What Makes the Book of Mormon True?
Over the past couple of weeks, my YouTube feed has been inundated with videos dedicated to providing evidence that the Book of Mormon is not a fraud. The claims deal with counteracting criticisms leveled at the church, covering various topics, from the lack of archeological evidence to linguistics to contradictions in historical documents. Some information presented is quite compelling and very interesting. The commentary of most of the presenters in the videos express amazement at the work that is being done, and some ask why the church doesn’t come out and endorse the studies and evidence that would confirm specific claims that are the targets of criticism.
Other videos deal with doctrinal criticisms and apostate reasoning. Most critics and apostates cite passages in the Book of Mormon to substantiate their claims, while others pass it all off as nonsense. Many apologists try to respond by making counterarguments based on scripture or making claims that appeal to logic and reason. I like a good argument as much as the next guy and would gladly engage if I thought it would result in something productive; it seldom does.
You could spend countless hours of research in pursuit of historical, linguistic, or archeological evidence that would “prove” the Book of Mormon is true if you are inclined to do so. Or, you could spend the same time reading and pondering the text to get closer to God.
Let me ask these questions: if the sword of Laban, the Brass Plates, or the Liahona were discovered and placed in the Church History Museum, would there be more converts or critics? Or, if the gold plates were found, would the number of skeptics increase or decrease? I reiterate that the purpose of the Book of Mormon would not be accomplished by any physical evidentiary means.
So what do we mean when we say that the Book of Mormon, or any scripture, is true? Or, what would make it untrue? What kind of measurable evidence do we use when we make such claims? May I suggest that there is only one way to measure what constitutes truth, and that is how it fundamentally changes us?
We react to the physical or temporal world by knowing how things can benefit or damage us in material ways. If we understand human nature and societies, we are more likely to govern ourselves appropriately and avoid the pitfalls of individual and societal breakdowns.
How we react to the spiritual realm can be measured regarding feelings of peace, enlightenment, and understanding. These kinds of metrics are deeply personal, which makes them much more challenging to explain but no less real than the things we can see and touch. Those who master the truths or laws of temporal existence often excel in this life, which appeals to our appetites and passions. In contrast, spiritual mastery results in a life of meaning and purpose. Both temporal and spiritual truths help us navigate our current mortal state; if we neglect either, we cannot achieve equilibrium in life.
Coming closer to God benefits us in both the physical and spiritual domains. That is where the Book of Mormon comes in. Because it contains a narrative that deals with both spiritual and societal matters, we can better understand how to react to the world by applying the principles of righteousness. It is particularly relevant for us because the authors saw our day and gave us both warnings and promised blessings based on the truth as they experienced it.
However, I find the efforts to prove the accuracy of the Book of Mormon to be inconclusive, troubling, and counterproductive. The purpose of the Book of Mormon is to invite us to come to Christ and convince us that Jesus is the Christ. 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.” Nowhere in these statements is the idea of convincing us that horses existed in Book of Mormon times, or that reformed Egyptian is critical to making the book more or less true. Whether it is historically accurate is almost irrelevant to the book’s purpose.
I choose to believe the claims made by Joseph Smith about the Book of Mormon because I know his first vision of the Father and the Son happened. I especially believe him when both he and the prophet Mormon said that the book is not perfect because they were mere mortals. Those who nitpick will find inconsistencies and mistakes in the book and the statements made by Joseph and others. None of those things make the Book of Mormon any less true regarding its ability to change our lives by bringing us closer to God.
The precepts found in the Book of Mormon make it true, not its historical narrative. The Bible is the same in terms of its relevance. Critics of both volumes of scripture make similar arguments. There is definitely a lack of physical evidence for many biblical stories, but that doesn’t stop the Bible from being the most influential book in history. Both the Book of Mormon and the Bible claim to be the word of God, which I believe. The problem comes in the translation. Who can claim to use our imperfect language to articulate the mind of God accurately? Not the brightest scholars or philosophers, and certainly not me. Only the most profound spiritual communication opens our understanding of the will of God.
The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on earth in terms of precepts and doctrine because it was interpreted or translated by the gift and power of God. Essential principles are better explained and exemplified in the narrative of the book. If we read both the Bible and the Book of Mormon together, we can piece together the gospel in a more compelling way. We can learn the way to truth and salvation through Jesus Christ.
I hope that we will spend less time on the distractions of trying to prove to ourselves or others that the Book of Mormon is historically accurate or the fantastical claims of its origin and authorship. Those are not the things that make it true. Let us focus on the spirit we feel when we read and study the book and how it affects us.
Next week, I will delve into the stories in the first chapter of Nephi because there is so much wonderful doctrine I need to elaborate on for my benefit and, hopefully, yours as well. This year will be exciting!