Reader comments
Bennett invites readers to take a 'leap of faith'

Uninspired | 12:31 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

I never heard that the Book of Mormon was forged, but I did see excellent evidence that Joseph Smith used the existing ideas of the time (such as the already-known idea of American Indians being a lost tribe of Israel) to write what is essentially a preachy action novel.

Too bad it was so boring, as so famously pointed out by Mark Twain, and so poorly written. Not to mention historically inaccurate.

David Wakefield | 1:12 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Poorly written? I have been touched my whole life from the Book of Mormon more than anything else in my life. The expression of Fathers to their sons, teaching them to walk in the way of truth, virtue, and fidelity to the Lord has impacted me every day.
All the evidence that need is that it teaches me to do good, to be more Christlike in all my interactions with others, and it teaches me that no one is forgotten by the Lord. No matter where we are in the world, he knows us and strives to bless us.
And the Book of Mormon is not boring! I am captivated by it every day. It is the only book besides the Bible that I continue to read over and over and over because it continues to bring new insight and fresh reminders in my daily walk.
Hail to the Prophet!

Anonymous | 5:40 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Bennett represents the state about as well as his defending the mormon faith. And just think we pay him as a publuc official. Pretty sad!

Comments continue below

Re : David Wakefield | 8:31 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

" For I know that God is not a partial God,neither a changeable being;but he is unchangeable from all eternty to all eternity." (Moroni 8;18)
(No progression)

"..."and the only true doctrine of the Fatherand the Son,and the Holy Ghost,Which is one God,without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:21)
(Tri-une God)

Anonymous | 8:51 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Science doesn't require a "leap fo faith." Why does religion?

Captivating? NOT! | 8:53 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Joseph Smith copied about a half of the Book of Mormon from Isaiah--and it is terribly B O R I N G.

To: Captivating? NOT! . | 9:06 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

HALF copied from Isaiah? I have read it many times. While I, like many others struggle a little through the Isaiah sections, I can surely tell you that it is nowhere near half... In fact, I would say about 1% comes from Isaiah. Maybe some scholar will know the actual percentage, but it is much closer to 1% than it is to 50%.

I Detest War and Violence | 9:15 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

The Book of Mormon is so violent. Give me the love, charity and forgiveness of the New Testament anyday over the Book of Mormon.

Free to choose | 9:19 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

I agree with David Wakefield. The Book of Mormon is a book for OUR TIMES TODAY. It teaches us how to deal with today's issues of self-centeredness, greed, pride, wickedness ... and warns us exactly what the outcomes will be for us if we choose one way or the other - to follow Jesus Christ and accept His Atonement in our lives, or not.
The way to find out if it is true or not is to choose to apply the principles taught in the book. I have and I am at peace while the world around me is spinning out of control. I have 4 wonderful adult children, 3 wonderful children-in-law, and one (so far) incredible grandson. I am happy because I know our relationships will be eternal as we strive to live God's commandments, as also shared in the Book of Mormon.

James | 9:30 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

I have my doubts about the Book of Mormon. It is more a matter of faith. However, Bennett is a known. And it is easy to know that he has not been an effective legislature for the state or the nation. If he is really the religous man he pretents to be then he will have the goodness to step aside and give the GOP an opportunity to present a qualified candidate who can effectively represent the citizens in this time of great need.

Re: Isaiah and Joseph | 10:06 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

(Abraham 3:27)"And the Lord said: Whom shall I send?and one answered like unto the son of man, Here I am send Me,and the Lord said; I will send the first.
(Isaiah 6:8)"Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying whom shall I send,and who will go for us? Then said I{Isaiah},here am I send me.
Joseph mis-understands the calling of Isaiah,not Jesus.

IndepenentLiberal | 10:17 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

David

Your post displays one of the primary reasons Christians around the world are suspicious of Mormonism…Shouldn’t Hail the Profit…really say Praise God.

JanSan | 10:24 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

I also stand firmly behind the Book of Mormon.
I love to not only read the book but to STUDY it!
To delve into it and study the words used and the sentence structure. How ANYONE could think that a man with Joseph Smith's educational background could just off the cuff write this book is beyong my ability to understand!!!
I have put it too the test - and am still reading it!
I love it!!!!

re: Independent Liberal | 11:10 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Point well taken. When I say Hail to the Prophet, it is because he gave his life in defense of his testimony of the Savior, and the restoration of his church on the earth in these last days...And the Book of Mormon was a huge part in restoring many truths that had been lost over the centuries. So Hail to the Prophet, and Praise God for loving us enough to restore the fullness of the Gospel once again to the earth. It is because of the Prophet, which we most certainly revere, that we have a true knowledge of our Savior and Redeemer once again on the earth today. I know for those with an critical eye it is hard to see why we love the Prophet so much. I am sure most prophets actually are uncomfortable with such adoration, and they would point us towards more faithful adoration and worship of the Lord. But I don't think the Lod is going to penalize the latter-day saints on the day of judgment for revering one such as Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration!

Bill | 11:33 a.m. Sept. 4, 2009

To Re: Isaiah and Joseph:

Actually the scriptures from Abraham has no bearing at all about what is in Isaiah. The scripture in Abraham refers to the preexistance of man on earth before the Earth was created. It is there that we all mankind was given the plan of happiness. It was here that Christ spoke and stated send me and the glory be thine where as Satan (Lucifer) spoke no send me and not one shall be lost and the glory be mine. It is then that a war resulted and 1/3 of the host of heaven was cast out to the earth.

There is evidence of this in Revelation as well as other parts of the New Testament testifying of this expulsion. This is the army of Lucifer that fights against all of the things of God. It is this that causes the wars, hungers, greeds, prides and other type of things through out the world. Yes, when someone states the DEVIL made me do it is a matter of fact statement of truth.

Senator Bennett's testimony I concur with of the truthfulness of this Marvelous Work and Wonder, THE BOOK OF MORMON.

lTo: Jan SAn | 12:07 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

If you like the BOM, try reading some real good science fictions literature; you will love it and it will lead you into the modern world of possibilities. Good reading.

A Man's Perspective | 12:10 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Joseph Smith did not write the Book of Mormon. Even many critics are finally starting to realize that. Some of the "awkward" phrases in the book are evidence of its truthfulness - phrases that make more sense in Hebrew, for example.

I find the book fascinating. I find time and time again that some verse or phrase in it is just what I need at that time. Its spirit resonates in me, and time and time again, the Spirit of God testifies to me of its truthfulness.

To: independent liberal | 12:14 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

When you say inaccurate things like: "he gave his life", you destroy crediabliliy. Joseph Smith was unwillingly murdered by a mob. It was a self defeating act by the mob because if Joseph Smith had lived longer he may have proved himself a liar or a saint. But because of his death we are made free to make unreasoned judgements of faith with out fountation or prove.

History repeats itself | 12:20 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

"Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"
Maybe it was a story, a suggestion or a rumour about their existence that came first.
It was then man's part to become aware of them. :-)

I say this because The Book of Mormon may be a revelation of times unfolding now and our times to come: A history that has not yet unfolded. Given enough time, the Book of Mormon may very well become history.

David Wakefield | 12:56 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

It is accurate to say he "gave his life." While he lived he dedicated his life to sharing his testimony and faith in the Savior, and in the restoration of His church. Coming close to the time of his murder, assasination, martyrdom, or whatever anyone wants to call it, he mentioned to his close associates, "I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall be said of me–He was murdered in cold blood" (Doctrine and Covenants 135:4).
So in my opinion he willingly gave him self up to those who eventually allowed, or negligently contributed to his death. So he did give his life in defense of that what he felt was true and right. Those who killed him were against what Joseph Smith was teaching and testifying of, and felt the world would be a better place without the Prophet. There hope was in vain, and the world is a better place because of him.

RE; Bill, Isaiah Joseph | 1:02 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

(Abraham 3:26)" And they who keep their first estate...second estate.
(Jude 6)("And the Angels,which kept not their first (estate)=(archen) Archen is the Greek word for rule or Authority. The fallen angels lost their positon of authority. Joseph could not read Greek,this verse has nothing to do with mortal pe-existence and Angels are a different order of creation.

RE: Jan and san | 1:09 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Read (D&C 7:1-3) According to Joseph the Apostle John is still alive.

Frankly Speaking... | 1:10 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

@ Dave Wakefield,

He gave his life willingly? Then why did he fire that pistol down the stairway just before he was shot? A lttle last minute target practice perhaps?

Correction | 1:28 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

"Nephi and Jacob and Mormon and Moroni wrote the book of Mormon. If they're all the same, there was a single forger. Do the four authors sound different? Yes. They clearly do."

Bennett is wrong.

Three Stanford University professors used advanced statistical methods to determine, on a chapter-by-chapter basis, the probability that each of seven potential authors wrote or contributed to the BOM. Five of the seven have known or alleged connections to the BOM, two do not, and were added as controls based on their thematic, linguistic, and historical similarity to the BOM. Their results indicate that likely nineteenth century contributors were Solomon Spalding, a writer of historical fantasies; Sidney Rigdon, a perhaps unstable preacher; and Oliver Cowdery, a schoolteacher with editing experience. Our findings support the hypothesis that Rigdon was the main architect of the Book of Mormon and are consistent with historical evidence suggesting that he fabricated the book by adding theology to the unpublished writings of Spalding.

Jockers, M.L., Witten, D.M., & Criddle, C.S.(2008).Reassessing authorship of the Book of Mormon using delta and nearest shrunken centroid classification. Literary and Linguistic Computing, Vol.23,No.4, p.465-491.

RE: Jan San | 2:50 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

The reason (D&C 7:1-3)is a false prophecy is:
(John 21:23 KJV)"...Then went this saying abroad among the brethren,that the apostles should not die;yet Jesus said not unto him,He "shall not die."

John 21:23 NIV)"... the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciples would not die. But Jesus did say that he would not die;
Joseph mis-understood the KJV translation, the NIV better translate the Greek word order.

A Man's Perspective | 5:06 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

There are word-print studies that are favorable to the Book of Mormon. I am skeptical of both word print studies, either favorable to the Book of Mormon or not.

RE: RE; Bill, Isaiah Joseph | 5:33 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Clearly you believe in the catholic view of angels.

MOrmons have a different understanding of angels.

and DO NOT believe them a separate creation,

But are "us" in pre-mortal or post-mortal form.

For example:

pre-mortal Adam is the arch-angel Michael,

post-mortal Noah is Gabriel

So in understanding Jude, mormons believe in a literal pre-mortal state that we all existed in together including those that end up folloeing lucifer, and cast out never to recieve a mortal state,

thus making us ALL literal spirit brothers and sisters

and do NOT adhere to the greek translation,

and we do know in studying foreign languages, that words (and phrases) can have several meanings and connotations,

so translation can very tricky, not only in tranlating the words but also the meaning.

LDS Praise | 5:59 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Godly worship should be vetical not horizontal, praise of Joseph is bad.(Deut 34:5) Moses dies and is buried,"but to this day no one knows where his grave is."
The reason for this God knows if people find his body(or parts) they would worship it. Men should not worship men (Acts 10:25,26)
Mormon hymn "Praise to the man",is about Joseph Smith

BoM a group effort | 6:07 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

It is often remarked that Joseph Smith Jr, at age 14, had no real education... how could he have come up with the Book of Mormon?!

Do realize, however, that the Book of Mormon was an effort of several men of the day. Oliver Cowdery, given credit as the "scribe", was a learned school teacher. -Furthermore, the King James Bible was often used as a template.

===

Joseph Smith Jr, as taught by the LDS faith, is a type of folk hero. He is larger than life. Heroes of legendary proportion are commonplace in religion.

His legend bears little resemblence his historical person.

RE: Correction | 1:28 p.m | 6:17 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

one BIG problem with the study is it did not take into account HOW the BOM was translated, or HOW the urim and thumim work.

Was Joseph Smith dictating translation word for word,

or did he communicate "pictures" or "thoughts" which was written down in the words of the transcriber (a transcibers perhaps familiar with spalding?) ?

THERE is no detail of how the translation was done, beyond a few brief words about it.

And does not satan come up with his own version things, his own miracles, his own books, his own governing system, to confuse and decieve people,

even the most intellect?

NEVER underestimate satan.

AND WORST of all the study does NOT make any DEFINITE conlusions, just indications of possibilty.

Correction | 6:54 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

To RE: Correction,

The study does not have to take into account "HOW the BOM was supposedly translated.

The study simply identifies the patterns in the text and shows that they are very highly statistically related to patterns found in the known texts of these three authors.

The control authors showed no relationship in the patterns found in their texts.

These textual patterns are very similar to "fingerprints".

If at a crime scene you find fingerprints that match a specific person, you do not need to explain HOW they got there. The FACT that they are there is powerful evidence.

So, assuming the Book of Mormon WAS actually "translated," and IS an ancient text, how can YOU explain the existence of Sidney Rigdon's, Solomon Spaulding's, and Oliver Cowdery's "fingerprints" at the crime scene?

I have read many apologists try to explain BOM anachronisms by claiming that Joseph Smith's lexicon was understandably filtering the "translation" (thus, ancient Jews used the word "Christ" - a GREEK word they would have never known, or "adieu" a 16th century French word).

But how did the "fingerprints" of these three authors get all over the text of the BOM?

Please explain!

RE; Bill 5:33 | 7:03 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

The Catholic and Protestant(Christian) views on Angels are the same,I understand Mormon teaching on Angels,I was married in the Church and my wife still is a Mormon(Jack). "When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden,he came into it with a celestial body and brought eve one of his wives,with him. He helped to to make an organize the world. He is Michael the Arch-angel....He is our father and our God...."(Brigham Young JOD vol 1:50-51)This is called the Adam-God doctrine,Do you beleive this? The mis-understanding of Angelolgy leads to doctrines such as this.

RE: RE; Bill 5:33 | 7:03 p.m. | 8:57 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009

Between "Arch-angel", and "he is our father and God" is bunch a ellipises or dots,

NOT knowing what was left out,

there is NO WAY to acertain what "he is our father and God" is refering to.

THough it clear what YOU are trying to imply.

I believe you also need understand what is a God, and how mormons view godliness, and that GOD is othe literal father of our spirits, we are his litireral spirit children, we CAN, if we follow the correct path, become like our father.

Mormon just have a broader view of God, what is GOD, and who can be come a God.

SFC RET DENNIS | 12:41 p.m. Sept. 5, 2009

Frankly Speaking... | 1:10 p.m. Sept. 4, 2009 were do you get your information? J.s. could not have fired at anyone as he was locked up without a weapon. So I as again, "were do you get your information?" it is inaccurate.

guest | 2:50 p.m. Sept. 5, 2009

Believing in the BOM is just a small step that is as easy as believing in the KJV Bible. They are verily 2 Books of God. I love those two sacred sticks.

However, believing in the D&C and the PoGP requires as Sen.Bennett states "a leap of faith" (into a bottomless pit of error).

The BOM also has a future promise: The American Indian Moses (the real Choice Seer) will soon come forth in the USA.

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