I have read the Book of Mormon many times. I have searched its pages and pondered its contents. And I know, without a doubt, that it is a true book. I know that through God’s power, Joseph Smith was able to translate that book. I know all of this to be true! I have prayed about it and I have received an answer. For me the answer came in quiet feelings over time, not through the visitation of an angel, not through a sign that was given to me, but it did come. And no amount of persecution would be able to change my mind on that matter. I know that there truly were prophets and apostles on the ancient American Continents. I know that they wrote this book as directed by God, for our day, so that we would be convinced of the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This book testifies of Him! It gives us a brighter hope, and understanding of God’s love for His children.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true.
How do we really “know” that the book of mormon is true? Is it objectively true, as in, would simple scientific expirements, or archeological work, prove the truth contained within?
Or is it only subjectively true? It feels right, but no hard evidence?
If only subjectively, what separates our belief in the Book of Mormon from say, the Islamists belief in the Koran?
What separates our belief from the ancients belief in, and worshipping of, gods such as Zues or Jupitor?
By: measure76 on August 27, 2008
at 10:14 am
Thank you for your comment measure. I too have asked myself this same question, and come to the conclusion that there are different types of knowledges, and different types of evidence. For example, knowing that you are cold is evidenced to you in a different way than knowing that the grass is green. If it helps you any, there is a wonderful talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks that addresses these very knowledges. Or you can just click on this link to view the talk:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-10,00.html
By: oldfashionedgirl07 on August 27, 2008
at 9:14 pm
Whether or not scientists and archeologists put their stamp of approval on the Book of Mormon doesn’t matter much. They are operating on a much much lower level of knowledge than God.
The entire human population used to think the earth was flat. Scientists, astronomers, sailors . . . they all thought the earth was flat. Obviously, it isn’t.
If a scientist or archeologist declared tomorrow that they know without doubt that the Book of Mormon is not true, this should not change anyone’s mind who has received a true testimony of it. Our testimonies come from the holder of all knowledge, God the Father, who knows much much more than anyone ever has or ever will.
By: Jesse on November 16, 2008
at 9:59 pm