AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question I currently have questions pretaining to the Book Of Morman. Now I know that Latter- day Saints believe in the Bible to be the word of God but they also believe the Book Of Morman to be the word of God as well. How is this so when the Bible says that nothing should be added to or taken away from the Bible. I agree with the majority of their believes because they believe that Jesus was the son of god but this one I have to differ. Also, please explain who Joseph Smith is and was he a phophet and from the teachings I have heard and please correct me if I am wrong that he while in the wilderness had a dream in which GOD,JESUS,and the Holy Spirit came to him and told him to write the Book Of Morman. Now, if this is so why is this not mentioned in the Bible and per the Bible no man has seen God's face. There were also 12 men that ate, walked, and slept with Jesus and they only have chapters in what we call the BIBLE. Please Advise. Thanks
Answer Hi James,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note I am ex-LDS and belong to the Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon (and Bible). I will reply separately to each of your questions below...
1. Bible only folks often misunderstand John's commandment to not add or take away in the book of Revelation. What John was referring to was the book of Revelation itself... not the entire Bible. The Bible did not exist at the time John wrote that commandment, it was not compiled into one book until 100s of years later. There is a similar commandment in Dueteronomy given to Moses to not add nor diminish from the commandments of God... yet Moses kept on adding and adding. What God really means by these commandments is that "You man, do not alter MY commandments that *I* give unto you. However I am God and I change not and can command more to be written as I see fit, I am God." A side point... the LDS church has altered many of the early revelations given to the original church in the book they call the Doctrine and Covenants. These were not just spelling or versing changes but complete alterations of the intended context and meaning. The LDS also has an "inspired Bible" that alters many passages as well as has altered some Book of Mormon passages.
2. Actually there are many cases in the Bible where man saw God face to face. Moses saw God face to face in a cloud and the people were afraid. Other prophets seen the Father in a vision on a great white throne. Joseph Smith's accounts of this event have changed over time and he may have embellished his account as his beliefs changed over time.
3. Joseph Smith did not author the Book of Mormon, he only translated it. The Book of Mormon was written by many different authors (as they were led by God to write) and Mormon compiled their writings into one book and gave the work to his son Moroni who buried the plates in order to protect them from their enemies. There were more than just 12 apostles in the Bible. Mathias took Judas' place, and Paul and Apollos were called after as some died (from persecution). Today the Church of Christ has 12 Apostles (11 currently) just as the Bible Church of Christ had. Both Bible and Book of Mormon strongly teach God does not change nor even has a shadow of variableness... therefore if God wanted 12 Apostles as overseers of His church in AD33, He would have the same today.
4. Many of the problems you will have with the Book of Mormon is not with the book itself but with the LDS Utah Mormon church. They utterly have departed from the Book of Mormon and Bible teachings and follow the whims of their leaders. There are many beliefs that they have that the Book of Mormon never teaches and even strongly teaches AGAINST. Beliefs such as the past practice of polygamy which the Book of Mormon terms as a whoredom and abomination before God. Other beliefs such as baptism for the dead, Celestial Marriage, a Changing God, man becoming Gods, the 1st Presidency, altering revelations, etc. etc. are all condemned by the Book of Mormon. Doctrine for doctrine the Book of Mormon mirrors the Bible and is a witness the Bible is true. Unfortunately the mistakes of Smith, the crimes of Young and others through to today have done much to discredit the beautiful truth in the Book of Mormon.
There is much to explain and discuss about the origins and history of the restoration and the Book of Mormon. Feel free to ask other questions or for specific scripture quotes if you wish. I base all of my beliefs on the teachings and examples of Christ. If a church teaches something different they are in error and should be avoided.
