Book Of Mormon's Intro Changed

[Severian]

Will this change in bringing the BoM up to speed, also signal increased recognition and respect for the Apologetic functions of the Church?

[Scott Lloyd]

On one hand we claim the BOM accuracy based upon the very fact that it came directly from God to Joseph Smith without human interference during the act of translation and compilation. When we then, turn around and admit there are errors (some of them quite erroneous and blatent) in the BOM, I think we give our detractors an inroad for attack.

Did the Lord reveal each precious word to Joseph Smith to record? Was Joseph careless? Why are we changing the scripture (unless of course it is being revealed to the Prophet that it must be changed). Joseph Smith documented each revelation and gave us the D&C. I wish the Prophet would give us a clear, recorded record when there is to be a revision of scripture, especially if it changes the clear meaning. Who, what, when, where and why.

I don't think anything in Church doctrine binds us to the assumption that the Book of Mormon is perfect, either in its composition or in its translation/transmission. For example, many of the corrected errors were introduced by scribes. Given the rapidity with which the book was translated, printed and published, it would be unreasonable to think scribal or typographical errors would be precluded, even assuming that it came forth, as purported, by "the gift and power of God."

As for the translation process itself, Joseph never went into any great detail about. However, we do have the Lord's words on the subject given in a revelation through Joseph to Oliver Cowdery, as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9 (this is the "study it out" and "bosom shall burn within you" passage). There is enough here for me to conclude that the translating was not merely a mechanical process of dictation; rather, the translator was called upon to exert mental effort on his own part. If we accept that this is true, it is not unreasonable that said translator would come along later and make adjustments more in keeping with the spiritual impressions he received as he was translating.

Again, this argument by the critics about textual changes is a non-issue, and if they embrace the Bible, we don't have to let them get away with the inconsistency.

[Scott Lloyd]

Will this change in bringing the BoM up to speed, also signal increased recognition and respect for the Apologetic functions of the Church?

I don't note any great disrespect for the "apologetic functions" in the Church.

[MormonMason]

Prefaces/Introductions to the Book of Mormon over the years.

1830 edition:

Preface

TO THE READER--

As many false reports have been circulated respecting the following work, and also many unlawful measures taken by the evil designing persons to destroy me, and also the work, I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen pages, the which I took from the Book of Lehi, which was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi, by the hand of Mormon; which said account, some person or persons have stolen and kept from me, notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again--and being commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again, for Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God, by altering the words, that they did read contrary from that which I translated and caused to be written; and If I should bring forth the same words again, or in other words, if I should translate the same over again, they would publish that which they had stolen, and Satan would stir up their hearts of this generation, that they might not receive this work: but behold, the Lord said unto me, I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing: therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of Nephi, until ye come to that which ye have translated, which ye have retained; and behold ye shall publish it as the record of Nephi; and thus I will confound those who have altered my words. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will shew unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the Devil. Wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, I have, through his grace and mercy, accomplished that which he hath commanded me respecting this thing. I would also inform you that the plates of which hath been spoken, were found in the township of Manchester, Ontario county, New-York.

THE AUTHOR.

1837 edition:

Preface.

The publishers of the following volumes having obtained leave to issue five thousand copies of the same, from those holding the copyrights, would respectfully notice a few items for the benefit of the reader.

The 1830 edition of the book of Mormon having some time since been distributed, the pressing calls for the same, as well as the book of Doctrine and Covenants, and the vast importance attached to their contents, have induced the undersigned to seek the privilege of supplying those calls by presenting, in one volume, both books, in a condensed form, rendering greater convenience to elders, and others, who convey the same to different parts.

Individuals acqainted with book printing, are aware of the numerous typographical errors which always occur in manuscript editions. It is only necessary to say, that the whole has been carefully re-examined and compared with the original manuscripts, by elder Joseph Smith, Jr. the translator of the book of Mormon, assisted by the present printer, brother O. Cowdery, who formerly wrote the greatest portion of the same, as dictated by brother Smith.

Expecting, as we have reason to, that this book will be conveyed to places which circumstances will render it impossible for us to visit, and be perused by thousands whose faces we may never see on this side of eternity, we cannot consistently let the opportunity pass, without expressing our sincere conviction of its truth, and the great and glorious purposes it must effect, in the restoration of the house of Israel, and the ushering in of that blessed day when the knowledge of God will cover the earth, and one universal peace pervade all people.

PARLEY P. PRATT,

JOHN GOODSON.

KIRTLAND, OHIO, 1837.

Also from the 1837 edition, p. 621:

TO THE READER.

Contrary to our expectations, when the foregoing work was commenced, we have been induced to abandon the idea of attaching to it the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. We came to this conclusion from the fact, that the two connected, would make a volume, entirely too unwieldy for the purpose intended, that of a pocket companion.

THE PUBLISHERS.

1840 edition: No introduction contained in this edition (at least not in the copy I have).

1879 edition: No introduction contained in this edition (at least not in the copy I have).

1920 edition: No introduction contained in this edition (at least not in the two copies and later printings of the same that I have) but contains quasi-introductory sections entitled BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON and ORIGIN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, which now substantially exists in the current editon and which latter text is now called TESTIMONY OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH in the 1981 edition, followed by the analysis.

1981 edition:

INTRODUCTION

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.

In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

In addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord provided for eleven others to see the gold plates for themselves and to be special witnesses of the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon. Their written testimonies are included herewith as "The Testimony of Three Witnesses" and "The Testimony of Eight Witnesses."

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3â??5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.

Doubleday and future LDS edition:

INTRODUCTION

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.

In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

In addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord provided for eleven others to see the gold plates for themselves and to be special witnesses of the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon. Their written testimonies are included herewith as "The Testimony of Three Witnesses" and "The Testimony of Eight Witnesses."

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3â??5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.

There, now everybody print these out. I have just stopped any possibility of a cover-up!

[Aurelia Rozella]

I don't think anything in Church doctrine binds us to the assumption that the Book of Mormon is perfect, either in its composition or in its translation/transmission. For example, many of the corrected errors were introduced by scribes. Given the rapidity with which the book was translated, printed and published, it would be unreasonable to think scribal or topographical errors would be precluded, even assuming that it came forth, as purported, by "the gift and power of God."

So you are saying that it has taken up to 180 years to see the errors by the scribes and in the topography? And how do we now know that there are topographical errors when no one noticed for 180 years. If it is by new revelation, don't you think we should be told?

[SolarPowered]

So you are saying that it has taken up to 180 years to see the errors by the scribes and in the topography? And how do we now know that there are topographical errors when no one noticed for 180 years. If it is by new revelation, don't you think we should be told?

I take it that you just woke up from a coma?

http://farms.byu.edu/publications/jbmsvolu...11&number=0

[MormonMason]

MM, what percentage of member families do you think emphasize the textual history of the Book of Mormon like you do?

Good question. I do not know. But I also do not want my children deceived by anyone and make extra effort to combat twinkie doctrines whenever possible as they attempt to enter into my home after Sunday School.

[Scott Lloyd]

So you are saying that it has taken up to 180 years to see the errors by the scribes and in the topography? And how do we now know that there are topographical errors when no one noticed for 180 years. If it is by new revelation, don't you think we should be told?

What are you talking about? The textual changes that the critics bring up were made long ago. They didn't just happen yesterday.

Are you referring to the introduction? That's not part of the Book of Mormon. It's just a study aid put there by the Scriptures Publication Committee in the most recent edition.

By the way, I meant to write "typographical," not "topographical." I have fixed the error in my post.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

"For the Lord himself has chosen to call these people Lamanitesâ??all the mixed descendants of Father Lehi, and Ishmael, and Zoram, and Mulek, and others of the Book of Mormon record; all of the literal seed of the Lamanites"

"So, my appeal today is for the Lamanites, all the Lamanites, the Mexicans, the Polynesians, the Indians, to live the commandments of God and prove themselves worthy of this choice land."

I also found numerous D&C mentions of the American Indian tribes as being "Lamanite", which I can provide references for if you wish.

Are the American Indians that existed since Joseph Smiths time Lamanites or not? Clearly, SWK believed they were, and he said thus in an official capacity in an official forum.

Was President Kimball wrong in believing that the American Indians and Pacific Islanders are Lamanite? Are you saying that a prophet, speaking in an official capacity, in an official church publication, regarding a core belief of the mormon religion - - - he was wrong?

Are they Lamanites? THey could be, clearly mexicans are not full blooded, and the polynesians are still speculated to have left the nephite and lamanite colonies, in fact the BoM talks about a group leaveing and sailing the seas, so to speak. Are they Mayans "american indians"? I think so, they just arent north american indians. You cant put words in places that arent there. I find SWK accurate even with all of the new thinks we know.

Good question. I do not know. But I also do not want my children deceived by anyone and make extra effort to combat twinkie doctrines whenever possible as they attempt to enter into my home after Sunday School.

What a great phrase, I think that seminary teachers should learn what this is and stick to it, I was taught a whole bunch of twinkie doctrines in seminary.

[Scott Lloyd]

What a great phrase, I think that seminary teachers should learn what this is and stick to it, I was taught a whole bunch of twinkie doctrines in seminary.

Did you miss the thread on "Twinkie doctrines" that has been running for the past two or three days?

(BTW, "Twinkie" is a trademark and, as such, should be capitalized.)

[Sargon]

From the SL Trib, http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7403990. The article is not too bad for the SL Trib. Our own Kevin Barney also is quoted as well.

The word change is welcomed by me. While the introduction is not scripture, I am happy to see that the word "principal" has been replaced, so that the phrase reads "and they are among the ancestors of the American Indian".

Hmm....I'll need to think and watch for a while before I determine what I think of this. In the grand scheme of things this won't make one bit of difference, but in our online obsession world this could be interpreted extremely erroneously by some.

Sargon

[Scott Lloyd]

Hmm....I'll need to think and watch for a while before I determine what I think of this. In the grand scheme of things this won't make one bit of difference, but in our online obsession world this could be interpreted extremely erroneously by some.

Sargon

As I have pointed out, the difference it makes is that it undermines a favorite attack by anti-Mormons, one that just a few years ago was supposed by them to signal the beginning of the end of Mormonism as we know it.

[structurecop]

Good question. I do not know. But I also do not want my children deceived by anyone and make extra effort to combat twinkie doctrines whenever possible as they attempt to enter into my home after Sunday School.

I knew I liked ya.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Did you miss the thread on "Twinkie doctrines" that has been running for the past two or three days?

(BTW, "Twinkie" is a trademark and, as such, should be capitalized.)

I know I know, it was really called a "theological twinkie" I just like twinkie doctine, I hadnt heard it put this way, Perhaps I have read some of these posts to fast.

[Aurelia Rozella]

I take it that you just woke up from a coma?

http://farms.byu.edu/publications/jbmsvolu...11&number=0

Farms is not an official arm of my Church, or did you just wake up from a coma?

[SolarPowered]

Farms is not an official arm of my Church, or did you just wake up from a coma?

No, however FARMS is in point of fact the organization that has published Royal Skousen's work on the Book of Mormon manuscripts, which contain the answers to your questions, "So you are saying that it has taken up to 180 years to see the errors by the scribes and in the topography? And how do we now know that there are topographical errors when no one noticed for 180 years. If it is by new revelation, don't you think we should be told?"

[LifeOnaPlate]

Farms is not an official arm of my Church, or did you just wake up from a coma?

Did you just wake up from a "I forgot how to not be condescending?"

Have one, it'll make you feel all better...

[The Dude]

As I have pointed out, the difference it makes is that it undermines a favorite attack by anti-Mormons, one that just a few years ago was supposed by them to signal the beginning of the end of Mormonism as we know it.

It will make it harder for anti-Mormons to put the Book of Mormon in a DNA headlock. That "principal ancestors" phrase was a convenient handle, but there are other scriptures in the book that can be grappled, and of course statements of past prophets and leaders from Joseph Smith to SWK. Those will still be points of concern for traditional members, and avenues of attack for anti-mormons.

Incidentally, this change also removes the need for dueling dictionaries over the proper definition of "principal". Boy am I happy to see those days behind us. It seems to me that the church ultimately sided with the critics over which definition was implied by Bruce R's introduction. "Principal ancestors" was at least confusing language if not plain wrong.

[Aurelia Rozella]

No, however FARMS is in point of fact the organization that has published Royal Skousen's work on the Book of Mormon manuscripts, which contain the answers to your questions, "So you are saying that it has taken up to 180 years to see the errors by the scribes and in the topography? And how do we now know that there are topographical errors when no one noticed for 180 years. If it is by new revelation, don't you think we should be told?"

'

It appears to me, a lowly uneducated LDS woman, that the educational arm of the LDS academia is taking many liberties with doctrine. Are you now telling me Royal Skousen is the person we should look to for topography. Good, perhaps he can tell us where the BOM lands are. I always wanted to take a cruise to the land of Zerahemla.

I am here on this site, precisely because the apologist for the Church seem to want to be so-called experts but yet not take on any of the responsibility for their own misdirected claims when called on the carpet to do so.

[SolarPowered]

Did you just wake up from a "I forgot how to not be condescending?"

I'll defend her on that... She was simply responding in kind to my condescending post. (Whether her prior post deserved my post is quite another issue, though.)

[LifeOnaPlate]

'

It appears to me, a lowly uneducated LDS woman, that the educational arm of the LDS academia is taking many liberties with doctrine. Are you now telling me Royal Skousen is the person we should look to for topography. Good, perhaps he can tell us where the BOM lands are. I always wanted to take a cruise to the land of Zerahemla.

I am here on this site, precisely because the apologist for the Church seem to want to be so-called experts but yet not take on any of the responsibility for their own misdirected claims when called on the carpet to do so.

I don't buy it at all.

[Hick Preacher]

Have one, it'll make you feel all better...

I ate too many of these while hanging out at the Y-- I get sick everytime I even see one.

Actually twinkies is the real reason I left the LDS Church. They destroyed my testimony.

[Scott Lloyd]

It will make it harder for anti-Mormons to put the Book of Mormon in a DNA headlock. That "principal ancestors" phrase was a convenient handle, but there are other scriptures in the book that can be grappled, and of course statements of past prophets and leaders from Joseph Smith to SWK. Those will still be points of concern for traditional members, and avenues of attack for anti-mormons.

Incidentally, this change also removes the need for dueling dictionaries over the proper definition of "principal". Boy am I happy to see those days behind us. It seems to me that the church ultimately sided with the critics over which definition was implied by Bruce R's introduction. "Principal ancestors" was at least confusing language if not plain wrong.

That it was "confusing language" has never been seriously contested. That there is more than way way to interpret "principal ancestors" is hardly a debatable point.

And the critics never had the Book of Mormon in a headlock on this point. They have now lost any hope of ever doing so. It is amusing now to look back and consider how gleeful they were when a few years ago when it first came up.

[LifeOnaPlate]

I ate too many of these while hanging out at the Y-- I get sick everytime I even see one.

Actually twinkies is the real reason I left the LDS Church. They destroyed my testimony.

Now that you're aware of their presence and fallibility, come on back!

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Did you just wake up from a "I forgot how to not be condescending?"

Have one, it'll make you feel all better...

HAHAHAHA, all this twinkie talk is making me hungry.