After reading the Book of Mormon and then following up with with a reading of the New Testament I was struck by the same problems the Savior constantly encountered during His ministry as did Joseph Smith encountered bringing forth the Book of Mormon and establishing the LDS church. I have made some observation of the Mormon church today and compared how the critics of the LDS church and the Book of Mormon end up the same place the critics of the Savior and His church ended up in the Bible.
Larry C
“While the Savior was making His second missionary tour
through Galilee, going about through all the cities and villages, teaching in
their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every
sickness and every disease among the people, the absurd theory that Christ was
himself a victim of demoniacal possession, and that He operated by the power of
the devil, was urged and enlarged upon until it became the generally
accepted explanation among the Pharisees and their kind.” Math 12: 14-15
Talmage pg 266
To counter this
Christ said that a house divided against itself cannot stand or Satan cannot
testify of Christ and do great miracles because by so doing he would be against
himself. Jesus went on to say. “An evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit. “
Today this same argument has been put forth to explain the
work of the prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. The scholarly and
religious critics of our time ignore, minimize and even demonize the obvious good fruits of Joseph
Smith, the church he restored and
the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. In recent times these die hard critics have come on hard times because of what
has become more and more obvious regarding “the good fruit” of Mormon Christianity
and the authenticity of the Book
of Mormon as an ancient religious text. In the face of the obvious the only explanation modern
critics can come up with anymore is the same story critics used to explain the
Savior’s disturbing success. It is the
work of the devil . This book Joseph translated in 65 days has survived
almost 200 years of careful scrutiny , yet has become the sixth most printed (150,000,000
copies) and read book of all time.
Currently translated in over 200 languages it stands as a
powerful witness for the divinity and resurrection of the savior and is the
single greatest evidence that the Bible is true. Yet , today’s religious
scholars only explanation is—it must be the work of Satan. Like
those who opposed the Savior while standing in His very presence , modern day Scribes
and “Pharisees” now have to admit that Joseph could never have written the Book
of Mormon . Its complexity, its ancient Chiasmic writing style , and many other
internal and external evidences have shown that to be impossible.
An example is found in a book by Loftes
Tryk, The Best Kept Secrets in the Book of Mormon, Redondo Beach,
CA: Jacob's Well Foundation, 1988. Tryk argues that the Book of Mormon is
packed with elegant examples of chiasmus and other complex structures.
"Even a very high native intellect would not account for a computer-like
selection of images which have been fitted into the story with such knife-edge
precision. The closer we examine the Book of Mormon's literary character, the
greater burden will be placed on the theory of an unaided creation. There are
too many complex uses of symbolism and of sophisticated literary form in
it" (Tryk, p. 82). He notes that the chiasms of Alma 42 are "a
formidable piece of writing," perhaps "unequaled in brilliance
anywhere else in literature" (p. 84). Tryk argues that the only reasonable
explanation is supernatural origin - but he ascribes that supernatural power to
Satan” .
Desperate men who derive their social stature and make their
living “preaching the word of God and criticizing other religions ” cannot bear
to have such a challenge to their status quo as the message of the restoration
and the Book of Mormon. Sounds all
to familiar to the religious community at the time of the Savior, doesn’t it? It is noteworthy that the Church of
Jesus Christ (the Mormon church) never criticizes other religions.
Yet many of the Mormon church’s most ardent critics spend an enormous
amount of time and money not
talking about the Savior and going about doing good but trying to undermine the
good fruit of Mormon Christianity and the Book of Mormon’s powerful witness to
the world that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind. One only
needs to look on the internet to see this misguided effort. Yet try to find
where the Mormons spend their time, money and effort criticizing other
churches. They just present the facts and tell their message of hope that God
lives and speaks today to a troubled world through living prophets and that his
Son is preparing the world for His glorious second coming. You would think they
would welcome such a message and book. Look at the fruits of the Mormon church, its doctrine , its
culture, and its families. Judge for yourself. What other culture and people is
its equal?
The Savior told us
how to recognize the truth. It takes effort , thought and prayer but is
foolproof.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I
speak of myself.
Math 7:7-16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can
a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the
fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
The following is the
scripture Joseph Smith read in the
Bible that lead to his first
vision and eventual coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
James 1:5 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.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the
wind and tossed.
We read in the Book of
Mormon itself the same ideas
presented by James --
“Moroni 10:8 that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father,
in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere
heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the
power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
Some of the fruits of Mormonism
1.
Sponsors Mormon tabernacle choir the oldest running continuous
radio broadcast on radio. Listen to the “Spoken work each Sunday and judge for
yourself. Is this the work of Satan?
2.
The LDS church has a world wide missionary force of
young men and women who serve and pay their own way for two years in 405 missions throughout the world. A
continuous force of 70,000, which gives all worthy young men and women a chance
to participate, is maintained. Senior couples, after their own families are
raised, also pay their own way and work as service missionaries throughout the
world. The highest level of personal conduct is required by all of these
people. Hard to imagine an angry Satan the master mind and promoter behind all
of this.
3.
Sponsors worlds largest private university-BYU .Provo,
Idaho and Hawaii All students are
required to live a strict code of behavior which requires absolute sexual
morality, no alcohol, tobacco, high standard of honesty with all academic work.
Has some of the nations highest rated academic programs. Students from most all
nations of the world fiercely compete to gain admittance with four times as
many foreign languages spoken and taught on campus and taught than any other
university. Recent published facts about the BYU (. Bilingual is the norm
BYU web site.
“ Over three quarters of the student body have some
proficiency in a second language (numbering 107 languages in total). During any
given semester, about one-third of BYU's student body is enrolled in foreign
language classes, a rate nearly four times the national average! BYU offers
courses in over 60 different languages, many with advanced courses that are
seldom offered elsewhere. The university was selected by the United States
Department of Education as the location of the national Middle East Language
Resource Center, making the school a hub for experts on that region.
The world really is our campus
The Institute of International Education ranked BYU as the
number one university in the nation to offer students study abroad
opportunities. BYU has study abroad locations in London, Paris, Jerusalem and
more than 20 additional sites. Plus, BYU's International Cinema is the largest
and longest-running university-sponsored foreign film program in the United
States.
We can seriously get our groove on
The BYU Ballroom Dance Company has won the U.S. National
Formation Dance Championship every year since 1982. BYU's Ballroom
dance team was the first American team to win the formation championships at
the famed Blackpool Dance Festival in England in 1972, and continue
to dominate at the festival to this day.
Ice cream at the Creamery is cheaper now than in 1950
In 1950 the BYU Creamery sold ice cream in quart cartons for
about 19 cents. Today a half-gallon carton of vanilla sells for $2.99. Big
price jump, right? Wrong. Adjusted for inflation, a half-gallon carton
from 1950 would cost you $3.61 in 2012. So ice cream is really cheaper on
campus now than it was 60 years ago.
And that's something to rise and shout
about.”
These young ambassadors on the streets and
universities of the world represent America well. You have to ask yourself how a church that sponsors such a
unique student body would be the work of Lucifer. I thought it was his work to
drag men down to hell and be miserable like he is. I’ll bet there is no ice cream in hell.
4.
The LDS church has created the most effective welfare
system in the world. 100% of all donations go to the needy. There is no
overhead in creating or distributing
these donations. They are
created by the members of the church fasting 24 hours every month and then
giving a generous offering of the money saved to help others. In contrast 25 cents of every tax dollar in a government sponsored
welfare system end up in the pockets of the needy. Most of the donation is lost
in the administration of the goods and services. The LDS system has the ability of being able to take
care of all its own members in need
without waste, graft or fraud. A Bishop in the church is directly responsible
to seek out those members who need
help receive it under the caring supervision of the Home Teachers and Relief
Society sisters. The church has a extensive employment service, to help train and assist those who can
work, to looking for
employment. Because the
church has had excess goods in its welfare programs, it has been able to
contribute in both materials and services to humanitarian needs world wide . It
has done a lot of this assistance in cooperation with Catholic Charities and
other creditable organization. Its goal is to get the needed assistance
directly into the hands and locations of those who need it. See lds.org and
look under welfare.
In conclusion:
A close reading of Matt:12 reveals the thoughts and
words of the Savior regarding the critics ,when they who should have known
better , accused him of doing his miracles under the power and direction of “Beelzebub” or Satan. He puts these people in a class of
wickedness all by itself. I quote
“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven
unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto
men.” Here the savior say these
people who in the light of day deny the existence of the sun are in danger of being sons of that
evil person himself and live in a place where there is no light. Something these misguided people should
consider.
The fruits of Mormonism is
recognized by some as shown in the following national newspaper article called The Mormonizing of
America
www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-mansfield/the-mormonizing-of-americ...
Nov 6, 2012 - Mormons rise in this life because it is what their
religion calls for. Achieving. Progressing. Learning. Forward, upward motion.
“Few observers seemed to be able to explain how this new
level of LDS prominence in American society came about. They reached for
the usual answers trotted out to account for such occurrences: birth
rates, Ronald Reagan's deification of traditional values, the economic
boom of the late twentieth century, a more liberal and broadminded
society, even the dumbing down of America through television and failing
schools. Each of these explanations was found wanting.
The Mormon Machine
The truth lay within Mormonism itself. What the Saints had
achieved in the United States was what Mormonism, unfettered and well
led, will nearly always produce. This was the real story behind the much-touted
"Mormon Moment." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints had risen to unexpected heights in American society because the
Mormon religion creates what can benevolently be called a Mormon
Machine-- a system of individual empowerment, family investment, local
church (ward and stake level) leadership, priesthood government,
prophetic endowment, Temple sacraments, and sacrificial financial
endowment of the holy Mormon cause.
Plant Mormonism in any country on earth and pretty much the same
results will occur. If successful, it will produce deeply moral
individuals who serve a religious vision centered upon achievement in this
life. They will aggressively pursue the most advanced education possible,
understand their lives in terms of overcoming obstacles, and eagerly
serve the surrounding society. The family will be of supernatural importance
to them, as will planning and investing for future generations. They will be
devoted to community, store and save as a hedge against future hardship, and
they will esteem work as a religious calling. They will submit to civil
government and hope to take positions within it. They will have advantages in this.
Their beliefs and their lives in all-encompassing community will
condition them to thrive in administrative systems and hierarchies--a
critical key to success in the modern world. Ever oriented to a corporate
life and destiny, they will prize belonging and unity over individuality
and conflict every time.
These hallmark values and behaviors--the habits that distinguish
Mormons in the minds of millions of Americans-- grow naturally from Mormon
doctrine. They are also the values and behaviors of successful people.
Observers who think of the religion as a cult--in the Jim Jones sense that
a single, dynamic leader controls a larger body of devotees through fear, lies,
and manipulation--usually fail to see this. Mormon doctrine is inviting, the
community it produces enveloping and elevating, the lifestyle it
encourages empowering in nearly every sense. Success, visibility,
prosperity, and influence follow. This is the engine of the Mormon
ascent. It is what has attracted so many millions, and it is the mechanism of
the Latter-day Saints' impact upon American society and the world.
Mormons make achievement through organizational management
a religious virtue. It leads to prosperity, visibility, and power. It
should come as no surprise, then, that an American can turn on the
evening news after a day of work and find one report about two Mormon
presidential candidates, another story about a Mormon finalist on
American Idol, an examination of the controversial views of a leading
Mormon news commentator, a sports story about what a Mormon lineman does
with his "Temple garments" in the NFL, and a celebration of how
Mormons respond to crises like Katrina and the BP oil spill, all by a
"Where Are They Now?" segment about Gladys Knight, minus the
Pips, who has become--of course--a Mormon.
Mormons rise in this life because it is what their religion
calls for. Achieving. Progressing. Learning. Forward, upward motion. This
is the lifeblood of earthly Mormonism. Management, leadership, and organizing
are the essential skills of the faith. It is no wonder that Mormons
have grown so rapidly and reached such stellar heights in American
culture. And there is much more to come.”
Additional references for
the searching mind:
Lds.org
Mormon.org
References relating to the
writing styles found in the Book of Mormon.
1. Hildesheim, Chiasmus
in Antiquity, Gerstenberg, 1981, as cited by J. Welch, "Chiasmus in
Alma 36," FARMS Working Paper WEL-89a, Foundations for Ancient Research
and Mormon Studies, Provo, Utah, 1989. [BACK]
2. Victor L. Ludlow,
Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet, Deseret Book Comp., Salt Lake City,
Utah, 1982, p. 37. [BACK]
3. John W. Welch,
"A Masterpiece: Alma 36," in Rediscovering
the Book of Mormon, ed. J.L. Sorenson and M.J. Thorne, Deseret Book Comp.,
Salt Lake City, Utah, 1991. Available online at http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=72&chapid=865. [BACK]
5. J. Welch,
"Chiasmus in Alma 36," FARMS Working Paper WEL-89a, Foundations for
Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, Provo, Utah, 1989. [BACK]
6. Wade Brown, The
God-Inspired language of the Book of Mormon, Rainbow Press, Clackamas,
Oregon, 1988, pp. 554-560, as cited by Welch, 1989. [BACK]
"Does Chiasmus Appear in the Book of Mormon by Chance?" by Edwards and W. Farrell Edwards in BYU Studies,
Vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 103-130 (2004). The link includes the article and some
related resources. A must read!
What is Chiasmus? - a helpful
article at Chiasmus.com
Chiasmus:
An Important Structural Device Commonly Found in Biblical Literature (PDF) by Brad McCoy, an excellent survey of scholarship on the
importance of chiasmus in the Bible.
Nephi's Convincing of Christ through Chiasmus: Plain and
Precious Persuading from a Prophet of God by David E. Sloan, from Journal of Book of Mormon Studies,
Volume 6, Issue 2, 1997. The link is for a PDF file. The article is also
available in HTML format.
Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon: A Remarkable Literary Art at ComeToZarahemla.org.
How Much Was Known about Chiasmus in 1829 When the Book of
Mormon Was Translated? by John Welch
The FARMS Multimedia Page - excellent video and audio recordings of significant lectures
on LDS topics. Be sure to see John Welch's lecture, "Chiasmus in the Book
of Mormon," in Quicktime or Windows Media Player formats.
Criteria for Identifying and Evaluating the Presence of Chiasmus by John Welch, from Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Volume
4, Issue 2, 1995.
Out of the Darkness: The Chiastic Structure of Christ's
Introduction in 3 Nephi 9:13-22
Robert Lowth, Lectures on the Sacred Poetry of the Hebrews (orig. De Sacra Poesi Hebraeorum Praelectiones Academicae),
translated by G. Gregory, Andover, Mass., 1829, available online via Google Books.
John Jebb, Sacred Literature. London, 1820,
available online at Google Books. See for yourself
if the discussion of "epanodos" there could have been used to create
Alma 36 and other masterpieces of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. Start on page
65.
Book of Mormon Authorship Revisited:
The Evidence for Ancient Origins
The following quote from Loftes Tryk, The Best
Kept Secrets in the Book of Mormon, was taken from WIKIPEDIA using the key word of “Chiasmus” You
will find a good representation of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon listed at the
bottom of this internet page .http://www.jefflindsay.com/chiasmus.shtml Also
listed on this page are many references to scholarly articles on the subject of
Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon that are listed in this paper. Below is the original quote used previously in this blog.
“Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is evidence of an ancient
origin, not conclusive proof. It is just one of several complex forms of
literary parallelism that are common to other ancient Semitic writings. If
these examples are real and nonrandom, then it becomes increasingly probable
that the Book of Mormon is not a nineteenth century writing, but is a
translation of an ancient text representing, at least in part, a highly
developed literary tradition. Chiasmus is part of the intellectual evidence for
accepting or believing in an ancient origin to the text. For some critics, it
is so convincing that they must resort to arguing that Satan inspired the
chiasmus in the text in order to deceive people. An example is found in a book
by Loftes Tryk, The Best Kept Secrets in the Book of Mormon,
Redondo Beach, CA: Jacob's Well Foundation, 1988. Tryk argues that the Book of
Mormon is packed with elegant examples of chiasmus and other complex
structures. "Even a very high native intellect would not account for a
computer-like selection of images which have been fitted into the story with
such knife-edge precision. The closer we examine the Book of Mormon's literary
character, the greater burden will be placed on the theory of an unaided
creation. There are too many complex uses of symbolism and of sophisticated
literary form in it" (Tryk, p. 82). He notes that the chiasms of Alma 42
are "a formidable piece of writing," perhaps "unequaled in
brilliance anywhere else in literature" (p. 84). Tryk argues that the only
reasonable explanation is supernatural origin - but he ascribes that supernatural
power to Satan. I find that a pretty wild argument, especially when much of the
chiasmus - like the Book of Mormon itself - is designed to focus our attention
on Christ as the Redeemer and Savior. Look at Alma 36, for example. What honest
Christian can help but rejoice to see the forgiving power of Christ so
beautifully taught and so majestically crafted into poetry? The Book of Mormon
is a Christ-centered book, teaching us to look toward Christ - the Christ that
we read of in the Bible, not "some other Christ" as critics often try
argue - for salvation, for grace, for forgiveness, to be baptized in His name
and follow Him. I don't think anyone can honestly read the Book of Mormon
without realizing that it confirms the Bible and teaches of Christ. “
Larry Connell
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