, and dissolution of binary thinking is destroying Mormonism, along with several other mainstream exclusionary religions. Younger generations are becoming more inclusive and loving, as shown by all major statistics. The world in general is not getting worse. Since the 70's, in all major categories, it is getting better. Cling onto Mormonism, or join the movement.
So... its an ad for his book?!
Paul Swinney Mormons for ya
Paul Swinney Lol mentioning his book once, then stating that it is much less meaningful than the Book of Mormon, would constitute the worse add ever made. Just admit that you have hate in your heart. You would have sound something to snip at with or without his comment about his book, which is one of his many btw.
$$$$$$$$
@@jacobeschler1872 😆
I really enjoyed this 5-minute fireside, Bro. Callister. I heartily agree with everything you said here. I want more! A 5-HOUR fireside on the Book of Mormon would be more to my liking!
A great 5 minutes, thank you.
If you pray about these things you'll know they're true. Pray I beg you. God is all knowing and has power to tell you the truth. He can move the Red Sea, He can move mountains, He heals the blind, the sick and afflicted if not this then how could he not tell your if it's true or not? Listen to God. He loves you. Pray. I have and know it's true.
Lots of people know their faith to be true. In this video, you’ll find the FLDS testimonies bearing just as much emotion as the Islamic testimony and so on.
There are several books, but when I read “the war of 1812” I was distraught. Tales of two thousand soldiers led by a clever general that suffered few in casualty. A man named tecum and the long line of chief judges. The language too is painfully familiar.
@@trkjivdlopmd All of those false charges from the anti-Mormon crowd have been soundly refuted.
@@trkjivdlopmd Also the EGYPTOLOGISTS have been PROVEN WRONG. Google ''Book of Abraham pt 1 (Why Egyptologists are wrong) youtube''.
@@richardholmes7199 Remember that only the God of the Bible is true. The god of the Book of Mormon was once a man. That is not my God.
@@chriscraft999 absolutely. Mormon jesus, is NOT, the Jesus of Christian's.
Thank you for your talk in a homely setting. The scripture in Ether was my very favourite when I was called as Stake Relief Society President. I had not been a member for very long. I knew the previous Stake Relief Society and I knew I was going to replace her. I certainly wondered at the feelings I was having with a dread as there were wonderful sisters around me. But the strong impressions would not go away. Needless to say I was called, and I understood the scripture that was my favourite.
There was only one Stake at that time in Perth, Western Australia. The Church has grown so much here.
Thank you once again for your presentation Brother Callister.
Feelings trump truth
@@crazyquestionsagain that is how the Heaven's Gate cult leader got his followers to drink the koolaid. When we let feelings trump truth, we can be manipulated. Pay 10 percent, don't drink tea or coffee, wear garments, 10 years ago Thomas Monson said the term Mormon is good and started Mormon Helping Hands and I Am A Mormon, gave everybody t-shirts the said Mormons, now using that term is a win for the devil? Keep being manipulated there buddy.
A Powerful Account and Case!!! It is True and all who read with sincerity Know that and Love it . It has changed my life and that of my family and for that we will eternally grateful to Heavenly Father for his Prophets and his Book of Mormon.
You too have a false peace. Smith's peace was spelled piece that the girls gave him.
I know the Book of Mormon is definitely blue.
How profound.
@@mustanggun
Profound just like these Mormon modern day profits right?
@@MeToo-py1tq what are they profiting off of? Methinks you do not know what you speak of.
@@SteveGovern
They are profiting off of SOULS. When you go to the Temple Mormons make a pact a deal ooops I mean they make a covenant with the Devil 😈. You know the part where they see Satan and ask him what is that robe you are wearing what does it represent? And Satan responds it a sign of his power and priesthood and then everyone is told to put on their robes too just like Satan. Now look at the Mother Temple in SLC with the pentagram and occultism right in plain sight. I know more than you will ever know about this cult. Now wake up!
@@MeToo-py1tq I’m sorry you feel that way. I wish you all the best.
I tistemony that book of Mormon is the most correct screpture.i have strong testimony and lead to me stay strong to the church and the gospel.
Thank you. With the endless amounts of distracting information here on CZcams it’s wonderful to find videos like this.
Thank you Brother Callister! I pray that we can all have "eyes to see and ears to hear", putting aside opinions and fears (and all the lies crafted thwart revelation from heaven) and peruse the truth that our loving God is ready to give us if we humbly "ask", "seek" and "knock" to receive it from him.
Brother Callister is such a great man. The church has been so blessed to have him as a primary leader. He is such a gifted administrator and humble man of charity. I'm glad to see him still actively promoting the gospel.
You are deluded. Stop praising man and the "church"
Rough. Critics out in droves on this one. Great video.
Acts 5:38-39
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Missionaries out in droves...
@@unusedmillstones2380 most of them ride bikes though. : )
@@Robinfuckable false. Why don't you read the Book and then pray. But pray with an open heart. If your heart and mind aren't open of course you are going to know if it is true. That is like praying to be loving, but having a rock solid heart. Pray all you want, but until you soften your heart you ain't gonna be loving. The fruits match up my friend. And besides, we believe in Christ, we know he is our Savior, and according to most other Christian faiths that is all it takes, to accept Christ as Savior. Why do we all have to be against each other? We could work together to spread love and bring peace. Come on man, let's quick bickering and start loving.
Thank you all for your comments!
@@Robinfuckable You again. By the way, WHEN are you going to admit the EGYPTOLOGISTS have been DEBUNKED?
There is no way that Joseph could have translated the Book of Mormon in 90 days except that Charles Dickens wrote another fictional book A Christmas Carol in 42 days
As one scholar said "there is so much evidence for the Book of Mormon that you can't hardly get credit for having faith in it".
The Book of Mormon is the word of God and has helped me through life. Thanks for posting
Let me help you with this statement. The Christian God, had absolutely nothing to do with the BOM.
@@brianheaton5521 the Christian God also has nothing to do with you anymore than Zeus or a unicorn. The idea that you could speak for God on this matter is just as ridiculous as the idea that Joseph ever spoke for God.
@@biggentallen cool story bro.
@@brianheaton5521 thanks brother Heaton. Yours was a cool story too. Thank you for imparting 😊
I love the Book of Mormon and I know it is true.
You know it is true is not the same thing as it is true.
It is all lies and fiction. I just left the LDS church after believing these lies for 35 years! Leave and become a true follower of Christ!
@Greg Demetri I am glad that you asked. I was a convert, I believed the official LDS story at that time. I believed the "first vision" and the "gold Plates" interpretation story. I was a believer...I wanted to believe the story of a young boy praying in the woods to God and receiving an answer. Now, 35 years later after many callings, tithes, priesthood duties, temple trips, journal, ancestry research, home evenings, home teachings, and etc... I found out that the very foundations of the story/stories were all lies. I finally woke up. I read the official LDS gospel topics essays and was shocked. They contain admissions by the church that the first vision had at least 9 versions, that the interpretation was done using a stone placed in a hat and that the gold plates were not really there or present most of the time, that the priesthood from John the Baptist was a back-dated story. I also found out that Joseph Smith was in fact a polygammist and bedded a girl as young as 14. I also learned that he would send fellow saints on missions and then marry their wives (polyandry). I then proceeded to read accounts and testimonies of persons acquainted with the Smith family and the church during the early church years...what an awakening! Imagine my disappointment at the fact that the church had always stated that this stuff was false and was anti-moromon propaganda! I then found the CES letter as written by Jeremy Runnels. He found out this stuff more than 10 years ago. It basically took me less than 2 weeks to realize that I had been duped for all of these years! I repented to my LORD and sent a resignation to my bishop and explained what I had discovered. My bishop said that it was all nothing new to him! How can anybody stay in the church after learning about all of these lies that the official church had been telling its members for all of these years is beyond me! I join a church to learn about the Gospel and to learn truth and only truth...pioneer heritage or supposed prophets of god do not impress me! I want truth! This church is founded on a first vision lie and then a gold plate hoax and then lie after lie after lie.
@A Tangerine Google ''Book of Abraham pt 1 (Why Egyptologists are wrong) youtube''. The EGYPTOLOGISTS and the ANTI-MORMON duplicates DEBUNKED by demonstrating that Joseph Smith's translation/explanation of the Egyptian sensen text was never supposed to match up with the translation from that of the Egyptological field to begin with. Egyptologists and anti-Mormons debunked, proven dumb.
@@jmcglynn5273 Congratulations. The numbers leaving are increasing.
anyone can declare anything is true. When a person declares 'I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is true' in that declaration there is no explanation, there is no accountability.
WC,....Yes, this proved absolutely nothing except how easily deceived the human brain is. And how it can convince itself of anything.
Actually, I am reading the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, but why all the scriptural changes as compared with today's version?
1325TEA, changes were made for punctuation, paragraph, chapter headings, and minor editing. No doctrinal changes were made. You'll want to read a current copy of The Book of Mormon.
@@DrTerminusyes, chapter and versification and two colum format were added, and some of the poor grammar is cleaned up, but "son of God" is added in four places for the sole purpose of backing up later doctrine, for example. If you want the real deal, read the 1830 BOM.
1325TEA - That, detective, is the right question . . .
@@DrTerminus - Thank you for that hilarious post. You've given me a good laugh to start my day.
It seems that you have a very strong opinion. Will it bother you if I tell you I couldn’t care less about your opinion? I’m probably a lot more highly educated than you are, unless I miss my guess, and I am quite capable of coming to my own conclusions without your unsolicited consultation. Why don’t you try spending your time more productively?
Everyone has an opinion but those of us who have had an experience with the Book of Mormon will never be at their mercy.
@Teddygalbis So, you'd condemn all Christianity then, because of the Westboro Baptist Church? John Dehlin doesn't believe in the actual words of the Book of Mormon any more than Westboro Baptists believe in the actual words of the Bible.
Exactly. I had the experience of reading the BOM...and it was very dissapointing. It was badly written.
I experienced mild feelings of sadness and sorrow. Sorrow for the really good people who actually believe in it.
I also experienced a strong conviction that it was false, and no ammount of opinion can alter that.
@@bossendenwoodconvict ?
I just saw Ether 12:27 in a new light in relation to managing my mental wellness rather than allowing it to manage me.
vendingguy47 You realize the BOM was largely plagiarized from the King James Bible... you can obtain the same level of instruction from reading the good old bible.
@@christopher6082 The BOM was not either plagiarized from the King James Bible. That's as big of a LIE as when you all said that Joseph Smith mistranslated the papyri. Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Abraham papyri was not either a mistranslation. Rather he translated back to the original. The EGYPTOLOGISTS and the ANTI-MORMONS were DEBUNKED for assuming Joseph Smith's translation was supposed to match up with the one from that of the Egyptological field.
@@christopher6082 p.s. Google ''Book of Abraham pt 1 (Why Egyptologists are wrong) youtube''. A video DEBUNKING the EGYPTOLOGISTS and the ANTI-MORMONS by demonstrating Joseph Smith's translation/explanation of the Egyptian sensen text papyri was never supposed to match up with the one from that of the Egyptological field to begin with.
A case for the Book of Mormon is an incredible book! Thank you Tad for years of research and work you put into this... how anyone can read your book and then continue to deny the Book of Mormon as another testament of Christ is beyond me
Damon have you read this book?
Because we know that historic inaccuracies of the Mormon claims
Thank you. From a very new convert, your words were greatly appreciated Thank you.
Sherri Kight I am with you. I’m very new too ❤️
Did you convert from a Christian denomination or from atheism? I'm assuming it's one of the two but feel free to share. I'm Christian (non Mormon) but find the beliefs and history interesting and am curious to what convinced you to convert. Thanks and God bless you
The Late War
Read the CES letter. The BoM and Joseph Smith are a joke. Sorry, guy. (I was a member for 30 years)
Sherri Kight welcome to the Church! Every blessing in my life has come from my membership. Watch out for opposition. There will always be angry souls who will seek to tear down your testimony.
I love the Book of Mormon. It is a true book of the Lord. I’ve studied all the materials claimed to deny the validity of this book and find for myself the obvious weaknesses and motivations for such claims. This is simple, anyone humble enough to know the Holy Bible to be true can know the Book of Mormon to be the same.
I think it's also fitting that while under less scrutiny, the bible also has plenty of naysayers and logical fallacies as critics acclaim. (One of the biggest ones being the contradictions between the 4 gospels).
These men were not perfect and neither were their writings, but the content, the intent and the inspiration of the book is what makes it inspired of God and valuable thousands of years past it's original writing. I strongly believe that logic on spiritual matters is made purposefully blurry by God so that our faith can be tested.
@@carlosjosejimenezbermudez9255
"I strongly believe that logic on spiritual matters is made purposefully blurry by God so that our faith can be tested."
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of faith is? It makes believing the unbelievable possible. Faith is not a path to truth. My evidence for you? Simply this: There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world who use faith the same way you do. They came up with a totally different answer and outnumber Mormons at least 100 to 1. Then there are all the "faithful" in all the other world religions including the Catholics and all the protestant religions who came up with a different answer than you. And then there are the non-believers who believe none of them. Faith is worthless and only serves to make you feel better about a belief that you can not justify rationally.
Sam Huff there are as many belief systems as there human souls. But the universe shows us there’s harmony by a creator and that the creator seeks to communicate with us if we seek Him out. I do not observe any evidence in nature that there is more than one creator at work. Something inside me wants to know who this being is. There is a glory for every child of God but the degree of truth love and intelligence is proportional to the degree we seek Him.
I love this 5 minute Fireside with Bro Callister. His testimony inspires me and I am grateful for the Book do Mormon and all truths of Jesus Christ that it contains.
The Late War
@@unusedmillstones2380 go on...
@@unusedmillstones2380 The late war says nothing about Christ!
Perhaps we all could remember this: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” When someone is willing to step up and replace all the good that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has done in this tired old world, maybe then things that do not matter in the long term will not matter at all.
9 minutes.
That 5 minutes lasted 9 minutes 10 seconds, but I didn't mind.
I know by faith in Christ, that this book is definitely another testimony of Jesus Christ. If you do not know yet, I invite you to seek out a testimony by reading it and then sincerely praying. 😊
This message make me so Happy 😌 I have tears of joy. Congratulations to his daughter back in 6th grade.
Os testemunhos do Livro de Mórmon são críveis, são através do Espírito! Quando Cristo voltar, todo joelho dobrará e toda língua confessará que Jesus é o Cristo e Ele irá testificar a todos que o Livro de Mórmon é verdadeiro!
in 2000 I read the book of Mormon trying to divide it like a political scientist would. But in 2001 when I lost my volunteer job I begin reading the book of Mormon with we're on 10th and developed a testimony of its truth. This began in February of 2001. On July 8th 2001 I enter the Waters of baptism confident that the Church is true and that the Book of Mormon is true.
Thank you for your testimony, James! I am also a convert. It was the best decision I ever made. God bless!!❤❤❤
The Holy Ghost manifested to me as a 17-year-old young man that the Book of Mormon was from God and a testament of Christ. I joined the church. I knew in my soul it was true. 45 years later as a much older man, I have witnessed the effects of the Book, the power of the Spirit, the leadership of the prophets, the covenants and everything the gospel and church represents as a standard for a happy life. The Book of Mormon has openly faced and withstood all of its critics and their unconvincing arguments and will continue to do so, and sincere souls everywhere will see its goodness and know it is from God.
The Holy Ghost manifested to me that Joseph actually used the plates to translate the BoM. Imagine my dismay when I learned it was actually the seer stone. This and many other experience taught me that leaning on spiritual feelings to determine what is and isn't truth is a sure fire way of accepting all kinds of falsehoods.
Allan Mount Does the manner in which the Book came to be need to be a matter of spiritual confirmation? The witness of the Spirit is to its content not the process of its translation. A book came from the process. The claim of Joseph is that the content was from a divinely provided record not from him. His testimony has outlived all of his critics even though he was killed for declaring it.
@@charlesbrown1245 Are you saying there are limits to what the Spirit can teach you? I had a seminary teach that challenged us to pray about not only the contents of the BoM but how it came to be... That included Joseph using the plates physically in the process. I had a spiritual confirmation that the church now says is not true. What am I supposed to make of that? Is the church wrong? Was the spirit lying to me? Or did I misinterpret what I felt? And if that's the case, what other spiritual experiences have I misinterpreted? Maybe the experience about the contents of the BoM wasn't what I thought it was either!
@@charlesbrown1245 can you also explain to me what you mean by "his testimony has outlived all the critics"?
Does that mean no one has ever denied his testimony? No one has rejected the BoM as historical?
I'm just not sure how you measure that his testimony has outlived all the critics.
True. As the anti-Mormons know that they cannot prove the Book of Mormon as untrue. The anti-Mormons therefore shifted their attention to the Book of Abraham. The anti-Mormons have been blabbing Joseph Smith mistranslated the Egyptian characters according to the Egyptologists. One by the name of Paul Gregersen in 2014 DEBUNKED the EGYPTOLOGISTS and the ANTI-MORMONS by demonstrating that Joseph Smith's translation/explanation of the Egyptian sensen text papyri figures was never supposed to match up with the translation from that of the Egyptological field to begin with. Mormon scripture holds up to scrutiny. Anti-Mormon claims do not hold up to scrutiny.
The standard of Truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs May combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
- Joseph Smith, 1842
What standard of Truth was he referring to ?
The BoM and the D and C ?
Those contain much that is not true and they contradict each other in many points.
Smith has grand and flowery speech , signifying nothing, but his claim to greatness.
@@thenowchurch6419 I believe the truth to which is being referred to is Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Thank you so very much, Bro. Callister!!!! Maybe the best five minute fireside that I’ve seen yet here on CZcams! I know the Book of Mormon is true!!! And I know that Joseph Smith did not write it! That he was not capable of doing that! That he only translated it. Thank you so very much again…
The Book Of Mormon is scripture, the word of God. I love it. I've studied it and try to live its teachings and the teachings of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. Doing so has brought me closer and closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. Happiness, peace and joy have been the result. I'm grateful for Joseph Smith the prophet.
Why does the Book of Mormon have word for word quotes from people who had not even been born yet?
Getting a testimony of the Book of Mormon is so easy!! You just pray and pray about it until one day you HAPPEN to have a positive emotion at the same time you are actively trying to have a positive emotion about it! And then BAM! You know it's true and you can never deviate from that!
False, the Book of Mormon actually says to pray and God is it's NOT true. Hard to force a positive emotion about something you are unsure of/doubting.
Mike, you wouldn't be praying about it if you didn't want it to be true. As soon as you want something to be true, confirmation bias kicks In and you only look for evidence that confirms what you want to believe.
What's really weird is that most people that profess the super strong undeniable type of testimony don't call it just a "good feeling" but those "good feelings" ARE important and useful to help us persist and keep trying. It's usually described as something much more powerful, profound, distinct, and undeniable, and very often, the people describing it weren't expecting it or wanting that type of experience. Maybe all they wanted was a "good feeling" and they got something much more powerful than they were expecting or thought possible.
As for myself, I am a doctor. I understand very well how the body and mind work. I get how easily hormones can influence our emotions, how drugs and addictions work, how powerful wishful thinking is, and how not-in-control of ourselves we really are, even how fluid and inconsistent our feelings of Love are. My own "testimony" experience, I wasn't looking for, nor did I want, and there've been many many times I wished I hadn't had it, so I could write it off as just a false memory and not have any real obligation to God or this church that is so demanding.
But, alas, God had other things in store for me. My own special experience, gave me two messages: Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World, and The Book of Mormon is Certainly True. That was the message. It was so real and powerful and concrete that everything else I've ever experienced in this world feels fuzzy and uncertain compared to it. I've tried my absolute best to find some natural phenomenon that accounts for it, but nothing ever has. I wasn't overtired, I wasn't discouraged or emotional, I wasn't on any substance or drug or prescription. I wasn't even caring about what I was reading (the Book of Mormon is hard and boring to read!) it just happened, and was the most powerful and REAL thing I've ever experienced. I could pretend it wasn't real so that I can live my life the way I naturally want to, but I would be lying to myself to do it. Straight up denying what's real, and that's a dangerous thing to do.
That doesn't fit into your world view, and it doesn't have to. But now, you've got a little more information and someone else's unique perspective to add to your own. Maybe someday you'll be able to fit it into your perspective somewhere useful.
@@christianlassen1577 Amazing story! Very powerul.
Beautifully presented........as my elderly grand mother would say after reading the Book of Morning on the banks of our river running thru the valley, loud and clear for all to hear ........ quote " right right enough brother Nephi" she was born 1843. This is told to me by our mother.
I am curious. Do you mean your great-grandmother was born in 1843? To go back to that year along the maternal line in three generations seems extraordinary though if both your grandmother and mother gave birth in their 40s and you're in your 90s it might be just possible. In any event I'm glad to hear of your proud heritage.
book of morning?
I testify that the Book of Mormon is modern scripture and a 2nd powerful witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
AJS,.....I testify that you are 100% wrong and are totally blind, lost, and deceived. You are 100% steeped in darkness and deception.
I testify that the Book of Mormon is verifiably false.
@@estherlewis7458 ,....You have testified correctly.
Check out his book on the "Infinite Atonement." It was the best book I have ever read on the atonement. Very smooth and eloquent and you won't be disappointed.
and it was all concieved by someone other than God!
It’s a different Jesus
@@Cryptosifu We don't believe in the 3rd century Trinity Jesus that's for sure. It's man made by the Catholic councils of Nicaea.
JWJ BROS wrong! Learn your history! The original 1830 Book of Mormon did teach the Trinity. Go research church history and stop accepting the apologetics that the church has indoctrinate you with. Member 47 years, I have done my research.
@@Cryptosifu Only if you read into the text. That is so desperate to say that the BOM teaches Trinity. Please use facts. The Trinity is man-made and took over 70 yrs to come up with a consensus. I have a copy of a reprint of the original BOM. Give me a reference?
I add my witness that “the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” i also witness that Joseph Smith though an imperfect man is a prophet of God. And that he restored the true church of Jesus Christ
Same old narrative. I realized how deluded I was once I branched out to other religions. In each of these, there were people bearing the same strong spiritual testimony that I grew up hearing in the LDS church. Even cult leaders use the same tactic, they tell you to pray and ask God if it is true, and they receive the same answers LDS members do. (look up Heaven's Gate, their members bore the same strong testimony LDS members do, their leader told them to pray to God for the truth. They were so committed that they committed suicide together). The LDS church has made an effort recently to address the issues, and the only leg they have to stand on...is prayer. So unless somebody can prove that the spirit LDS feel is more correct that the spirit everybody else feels. That leg becomes a straw, easily broken. I am fine with LDS members living their lives that way because it makes them happy. But what if it doesn't? Can people leave with their dignity? Why do LDS members reject their family members when they choose another path? Anti-Mormons are created because of how the LDS church and it's members treat people when they leave. The growth of the LDS church is dwindling, and soon to go into the negatives(it was 1.2 percent this year and the children of record statistic is the only reason it's not in the negatives already). The number of baptisms per missionary in the USA is down to 1.5 per 2 years. I don't think that that the membership number is one you can tout when the Seventh Day Adventist church began 30 years after the LDS and already has 25 million members. I like the LDS people, they are overall a good bunch, but to believe that you are feeling something other people aren't, is just delusional.
@@CrustyRusty366 You anti-Mormons (never Catholic) are delusional.
@@richardholmes7199 😆
I love the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, too. Way above my understanding but the Spirit whispers the truthfulness of them unto me.
I think for more clarity turn to the bible the book of mormon is absolute nonsense
@Big Country the bible is infallible all the mistakes that you state are not mistakes, it's your understanding of them.
The book of mormon however states there is mistakes in the book of mormon right at the beginning that are of man.
The bible never has to say this because its Gods written authoritative word, the book of mormon is a book to side track you guys from the real truth.
I have read the book of mormon with an open heart and all I see is mistakes and misquotations of scriptures from the bible to prove points. The bible dosent do this at all.
For example in the last days God spoke through his son "
Hebrews 1 verse 2
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
The book of mormon says this is 2 nephi 29
3 And because my words shall hiss forth-many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.
4 But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?
5 O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people.
6 Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?
7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.
10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
13 And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
14 And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember his seed forever
A kingdom cant be divided against itself it will fall, unfortunately you are taught to hold both books in reverence yet you hate the bible and love the book of mormon. Thst book will take you Mind away it really will
@Big Country also I care because I love you and want you to know the real Jesus
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
"A Bible, a Bible - we have a Bible..."
Satan disquises himself as a messenger of light
I capitalized some words for emphasis
Ephesians 2 versus 8-9 KJV
“8 For by grace are ye saved through FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES : it is the GIFT OF GOD:
9 NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”
The Book of Mormon has the same linguistic mistakes as the King James Bible and uses King James era language sentence construction which proves it is from a modern era. Also, JS did not use urim and thummin. He used a seer stone in a hat. Gospel topics confirm that.
Stop "attacking" us. You're just a bitter ex-Mormon who got swallowed up by the devil...
Just kidding. Feelings led me into the Mormon church. Facts (after I dared to look) led me out. But at least I made a few good friends along the way.
The language in the 2016 version of the Wikipedia article on this topic has been replaced by a sentence stating that “[t]he KJV of 1769 contains translation variations which also occur in the Book
of Mormon.” [Emphasis added] The text choices are acceptable variations that adequately represent the meaning of the original, ancient text. Thus they are no longer defined as “errors,” and they are certainly not errors unique to the 1769 version of the King James Bible.
Also, you’re interpretation of the translation process presupposes a tight translation. This is not what the evidence suggests.
Your summation of "linguistic mistakes" or errors hold little validity. The Book of Mormon has 31 distinct writing styles or patterns. One person cannot change their pattern of speech or writing so many times. Most of what I see and read against the Book of Mormon is from people who nitpick and begin with their mind made up that the Book of Mormon is false, as well as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These people look for facts and what others tell them is fact. When one looks to find something is false one, will find facts and statements to support their preconceptions.
People have also disproved the Holy Bible by the same methods used to discredit the Book of Mormon. However, if one has an "open mind" and prays expecting God to confirm the truth of the Bible or Book of Mormon and "studies it out in their minds" applying the God given intellect one posses, you will receive an answer.
For either book, one must study and not just ask God if they are true. God does not give answers to those with weak foundations. He needs one to build a strong foundation on rock, not sand or loose soil. Only by having a solid foundation can one withstand the storms and attacks of Satan and his minions.
The book of Mormon has over 4k changes.
Not sure how they say it's the most correct book?
Bible has thousands of manuscripts and factually proof.
Book of Mormon had 0 manuscripts and your told to just have faith that it's true.
Glad God lead me out of Mormonism.
You step back and look at the religion and you see the truth.
Might I suggest a little further research Bee.
I am a "NoMo" who has read and enjoyed the BoM four or five times now. I agree with it's teaching but still have no doubt that Smith wrote it. I say this as someone who did his senior history dissertation on the rise of American Revivalism. The BiM fits perfectly into early 19th century evangelicalism. It's sermons are simply good revival preaching mixed with KJV texts and a storyline that again fits very well in Smith's time period. I would add that he was not uneducated (the LDS has got to lose that trope.) But had the normal education for his day. We have letters and histories and the entire D&C, all of which he dictated. Add in the fact that his scribes could not always see Joseph during the BoM process and it becomes entirely possible for him to have had a cheat sheet upon occasion. He was a good storyteller and preached at Methodist meetings. In short, his writing/dictating the BoM was impressive but hardly impossible. This video also sidesteps the issue of whether or not historical facts are determined by prayer or historical research. As I said, I can affirm the book's message but praying about it's historicity is like praying to know who won the Battle of Hastings. If prayer could answer history questions my college exams would have been a breeze. This video needs to be reworked if it's going to speak to anyone who isn't already LDS or already leaning that way. It also needs to address the fact that LDS theological distinctives are not in the BoM.
David Stout Dude, your missing the point...
@@jamesmaclean5586 and that point as you see it would be?
@@davidstout6051 the point is to learn to interpret reality in the way the Lord has revealed. If you refuse to prepare yourself to really fully try the experiment, you can never understand.
@@jamesmaclean5586 Ah. I'm afraid we are at an impasse. I firmly believe that historical data is discerned by historical research, not prayer. Prayer can give insight into spiritual matters but cannot override matters of historical or scientific fact. I think his is the fundamental point of disagreement between LDSaints and the rest of Christianity. That said I still consider you a brother in Christ and am sure God is doing good things through you.
@@davidstout6051 Hey thanks for the kind response :-) It is an impasse for sure.
I would ask you though, why do you trust in the wisdom of mortal men's tools of research and recording, and not in the Holy Spirit of revelation who's mission it is to bear witness of the truth of all things, (for the sake of Jesus Christ, and for the Glory of the Father), no matter how small or trivial seeming the topic of prayer?
Some of the most compelling stories in the New Testament are when Jesus Christ confronts his critics, such as the Scribes and Pharisees, directly. It would be interesting to see Elder Callister discuss Book of Mormon issues with a knowledgeable critic.
He wont.
You cannot possibly investigate the Mormon persuasion (Jesus Christ) thoroughly, then turn around and say the church isn't true.
@@richardholmes7199 You shouldn't use the term "Mormon" Richard, you are being an advocate for the devil. Remember?
Thank you for your testimony !!
Great video!
This is great! I have read this amazing book many times! Each time, especially when you read of Jesus visiting the Nephite people you feel the power & spirit of His words. In reading you see the different testimones coming from different people, the patterns, the chiasmus, and more. The experience is in the reading you personally choose to do yourself!
Pearls & Journeys absolutely.
Except that Nephite people.didn't exist
I read the BoM, studied with missionaries, studied with an LDS girlfriend and her family and RM brother. I attended the local ward and even went to the Kirtland temple. I had been raised in a half Catholic half Protestant family but was pretty much an agnostic drug and alcohol addict. When I prayed about the BoM I told God I was ready to worship Him however He desired even if it meant disappointing my non LDS family members.
However, when I prayed God told me twice that His words were in the Bible and not in the BoM. This was the most powerful and life changing moment in my life. I prayed again and got the same answer. Since then I have immersed myself in studying the Bible and God has worked miracles in my life in removing my addictions, strengthening my faith and trust in Him, and giving me assurance that I have eternal life all because of my faith in Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection. Jesus is truly enough.
I got the opposite answer! I witness its true!
@@daddyof3852 and? So what? Do you have a point?
@@williambakos7274 I would say that the very reason that you're here on this site shows that you're still open to learning more about the Book of Mormon. If you love the Bible, you'll love the Book of Mormon! Did you know that the Bible is one of the four standard works of scripture in the LDS Church? Did you know that the Book of Mormon works hand-in-hand with the Bible testifying of the divinity of Jesus Christ? I'd advise you to hang in there and not close the door so quickly.
@@DrTerminus I do appreciate your polite response. Thank you! I am all about truth and, yes, I do continue to study. Let me add a few more details to the above that will clarify where is stand today. That LDS girlfriend I mentioned, is now my ex Mormon wife and together we have spent nearly a decade studying Mormonism and comparing it to Biblical Christianity. We actively engage in online debate forums (mostly on the FB platform), we continue to witness to her huge Asian LDS family, and we recently helped prepare a group of teen missionaries that went to SLC to witness to LDS there.
One statement you made that I would like to home in on is "If you live the Bible, you'll love the Book of Mormon!"
That is a big assumption that falls into the category of "thought stopping". I do love the Bible, and the more I study how it has been preserved intact to present us the words of Christ, the more I am amazed and I praise God. However, I do not love the BoM and I will spare you my assessment of its chances of being truly inspired to avoid accusations of being "contentious".
I will leave you with this: Jesus promised his words will remain, his church will prevail, and the NT has numerous passages that illuminate the relationship between Jesus and his church.
To say that Jesus Christ's church had to be restored is to call into question the veracity of Jesus's promises. If I believe Joseph Smith then I have to question Jesus.
Google ''Book of Abraham pt 1 (Why Egyptologists are wrong) youtube''. EGYPTOLOGISTS and ANTI-MORMONS DEBUNKED, how do you respond?
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
Nephi said it best...
10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye-for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
Pssssst. I'll let you into a secret. Nephi never existed.
@@bossendenwoodconvict What evidence do you have that Nephi never existed?
@@GaryKColeman Here is some evidence from mormon General Authority, B.H. Roberts.
It comes from his book "Studies of The Book of Mormon." Though not specifically refering to Nephi he says of the book of mormon characters:
" There were other anti-Christs amongst the Nephites, but they were more military leaders than religious innovators...they are all of one breed and one brand; so nearly alike that one mind is the author of them, and that a young and undeveloped , but piously inclined mind. The evidence, I sorrowlfully submit points to Joseph Smith as their creator. It is difficult to believe that they are the product of history, that they came upon the scene, seperated by long periods of time, and among a race that was the ancestral race of the red man of America. " B.H.Roberts, Studies of The Book of Mormon, p.271
Thomas Stuart Fergusson, who spent 25 years trying to prove the Book of Mormon concluded that it was fictional. This after having received huge grants from the church for his research in Central America.
In 1976 he wrote a letter in which he stated, in reference to a paper he had written:
"The real implication of the paper is that you can't set down Book of Mormon geography anywhere, because it is fictional and will never meet the requirements of dirt archaeology,....what is in the ground will never conformt to what is in the book." 20th Feb 1976
On the Church he wrote:
"Mormonism is probably the best conceived myth fraternity to which one can belong. Joseph Smith tried so hard he put himself out on a limb with the Book of Abraham, and also the Book of Mormon. He can be refuted- but why bother,... that would be like wiping out placebos in medicine, and that would make no sense as they do a lot of good." 9th Feb 1976.
By mentioning the Book of Abraham, here Fergusson is probably refering to Smith's false translation of Egyptian Characters, specifically from the sensen papyrus, from which the text of the Book of Abraham
was produced. As one of mormonism's scriptures has been proven untrue, this must cast a dark clound over the Book of Mormon also, as it shows Smith's propensity to make things up.
That's a wonderful testimony from a successful seeker of the truth about the Book of Mormon another Testament of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. You can gain more testimony in addition to that which you have gotten from this video, when you study from the Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ. Study your Bible also.
please read 2 Nephi 5:21:
Google confirmation bias.
uyobong pius fantastic comment!
@@sdfotodude googled it. It applies to everything, not just religion. It can also apply to rejection of religion. That was fun!
@@lukeskywunner8612 yes if you want something to be true it generally is unless that it isn't
Didn't Russell Nelson say to not use the word Mormon?
Question didn't Jesus said there would be Many False Prophets! The Lehi Story is not in the bible ( 1) Joseph Smith is ( Nephi And Copied the scriptures from Isaiah ( 2)
Callister your friend just found out that the BITE model was too strong and pulled him back. You are correct that trying to prove that the BoM is historically true is riddled with issues as B.H.Roberts, Arrington, Quinn, Bushman, and while we are at it, Fawn Brodie, Ann Eliza Young, the Tanners, etc., .etc., ad nauseum, that the BoM is NOT a historical book, as was taught for over 100 YEARS in the church, but that it's really, more...figurative, more...story-ish...but that would make it a piece of fiction/psuedohistory, whereas the Bible at least has actual towns mentioned, that still exist...ok...the BoM does mention Jerusalem....I'll give it that
I don’t get it. The way to find evidence for the book being true is having more faith that it’s true. Without any real evidence?
Isaiah 43:10
“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”
donotcompromise Stop quoting from the Bible if you’re a Mormon because they do not agree!!
@@artifacthunter1472 well that's not true.
Artifact Hunter They will tell you the y believe it, but they have put their faith in Joseph Smith more.
@@donotcompromise not accurate.
Luke skywunner The Bible and Book of Mormon contradict each other, so which one do you put your faith in?
I am neutral. I need compelling information.
Loved his book. All his books!
What do you guys think of the CES letter?
I love it.
The old taxman has a ton of knowledge in that mind of his.
Thanks Bishop for your great Fireside, it's simple and to the point to help investigators more what is The Book Of Mormon. Every time I read or listen to it, I learn something new all the time. And helps me understand the Bible even more. I Love It!!!!!
and as long as you spend your precious time (life) doing, reading, and following... you will never know much about anything else.
65 days to translate the book of Mormon? That's like 9 pages a day.
That is a lot of days to stick your head in a hat and read the passages as Satan revealed them scrolling across the stone.
@Big LCahoona I read it many times...I was a member for 35 years. It is all fiction. Sure it has some nice passages taken
from Isaiah, and some nice religious sounding stories...all of that does not make it true and does not make it God given scripture. The "Christ" that the book of Mormon and LDS church talk of and preach and rejoice in is a false Christ. Read the bible and understand the true nature of Christ. For one, Jesus is not out brother. He is our creator. He did not earn his way to any type of glory...he already was glory. He is eternal. He is a third part of the Godhead. He will judge you. You and other Mormons try your hardest to earn your way into a Mormon exaltation by paying tithing and going to the Mormon/masonic temple...you are being deceived as I was.
@Big LCahoona His mysteries are not to be found in the Mormon Church... trust me! If you think that you can earn your way to exaltation by learning masonic handshakes and learning your secret name (mine is Enoch) , then you are truly deceived. Don't waste your precious time on this earth following a set of false prophets.
@@jmcglynn5273 What is your take on the Egyptologists and the anti-Mormon pukes being proven wrong on saying Joseph Smith mistranslated the Egyptian papyri? The Egyptologists, the anti-Mormons etc have been saying Joseph Smith is a false prophet because he didn't translate the Egyptian figures the way the Egyptologists say, right? Yes, of course. However one by the name of Paul Gregersen in 2014 clearly demonstrated that Joseph Smith's translation/explanation of the Egyptian sensen text papri was never supposed to match up with the translation from that of the Egyptological field to begin with. Therefore, what is your response on the Egyptologists and the anti-Mormon pukes being proven wrong on saying Joseph Smith mistranslated the papyri?
@@jmcglynn5273 if your going to use the Bible perhaps you should know it better, it states both in direct word and through some processing that we are his brothers/sister both figurative and non. And yes He is a creator as well as a Savior depending on what you believe about the Godhead.
Claims without evidence (empirical evidence), or more importantly, claims that defy empirical evidence, warrant being ignored, despite any feelings.
Yes, and?
I'm aware of that. That is a problem. Believing a thing to be true just because of non-empirical experiences is what allows people to think they are doing the will of a god by throwing others off the tops of buildings, shooting innocents in schools, city squares, and clubs, shouting epithets at funeral attendees, massacring innocent men, women and children in a meadow, burning women at the stake as witches, participating in holy wars and genocides, and beheading non-believers. All these are examples of people who truly and deeply BELIEVED they are good and doing god's will. Without empirical evidence, anything can be true to one.
You are correct. Belief based solely on faith and feelings-- without empirical backing-- causes atrocities everywhere it is present. But religion always requires it. And religion is a primary purveyor of it, along with politics, and culture. It should be abandoned wherever it appears.
Thank you! It has been said that the gospel of Christ has not been tried and found wanting, rather, found to be difficult and not tried. I am grateful your friend went through this experience so he would know the truth.
Why do missionaries, bishops and general authorities leave the church?
Great comment.
@@unusedmillstones2380 I think they were dancing the steps without hearing the music. Some are raised in the church their entire lives but leave for a while in search of excitement. Some come back when they need their gaps filled.
what do you want to know if the book is true? the way to find book of mormon is true not praying not listening to anyone else belief. just have to go through history how it came to Joseph smith's hands? is there any evidence there was such chrstian indians in the amricas etc.. you think when you kneel down and pray you will get good answer about history?
Twisted truth and lies.. I pray for all you mormons.
Thankyou for you prayers for us the saints of Jesus Christ of the last days before His glorious returns. We are not Mormons though, that label was invented by Satan.
The greatest times in all history are upon us and you will find the Lord performing greater and greater miracles through His people in and out of His pure restored Church on the earth.
Being a Saint is not to be perfect (as portrayed by Catholics) it means simple making covenants with the Father in the way that He has revealed and striving our best to keep those promises, and repenting daily as quickly as possible! Its a great blessing!
Do you know what the restored Gosple of Jesus Christ contains?
Open mind means you question everything. You are just observing the things around you. You don't believe easily. You doubt, you lay back and say I don't know or maybe.
Close minded means you believe right away. You don't doubt. Conclude first, investigate later.
Feelings is the indicator of truth.
Do you really have nothing better to do with your time?
@@havegottogitgud1864 Better than stating what he believes is true? I wonder if there is any better way to spend ones time.
@@okaynope5197 Oh no, you have no idea what this guy's modus operandi is. He goes to nearly every LDS channel out there harassing Latter-day Saints. Every. Single. Freaking. Day.
Don't believe the religion? Fine. Don't like the culture? Perfect, no problem with that. Go get a hobby or something. Paint, draw, go outside. Anything. People come here looking to watch uplifting content, he goes with the only intention of displeasing the people who don't agree with him.
@@havegottogitgud1864 the most wasted time in your life is when you believe on something which is unproven and rely only on feelings.
You're gonna spend it for the rest of your life.
Claiming to be the only true church.
The wonderful thing about life is that you are feel to doubt and I am free to believe. Lets respect that difference. Because you doubt does not make my testimony any less real.
It's similar to reading View Of The Hebrews. Imagine that!
You obviously are not familiar with either one or the other They are nothing a like. The writing styles are different as the one is expository while the other is a narrative. To say they are similar is an oversimplification that would embarrass anyone who agreed they were similar then made a serious study of the two.
@@pfoxworth7 : ¿ A sketchy framework of the same time period ?
pfoxworth7 Oh brother. Would you like me to list the similarities? I do not wish to embarrass you in a public forum.
pfoxworth7 The BoM is very similar let see does this ring a bell....rejection of Jesus Christ, a prophet assends the walls while arrows are shot at him, natives of America are outcasts from Israel, God will favor and protect America if the inhabitants remain faithful, catastrophic earthquake followed by great darkness, It came to pass, curious workmanship, Elephants in America....I could go on and on. There are pages and pages of similarities not just with View of the Hebrews but several other books.
@@pfoxworth7 Yea, the LDS church buried the manuscript that Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon used to propagate their new religion! And they continue to hide many such problems with their official version.
Mark Twain, the legendary book writer, once said some things about the Book of Mormon and how it was written.
“The book is a curiosity to me, it is such a pretentious affair, and yet so ‘slow,’ so sleepy; such an insipid mess of inspiration.”
“The book seems to be merely a prosy detail of imaginary history, with the Old Testament for a model; followed by a tedious plagiarism of the New Testament. The author labored to give his words and phrases the quaint, old-fashioned sound and structure of our King James’s translation of the Scriptures; and the result is a mongrel - half modern glibness, and half ancient simplicity and gravity. The latter is awkward and constrained; the former natural, but grotesque by the contrast. Whenever he found his speech growing too modern - which was about every sentence or two - he ladled in a few such Scriptural phrases as ‘exceeding sore,’ ‘and it came to pass,’ etc., and made things satisfactory again. ‘And it came to pass’ was his pet. If he had left that out, his Bible would have been only a pamphlet.”
In conclusion, your point about the Book of Mormon being beautifully written or whatever is false. Claiming so is saying that when it comes to writing you know better than Mark Twain.
Is that the same Mark Twain who said, "If Jesus was here right now there is one thing he wouldn't be - a Christian"?
From a secular point of view I can see where he is coming from, without spiritual insight The Book of Mormon is rather dry and boring. So with that in mind, I'm not entirely sure that Mark Twain should be looked at as a spiritual leader. Reading his comments about Utah and his thoughts on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leads me to believe he was quite ignorant on anything relating to the gospel.
Mark's comment is also his subjective opinion of The Book of Mormon.
Elder Callister's point about The Book of Mormon being beautifully written is from the point of view of spirituality and comes from years of study and appreciation of its incredible precepts. It is also his subjective opinion as well.
So in short, yes, I believe he'd know better than Mark Twain just due to the time spent in studying of the book.
I hope by posting this, you have added to your credibility by reading the entire book cover to cover with a sincere and open mind . I often share my distaste for the Harry Potter series but in all honesty, I have only read a couple pages of the first book, so I am a discredited reporter on the quality of the series. What we do know about Twain was he was a natural born cynic. What we don't know is if he read the book cover to cover.
@@debhadden205 . Let us also remember that Twain, the natural born cynic, did attest to having had spiritual experiences, so , we know he does not rule them out.
One need not read the whole of any book to get a good gist of it.
I am pretty sure your assessment of Harry Potter , is not far from the truth, though you have not read the series cover to cover.
I believe Twain was a good judge in this matter.
@@thenowchurch6419 none of this changes the fact that what Mark Twain said is his subjective opinion. You agree with his opinion so you believe he judged correctly, but opinions are not facts.
There are problems with the above upload. One is the statement that:
"There is no credible historical dispute that the Book of Mormon, over 500 pages in length,
was translated by Joseph Smith in about 65 days." 7.26.
The speaker implies that Smith translated over 500 pages of material, but this is WRONG.
Smith didn't have to come up with THAT much material because:
1) Much of the BOM was copied straight from the KJV Bible. For example, 18 pages are taken from Isaiah in 2 Nephi.
2) On average 15-20% of each page in the BOM is taken up with notes and references at the bottom.
3) Each chapter is preceeded by paragraph explaining to the reader what the chapter will be about (about 5% of each page.)
4) The remaining material is incredibly long-winded, and the sentences could, in many cases be reduced to half the size.
Some of the stories are based on Bible stories slighlty altered, and in one case a dream which Smith's Father had.
To sum up:
Being generous Smith came up with about 380 pages of very repetitious material. Even this could be much reduced by
further editing.
So we see, that a mormon claim that superficially sounds impressive, melts away when we look closer.
Do you know how JS came up with chiasmus even though it wasn't known in his time.
Dude, come on! Get real!
@@jondobbie Yes I do.
@@bossendenwoodconvict can you share it please
@@jondobbie
Chiastic structures are found in poems, and the Bible, for example:
"But many that are FIRST
shall be LAST
and the LAST
shall be FIRST. (Matt 19.30)
For the unbelieving HUSBAND
is sanctified by the WIFE
and the unbelieving WIFE
is sanctified by the HUSBAND. (1 Cor 7:14)
The latter is repeated in The D&C:
For the unbelieving HUSBAND
Is sanctified by the WIFE
and the unbelieving WIFE
Is sanctified by the HUSBAND. (D&C 74.1)
Hope this helps.
For how important temple work is, you would think it would be practiced over a 1000 year period. Not one mention in the BOM though.
Timmy Buffles dude, what are you talking about? 2 Nephi chapter 5 verse 9.... please read the Book of Mormon with real intent! Invitation to get real and get on the journey home!
The Bible does the same thing, so the Book of Mormon does not stand alone.
The movement to ignore the history of this book, and focus on the message of the gospel is front and center. He says to ignore if this is historically true, and then talks about the events as though they are.
I can do the same thing to star wars, but no matter how many lessons I can learn from Luke and Yoda, I will never believe in the force. The bible is amazing because it is truth, and the message it has about God loving us is beautiful.
Powerful message from an author of remarkable books. Thank you
Can we trust a man who gives a "5-Minute Fireside" in only 9 minutes?
See what google or wikipedia have to say about “ Reformed Egyptian “ lol
Elder Callister is one of the Greatest author's of our time. His books, in which I've read All, will strengthen even the weakest testimony. Brilliant
He skips a lot of important stuff.
Like The Late War
NinjaNomad he really is a genius. What an incredible mind.
@@unusedmillstones2380 a history book written in Old English? It applies how?
Any honest reader of the Book of Mormon will discover how profoundly preposterous the claim is that Joseph Smith wrote the book himself. The book is truly a miraculous gift from a loving Father in Heaven to his children on earth today. Dare read its pages! And see if you are not humbled to your knees as you learn of Jesus Christ, his marvelous teachings and infinite sacrifice, and his love for you. It will change your life as it has mine.
Check out mormonstories and thinkerofthoughts as part of your research
"Once you leave this church, however, it ruins you for any other church, because you just know too much."
I certainly know too much to ever rejoin the Mormon church. And it's true that I will also never join another church - because the Mormon church lied to me for so many years that I have no inclination to ever trust again in faith-based notions. It is not enough. You say your friend initially wanted the Book of Mormon to be proved to him historically, geographically, linguistically and culturally. What is of greater concern to me is how easily disproven the book is historically, geographically, linguistically and culturally, and how willing people can be to set that aside in order to treat feelings as evidence.
Basically your "case" for the Book of Mormon can be summarised as:
1. It contains pretty language that can be inspirational. (So does the Harry Potter series - "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.")
2. Joseph Smith doesn't seem educated enough to have written that. (even though as a child he told his mother stories that later ended up in the Book of Mormon, and he read the Bible regularly, and he wrote many, many things that evidence his ability despite lacking many years of formal education, and we have able evidence of his strong imagination and willingness to con people out of their money). You claim Joseph had no notes and no drafts, but you don't know that. If I was claiming to translate through God, I don't imagine I'd show people my notes either. You mention errors, yet Joseph was supposed to have looked at a stone in a hat and seen the translation appear "word for word, as if written on a piece of parchment." Seems odd that God's direct, word for word, translation would include grammatical errors, don't you think? Not so surprising from a guy whose wife thought his letters were incoherent.
3. Bible verses that have been interpreted to prophecy of the Book of Mormon.
4. Flimsy archaeological "evidence" (in a huge void of such evidence about many things mentioned in the Book of Mormon, like horses and steel, and in the face of DNA studies that show no connection of the peoples of that region with the Middle East).
5. Doctrine (not evidence of truthfulness or authority), and finally, of course, because you are a faithful Mormon
6. Your testimony (also not evidence). It's just what you believe.
Very well said
I'm sorry you feel that way. I hope you know you are forever loved by God and he wants you back believing in him and his Son Jesus Christ. He is here to heal you from your sadness and bring you joy.
@@msrandomme12 He is totally correct. I also left the LDS church last year after wasting 35 years of my life trying to be a good "saint"! I found out that it was all lies and completely fabricated...all of it! Do some research and return to true Christianity! LEAVE THE MORMON CULT!
@Greg Demetri The average Mormon does not really know the heretical teachings or they do not understand that they are heretical. 1.)They do not understand the triune godhead. They do not realize that Jehovah (Jesus) is eternal and sovereign. They teach that he is simply another spirit son of God and his spirit brother was satan and that we are also his spirit brothers/sisters. This is completly un-biblical. 2.) They teach that salvation is a free gift for all, and then you earn your way into the higher kingdoms. Salvation is a free gift, but a person must believe in Jesus Christ; that he atoned for their sins. Works done after obtaining salvation will bring rewards, but are in no way tied to salvation or tied to a higher status in his kingdom. 3.) The priesthoods of LDS church are complete nonsense. Jehovah of the OT initiated the Aaronic priesthood for the Jewish tribe of Levites to assist with temple duties...ONLY LEVITES! Also the Melchizedek priesthood was the priesthood of Christ and only Christ. Jesus is our High Priest. The duties of the High Priest in OT times was to go into the temple once a year and approach the holy of holies with the yearly sacrifice for the nation of Israel. Since we now have the final sacrifice in Christ, the temple is no longer needed since Christ took the place of the high priest; he is now our advocate before the father. 4.) Mormon temples are blasphemous. Temples are not needed anymore. We as bodies of Christ filled with the glory and power of the Holy Spirit are currently the temple of God. LDS temples teach incorrect and heretical doctrine. Adam as Michael did not assist Christ to create the earth. Satan is not the spirit brother of Christ. Masonic hand grips and various priesthood signs and tokens are not required for entrance to anything...Jesus will laugh at that notion. Jesus never taught that we must take vows to obey all commands and covenants. We must only believe and then obeying and righteousness will come naturally. THese are only a few problems. There are hundreds more. I was a member for 35 years of my life and always thought that it was the restored gospel and the only way to Celestial glory...I now woke up (thanks to the Holy Spirit) and realize that the Church is all lies from the very beginnings. Investigate with open mind again! This is perhaps the great satanic deception that Christians are warned about during these end times.
Google ''Book of Abraham pt 1 (Why Egyptologists are wrong) youtube''.
Under Other Evidences, the video lists:
1) Bible Prophecy
2) Witnesses
3) Archaeology
1. For Bible Prophecy the videos states, "we have multiple Bible prophecies of its coming forth". In other words, the Bible Prophecy "evidence" is the LDS Church's interpretation of some Biblical verses. By this same logic, every other religion that uses the Bible has just as much Biblical "evidence" that their religion is true because they interpret Biblical verses to support their own beliefs as well.
2. For Witnesses, the video states that there are many people who testified of the divinity of the BoM even under extreme circumstances. By this same logic, every other religion has just as much "evidence" that it is true based on the many witnesses that each of these other religions has and for which many of their respective members were martyred throughout history for their religious beliefs.
3. For Archaeology, the video mentions the "discovery of ancient metal plates, cement, and domesticated barley":
a. Ancient metal plates used by civilizations not related to and with which there is zero evidence of interactions with the Jaredite/Lehite/Mulekite civilizations mentioned in the BoM is not evidence that the Jaredite/Lehite/Mulekite civilizations mentioned in the BoM really did exist on the American continent.
b. Cement used by civilizations not related to and with which there is zero evidence of interactions with the Jaredite/Lehite/Mulekite civilizations mentioned in the BoM is not evidence that the Jaredite/Lehite/Mulekite civilizations mentioned in the BoM really did exist on the American continent.
c. For domesticated barley, the one possible pre-Columbian specimen of barley discovered at a site in Arizona is of a species different from the species of domesticated barley allegedly brought from the Near East. If there is new evidence of "domesticated barley" used by ancient Native Americans during BoM times, please share the source of this new evidence because I can't seem to find it. Thanks.
Did he really just refer to "cement" as an "additional testimony of the book of mormon"?
This is the problem with mormon logic. If it appears to go against the church then it is taken with high skepticism. If it comes from a church leader or happens to have some truth like the existence of cement, they take that in full stride as a testimony of the truthfulness of the book.
The truth is that most people who would claim to "know" the book is true have never actually given much allowance to the idea that the book is false.
The friend started off searching for truth and that was commendable. However instead of finding the answers, when it got hard he gave up looking for facts. It sounds like he went back to his comfort zone. He went back onto relying on experiences and his upbringing for his answers. When the going gets tough a lot of people give up.
“Men are more easliy governed by their vices than their virtues.” -Napoleon Bonaparte
Yasss
THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. 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. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris
THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
Christian Whitmer
Jacob Whitmer
Peter Whitmer, Jun.
John Whitmer
Hiram Page
Joseph Smith, Sen.
Hyrum Smith
Samuel H. Smith
THE TESTIMONY OF MARY WHITMER (as recalled by David Whitmer)
"When I was returning to Fayette with Joseph and Oliver all of us riding in the wagon, Oliver and I on an old fashioned wooden spring seat and Joseph behind us, while traveling along in a clear open place, a very pleasant, nice-looking old man suddenly appeared by the side of our wagon and saluted us with, “good morning, it is very warm,” at the same time wiping his face or forehead with his hand. We returned the salutation, and by a sign from Joseph I invited him to ride if he was going our way. But he said very pleasantly, “No, I am going to Cumorah.” This name was somewhat new to me, I did not know what Cumorah meant. We all gazed at him and at each other, and as I looked round inquiringly of Joseph, the old man instantly disappeared, so that I did not see him again. … It was the messenger who had the plates, who had taken them from Joseph just prior to our starting from Harmony."
"Soon after our arrival home, I saw something which led me to the belief that the plates were placed or concealed in my father’s barn. I frankly asked Joseph if my supposition was right, and he told me it was. Sometime after this, my mother was going to milk the cows, when she was met out near the yard by the same old man (judging by her description of him) who said to her, “You have been very faithful and diligent in your labors, but you are tired because of the increase of your toil, it is proper therefore that you should receive a witness that your faith may be strengthened.” Thereupon he showed her the plates. My father and mother had a large family of their own, the addition to it therefore of Joseph, his wife Emma and Oliver very greatly increased the toil and anxiety of my mother. And although she had never complained she had sometimes felt that her labor was too much, or at least she was perhaps beginning to feel so. This circumstance, however, completely removed all such feelings, and nerved her up for her increased responsibilities."
@@jamesoneil1388 Yep. The testimony of the Eight Witnesses and Mary Whitmer is so compelling that many critical scholars such as Dan Vogel actually believe Joseph forged some plates to fool the eight witnesses, that apparently weighed 60 pounds and looked like gold. (But of course, the evidence for this hypothesis is nil).
@maxwell
First: Straight up BS there. The Original Manuscript (O) almost certainly had the signatures of the witnesses. David Whitmer explicitely said that he signed with his own hand the Three Witness' statement. However, that segment of O is no longer extant, as only 25% of that manuscript survives (most of it was destroyed due to water seepage). The document you are referencing is the printer's manuscript, which is a copy of O produced by Oliver Cowdery and other scribes. So yes, Three and Eight Witnesses did sign their statements and did agree with their respective declarations. It is by no means, then, surprising that all of them repeatedly reaffirmed their published testimony throughout their lives over and over again. For example:
" *I did see the Angel as it is recorded in my testimony in the Book of Mormon. The Book is true* " David Whitmer, to Robert Nelson, 15 February 1887, cited in Dan Vogel's Early Mormon Documents.
" *I saw the angel as plainly as I see you; ... we heard his voice, and we saw the records of the Book of Mormon ... My testimony is the same as at the beginning, as is true.* " David Whitmer, interview with J. Frank McDowell on 8 May 1884, cited in Saints' Herald 31.
" *Mr. Whitmer on being asked if he saw the angel, as stated in some accounts, opened the book and pointing to a section said: there is my testimony. Read it; that tells all that is necessary for me to say about it. That contains the solemn testimony of myself and the other persons named.* " David Whitmer, interview with St. Louis Republican 77 (16 July 1884); cited in Dan Vogel's Early Mormon Documents.
And:
" *A thousand things may be conjectured, but when a man declares openly, candidly, and seriously, of what he has seen, hefted and handled with his own hands ... no man possessed of common reason and common sense, can doubt, or will be so vain as to dispute.* " John Whitmer in Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 1 (June 1835).
" *He [John Whitmer] declared that his testimony, as found in 'the Testimony of Eight Witnesses,' in the Book of Mormon, is strictly true.* " John Whitmer's interview with E.C. Brand, cited in Testimonies of Book of Mormon Witnesses, p.1
" *I now said, I handled those plates; there were fine engravings on both sides, I handled them.* " John Whitmer to Theodore Turley, cited in "Turley's Memorandums" and reproduced in Dan Vogel's Early Mormon documents.
My favorite non-official witness, Mary Musselman Whitmer also had a full view of the plates as recorded by three different sources:
" *my mother was going to milk the cows, when she was met out near the yard by the same old man (judging by her description of him) who said to her, ‘You have been very faithful and diligent in your labors, but you are tired because of the increase of your toil, it is proper therefore that you should receive a witness that your faith may be strengthened.’ Thereupon he showed her the plates.* " David Whitmer’s interview with Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith in September 1878 in the Deseret News, and reproduced by Dan Vogel in his Early Mormon Documents.
" *[The personage] turned the plates over, leaf after leaf, and also showed her the engravings upon them; after which he told her to be patient and faithful in bearing her burden a little longer, promising that if she would do so, she should be blessed; and her reward would be sure, if she proved faithful to the end. The personage then suddenly vanished with the plates, and where he went, she could not tell.* " John C. Whitmer, cited in Andrew Jenson's Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia
2 of the 3 joined James Strang's church and also claimed he saw an angel too...so do you also believe that James Strang saw and angel?
@@CrustyRusty366
Nobody witnessed to James Strang's angel. His witnesses saw nothing supernatural. They said he showed them a tiny set of plates made of common brass, and 5 of them later recanted their testimonies. In contrast, none of the 8 or 3 witnesses to the Book of Mormon recanted their testimonies, even though 5 of them (John Whitmer, Christian Whitmer, Hiram Page and David Whitmer) were threatened with death by mobs.
@@jamesoneil1388
Brigham Young wasn't there.
Can you find a firsthand account of Joseph Smith attesting to the existence of the cave in the New York hill Cumorah?
I’m sure the intention here is good, but there really is something lost when you let your sentimentality / loyalty to a powerful institution trump everything else in deciding what’s true.
It’s also definitely not true that the edits to the first draft were “mostly grammatical.” Edits included changes to trinitarian passages (by all means central to LDS doctrine), and a rewording of racist passages about native Americans.
I know the “spirit” feels good, but that’s just the feeling of human belonging. It’s available in many ways that don’t require you to sacrifice your priceless (some might say God-given) talent of rationality. You can be true to yourself and still be fully accepted. Cutting yourself off from your natural ability to discern truth isn’t a reasonable price to pay for belonging to a community.
JM,....Yes, the cult of mormonism is an absolute fraud. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the God of the Bible or the Bibles Christianity.