For Book of Mormon readers: in Moroni 10:4-5, what exactly is Moroni referring to specifically?

Question

When Moroni closes his book with the challenge to "ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true", I wonder whether Moroni is referring to whether the book itself is a true record, or whether the doctrinal content in the book is true. Based on Moroni's personal experience, there would be little question as to whether the book was a true record, but instead whether the content and teachings were true. Remember, the fall of the Nephites was in part based on a rejection of the teachings we find in the Book of Mormon.

I am LDS, and have read the book over a dozen times. I believe the history AND the teachings, but I wonder if Moroni's intentions with that challenge at the end of the book are more a reflection of his personal experience than the kind of interpretation we use in the LDS church today. Today, we seem to encourage others to pray about whether the book is a true record, rather than pray about whether its teachings are true.

Sorry Laptop Satan, John the Revelator wasn't the final author in the Bible, nor did he compile all of the books of the Bible.

Answer 1

I do tend to agree that the content and the teachings is what matters most here, but I think what we find in these verses is great description of how to ask God about the truth of anything at all.

I've used it to know if certain teachings are true, if the scriptures as a whole are true, if personal life choices I wanted to make were good or not. I use it for anything I feel I need an answer from God on.

Thanks

Thanks

Answer 2

Wow Laptop Satan.

Based on Moroni's personal experience, he would have no question whether the doctrinal content is true either. As President Hinckley has said, the Book of Mormon was specifically written for us in the latter days -- I don't think that Moroni's challenge had anything to do with himself, but rather what people would think in these latter days... The challenge is definitely applicable, and I think it refers to both. We definitely should pray about whether or not its teachings are true as well.

1stSigRVN... you have no idea what you are talking about. We discuss and debate these things all the time, it's called PERSONAL ENLIGHTENMENT... we can learn things without the prophet telling it to us. Also, "counterdicted" is not a word - that should be "contradicted."

Answer 3

I think that challenge can be applied to the book itself or doctrine, because really, I don't think a person could have solid testimony of the gospel without knowing that the book itself is an actual record, was translated by Joseph and was saved for these latter-days without also knowing that the doctrine contained/taught therein was also correct. I believe that Moroni was inspired to write the things he wrote and had a knowledge of the need of the Book of Mormon for our day.

I have read it several times also. it is interesting to me that the more I read it, different things apply to me that hadn't before or maybe even in a different way. The scriptures are truly our "road map" to Eternal Life with our Heavenly Father.
Thanks, good question.

Answer 4

You've counterdicted yourself by by wondering if what Moroni said is true (in any context) and you believe the whole thing anyway.
You'll only get ancedotal answers here, since the church as a whole does not encourage debate or discussion, of really enterain specific answers to lesser taught dogma. In fact, I believe it was either Dallin Oakes or Bruce R McConkie that said, "When the prophet speaks, the thinking has been done". Officially, your're not even allowed to wonder about anything.
Nor do the GA's entertain any official thoughts about this any more than McConkies pre 1978 tirade against Blacks. Doctrine changes to suit the US Attorney General.

Answer 5

The two verses mean what they say--doctrinal and recorded truth. One cannot stand without the support of the other leg of truth. Verse 5, "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" reinforces any doubts.

Incidentally, your question and narrative is refreshing in a grammatical sense with few mistakes.

Answer 6

If it's not a true record, then the teachings can't be true either. Like the book's concept that the native americans are not white because they are cursed by god.

Answer 7

I have read the Book of Mormon many times myself and I think he was referring to the doctrinal content.

Answer 8

I think it's the whole thing; the book, the gospel message, everything. Because it's all tied together.

Answer 9

He's referring to the devil. Because that's what it's all about: hokie pokey