I now some LDS members would say both. I`ve heard that Mormon elders teach pupils that the Bible has been translated so many times that it contains errors, and they teach the book of Mormon is the unadlutered word of God.
Is this true?
2007-12-30 15:58:05 · 14 answers · asked by Future 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am LDS and you have to look at this from a certain perspective.
The bible has been translated and changed through time, no one can dispute that. It has been absolutly proven that it has not remained the same.
Not only that, but before the books that are in the current king james version became standard, there were dozens of other books of scripture included in other versions of the bible. After hundreds of years of argument and contention of trying to choose which of all the books were worthwhile in scripture the Cathlics finally came up with the standard scripture in todays king james version. So we can easily see that we are lacking in some truth because humans choose the books that are in the bible, and humans translated the bible. So because humans did all this, obviously the bible contains errors, and we have no idea what it lacks.
The book of mormon has only been translated once, by joseph smith. Then of course that version was translated into several different languages so everyone around the world could read it if they wish. However, we do know that the book of mormon was translated by men, so there may be mistakes. In the introduction of the book of mormon it even states that if there are errors they are the errors of men.
So what you have stated is basically true, we believe in both the bible and the book of mormon, however we know that the bible contains errors. We read both and refference both while teaching and studying. They both basically teach the same thing, just on different continents, a second witness as it were.
I hope I have explained this adequatly, if you have questions you may ask me. But no insults please, I welcome discussion of religion, but insults and trying to tear religions apart accomplish nothing but hatred. Also keep in mind, I am not an expert, just a standard member, so I know what is commonly taught in the church. It is better to ask questions about a church to one who actually goes and participates rather than those who stand afar and critizises on things they do not understand, as most who have answered your question have.
2007-12-30 16:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by Baradore 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Latter-Day Saint and although I believe the Bible to be the true and literal word of God it is the Book of Mormon that actually converted me to Jesus Christ so this book is more special to me than the Bible although Latter-Day Saints believe that both books are true testaments of Jesus Christ. The Bible has been passed through a lot of hands over the years and biblical scholars will agree that parts of the Bible have been altered or completely removed. You read in your Bible of other books that aren't found in the Bible. This tells you that there are other scriptures out there and that the Bible is not definitive. For LDS, the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. In fact, the name Jesus Christ or its derivities (i.e. Son of man, Savior, Lamb of God, etc) is found more often in the Book of Mormon than in the Bible. Because we believe the Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith (and not written by as many think) we believe it to be the most correct testament of Christ that we currently have. Joseph Smith also stated that a man could get closer to God through the Book of Mormon than by any other book. I can personally say that this statement in my regard is true and I can support that stance. But, in no way does this mean or take away the fact that the Bible is the word of God and is not inspired by the Lord's authorized servants. Hope that helped!
2007-12-30 16:31:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Mormons believe in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They believe both the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain errors that were introduced by men, but that both were inspired of God and accurately explain His will and His dealings with humanity.
There's a great Mormon article about the importance of the bible at http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-29,00.html .
If you'd like to learn more about the Mormons, feel free to visit my site at http://www.allboutmormons.com
2007-12-30 18:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to be Mormon to Know that the Bible has many flaws including having been intentionally altered and incorrectly translated...this we know from the writings of the earliest Christians and surviving manuscripts that predate those used for the canons....Couple that with the political decisions by uninspired men that went into the selection process and you have unimpeachable evidence of the errancy of the Bible....
2007-12-30 16:19:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
Eighth Article of Faith:
We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
2007-12-30 16:34:00 · answer #5 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Neither.
We put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in his redeeming sacrifice AND resurrection. This is our hope, our belief.
Our first article of faith simply declares:1. We believe in God, the eternal father, and in his son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost.
The eighth article of faith clearly states:
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
You can read the other Articles of Faith at the website. www.lds. org in the Scriptures in the Pearl of Great Price
Yes, it is true, that is what our missionaries teach. If you have done any historical research into where the Bible came from and whose hands it passed through then yes it has been retranslated several times. When languages get retranslated several times things get reinterpreted and meanings are confused.
If Christians claim the Bible to be the final authority then why are there many references in the Bible made to other books, even the Book of Mormon mentions some of these lost Books:
Lost Books. The so-called lost books of the Bible are those documents that are mentioned in the Bible in such a way that it is evident they were considered authentic and valuable, but that are not found in the Bible today. Sometimes called missing scripture, they consist of at least the following: book of the Wars of the Lord (Num. 21:14); book of Jasher (Josh. 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18); book of the acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11:41); book of Samuel the seer (1 Chr. 29:29); book of Gad the seer (1 Chr. 29:29); book of Nathan the prophet (1 Chr. 29:29; 2 Chr. 9:29); prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chr. 9:29); visions of Iddo the seer (2 Chr. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22); book of Shemaiah (2 Chr. 12:15); book of Jehu (2 Chr. 20:34); sayings of the seers (2 Chr. 33:19); an epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, earlier than our present 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 5:9); possibly an earlier epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 3:3); an epistle to the Church at Laodicea (Col. 4:16); and some prophecies of Enoch, known to Jude (Jude 1:14). To these rather clear references to inspired writings other than our current Bible may be added another list that has allusions to writings that may or may not be contained within our present text, but may perhaps be known by a different title; for example, the book of the covenant (Ex. 24:7), which may or may not be included in the current book of Exodus; the manner of the kingdom, written by Samuel (1 Sam. 10:25); the rest of the acts of Uzziah written by Isaiah (2 Chr. 26:22).
The foregoing items attest to the fact that our present Bible does not contain all of the word of the Lord that he gave to his people in former times, and remind us that the Bible, in its present form, is rather incomplete.
Matthew's reference to a prophecy that Jesus would be a Nazarene (2:23) is interesting when it is considered that our present O.T. seems to have no statement as such. There is a possibility, however, that Matthew alluded to Isaiah 11:1, which prophesies of the Messiah as a Branch from the root of Jesse, the father of David. The Hebrew word for branch in this case is netzer, the source word of Nazarene and Nazareth. Additional references to the Branch as the Savior and Messiah are found in Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12; these use a synonymous Hebrew word for branch, tzemakh.
The Book of Mormon makes reference to writings of O.T. times and connection that are not found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or in any other known source. These writings are of Zenock, Zenos, and Neum (1 Ne. 19:10; Alma 33:3–17). An extensive prophecy by Joseph in Egypt (which is not in the Bible) is also apparent from 2 Ne. 3:4–22, and a prophecy of Jacob (not found in the Bible) is given in Alma 46:24–26. These writings were evidently contained on the plates of brass spoken of in the Book of Mormon (1 Ne. 5:10–13).
(Bible Dictionary | L Lost Books:Entry)
There you have it.
It's all a matter of principle. Are you willing to test the Book of Mormon with faith in God to give an answer as to its truthfulness as it challenges all of its readers to do (Moroni 10:3-5)?
Are you willing to do this with an open heart to the possibility that the heavens aren't sealed as most christian faiths teach that there is no more revelation from God? I think what most people fear is the possibility that it is true and if the Book of Mormon is true then they have to accept that God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ really did visit the boy, Joseph Smith and did call him to be a translator(by the power of God)of the Book of Mormon and a Prophet and restore Jesus Christ's true church on the Earth again the same as in the time Christ and his Apostles were on the Earth.
Ask and you shall receive, that's exactly what Joseph did and he got an answer.
You will know if you read and ask, nothing wavering, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
If not, you will be left in the dark and won't find out till it is too late.
Today is the day to find out, and do it! Soften your heart and open up your mind.
I know you can do it.
2007-12-30 16:36:32 · answer #6 · answered by duhanlorian 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
They are companion volumes of scripture which support each other. That is why the Book of Mormon is known as "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" I have them bound together in one volume, along with other modern scriptures, and study them together as this prophecy in Ezekiel states, speaking of a "stick" (scroll or book) of Judah, the Bible; and a "stick" (scroll or book) of Joseph, the book of Mormon, being " one in thine hand"
15 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
(Ezekiel 37:15 - 17)
The "errors" in the Bible, even through many times copied and translated, are minor. That is a miracle because the Bible has been preserved by the Lord through all this, because it is true and is His word. And through another miracle He preserved His word, the Book of Mormon, in the earth in a stone box for more than 1500 years and brought it to light in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
2007-12-30 17:27:05 · answer #7 · answered by Gma Joan 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you do a study. Mormons do not really believe the Bible or the Book of Mormon..
I give you two examples..
Mormons believe God will hold former sins to those who sin again (D&C 82:7)
Bible says God will remember our sins NO MORE (Heb. 8:12)
Mormons believe in baptism for the dead. That you die and go to a spirit prison where baptism by proxy (someone living) can get you a free pass into heaven.
Book of Mormon says:
Alma 34 [33] …I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein THERE CAN BE NO LABOR PERFORMED.
Alma 34 [35] For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, AND HE DOTH SEAL YOU HIS…
2007-12-30 16:08:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 7⤋
That is funny-you put your faith in a cook book. That cracks me up!
Hey people can I think what Mr. Speaker said is funny? What's up with all the thumbs down? Mr Speaker had jokes I laughed get over yourselves!
2007-12-30 16:07:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
Yeah! I wanna see the answers to this one too.
2007-12-30 16:08:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋