When I try to read the Book of Mormon, as well as the Bible, I often have to re-read verses and words because I wasn't alive when King James was alive and I don't really know their language...so some words line inasmuch and others, I often get caught up on...
So, should we take that word and space it out? and change ye to you, and thy to my, and stuff like that? To make it easier to read? I mean, the bible has been done like that...taking out of the KJV words and putting in modern day equivelancies...right?
2007-08-09 11:52:11 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
EDIT: Your question was a good one, and helped me to find a study guide that I am now reading!
With the exception of possessive pronouns and the -st ending on some verbs, little has changed linguistically over the last 400 years. With that said, sometimes high-minded language can be distracting. Luckily a lot of study guides have been created to deal with that exact issue.
I don't believe that the actual wording of any scriptures central to any faith should be changed solely to pander to students, teachers, various ethnicities, people of different educational levels, etc. Outside study guides definitely get the job done without having to change the word of God into something that might dilute the intended meaning.
Another side effect of reading in it's native form is mastery of modern standard English, which makes authors like Chaucer, Shakespeare and Hawthorne a lot more readable!
Below are some great guides, online and in book form.
2007-08-09 12:15:08 · answer #1 · answered by Sir Network 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are versions of the Book of Mormon published by third parties which tell the stories in a more modern terminology as well as have a column with the original formal English. They are generally targeted towards younger audiences. Many even have pictures.
BTW, the text of the Book of Mormon is in the public domain (more than 150 years have passed since Joseph Smith Jr died), so you can legally publish your own version, as long as you don't use the current chapter headings (the LdS Church still has a copyright on these since they were revised in the latest edition).
2007-08-09 19:05:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I actually like the old English language because it is hard to read. In my younger years, this taught me to ponder more on the meaning of the words. Now that I understand the language better, I can ponder on the meaning of the scriptures instead of the words.
2007-08-09 19:13:35 · answer #3 · answered by Senator John McClain 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Or whatever what? You're not talking about transcribing; you're wanting rephrasing and changing the language to suit your whims and inability to comprehend.
Read SirNetwork's reply again and follow his advice. You can transcribe, or write, whatever you wish to help you in your path, but rephrasing and changing the original translation is not up for a vote.
2007-08-09 19:44:06 · answer #4 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it should stay the way it is. I have been taught to pray using thy, thou, thee . . . because it shows proper respect to Heavenly Father. Why change His word in the Bible and Book of Mormon?
2007-08-10 02:19:30 · answer #5 · answered by Karen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At first it was awkward reading the scriptures in King James English, but soon I got used to it and rather prefer it. Keep studying the scriptures and it will soon come easy to you.
2007-08-09 18:56:37 · answer #6 · answered by Technoman 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When you alter the Word of God, is it still the Word of God? Just a question to ponder, since the Bible is said Word.
2007-08-09 19:26:10 · answer #7 · answered by . 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I guess you could....
I feel that the book would loose it's... what's the word I'm looking for?... it's impact, it's sacred feel, if the vocabulary and grammar were changed.... but that's my own feelings about the subject.
Edit-- I agree with Technoman- it DOES take practice to be able to easily understand the vocabulary and grammar, but I feel that it's worth it.
2007-08-09 18:58:04 · answer #8 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The Book of Mormons is a rewrite apostasy that God Almighty will judged it's founder and those who follow it's doctrine..Stick with the king James version Holy Bible for it is the Manuel for kings and the rule book to life..There is no need for another...
2007-08-09 19:01:03 · answer #9 · answered by *DestinyPrince* 6 · 0⤊ 7⤋
Why? It is fiction anyway... don't you find the uncreative and extremely awkward prose of an uneducated, backward power/attention whore entertaining?
2007-08-10 00:00:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋