Can we trust in our feelings when it comes to proving that the Book of Mormon is true?
Have you ever read and prayed to know if the Book of Mormon is true? This is a common phrase used by the Latter-day Saint.
The “Moroni Challenge.” Is recorded in the Book of Moroni 10:4-5.
“And when ye shall receive theses things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
How does God manifest the truth by the Holy Ghost?
“You will feel a burning in your bosom or, a peaceful feeling will come over you.”
So, to prove if anything is true we are to put all our trust in our feelings? Don’t you think that’s a little dangerous?
Cause God doesn’t use feelings to testify of truth. Feelings in Scripture are often spoken of as untrustworthy. Let’s read Proverbs 28:26.
“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”
Is it proper to use feelings as a test for truth? Our feelings can be influenced by many outside sources which may not be reliable.
Honestly, I’m convinced the Book of Mormon is not the Word of God. And it’s not because of anything I felt or failed to feel. It’s because of what is true and what is not true.
What do you believe is not true about it?
Okay, “Author and Proprietor Joseph Smith.” is printed and stated in the original 1830 Book of Mormon. He owned the copyright, and he intended to make money from that. It is obvious that Joseph knew nothing about the ancient American world or ancient Jewish culture, because he makes some horrible errors and oversights in the Book of Mormon.
Such as:
The complete lack of archaeological support for the Book of Mormon.
The numerous historical anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.
Racism taught and displayed in the Book of Mormon.
Plagiarism of the King James Version passages in the Book of Mormon.
So, you see with a logical rational mind I can reason that the Book of Mormon is not what it claims to be. Certainly not the Word of God.
Elder Young
We realize you have doubts and concerns, but only God can answer them for you.
Chris
Elders do you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
Elder Smith
Of course. We believe it is inspired Scripture from God.
Chris
Do you believe everything the Book of Mormon teaches?
Elder Smith
Yes.
Chris
Is there anything in the Book of Mormon that you question?
Elder Smith
No. What is there to question?
Chris
As I read the Book of Mormon I found that it reflects 19th century American Christianity more than it does current LDS doctrine and teaching.
When I put the Book of Mormon down and I picked up the Bible and started devouring it. I started to see God’s word change my life and testify to its truthfulness in ways incomprehensible to me. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt the Bible is the Word of God, and it’s not because of anything I’ve felt. It was knowledge and realization in my mind that it had to be the Word of God.
Elder, please read Jeremiah 17:9
Elder Young
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Chris
That is what the Bible teaches about trusting the heart. Our heart, our feelings, our emotions can fool us into believing things that aren’t true or good for us.
Instead of the Bible telling us to pray about it – It teaches us to “search the Scriptures.”
In our next visit about the Book of Mormon, I’d like to take you to some passages that teach orthodox Christian doctrine. These will be doctrines the LDS Church currently does not teach, and in some cases would label as false doctrine.
