Please Explain how Joseph Smith could have possibly authored the Book of Mormon.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Starfish

I apologize for implying you are an evil generation. I cannot find where Peter and Paul were specifically called prophets. I do know there have been more than one prophet at a time, at times, probably because travel and communication was so limited.

Well, even today, the Apostles in the Church are considered to be "prophets, seers and revelators" so it would make sense, from an LDS interpretation, to believe that Peter and Paul and the other ancient Apostles were also "seers and revelators" and that their roles were essentially the same as the roles of the Apostles in today's Church.

[fire]

Please refer to post #469 that I wrote. The logic I am using is as follows; The LDS church says that Joseph Smith got the BOM from God, and that to this day each prophet has in turn followed an unbroken line of authority. which means that the current prophet should also have a closeness with the Lord in his leadership that would manifest itself with a testimony of substance beyond the normal warm fuzzy feelings. Since clearly he doesn't, I find it impossible to believe him to be anything more then a misguided leader of a church claiming to be the only true church on Earth. I don't find that as LDS leadership bashing. He is probably a very nice and dedicated man, but clearly not, what I, or any other clearly thinking non-LDS member would conclude. The next step is simply to use your own God given intelligence and wisdom to conclude that clearly the Book Of Mormon was written by Joseph Smith or friends and not given to him by an angel on gold plates.

[DeepShadow]

Originally Posted by fire

Please refer to post #469 that I wrote. The logic I am using is as follows; The LDS church says that Joseph Smith got the BOM from God, and that to this day each prophet has in turn followed an unbroken line of authority. which means that the current prophet should also have a closeness with the Lord in his leadership that would manifest itself with a testimony of substance beyond the normal warm fuzzy feelings. Since clearly he doesn't, I find it impossible to believe him to be anything more then a misguided leader of a church claiming to be the only true church on Earth. I don't find that as LDS leadership bashing. He is probably a very nice and dedicated man, but clearly not, what I, or any other clearly thinking non-LDS member would conclude. The next step is simply to use your own God given intelligence and wisdom to conclude that clearly the Book Of Mormon was written by Joseph Smith or friends and not given to him by an angel on gold plates.

Non sequitur. Just because the current prophet doesn't impress you doesn't mean Joseph's explanation is false.

[BalanceFx]

Originally Posted by DeepShadow

Non sequitur. Just because the current prophet doesn't impress you doesn't mean Joseph's explanation is false.

Nor does it make it true. So far there is nothing that can make Joseph's Smith story true. There is a lot of defending going on lately but the core idea that angels told Joe to dig and he did and he found gold plates and used translations stones to interpret... No proof. Nothing to make it true except personal belief. And personally I don't.

[DeepShadow]

Originally Posted by BalanceFx

Nor does it make it true. So far there is nothing that can make Joseph's Smith story true. There is a lot of defending going on lately but the core idea that angels told Joe to dig and he did and he found gold plates and used translations stones to interpret... No proof. Nothing to make it true except personal belief. And personally I don't.

Yes, that's right, but the same is true of all the other explanations. There's no evidence of the devil's influence, and there's no way to objectively verify an astronomical coincidence.

Starfish is asking for an explanation that works better than this, apparently. I personally consider it impossible.

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Why?
The explanation you cling to doesn't.

Exactly. In your opinion it doesn't. I get that. So give me one that does.

[Starfish]

I just discovered this thread between Halcyon and Deep Shadow. They are both over my head, but very interesting. I hope they keep it up.

Halcyon & DeepShadow: How could Joseph Smith have authored the Book of Mormon?

[BalanceFx]

Originally Posted by DeepShadow

Yes, that's right, but the same is true of all the other explanations. There's no evidence of the devil's influence, and there's no way to objectively verify an astronomical coincidence.

Starfish is asking for an explanation that works better than this, apparently. I personally consider it impossible.

To go with your notion here... There is no evidence of the devil's influence or anyway to prove he exists. Despite that some believe a devil exists and his influence is quite powerful and it is a testament to his evil trickery that we can't detect him.

Or...

There is no devil. No proof... no devil. No satan. What gives a god or a devil power is belief. The more people that believe the more power they will have. They don't exist but their power is there nonetheless. Groupthink. All believe as one in this set of ideals and wala... it exists for them and their society and their world.

Suddenly because everyone believes a volcano doesnt just erupt... no... It is a sign or the hand of some very god punishing those who would trespass against his or her or its divine will.

Once a society believes in something... it doesnt matter if its real or not... its real to them and they will find ways to show you its real...

Superstition and Supernatural beliefs is going away IMHO. Even though the majority of the world still believe in such ludicrous things there is much more important things to concern ourselves with now. Whether or not a hurricane, earthquake, forest fire or what have you is gods or the devils will is such an old supersticious mindset I just dont think it will last much longer. Anyways... something to ponder.

[fire]

Maybe I didn't make my point clear. No LDS prophets have ever impressed anyone other then the Mormons that they are prophets of God! It follows then, that Joseph Smith made it all up. They may be good and dedicated leaders, but they just are not prophets of God in any fashion that would convince a clear thinking person. Listen for yourself the testimonies of the LDS prophets and apostles, they are all weak at best, and with out substance. That is not saying anything bad about them. There are millions of people around the world with testimonies as powerful as theirs without any more substance then a feeling to go on. Real prophets of God have more to go on then just feelings. The Lord is not restricted from inspireing anyone. most people who have had spiritual experiences do not conclude themselves to be Apostles. But their testimonies are just as powerful, or more so then the LDS prophets.
Does that make things more clear from a non-Mormon point of view?