October Ensign & Book Of Mormon Translation Illustrations

[Grant Hardy]

I have a piece in Meridian this morning that includes a discussion of the illustrations in the October Ensign. I'm not sure why faithful Latter-day Saints feel like they need to be coy or embarrassed on God's behalf. If he chose to communicate with his prophet through a seer stone in a hat (which is the unanimous testimony of eyewitnesses to the translation process), then that's good enough for me.

[David T]

I have a piece in Meridian this morning that includes a discussion of the illustrations in the October Ensign. I'm not sure why faithful Latter-day Saints feel like they need to be coy or embarrassed on God's behalf. If he chose to communicate with his prophet through a seer stone in a hat (which is the unanimous testimony of eyewitnesses to the translation process), then that's good enough for me.

Awesome, Grant!

[thesometimesaint]

The method of translation is not essential doctrine, and quite frankly is immaterial to belief.

[Senator]

I have a piece in Meridian this morning that includes a discussion of the illustrations in the October Ensign. I'm not sure why faithful Latter-day Saints feel like they need to be coy or embarrassed on God's behalf. If he chose to communicate with his prophet through a seer stone in a hat (which is the unanimous testimony of eyewitnesses to the translation process), then that's good enough for me.

I agree and was the gist of the questions I was posing to Wade.

[Senator]

.... and quite frankly is immaterial to belief.

I don't know that that is true.

How bizarre would the translation method have to be before many would say,... "seriously?"

[JeremyOrbe-Smith]

Rereading my posts from yesterday, I come off as more aggressive than I should have, so I apologize for any offense given. I'm generally more cuddly - I was just having a bad day, but that's no excuse. I hope I didn't contribute too much bad feeling; I'm not frustrated with the church or particular individuals within it, just some of the culture and arguments often put forth. Hardy's article was great, and I hope we see more like it in the future.

Edit: also, "a perfect storm of hot buttons" might be my best mixed-metaphor yet!

Edited September 23, 2011 by JeremyOrbe-Smith

[thesometimesaint]

Senator:

Before the discovery of the Rosetta Stone ancient Egyptian was gobbldegook, and translation methods were just a bizzarre. Even then it was a hard sell and disagreements still exist to this day.

[cinepro]

The method of translation is not essential doctrine, and quite frankly is immaterial to belief.

I've always felt that each of us gets to decide what is and isn't "material" to our belief.

But I guess that might just be me

Edited September 23, 2011 by cinepro

[cinepro]

I have a piece in Meridian this morning that includes a discussion of the illustrations in the October Ensign. I'm not sure why faithful Latter-day Saints feel like they need to be coy or embarrassed on God's behalf. If he chose to communicate with his prophet through a seer stone in a hat (which is the unanimous testimony of eyewitnesses to the translation process), then that's good enough for me.

Have you ever considered submitting an article to the Ensign that brings up the issue? With the Gospel Doctrine course focusing on the Book of Mormon next year, the timing might be right.

[thesometimesaint]

cinepro:

Does it really make that much difference how JS translated the BoM(other than by the gift and power of God)? Because it sure doesn't to me.

[wenglund]

I have a piece in Meridian this morning that includes a discussion of the illustrations in the October Ensign. I'm not sure why faithful Latter-day Saints feel like they need to be coy or embarrassed on God's behalf. If he chose to communicate with his prophet through a seer stone in a hat (which is the unanimous testimony of eyewitnesses to the translation process), then that's good enough for me.

Why are you and others assuming it is about being coy or embarrassed, rather than it being about priorities and edification?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-