The debate over how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon continues to stir controversy. While many accept the theory that Smith used a seer stone, recent scholars challenge this, suggesting he used the Nephite interpreters instead. This article is the first of two that critically examines both perspectives, seeking to find the one with the strongest historical support. Here we critically evaluate the evidence that Joseph Smith used the seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon.
Category: Book of Mormon
Why We Need The Book of Mormon Now
The article defends Christianity against atheist arguments, particularly Dr. Richard Carrier’s claims. I show that Carrier and atheists in general don’t understand the purpose of life.. And I show the necessity of The Book of Mormon as it restores lost truths, clears up contradictions from the Bible, and provides essential insights into God’s plan, offering a more complete understanding of Christian doctrine.
Beautiful Free Printable Plan of Salvation Poster
For a long time I have looked for a clear and attractive graph or poster of the Plan of Salvation. It is easier for children and adults to better understand the Plan once it is laid out for them. Despite appreciating one recently published in a church magazine, it is imperfect because it lacks critical elements like the Fall of Adam and Eve. To address this, I have created a revised, detailed version with added scriptural references and explanations to people understand the Plan of Salvation. This poster can be downloaded and printed for free by everyone in this article.
The Gospel According to Satan
This article explains that Satan’s goal is to be worshipped as God, opposing Jesus Christ and His teachings by spreading false doctrines and corrupting political and religious systems. I explore Satan’s tactics using scriptural references to reveal what the religion of Satan looks like and emphasize how to fight against Satan through understanding and living by the Word of God. I also expose the manipulation and lies spread by Antichrists, both ancient and modern.
The Three Greatest Threats To The Church And Society: Academia
In 1993, Apostle Boyd K. Packer delivered an address to church leaders delineating three of the greatest threats to the church and society that not only then existed, but whose influence would only increase and worsen as the years went on.
This article is about the third of those three threats and the worst one of all: the so-called scholars whose ideologies threaten society itself. In this article we review the history of the politically leftist “Progressive” take over of education, their efforts from the very start to use education as a tool to indoctrinate students into their economic, social, and political theories, and how the plan has always been to try and take control of society. We also expose the idolatry at the heart of their claims to be experts guiding society to a better future for the lie it is and provide examples of the real world failures of their lies. Finally, we look at what hope we have for overthrowing their lies and freeing ourselves and our children from the prison of leftist ideology and thereby abort the headlong run into societal collapse it is bringing to pass.
Halloween, Human Sacrifice, and The Revolution of Jesus Christ
Human sacrifice has been at the heart of human worship for as far back as humanity history stretches – and beyond. And it hasn’t went away. Many of our modern stories – of monsters and heroes – centers around human sacrifice and the sacrificing of humans. Whether you’re talking about Halloween or American Sniper, you’re still talking about the sacrifice of human lives to accomplish some higher goal and in service to some higher power. In this article, I look at human sacrifice in modern human storytelling, human sacrifice in human history, and at how the work of Jesus Christ has been to replace the sacrifice of men with the sacrifice of Himself and, in doing so, to totally transform human society at every level. Only through Christ can we hope to bring an end to the brutality of human sacrifice.
The Great Blessings of A Modern Prophet
This article is a talk I was asked to give in church as our ward prepares for the coming General Conference. In it I talk about how the importance of the modern prophets, how they actively receive revelation from God for us right now, the blessings and truth to be gained by following the Prophets and Apostles, and exactly what so many in the world are so threatened by the existence of modern prophets. (Hint: It has to do with their money and power.) I end by sharing a tool that we can use to get the most out of General Conference and the talks of Prophets and Apostles. Come, brothers and sisters, let us listen to the Prophet’s voice and hear the Word of God!
What Can Men Do Against Such Reckless Hate?
I recently finished a rewatch of the Lord of the Rings. As always, I was struck by the drama and courage of Théoden and the Riders of Rohan as they made what seemed like a last stand against the overwhelming might of the armies of Saruman. Instead of surrender or retreat they trusted in the words of Gandalf the White and stood against evil no matter what the cost to them, even if it cost their lives. There is a great lesson for us to learn here about how we should live. Using examples from throughout the scriptures I discuss how we can stand against the reckless hate of the world we live in today.
What Mormon Teaches Us About War And Loving Our Enemies
Whenever I point out that Captain Moroni’s example doesn’t justify modern Saints going to war because he lived the Law of Moses and we live the Law of Christ and that modern revelation commands us to renounce war completely the response is inevitable. I always get some version of, “What about Mormon and his son, Moroni? They were baptized Christians who fought in wars. If they can do it, why can’t we?” By looking at what the scriptures, I answer this question and show why Mormon and Moroni do not justify us joining modern day wars.