Deseret News | Debate renewed with change in Book of Mormon introduction

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Debate renewed with change in Book of Mormon introduction

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Onan | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Three things can clear up the whole DNA thing:
1-Zelph. Joseph found his bones, said he was a white Lamanite that died in one of the last battles. If he's been laying around on the ground for 1400 years, it should be difficult to find them and test his DNA.
2-The Three Nephites. They need to step up, make a statement about who was here when Lehi arrived, maybe they can offer up some DNA to take care of the debate as well.
3-President Hinckley can make a definitive statement about it.

Since none of these three things will ever take place, it's just safe to assume the Church actually takes science seriously and will no longer make statements about native Americans being decendents of Hebrews.

Karma | 8:53 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Good article.
But now, read all of it before you comment.
Despite the reporter's erroneous opening emphasis on a single-word change, she goes on to mention some other changes, and why they were made.
Maybe we should spend our day blogging about why the writer and editor didn't catch their error!

As long as mortals handle words, whether man's records (newspapers, for instance) or scriptures (Old and New Testaments, for instance) there will be updates, corrections, and some intentional - or perhaps accidental - omissions.

To Jerry | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Many of the world's major religions struggle with physical proof. Buddhists have long been looking for acheological proof that Buddha existed. Nothing so far. The Jews would love to find verifiable evidence of Moses in Egypt (or anywhere). Same result. Aside from the Gospels themselves and the apocryopha, there are a grand total of 5 or 6 contemporaneous accounts of Jesus, most of about a sentence or so in length. If it's physical proof you need, there's no satisfying answer.

For that matter, there's no archeological 'proof' of Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, just certain evidences and of course surviving writings.

But the proof of the goodness of the Buddha couldn't ever be found in archeology or DNA. Instead, it's found in the lives of the people who live Buddhism as they understand it.

Frankly, that's proof enough for me.

Comments continue below

Ross | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

The church is led by Prophets and Apostles who receive revelation which includes changes. What was right yesterday is changed to what is right today, we always have what is right. Those who are too hung up on particular words and can't allow revelation to change things are in trouble. Think how wonderful it is to have Prophets, Seers, and Revelators here on the earth today as we prepare for the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So, if... | 9:09 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

...the ONE word change in the non-scriptural introduction makes the BOM not true anymore, where does the 200 or so varied versions and translations leave the Bible?? I know the words written in my KJV Bible, absolutly, in no way resembles the words written in the New American Translation of the Bible. I guess the Bible must not be true either because it just 'keeps on a changin'.

To Onan | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Check more deeply into the Zelph incident. The published and most commonly accepted version of what happened was a report by someone who knew someone who knew someone that was there.

What Joseph really said had nothing to do with "the last battle" etc. I don't remember the details, but it explains a lot.

Dear "Leaving" and "Reality" | 9:27 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

No, our forefathers did not have access to the same information we do today. They were too busy trying to decide whether to renounce their faith to threatening mobs, whether to follow Brigham Young across the continent, or too busy proselyting to people in Europe and North America in a world that was far more hostile to their religion than our apathetic and 'informed' world of today.

If you are you helping your neighbors, teaching your children values, caring for the poor, elderly or sick, or serving in your community, then you will not be troubled by these irrelevant challenges to your faith.

We all waste too much time debating doctrine, science and current thinking - we need to be out in the world doing something with our lives to benefit mankind, especially our families. Do the Book of Mormon and Bible help us to do that? I believe they do, whereas the other things are 'nice to know' but leave no lasting positive impact.

Science vs. Joseph Smith | 9:29 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I sure see a lot of hot air on this page from both sides of the argument. Did it ever occur to any of you to study this issue out? Go buy a book or two on Book of Mormon Archeology. I like Joseph P Allen, but there are many good authors.

If you do, you will find much solid evidence of two things:

1- What most Mormon's believe about the geography of the book is way off base. They really should study a little before they open their mouths and attack the non-believers.

2- Scientific evidence pretty much is loaded with smoking guns proving the ACTUAL archeological claims of the book.

Mike Hodge | 9:49 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

There is nothing new in the Church making changes to the "most perfect book" ever written. In 1830 a small change was made in several places to state that Mary was the "mother" of God, to "Mary was the mother of the Son of God. A small change? Hardly, if Mary is the Mother of God then the doctrine is essentially trinitarian, much as other christian sects believe. And just after the civil rights revolution of the 60's the wording describing the lamanites changing their skin from "white and delightsome" to pure and delightsome. These kinds of "minor" changes seem to be a bit convenient. And this latest one fall into that category as well.

Ha! | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To Science vs. Joseph Smith | 9:29 a.m.

Yeah, and the Book of Mormon is "pretty much" the most correct book!

Or should that be the MOST CORRECTED book!

The Account is still accurate | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

If the Book of Mormon is not true, than Jesus of the Bible is not the Christ, because both scriptures testify of the same Jesus. Both scriptures support and testify of each other, as well. And both books are not the conclusive accounts of all of God's dealings with man. We just don't have all those accounts. Of the accounts we do have, and with all the changes the Bible has undergone, it just happens that the Book of Mormon remains the most correct book.

The change in the introduction to the Book of Mormon acknowledges that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are not the conclusive accounts of all the people who have inhabited the Earth. The previous introduction only took in account the fact that we only have one record of the ancient inhabitants of America, the Book of Mormon, and those people very well could be the principle ancestors of the American Indians, but the record itself never makes this claim. We don't know all the people of the Earth, but we do know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are accountings among some of our predecessors on two continents of the Earth.

Onan | 10:04 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I have checked into the Zelph story. There is a lot of evidence to suggest Joseph claimed everything I said. A FARMS website used it to clear up the geography issue as two of their (FARMS) 'experts' debated whether the geography was in North or South America.

r_squared | 10:25 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

The church slowly evolves. It does so in a masterful way. It is like the Adam Smith's invisible hand. Any Org has to do it to survive.It is easier to do with believers who do not question. Think of so many of those 'set of beliefs' that have changed exactly like this over time. Blacks, polygamy, men on the moon, etc, etc, etc....Any doctrine if you think about it could be repealed as 'not a revealed truth', just dismiss the speaker(s) as not under the influence of the holy ghost. Or speaking as men. What a perfect out! Or on the other pole, that the person is VERY inspired and do not question or you are not exercising faith. There is no room for critical thought. One of the first proofs we are taught in critical thinking is proof by contradiction. Assume something is true, find a fault(or a false result) and then your assumption is wrong. I guess the idea of faith is to short circuit this process.

Coondawg_76 | 10:30 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

The thing I know is that the only contstant thing in this world is that nothing is constant. Change is all around... the Bible certainly didn't end the way it started... it is filled with stories of prophets who were preaching change and were persecuted for it... the very reason the jews crucified Jesus is cause he had come to fulfill the law and bring change... obviously there were other reasons far more divine, but that's why "they" did what they did... they fought against the change.

God is a living being and a great teacher, rather than giving all knowledge to us at once He gives it line upon line and precept upon precept, no more than we can handle. You just have to decide... are you going to be like those who followed the spirit and the teachings they were given or like those who fought against God's changes?

Spend less time persecuting people who have made their choice and pick a path already.

Reality | 10:46 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

It appears the standard Mormon response to others desire for logical thinking amd seeking truth of the world we live in is to tell us that ignorance is bliss and to come and join them in their dream world and be happy, and if there is anything we really need to know those in charge will let us know and in the mean time we need to drink our milk and not want meat, and not trouble oureselves with too much thinking. We only need to learn to follow and heaven is ours. Our great philosophers from Plato to Dewey would have been at a loss in the Mormon world.

Anonymous | 10:53 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

this is uneeded speculation, obviously Joseph Smith didn't write the introduction page, and the introducion page isn't scripture so what's the fuss about, it's being amended so it can be more easily red.

Why Witnesses? | 11:02 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To Reality | 4:16 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

You said,

"In modern time two founders of two major churches, Joseph Smith and L. Ron Hubbard, have authored religious books. Smith's writting have undergone changes while Hubbard's has endured the test of time."

I think you are correct. And the reason is because Hubbard never tried to deceive people into believing his books were literally "true" or "the most correct books on earth". He simply sought to teach priciples and ideas in works that were acknowledged to be "fiction."

And that is also why Joseph Smith went to great lengths to obtain "Witnesses" to support his claims. Hubbard didn't need witnesses because he wasn't fabricating anything. The only reason Joseph needed "witnesses" was because he was trying to perpetrate a fraud.

More changes are required | 11:07 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

So many of you are spewing your venom about minor linguistic changes in the book. Guess what- there will always be more changes because cultures and languages evolve. To maintain accuracy, change is required.

Case in point: when I was growing up the word "gay" had a very different meaning than it has now. Books that accurately used that word then are no longer accurate in today's culture, and must be changed.

Therefore, even "perfect" books must change to continue to be perfect.

Fly_on_the_wall | 11:41 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

From my vantage point I see many things. However, I don't see all things. I have observed this, some folks seem to hold very tightly to the iron rod. To them I would suggest that they loosen their grip as little. A tight grip on the iron rod makes it impossible to move. Having a loose grip in the iron rod makes it possible to progress.

From my observation there is only one absolute truth and that is there will always be change in some form or another.

It would be good to leran to adapt to change.

Cognitive Dissonance | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

How do we reconcile this little tid-bit of information that comes straight from the source?

2 Nephi 1:6-8

1:6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

1:7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

1:8 And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations; for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance.

I know, I know, now the "land" means the "small geographical pocket where Lehi lived" would be kept secret from all the others already on the continent.

To Mike Hodge | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Those are good observations. The small change of "mother of God" to "mother of the Son of God" in my opinion however was a correction to make the doctrine more clear. Mormon's believe the God of the Old Testament was Jesus Christ Himself, and that Jesus Christ is a God, and is the Father of their spirits through His atoning sacrifice. Often God and Christ are used interchangeably in the Bible as well.

Back to the Everglades | 11:53 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To "to Florida (6:47)"

The Prophets themselves have claimed to be "perfect" in that they "will never lead the Saints astray." When prophets, seers, and revelators teach for hundreds of years that the Lamanites are the "principal" ancestors of the Indians, that counts as "leading the Church astray."

And the LDS Claim that ONLY the LDS "prophets, seers, and revelators" receive revelation from and speak for God is completely contrary to your claim that "No true Christian prophet ever said they have all the answers!" Unless you believe as I do that Hinckley and his management team are NOT "Christian prophets."

You also say "Christ founded the church as a hospital for weak mortals, not a rest home for the perfect." Again, I agree, but Joseph Smith didn't or else he would have had the spirit of Christ to be forgiving and tolerant of the "weak mortals" in Christ's original, Catholic Church and other Christian Churches rather than calling them false, abominations, and their leaders corrupt.

to Onan | 11:57 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I wish I could remember where I saw the info on Zelph- I suspect it was Joseph P Allen, but I'm not sure.

In any case, they have rock solid evidence, including a full paper trail about the original, and published, mis-information.

The actual first hand account, which was not published, confirms most of the revelation except for the final battle stuff.

Keep in mind that Joseph NEVER called the the hill in New York "Cumorah"- that was a Orson Pratt original years after Joseph's death, but mistakenly became accepted as doctrine by way too many members. Also, Joseph is on record as agreeing that the book of mormon likely (maybe just possibly) took place in mesoamerica, but he offered that as his opinion, not as doctrine or revelation.

You have already left reality | 12:05 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To "Dear "Leaving" and "Reality" | 9:27 a.m."

I have lived a long life of helping my neighbors, teaching my children values, caring for the poor, elderly or sick, and serving in my community, WITHOUT the Mormon faith.

The only time I am ever prompted to waste too much time debating doctrine, science and current thinking is when the Mormon missionaries come to my door, or when a Mormon co-worker tries to "share the gospel" with me after a lesson in his high priest group!

Perhaps the Mormons should take your advice and get out of their elitist meetings and go out in the world and do something to benefit mankind instead of either trying to convert everyone, or attacking, ostracizing, and discriminating against all those who don't believe the same way they do!

Point | 12:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

This wording change is one of thousands of examples of how so-called "Anti-Mormons" are going to great lengths to research, document, and publicize the faults, failings, sins, and problems with the LDS Church.

Mormons (for example, FARMS) defend themselves against such "anti-Mormon" attacks by a variety of arguments, the gist of which is that the Church is true despite errors and changes in scripture, imperfect leaders and members, problems and inconsistencies in theology, etc.

In order to justify why a "Restoration" was necessary, Mormons have gone to great lengths to research, document, and publicize the faults, failings, sins, and problems with the Christian Churches since Jesus' time (see "The Great Apostasy" among many many others).

Point: If the defenses Mormons offer against attacks on their Church are valid (if the Church really is "true" despite these problems), then why aren't those same "defenses" also valid for the Christian Churches Mormons attack?

In other words, why can't the original Church established by Christ also be "true" despite all the problems the Mormons have identified, thereby eliminating the need for a Restoration in the first place?

The foundation of the Mormon claim is inherently incoherent. (Matt. 7:1-2)

Jason | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

This is all minor stuff. What is important is that I just saved $300 on my tithing bill, by making a 15 minute call to another Christian Church.

Chill Out | 12:53 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Dear "You have already left reality",

When the Missionaries stop by tell them no thanks...

When you co worker shares the gospel with you tell them no thanks...

As a non Mormon I've found this very effective and time efficient but people like you are more of problem then overzealous missionaries...why do you have make such poisonous and false statements against your nieghbors?

My mormon neighbors and friends don;t ostrasize, attach or discriminate me...and I have yet to see them do that to anyone else in my Nieghborhood.

Everyoe should chill out a little... life to short to be bitter.

Texas Member | 2:19 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

As an active member of the church, I believe the Book of Mormon is an ancient record and I have no doubts about its historical authenticity. For me, this wording change is a welcome relief. I have been bothered by Elder McConkie's "principal ancestors" statement in the non-canonical intro to the Book of Mormon for years. The limited geography theory has always seemed most likely to me. I am very glad the church made the change.

Anonymous | 2:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To Coondawg_76 | 10:30 a.m.

Yes, the new wording is a change, but change is not right or good simply because it is change.

Jesus did NOT come to "change" the word and law of God. Your doctrine is mistaken on that point.

This wording change is clearly prompted by the recent DNA research and the debate it has spawned.

It is NOT the result of "revelation", unless your concept of revelation is overly broad and meaningless.

Ditto Over 50 | 3:01 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To Over 50 And A Believer | 2:01 p.m.

I am amazed by the parallels. I am also over 50, and had the same experience about my testimony and parents on my mission. I read the BofM myself, and asked God "with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ."

I received a testimony so strong it took my breath away and remains vivid in my memory after 30 years! This was the direct revelation from God that is beyond words to describe adequately: God lives, and Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world! But The Book of Mormon is fiction, Joseph Smith was a fraud, and the Church leaders are clever businessmen.

To avoid family embarassment, I finished my mission preaching only Christ and Him crucified. I shared my testimony in Christ with hundreds of people, and became Assistant to the Mission President. We started a small group to help about 13 people overcome their addictions to alcohol and drugs through Jesus' power. It was "the best 23 months of my life"! I will never forget it.

Bruce B. | 6:12 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

DNA Science is being bashed and dismissed by a number of Mormon apologists in these comments.

But if DNA science wasn't valid and reliable, there would have been no need for the Church leaders to have changed the introduction wording from "principal" to "among"!

So, apparently the Mormon Church leaders believe more in science than their uninformed followers.

Good thing the followers have some smart people to do their thinking for them!

Carl | 6:47 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

If the book is true as some contend, why couldn't he have said, "Translated by Joseph Smith, Jr." instead of "By Joseph Smith, Jr."????

As someone said it was to get it published. Come on. He paid (borrowed money) to have it published. Get your facts straight!

You're really reaching. I think his acknowledgement is the only truth to the book. In other words folks: IT'S FICTION.

kent | 8:24 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

To me it makes no difference what changes are made in the Book Of Mormon. I have recived my own personal wittness that the book is true. Why others waste so much of there time trying to find fault with it is unknown to me. All you have to do is read it with an open mind and pray about and you'll known it's true. It's the only book on earth with such a promise. Quit wasting your time trying to find fault with it and get buzy reading it and then pray about it and the Holy Ghost will testify to your spirit and you to will know it's true.Put God to the test and find out for youorself. God loves all of us. I love you to. kent

Anonymous | 8:28 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

God loves you and hears all prayers. Please pick up the book and read it and you'll know for yourself it's true. Then what else matters? love kent

A Mormon | 5:41 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I drifted away from the LDS church years ago due simply to imagined slights and offenses from other members. Never because of its doctrine or practices. During that time I attended many different churches. None of them provided the satisfaction that the LDS church does. While on vacation in Utah, I spend many days at Temple Square and was moved by the Spirit to reconnect to the Mormon faith and am joyful that I did. It only undersccores the power of this true church that it has a handful of bitter, vengeful detractors who could, if they wished, simply ignore the church.

iluminar | 7:53 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

It is interesting how many people that are antagonistic towards the LDS Church rush to attack the Church when a "scientific" study comes out that purports to invalidate the Scriptures considered as Holy by the members.

But they fail to even mention the even more numerous attacks that "scientits" have made about the mere exsitence of Our Lord And Savior. Why only mention some studies and not compare them to others? And even though there is more archeological evidence about the things related in the Old and New Testaments, most of the converts to the Christian faith (Whether Catholics, Baptists, etc), do so based on their "feeling" and a burning in the Boosom, rather than by based on a scientific study.

Like many have mentioned here, if you REALLY want to know the truth, do what many wise people have done in the past and follow the admonition of James:
James 1: 5
"5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him".

Kent | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Which book shall we pick up and read? The 1830 version, or any number of other versions that have changed over the years?

Yes, I know God does love me and hears all prayers. I read the BofM. I prayed about it. God told me it is a work of fiction.

But for that you will accuse me of being a sinner and a bad person.

Mormons should be embarassed by such an attitude.

Ralph | 10:21 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I've read a bunch of these comments given here about the change in the "word" in the Book of Mormon. I will re-affirm one last time that this change had absolutely nothing to do with doctrine of the church.

However, it has helped clarify the historical value of the book. Right or wrong, there are many mistakes still to be made in that history, same as has happened with the Biblical histories too. I'm not worried about that.

What I do worry about is why so many "agrue and contend" like a bunch of little children who feel they are right and the other is wrong. Is it not peace and God's blessings we all seek? What are we doing to be peace makers? Must we content to the point we are like extremest groups, and feel compelled to kill others to prove our points?

Even though I feel that the greatest spiritual blessings here on earth come from being LDS, I still respect others for what they beleive, as long as they are honest and peaceful people. May we all learn respect and love for all and live in peace.

Anonymous | 10:36 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

To: You have already left reality | 12:05 p.m.
You said, "Perhaps the Mormons should take your advice and get out of their elitist meetings and go out in the world and do something to benefit mankind instead of either trying to convert everyone, or attacking, ostracizing, and discriminating against all those who don't believe the same way they do!"
I feel sad that your bitterness is getting in the way of reality and fact. If you were to take a moment and separate yourself from your close-mindedness, you would see, along with millions of Mormons and NON Mormons, the huge amounts of humanitarian/philanthropic/charitable work the church does for millions around the world. You would also see the amazing friendships, LDS president, Gordon B. Hinkley, has formed with people outside of his faith. He is given a tremendous amount of respect from those who know him. Maybe you would benefit from reading material that would broaden your perspective, rather than choosing to only see what backs up your narrow view.

Help You Understand | 11:17 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Anonymous | 10:36 a.m.

The beam of "close-mindedness" in your own eye obscures your ability to see You have already left reality | 12:05 p.m.'s point.

The LDS Corporation giving blankets to evacuated Californians is not the issue. It is the neighbors and coworkers who, in the name of "sharin the gospel," cram this absurd challenge in everyone's face: "Read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and you will have the superior spiritual knowledge like I do."

But then when we do just that and feel spiritually that the book is NOT true, then you all condemn us as sinners! We must not have been truly sincere; we must have been dishonest about something in our past; we must be unworthy - always it is OUR FAULT that we don't believe in the Book of Mormon, and always it is WE who are CONDEMNED.

That has all the elements of a classic con-game. Can't you open your eyes enough to see that?

Bottom line: Stop condemning us out of one side of your mouths because we don't agree with you, and then pretending to love and care for us out of the other!

George | 12:10 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I have read all the responses, and have come to a very simple solution in most cases.

I believe most have not got on there knees and prayed,and prayed,and prayed,and prayed some more,
for enlightment,The Lord has the answers you have to ask, and that may mean your knee will get sore.

I'm here for you . . .God is too | 3:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Simply ponder on this thought: Did you ask God if this LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) church really is true? Read this Book of Mormon (we also believe the Bible) and ASK God yourself in prayer. You don't have to believe me - Believe Him. He is trying to tell you right now . . . are you listening? I asked Him once and He told me it is true and why we are here. Now I could never live without it.
"Life is not easy, but it will always be worth it." If you need my help, my # is 801-798-5437. We are all a family here on earth. We should all care for everyone.

Brooke | 3:48 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Just giving a "testimony" that this word change is "trivial" does not make it so.

Amazing how many comments by believers ignore what others are posting. Repeatedly, believers are telling others to "read the book" and stop criticizing what you have not read!

But I can count scores of comments by people (like me) who are saying they HAVE read the Book of Mormon!

Let's try this one last time: WE HAVE READ THE BOOK OF MORMON. WE DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS TRUE.

Get over yourselves, Mormons, and quit persecuting and patronizing those who don't believe as you do. You are not morally superior to us. We do not need you to save our souls!

why the hostility? | 4:08 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I don't understand what the big deal is. If you don't believe the Book of Mormon then that is your right to do so, if you do believe then that is your right also. That is what having free agency is about. See the 11th article of faith "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how where or what they may. We should love and respect others regardless of religious or any differences, we are all God's children and he loves us all.

George | 9:59 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

For Brooke

Yes,someone needs to save you, Please Listen,HE loves us all.

johnny cobert | 8:09 a.m. Nov. 11, 2007

We live in a telestial world and all science is limited to telestial laws (DNA included). There are higher laws (terrestial and celestial) that we simply do not know about. In my simple mind I believe that a lot of people who think they know will someday be surprized to find out that they did not know. In the meantime, I will endeavor to live by faith and not put question marks where periods belong.

Alan | 5:08 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

Where is the evidence of the Creation? Where is the evidence of the Resurrection? Where is the evidence of the Flood? Where is the evidence of the burning bush? How can you explain by science that Man has been on the earth for a mear 7 or 8 thousand years? Why are there dinasaur bones? Where did they come from. Why are there unexplained healings? Why do people have near death experiences where they speak with loved ones who have died? Why did we have "Dark Ages" and now we are in a period of rapid advancement and enlightenment? What is happening? Where is God?

Without the answers to all these questions we might as well assume that there is not God. That there are only "crazies" and no true path to follow.

Man is getting too full of himself. Becoming too cocky. Science is fascinating but does not conclusively answer Man's greatest questions. It never will. What would world do if all of a sudden science proved that everything the LDS church teaches is true? What would you do then? Well, that is not going to happen. Science is only definative one day at a time.. until disproven. Amen

Simply Put | 10:51 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

You do realize that there is a war going on because people do not want any of us to have a choice in our religion. We have a choice. Being LDS I would be embarassed to see people, LDS or other belittle anybody because they didn't believe what you do. Please, don't make our world or yours or anybodies more complicated then it all ready is. Follow the Bible and Jesus' teaching sometimes called the golden rule. War is not the answer and neither is being unkind because we believe differently then you and vice vera. I would never belittle what you believe. I will defend my right to my beliefs. But would be kind in doing it. No need for hateful words or threats.

Seeker of the truth | 10:54 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

I have read all these comments and I am saddened by the fact that the Body Of Christ cannot get along with itself. The core issue here is not the Book of Mormon. Even if it were fiction it would not change the fact that it points people to Christ. I just wish that people would stop fighting about our differences and start working for the common goal of leading a lost and dying world to Christ, no matter what Christian faith they decide to embrace. There is no perfect denomination, all have the opinions of imperfect men influencing their doctrine. We have all said and done things we felt were led by God only to find out later we misunderstood and need to clarify what was really meant. So what if a word changes or spelling or punctuation? Even the Bible has had clarifications made as scholars reexamine the original texts. The fact that Joseph Smith translated in King James English reflects only on the time he lived in. Come on people! Lets focus on Christ and His sacrifice and quit getting hung up on the issues that make no eternal difference.

Anonymous | 8:43 a.m. Nov. 12, 2007

To: Help You Understand | 11:17 a.m. It is the bitter tone in your response that saddens me, not your point of view. Iï¿½m sorry if you have had a poor experience with a Mormon as you say trying to "cram this absurd challenge in everyone's face". But I feel it is irresponsible to generalize that Mormons who are coworkers and neighbors are ALL the same in the way they approach sharing their beliefs. MANY of my dearest friends are not Mormon. There is no con game in tolerance and love. There is mutual respect between us(Catholic, Methodist, Hindu). We stand on the common ground of love and decency. How can that be classified as condemnation? When You have already left reality | 12:05 p.m. said we "attack, ostracize, and discriminate against those who don't believe the way we do", that's exactly where the discrimination began. Again, it is irresponsible to generalize an attack on anyone for religious beliefs, race, gender, etc. I believe that was more the motive behind his point. Let's reap change by focusing on good rather than continuing the hostility.

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