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Brett C's Reviews > The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
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I took my time rereading/listening to this standard work of the Latter-day Saints (LDS) faith. The Book of Mormon (BoM) is an abbreviated account of the inhabitants of the ancient Americas from 2200 BC to 421 AD. From a geographical standpoint, some LDS scholars believe Mesoamerica to be the setting of the Book of Mormon. Other researchers believe it took place in the Great Lakes area of North America to include involving the Mound-Builder civilizations. This is called the limited-geography model which scholars use in an attempt to give geographical evidence on where the events took place.
According to the text, Lehi and his sons fled the Middle East, constructed a boat, and sailed to the American continent. The story evolves and involves many characters, events, wars, and spiritual revelations. The main groups, the Nephites and Lamanites, are the two civilizations that the book focuses on. Towards the end, after Christ's crucifixion he appeared to the ancient inhabitants before ascending into heaven.
Eventually the golden plates (which the BoM is etched upon) are buried in hill Cumorah by the last Nephite captain Moroni before they are slaughtered in battle against the wicked Lamanites. Eventually both civilizations and their history is erased from the annals of North American history.
Then, in 1823 they were discovered by Joseph Smith because angel Moroni appeared to Smith and told him where they were buried. Thus began the LDS faith.
To be completely honest: I have to say it was OK, its not my favorite book. I had a difficult time with it because of the choppiness in the prose, the confusion in what seemed repetitive preaching, and the names of places/names of people. I liked the Judeo-Christian aspects and the overall story involving the Nephite and Lamanite people. I liked the faith-based core values tremendously however this fell short for me. I am not downing the LDS faith or its followers but it just didn't hit the mark for me. No disrespect or harshness intended for anyone. Thanks!
According to the text, Lehi and his sons fled the Middle East, constructed a boat, and sailed to the American continent. The story evolves and involves many characters, events, wars, and spiritual revelations. The main groups, the Nephites and Lamanites, are the two civilizations that the book focuses on. Towards the end, after Christ's crucifixion he appeared to the ancient inhabitants before ascending into heaven.
Eventually the golden plates (which the BoM is etched upon) are buried in hill Cumorah by the last Nephite captain Moroni before they are slaughtered in battle against the wicked Lamanites. Eventually both civilizations and their history is erased from the annals of North American history.
Then, in 1823 they were discovered by Joseph Smith because angel Moroni appeared to Smith and told him where they were buried. Thus began the LDS faith.
To be completely honest: I have to say it was OK, its not my favorite book. I had a difficult time with it because of the choppiness in the prose, the confusion in what seemed repetitive preaching, and the names of places/names of people. I liked the Judeo-Christian aspects and the overall story involving the Nephite and Lamanite people. I liked the faith-based core values tremendously however this fell short for me. I am not downing the LDS faith or its followers but it just didn't hit the mark for me. No disrespect or harshness intended for anyone. Thanks!
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Oct 14, 2019 05:11PM
I haven't read The Book of Mormon but have to say that the Mormons I have known were very pleasant people & made no attempt to inflict their beliefs on me. I mean to suggest that if they wish to believe that Jesus ministered to the American Indians & don't attempt to convince me of this belief, there is little possibility of either agreement or disagreement but it would not affect any friendship between us. That said, I should take the time to read this document.
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It is a lot to try and digest. Take it in small chunks is my recommendation. I watched a lot of YouTube documentaries on LDS doctrine and asked one of my LDS coworkers lots of questions about the reading. Be patient as it can be repetitive. Brett
The only Mormons I've come to know well are "Jack Mormons", folks who have decided that they are unable to live with the contradictions. That said, Mormonism is still part of their heritage & their consciousness.
I have known a few as well. As a whole they are probably some of the nicest people if ever met.
The bom is on my list of religious texts that I haven't read completely but want to finish one day. Your review has inspired me to pick it back up again.
Tinaliza wrote: "The bom is on my list of religious texts that I haven't read completely but want to finish one day. Your review has inspired me to pick it back up again."It was not an easy task by any means. It took me quite a lot of time and energy to finish it. I hope you do read it, for me it was very unique but challenging. Thanks for the kind words!!
Have you ever read Seraphim Hamilton?
Vagabond of Letters wrote: "Have you ever read Seraphim Hamilton?"No, I have not even heard of this. What is he/it all about?
He's a Greek Orthodox writer and blogger with a very deep and nuanced knowledge of LDS, not to mention Greek Orthodoxy. Google 'Seraphim Hamilton' and 'kabane52'. The most knowledgeable religious I know - he can pull a tiniest thread in the Bible and unravel the whole thing with originality like a church father of the 5th century, an art long lost - and I consider myself a competent amateur, though unoriginal, theologian. Polymathic.
Vagabond of Letters wrote: "He's a Greek Orthodox writer and blogger with a very deep and nuanced knowledge of LDS, not to mention Greek Orthodoxy. Google 'Seraphim Hamilton' and 'kabane52'. The most knowledgeable religious..."
So I looked him up and found some very interesting stuff on his YouTube channel. He has some very interesting topics and discussions. Thanks for the recommendation!!!
That was a nice honest review, Brett. Having converted to the LDS Church I see the problem arising when folks don't follow the advice in the Book. If you never sincerely pray for guidance and simply listen to rhetoric you will never know for sure.
Joe wrote: "That was a nice honest review, Brett. Having converted to the LDS Church I see the problem arising when folks don't follow the advice in the Book. If you never sincerely pray for guidance and simpl..."Joe, I appreciate your kind words. I continue to read, pray, and investigate. I recently got my hands on some LDS Student Manuals (they're on my To-Read list). God bless!
I was given a copy of the Book of Mormon by a missionary I have no read it yet maybe one day I’ll get around to it
Brandon wrote: "I was given a copy of the Book of Mormon by a missionary I have no read it yet maybe one day I’ll get around to it"It is very interesting and presents a neat "Another Testament of Jesus Christ". While reading I listened to it on YouTube and that was helpful.
The only thing about the mormon faith I don’t like is that it’s very pro American style as interesting as it seems it’s hard to see myself geting on board with it lol however I still will read it cause of my interest in different religions
Brandon wrote: "The only thing about the mormon faith I don’t like is that it’s very pro American style as interesting as it seems it’s hard to see myself geting on board with it lol however I still will read it c..."I can understand that completely. If you are going to investigate the LDS faith you have to include Doctrine & Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price.
It's refreshing to see an honest, thoughtful review of this book I esteem above all others.
Great review!
superawesomekt wrote: "Great review!"Thanks, Superawesomekt!!
