If You Believe The Bible, Then Why Not The Book of Mormon

Before any of you get too irritated at my title, please, please take the time to read on and understand where I’m coming from. I love the Bible. If I could open it to you I think you’d believe me. It is one of the most significant guiding influences in my life today. It helps me to become a better husband, father, business owner, and friend. But here is my question. I am trying to figure out why people are able to so easily believe the Bible, but are unwilling to even consider the chance that The Book of Mormon might be true as well.

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If you are to ask most professing Christians, they will tell you that they believe the Bible to be the infallible word of God. I always immediately agree with them except for the infallibility part. (More on that later) My next question is always, well…”which Bible”? There are literally hundreds of translations with slight variations in each of them. Some variations are agreeable, but then…others don’t even resemble each other. Many people will say, “go back to the Greek”, and then I ask, “you know Greek?”, They’ll say… “well no”, but my pastor does. So I’ll say, “what is the Greek going to do for us because Jesus and the apostles spoke Galilean Aramaic.” Josephus (Greatest Jewish Historian) tells us that Greek wasn’t spoken in first century Israel and that it was an extreme rarity for a Jew to know Greek. So in reality, no one on this planet can show me the original manuscripts for the New Testament. They are gone! All we have are copies of copies of copies and hundreds of biased translators “trying to get it right”. So when a “Mormon” says, “No I can’t reproduce the ‘gold plates’ for you to look at”, it’s really not to dissimilar to a person saying that they can’t reproduce the original Bible for me to look at. The absence of the original isn’t a deal breaker for me and I’m assuming it’s not for you.

Another question I might ask is who decided that the Bible was going to consist of 66 books. There are 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books in the Bible. Why? Who received a revelation from God that those 66 books contained everything that God wanted us to know for the next 2000 plus years? Not Peter, because the Bible was compiled long after Peter was gone. Most people don’t even realize that the Bible is not in chronological order. Revelation was definitely not the last book that was written even though it appears last in the New Testament. What about the “lost books?” What about 3rd Corinthians 1 Cor. 5:9 or the epistle to the Church at Laodicea (Col. 4:16). What about the book of Jasher (Josh. 10:132 Sam. 1:18); book of the acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11:41); or the book of Samuel the seer (1 Chr. 29:29)?  What took place during the 40 day ministry found during Acts 1? What if there was something in one of those books that God wanted us to know?

My point in saying all of this is two fold.

1. We need prophets! Amos 3:7  says “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Only a prophet that receives revelation is in a position to tell us what should and should not be included in the “Word of God”. No monk, reformer, or scholar is in a position to make that declaration no matter how well intentioned he might be. To say the canon is closed would require a revelation in and of itself. 

2. It takes just as much faith to declare that the Bible is true as it does to make the same declaration about the Book of Mormon being true.

Let me illustrate.

In Exodus 14 there is a man named Moses that parts the Red Sea. Literally…the Hebrews walk through on dry ground. In Joshua 10:12, the sun stood still and the moon didn’t move. So what this is saying is that the earth stopped rotating. In Genesis 19:24-26, Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt. In Numbers 22:28-30 an ass speaks to his master. He tells him whats up! In Judges 14-16, Samson kills 1,000 Philistines by himself…with a jawbone of an ass. In Genesis 6, a guy named Noah builds a ship and him and his wife as well as 3 of their sons and their wives hop aboard. Oh yeah…along with two of every kind of animal, bird, and seed. The earth is subsequently flooded. We are yet to find the ark. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are walking in the midst of a roaring furnace fire and remain unharmed. In 2 Kings 2:11 Elijah is taken up into heaven on a “chariot of fire”. In Matt 14:25-26, Jesus is walking on water. Even Peter takes a few steps on the water himself! To top it all off, we have the Virgin Birth and subsequent Atonement and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These are just a few examples of things that happened in the Bible that most people accept without questioning. In Matt 23, Christ is confused by the Pharisees and their willingness to so easily accept the teachings and stories of Abraham and Moses but are so unwilling to even consider things that Christ was doing and teaching them at that exact moment. “A prophet hath no honor in his own country”…and in his own time I might add.

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Does all this stuff seem unbelievable? Of course it does! And yet so many still believe. Why? Because they know as well as I know, that with God, all things are possible and who are we to question or limit Him in what He can or cannot do? Does it sound any more believable that God appeared to a boy prophet in a grove of trees and that an ancient record was buried in the earth from long ago?

So think about this for a second! Really think about it! So lets just say you believe the Bible, and you also believe its infallible. You understand that there are no original documents that you can source just to be sure, and even at that you have no proof that the things that were actually written in the original documents actually happened. With all of that faith…I’m so curious…how its so hard for someone to give the Book of Mormon a chance. So many people write off Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon because “there is no way that could happen these days” or because “my friend told me it was a fraud.” Well guess what. That is what people say about the Bible too…but do you believe them? No! So why not give the Book of Mormon a chance as well?

I tell you honestly…that I don’t know if I could even believe the Bible if I did not have a second witness in the Book of Mormon to testify of the things that took place in the Bible! Did you realize that one of the main reasons the Book of Mormon was written and compiled was to testify of the Bible and help people who were unsure of the veracity of the Bible?

For behold, this (Book of Mormon) is written for the intent that ye may believe that (Bible); and if ye believe that (Bible) ye will believe this (Book of Mormon) also; and if ye believe this (Book of Mormon) ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them. (Mormon 7:8-9)

I believe that the Lord saw the day we live in and that it would be full of skeptics and doubters. He knew that people would begin to doubt the reality of God and His Christ and the truthfulness of the Bible and so He called a prophet to translate an ancient record similar to the Bible as another testament of Jesus Christ.

All I’m trying to say is that if you’re willing to accept and believe the Bible, then why not give the Book of Mormon a chance. Both take faith, and if what happened in the Bible is possible, then what happened in the Book of Mormon is also possible. The Book of Mormon in no way contradicts the Bible. Rather, it reinforces it in every way shape and form. It is the stick of Joseph talked about in Ezek 37:15-17 and a record of the “other sheep” that Christ spoke about in John 10:16.

Just give it a try…

 

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30 thoughts on “If You Believe The Bible, Then Why Not The Book of Mormon

  1. Sarah

    I love this Greg!!! One thing that has reinforced my belief in the Book of Mormon is the idea that God wouldn’t just leave half of the world in the dark on the existence of Christ. If Christ is so important, wouldn’t it be important for ALL people to know about Him?

    I adore your blog. Never stop writing!!!!!

    -Southern Mormon Mommy
    http://www.southernmormonmommy.blogspot.com

  2. Dennis Madderra

    Great comments! I don’t think a lot of people understand how revelation works and how Prophets lead. Many I’ve met who refuse to believe in the Book of Mormon base their disbelief on some human frailty or statement made by a Prophet in some informal setting or a statement made to one group of people that is then taken as to apply to everyone. We are God’s hands upon the earth, and we are weak, faulty beings. But that’s ok because our Father loves us and forgives us our mistakes as well as our sins. Read the Book of Mormon, pray about it earnestly, then, determine if it’s true. To dismiss the Word of God due to the verbal trappings of man is a tragedy. Thanks for the insight Greg, as always they are spot on!

  3. Gabe

    Excellent article. It’s funny I knew that Jesus and the apostles spoke Aramaic but I never really thought about the Greek manuscripts that much. They would have to have been translated into Greek for part of them. Paul might have been able to write his in Greek. I knew we didn’t have the original sources, they are either lost or gone. The earliest sources date back to maybe the 2nd century at best. But as you say all we have are copies of copies and much has been lost. Thanks for the post!

  4. Jeffrey Bleyl

    This discussion is the very same that I have had with many of my wife’s new found “friends” she has acquired since she left the Church after 44 years of activity. Living in Utah is hard for her but also took her away because of the anti-LDS movement here. All the logic of the Book of Mormon is there, only needing the faith of the individual to follow the teachings of the modern prophets for today. I have been subject to several lengthy discussions with those of her circle who obviously have been schooled in the anti-Mormon dogma but still they cannot rebut the rationale of what you have brought forth in you blog. Thank you for your efforts. I wait with patience for the Lord to do His work with her. Truth will prevail and the sealing power is forever true. The Atonement covers a myriad of problems faced in mortality and the message and ordinances of the Gospel are true.

  5. George

    Why must we adhere to philosophies and rules that were written eons ago? Reading these two books is a good idea. They are both books filled with stories that may or may not be relevant today. But, most people say they “live” by the Bible or The Book of Mormon and yet, they’re not doing it 100%. So why bother?

    • Drew B Hyer

      All or nothing never works. Do the best you can. It also has helped me to look at ‘philosophies and rules’ as laws. Just like the law of gravity, there are spiritual laws that create an outcome as real and sure as gravity. For example when a person exercises faith and prays, something happens. God hears our prayers. When we strive to do the best “right” that we know how then we start to grow in conviction that it is right.

    • Keeridan42

      no one is perfect George its a learning process. you arent expectd to just read them and perfectly follow them from day one. As for why adhere to old philosophies, how is age a factor in deciding if something is true? The reverse of that is a perfect answer to all those who doubt things because they are newer. Computer science is being written as we speak, yet it is right, Many math concepts are thousands of years old, yet they are true. The same holds true for the Gospel

  6. drewh60

    I love this simple and clear invitation! Take a step. Give it a try. Experiment and exercise a particle of faith. Why not? Arouse your faculties.

  7. Mikeg

    Please explain numerous anachronisms like horses, elephants, wheat, barley, steel, silk, etc., that scientists say didn’t exist in the Americas during BOM times.

    • Leon Kuzmin

      Do you have any thoughts on the discrepancies in the teachings of the Bible and BOM? And when the two books disagree, which one do you side with?

  8. Wewillallseeoneday

    If I believe in The Bible then Why should I not believe in The Book of Mormon?…….Because after doing much research and talking with Mormons for over 25yrs ….It is clear to me that The Book of Mormon has No Historical or Archeological Evidence as The Bible has to back up what is in it…..Also the credibility of the characters that wrote the Bible is Much Greater than those influencing The Mormon Book…..It will never cease to amaze me how people can be deceived in to believing in a book just because it talks about God and Jesus and it makes them “feel good”…..The Bible has been Proven True by More Than Just Faith…..historical and archeological evidence has backed up The Bible which included The Dead Sea Scrolls.
    For The Book of Mormom there has not been found any evidence of any of the weapons of war mentioned in the book. Where are the swords, knives, shields and other metallic objects used in battle mentioned in the book? Ancient Indians weapons and warheads have been found and they had no forged metal. They find Dinosaur Bones from thousands of years ago but find No Weapons of War from The Book of Mormon.
    Big battle in Book of Mormon at Hill of Cumarah around what is now Palmyra, New York and Mormons have big pagent about it…..yet No One Can Find ANY Evidence about any kind of battle that The Book says involved Over 200,000 warriors…..The Mormon line is to progam you to “just believe” because the book makes you “feel good”….Feeling good about Fantacy is devilish deception to Tell The Truth…..Just as The Book of Mormon IS Fantacy….Meant in Love From One who has seen the Truth…Praying and believing God that You See His Truth

    • Keeridan42

      25yrs? Not to be too harsh but your research must have been pretty weak. Without actually trying to research it Ive learned this much. They have found numerous artifacts (there are many accounts from settlers of gathering bushels of metal tools and weapons as they cleared their land), remains of vast cities(the remains of Hopewell still exist and are huge) and native tales and traditions that reinforce the book of mormon(one tribe talks of records that were hidden in a hill and lost, also the spanish conquistadors had such an easy time subjugating the dark skinned beardless natives because their God was a pale bearded man, so they assumed the spanish were gods. There is genetic evidence that not only shows natives in the mid west came from Isreal but even the specific area.

      As for your opinion at the end similar arguments and self righteousness(as well as claims of lack of evidence) are used constantly used by ppl trying to dismiss the bible, and by Christ’s enemies denouncing him. Telling ppl that praying and receiving an answer from God is not a good thing, is basically denying all concepts of faith and would seem to fit the bill for a ‘devilish deception’ far more than praying would

      • Wewillallseeoneday

        Again, There is no Real Evidence for the Battles of The Book of Mormon or evidence for the Tribes mentioned….I even called The Mormon Church who admitted such……Hill of Cumarah in Palmyra, New York….Battle with over 200,000 warriors and No Evidence Found by Mormon Church because…….There Never Was A Battle as the Book of Mormon is Fantasy.
        …….The Bible has Historical & Archaeological evidence….Where is the Proof you talk about?….You are just in your self deceived world along with so many others thinking The Mormon Book is true…..Are you Truly Saved (Born Again) as Romans 10:9-10 says In The Bible?

        • jun nolasco

          I am not an intelligent person but if you want an archeoloqgical proof of events that took place in the hill cumorah it is the gold plates from which the book of mormon was tranlated who were seen and handled by many other people who stood as witnesses. Just be patient, fot it will be returned by the keeper and you’ll be among those that will have the priviledge to touch it. But i tell you, when that day comes, you won’t still believe.

      • Wewillallseeoneday

        Where is your evidence ?….Tell me where I can find where settlers found anything other than Other settlers metal tools and weapons.

        • Elissa

          I am currently watching a 4 hour documentary that shows archeological evidence of civilizations in America dating to the times and geography of the Book of Mormon. The video looks a bit dated but the information is relevant and current; DNA evidence and evidence stored at the Smithsonian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUSpBw9H0OA&feature=youtu.be

          I have also checked the sources which they document in the video, please do the same for your own research. Also, I understand that 4 hours is lot of a person’s time, so if you do not have the time, I would be happy to give links and sources to shorter video segments, articles, etc.

          There is also a great book called A Marvelous Work and a Wonder that I would recommend reading, even prior to reading the Book of Mormon, its a great description of the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ. http://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Work-Wonder-Grand-Richards/dp/0877471614

          I left the LDS church for some time but returned to the LDS church when seeking a religion for many reasons. The Book of Mormon brings the Bible to light and gives us an even deeper understanding but the Doctrine and Covenants are so relevant to our day. I would even start with the Doctrine and Covenants before reading the Book of Mormon. This is revelation for the latter days/ today.

          If you would like to have a personal discussion I would be happy to continue this conversation with open minds as we listen to each other’s perspectives. I love to read and will read whatever, relevant, source you send.

          I also would be happy to mail you a copy of A Marvelous Work and a Wonder just so you can have a better understanding of the Mormon faith. I am a huge fan of interfaith communities, and I strive to educate myself in all religions; I absolutely love the Old Testament and the Jewish faith and religion, and I am currently studying Jewish history to broaden my knowledge.

          There is beauty in many religions, and there is beauty in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.

          • Wewillallseeoneday

            Still No Proof of the Fantasy Book Of Mormon where no one has found any metal artifacts of war mentioned in the battles fought….No One has made the archeological connection because Mormonism is a False Religion based on a Fantasy Book

          • Aaron Ellis

            Some amazing evidence can be found in Youtube videos of Wayne May. Here is one link, but there are others. Very, very interesting stuff. By all means, watch with as much skepticism as you wish. But the information in Mr. May’s videos are extremely compelling. Please have a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnWAqV-eqa4

          • Casey Smith

            I would love a copy of ‘A Marvelous Work’ to read. Very interested in Latter Day Saints.

  9. Tim

    This is a poor argument as a lot of them got a lot of things right, and modern science has been able to prove a lot of what the past learned. Merely saying the earth was flat, which most did not believe. In fact this dates as far back as the Ancient Greeks and the argument for a flat world was actually pushed in modern times by people trying to argue AGAINST evolution. Here is the problem with people like you, you try to argue facts whilst not knowing them at all, or truly not researching on your own. A teacher told my son that in school and when I found out I quickly sent material widely agreed on. Just because someone you want to agree with tells you that, doesn’t mean its actually true. Much like to continual debate over the meaning of the Bible, yes there is no true concurrence with everything in the Bible, not to mention the bias translation your narrow minded imagination does little to benefit mankind, or create solid Christians. You choose to only argue the things that threaten your position and blindly follow the things that agree with you.

    Sad.

  10. B.E. Me

    This is the point I was trying to make: spiritual truths are known by the spirit, not by flesh and blood. When you have a real relationship with God, you recognize His voice. That is how I know that Jesus is the Saviour, and that this Church is His. I think that if you learn what His voice is like, you will have no doubt that it’s Him, just like I do.
    I guess that’s really all I can say: I’m not an Egyptologist, but I do know who God is, and I know what His voice sounds like (in a manner of speaking).

    “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
    [Matt. 16:17]. Learn this, and you can begin to learn everything else about God.

  11. Caviad

    “Witnessing to a Mormon is like trying to climb Jell-O: it’s hard to get a foothold (I know, I have tried). But, if you know what Mormonism teaches, then you are already well on your way. Following are basic approaches that should aid you in witnessing to a Mormon. Though none of these approaches are foolproof, they will provide you with the basic framework you need to be able to witness to a Mormon. It will be up to you to use what you have learned, develop more skill in witnessing, and perfect your method as you go. Remember, the best way to learn to witness is to witness.

    There are two important things to know before you begin evangelizing Mormons. First, you need to understand their definitions to the same Biblical words that you use: Trinity, Jesus, Salvation, Heaven, etc. Second, you must be able to show them that they believe in a wrong Jesus. This is important because only the true Jesus gives eternal life (John 10:28), reveals the Father (Matt. 11:27), and sends the Holy Spirit (John 15:26).”

    What was also wonderful, about going head-to-head with a Mormon or JW or SDA is I got a refresher course on why I believe, what I believe. I think it gave me confidence and reminds me why I: Ephesians 6:11 – Put on all of God’s armor. Then you can remain strong against the devil’s evil plans.

    https://carm.org/biblical-response-to-mormons

  12. Caviad

    Someone also mentioned on this thread about Sunday Worship (First Day of the week) and Sabbath Worship (Last Day of the week).

    “First of all, of the 10 commandments listed in Exodus 20:1-17, only 9 of them were restated in the New Testament (Six in Matt. 19:18, murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, honor parents, and worshiping God, Rom. 13:9, coveting. Worshiping God properly covers the first three commandments). The one that was not reaffirmed was the one about the Sabbath. Instead, Jesus said that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8).

    Mark 2:27 says, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’ In other words, God established the Sabbath as a rest for His people not because He needed a break but because we are mortal and need a time of rest, of focus on God. In this, our spirits and bodies are both renewed.

    The OT system of Law required keeping the Sabbath as part of the overall moral, legal, and sacrificial system by which the Jewish people satisfied God’s requirements for behavior, government, and forgiveness of sins. The Sabbath was part of the Law in that sense. In order to “remain” in favor with God, you had to also keep the Sabbath. If it was not kept, then the person was in sin and would often be punished (Ezek. 18:4, Rom. 6:23, Deut. 13:1-9, Num. 35:31, Lev. 20:2, etc.).

    But with Jesus’ atonement, we no longer are required to keep the Law as a means for our justification. The requirements of the Law were fulfilled in Christ. We now have rest from the Law. We now have Sabbath continually.”

    https://carm.org/religious-movements/seventh-day-adventism/does-bible-allow-christians-worship-sunday

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