Question #2 for Mormons (follow up)?

Question

This is question #1:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070130210803AA1aITC&r=w

One answer suggests the mere mention of "iron" in Genesis shows that Iron existed about 4500 BC or so. The metal refered to here was bronze. We know this because in that area of the world bronze was used about 4000-1200 BC (a combination of copper from nearby deposits and tin from Afghanistan).

The problem with this is that documents can be read incorrectly and require corroboration. The way you do this is by surveying the metals in use in the area and that time period. Metal is durable, and all metal weapons not melted down would have survived.

Steel was never recovered from Judea at this early date, and in fact wasn't in production anywhere in the world.

My question is this:

Do you need to fashion the truth to fit your religious beliefs, or do you need your religious beliefs to be true?

(And do you try to pass your religion to others without certainty?)

Lazydog: I have no problem with Mormons. They've earned a good reputation as responsible, nice people. I'm questioning the book, which is the right of everyone ever approached by Mormons asking you to use it to transform your entire life and the lives of your family.

If the book is a fraud, I reserve the right to share what I've found. This is the easiest of several questions, and it's not being handled, it's being excused and dodged. What will they do when I make it personal?

Pinkadot: It matters to me because the Book of Mormon makes a factual statement of "fine steel" and the statement is factually in error.

There was no such thing at that time, and there is no room for doubt on this.

I therefore have to ask myself, "how sound can the doctrine be if the facts are in error?" and "what standards of quality have been set for doctrine if there are no standards set for historical accuracy?"

God has no reason to lie to us, but religionists do. It's up to you to sell yourself as a person with integrity, not to make excuses.

(When I find that there is a pattern of errors, not just one, I begin to suspect fraud, and I have to up the stakes. If facts are fraudulently represented, how can doctrines be left untainted and pure? What are the motives of a religious organization engaged in intentional fraud?)

Answer 1

I do not see how the words "iron" or "steel" or "bronze" or whatever have any bearing on the doctrine...they could have used swords made of spaghetti noodles for all I care...I know the doctrine is correct. What does it matter - how do you know the words "steel" or "iron" are not for our benefit so we could imagine or have an idea of what they used??? You are grasping at things that have no bearing on the gospel, they are little nit-picky things that no one really could answer but God or the people living in those times.
In your other question I saw where you noted "prayer" should not be a catch-all or whatever...where then is the faith? God is the only person who can give 100% correct and honest answers...suggesting that answered prayers are not enough is like saying you do not trust God to be honest. You need the opinions of man and hold them higher than the answers given from on high...

Answer 2

I agree with Pinkadot whole-heartedly... I would guess that by steel, it means metal - just a generalization to give us a thought of what it was.

Answer 3

come on now, you're attacking THE MORMONS? at least have some fun with the catholics or the kjv is the original perfect bible christians