Reader comments
Lucy Mack's copy of the Book of Mormon

Matt | 9:42 p.m. Feb. 21, 2009

I see in the painting there is that good old Book of Abraham Lion Couch scene on the wall. Now that is a laugh riot! That tells me that at the time, the mormons put quite a bit of emphasis on the Book of Abraham - enough to include it in this painting. The only two things (aside from Mrs. Smith) are a book (of mormon?) and this Egyptian papyrus. My, my, my.....how things have changed huh? The mormon church hardly ever OFFICIALLY mentions anything from the BoA and almost NONE of the membership really know the history behind it.

Funny to me!

Cats | 11:08 p.m. Feb. 21, 2009

Matt: I have actually spent quite a lot of time reading and learning about the history and origin of the Book of Abraham. It has really strengthened my testimony of the gospel and of Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God. You see, much of the so-called "information" out there about the Book of Abraham is erroneous and incomplete.

I guess you are one of those people who does drive by shootings on the blogs and finds joy in trying to destroy the faith of others. It's really sad. I feel really sorry for you.

I can only tell you that I have a strong testimony of the gospel and the Book of Abraham. It has given me great comfort and spiritual growth in my life. All those who read it with faith can find the same.

BOA | 11:14 p.m. Feb. 21, 2009

I know the history behind it. It is the word of God.

It is funny how critics hardly know anything about books like Traditions about the Early Life of Abraham by John A. Tvedtnes, Brian M. Hauglid, and John Gee, which give interesting discussions about Abraham - many of those topics existing in the BOA.

Comments continue below

Not Funny but Sad | 11:28 a.m. Feb. 22, 2009

What is sad is how Mormons continue to read Apologetic garbage like that without bothering to read any real scholarly material. Of course, it would demonstrate the folly of their ways, so they don't want to bother and let true facts get in the way.

Just keep repeating "I know it's true" just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz clicking her ruby slippers and repeating "There's no place like home."

psych 101 | 12:16 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

I once read that projection is where a person transfers there embarrassment to other people. I believe its kind of like when you get caught doing something you shouldn't do, the first reaction is to try and catch someone else doing the same thing.
When people try to embarrass the church and its members, its really an effort to transfer their embarrassment for some crazy belief they have to the church.

Sorry but its worth considering to people that bash the church to look inward a little before throwing stones. Its a common practice, we all do it unfortunately.

Matt | 2:10 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

Thanks for the advice and sympathy, but you can point it elsewhere. No need for it! I'm a wonderful and happy person without your beliefs & claims.

To Matt & "not funny" buddy | 4:55 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

I can accept your skepticism about the Book of Abraham facsimiles, but your arrogant, self-righteous mockery of those who haven't reached the same conclusions as yourself is troubling. How about disagreeing respectfully? Then you'd be even more "wonderful" than you already are, Matt.

The text of the Book of Abraham is a fabulous example of ancient scripture that insistent skeptics must believe Joseph Smith simply pulled out of the sky; many years after Joseph revealed it, other like similar texts were found.

To Not Funny But Sad | 7:05 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

Keep telling yourself that it is just apologetic garbage. That way you can avoid the information and not have to deal with the evidence. I have yet to see any decent responses by critics on the content of the BOA - the subjects that the BOA addresses about Abraham that were extra-Biblical and unknown in Joseph Smith's day. Critics avoid it like the plague.

Oh by the way, Traditions about the Early Life of Abraham was released by the University of Chicago Press. They don't release "apologetic garbage".

Justine Jacobson | 8:13 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

Mormons are funny. I love this article and the mormons times. Good stuff, the lot of you are my entertainment for the day. I pray for the mormons and hope they find the light and come back to the lord. You are all in my prayers.

Britney Spears | 8:35 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

Re: "the subjects that the BOA addresses about Abraham that were extra-Biblical and unknown in Joseph Smith's day. Critics avoid it like the plague."

HUH? That doesn't even make sense. The BofA might as well have been written by JRR Tolkien.

njp | 10:47 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009

The book of Abraham is a well discussed topic in many church history classes.

Thanks for the prayers Justine...I promise to pray for you also.

Disciple | 11:32 a.m. Feb. 23, 2009

Lucy Mack Smiths biography of the Smith Family, and whether it has much value in helping us to understand the establishment of the L.D.S. Church is a question that many of use would like answered. I find that understanding Joseph Smith through his mothers biography is much more helpful than arguing about whether the book of Abraham has any value. We first need to understand the author Joseph Smith.

SJ | 11:56 a.m. Feb. 23, 2009

I'm an active LDS Church member and I study all the books we consider scripture and often go beyond the gospel doctrine lessons to other sources both LDS and Anti-LDS. Guess what, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true!

Oh and thank you for your prayers Justine. I'll also pray for you.

To: Cats | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 23, 2009

If you have some inside information authenticating the BOA you should share it and make yourself a hero because all the scholars recognize it as pulp fiction, even most mormon experts.

I love my enemies | 1:38 a.m. April 13, 2009

I do. All of you. Both those who believe in the scriptures, and those who do not. Both those who seek to keep the peace, and those who are unsucessfull at destroying testimonies.

Question for the war-bringer....

You do not believe in the Book of Abraham, you do not believe that Jospeh Smith was a true prophet, you do not believe in the LDS church, correct?

That's just dandy friend. This is a free country after all. But tell me something... WHY are you here? DesretNews is owned by the church and over 50% of its readers are latter-day saints. Fighting words won't work on the Mormons? We've been honorably defending our testiomies since the pre-existance friend.

You've shown us all that you do not agree with our beliefs. And that's just fine! But seriously... you don't really have a reason to act like my niece does during Primary.

Your on DeseretNews.com - obviously not here to read the news. Or Ether. I just want you think about that... I mean, I don't see any shattered testimonies around here. We love you dude but come on...

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1 photo

Sutcliffe Maudsley painting in 1842 of Lucy Mack Smith depicts her holding a Book of Mormon copy virtually identical to recent LDS Church acquisition.