Deseret News | Mormon girl competes in national Bible Bee

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Mormon girl competes in national Bible Bee

Hailey Jensen | 12:59 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

This was a very poorly written article. It sounded very self serving and prideful. I especially crinched at the part when it talked down about the baptist church and the lack of sponsorship. This story could have been a beauty but once again the deseret news found a way to botch it. In any event I am proud of this young lady but I hope the context of this story is not representative of herself of family.

Tenderheart | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Tia, you go girl! Ignore the sniping and keep doing what you love - competing and learning more about scripture. You're already challenging misconceptions, which is a great bonus.

Doug B | 8:01 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

I thought this was a great article about local news and am excited for Tia to go and compete.

I'd never heard of the Bible Bees. I think that's a great way to motivate people to spend more time learning and understanding the scriptures.

Best of luck to Tia! and many thanks to Millcreek Baptist Church for sponsoring such a worthwhile event.

Now that she has a chance to go to D.C. perhaps some more community members will also sponsor -- maybe consider donating the $5 they suggest at the link provided.

At any rate, thank you for the interesting and good news!

Comments continue below

Mike Johnson Fallon NV | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

To Questioner

Why would that be an issue at all, when this is about understanding the content of the Bible?

The LDS position that "the Bible is the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" doesn't preclude the study of the Bible by members of the LDS church.

Indeed, just look at the various translations out there and they say quite different things. They even have different numbers of books in them. The "critical" Greek New Testament--the basis for most modern translations--continues to be revised by Nestle-Aland, currently on their 27th edition and about to put out a 28th, each edition with textual variations.

All our English Bibles use derivative texts of the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament, while Christ and the Apostles quoted from the Septuagint, including passages that don't exist in the Masoretic Text--a major Jewish effort that began in 90 AD because of the loss of the records in the temple and in part in response to the rise of Christianity.

Recognizing that there are numerous translation issues with the Bible, doesn't mean LDS members don't revere and study the Bible.

Thomas Brunson | 8:53 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

I am confused at how this contest is judged if every other religion uses a common bible and the Mormon people use their Book of Mormon .. the answers are surely different ??

Happy Apostate | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

When I was a Mormon missionary, we called it Bible bashing. I think that is really a more appropriate term as the only real purpose is to prove you are right and "they" are wrong. Glad I left all that nonsense behind me, got a real education and left the church.

Really? | 9:25 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

After reading the part how she hopes her mom will let her do something else for Christmas. Makes it sound like its her parents not her that wants her to win.

@ Thomas Brunson | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

The LDS church uses the King James Version of the Holy Bible. The Book of Mormon is a separate book of scripture. How many other Christians don't know the difference??

Re; Mike Johson Fallon NV | 9:31 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

"Recognizing that there are numerous translations issues with the Bible, doesn't mean LDS members don't revere and study the Bible." In the Bible studies at my church,we have some members with the KJV some with modern translations, I prefer the Greek texts,the Septuagint(Apostles Bible) and the Greek NT)Like the Bereans in (Acts 17:11)we are serious about the Scriptures. There are no salvation doctrines in question. Currently I have the Greek Variants for the Gospel of John and Matthew, and Galatians Tell me what is mis-tranlated or missing.
One of the reasons for updates on Greek translations they have had several major manuscripts discoverd since the 1840's.

John Pack Lambert | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

To Thomas,
The Book of Mormon is an additional book of scripture, it does not replace the Bible but is used along side the Bible.

Sandy | 9:46 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Good question Mr. Brunson,
The Book of Mormon is a record of God's dealing with the ancient people of the new world, it's not the Mormon version of the bible. Mormons consider both to be the word of God. If the girl is competing on bible content, it's the same one.

To Questioner | 10:10 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

"Just wondering how this girl reconciles the LDS position in biblical inerrancy with the ones held by the Shelby Kennedy Foundation:
'The Bible in its entirety (all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) is the inspired Word of God, inerrant in its original autographs, and the only infallible and sufficient authority for faith and Christian living.'" Why should she or anyone else care what the Shelby Kennedy Foundation says? The statement itself is non-Biblical? By what authority do they declare that the Bible is the ONLY source of God's word?

Kate in SLC | 11:46 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

I had not heard about the Bible Bee until this article. What a wonderful way to encouarge youth to immerse themselves in the holy scriptures! I would have liked the article to have given us more info and history regarding it. The most important aspect of this story is not whether this girl is a Mormon, but that she is a teenager devoted to religious study and spiritualty. How refreshing! How fantastic! This is extremely rare in a society that worships electronics and materialism. I was more than happy to donate a few dollars to help support Tia's efforts, and hope others will, too. I wish to encourage her to continue to read & study God's words. Hooray for Tia and her family - people who are focusing on what is truly important in this life! And, Hooray for all of the other children of many different faiths across the country who are participating in this contest where no one can really lose!

JanSan | 12:35 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

I enjoyed reading about this girl and what she is trying to accomplish.

I think that it is really sad that "anti's" would use an article such as this for their on going "Mormon bashing"!!! Can't you just be happy for her?

Here we go again | 6:56 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Every article the anti-mormons get their hands on, they rip the church. Except they have nothing to stand on except for hate. This a article about a youth, and you turn into a Mormon bashing opportunity.

To Apostate | 7:03 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

I found the true church, and am proud to call it my own. The church expects a lot of me, and God would have it no other way. I will spend the rest of my life serving the church and try to build it up. There are many more of us joining than leaving.

Re: Here we go again | 7:09 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

How do you know the authors of the comments are anit-mormom? Hmmm, myself I am LDS and am very critical of many articles in the DNEWS. I know that there are many with me. Be careful before you start calling names.

Hope | 8:09 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Tia, You go girl! Keep up the good work! I am sure your Heavenly Father and your family are very pleased with you in learning the Holy scriptures. You are setting a fine example for the LDS faith and for all who question our beliefs in believing the Bible as the word of God and the BoM that testifies of the truthfulness of the Holy Bible!

MLE | 8:12 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

STOP!! ALL OF YOU!!

THIS ARTICLE ISN'T ABOUT YOU "BELIEVERS" OR "NON-BELIEVERS" IT WAS ABOUT TIA AND HER PARTICIPATING IN A BIBLE BEE!

And can I point out it was an article in a subsection of the Desnews called "Mormon Times". OBVIOUSLY it is going to be about MORMONS. Why are you shocked that the story revolved about MORMONS?

Seriously??

Everyone stop biblebashing. Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!Stop! Stop! Stop!Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!

Re; MLE | 8:31 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Take a deep breath and relax! Those who hate the LDS church will continue to hate it. The church will continue to progress and some will rant and rage against it. Things will continue pretty much as they are until the great Jehovah will say, "the work is done". Then there will be weaping, wailing and gnashing of teeth by those who fought against Zion and her God! Just make sure you are on the right side! Thanks for your efforts!

Earnest T. Bass | 8:49 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Way to go Tia and more power to ya....

Anonymous | 8:50 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

To the person giving the Greek translations and explanations: your Greek is sound. Well done.

Socalmon | 9:49 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

To all the bashers out there. I concur with HOPE. Go TIA. Be an example above the hate-mongers, apostates, and pretend apostates.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL.

Mel | 10:20 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

I am LDS and have a best friend who is of another faith. I am her first lds friend, she was taught not to ever befriend mormons. We have a great respect for one another, though we don't always see eye to eye. I have read the Bible several times, and love it and read it as often as I do the Book of Mormon. I feel like I know its teachings pretty well, but my friend knows the Bible hands down better than I do, and can quote from it at will as she uses the scriptures in her life daily to help herself, family and friends.
I commend Tia on studying the Bible as extensively as she is, having the word of the Lord in your mind daily can only aid you in your personal life.

NonLDS | 11:24 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009

This is heartbreaking. This young lady made such a great accomplishment, and of course is so proud to have an article about her in the newspaper. And look what adults ( I use the term loosely) are doing. To use this story to hash and re-hash theology with such virulent tones says so much. Did not Jesus say "Suffer the little children to come unto me for such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Let this young lady have her "day". This article is about the accomplishment of a child, not about a bunch of silly grown-ups fighting over theology. For pity's sake, Grow up people!

Michaelm | 8:52 p.m. Oct. 21, 2009

Amen! Stop making everything about your personal hang-ups, hatreds, and personal short comings and let find somewhere else to take your bitter petty rants.

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