LDS.org posts Book of Mormon translation that opposes Peterson's PBS one

[_Ray A]

So... who am I to believe? (the bold is mine)

I have read, and still have a paperback edition of Anderson's book (the books I kept after I had to forcefully whittle down my library because of six moves in seven years is telling). It is interesting reading (accompanied with two pages of my own handwritten footnoted impressions), but I think it wise to weigh it against other accounts. The best way to form an opinion is to read Anderson's other writings, to judge just how reliable he is and what his biases are. I think the customer review you linked was quite good. The only way to account for author bias is to read what both apologists and critics have written.

[_collegeterrace]

Have you ever read Richard Anderson's Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses?

Great book.

Another Mormon doesn't agree with your assessment of the book, Daniel:

Customer Review

This author wants to have his cake AND eat it too!!!, September 5, 2008
By Matthew Bryde

First, to say something positive, this book is one of the rare few books one can purchase that specifically discusses in detail the lives of the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and not a broader history of the Mormon Church. As such, it does a reasonable job.

However, having read many books on church history, this book is one of the most blatantly biased books I have read. As a Mormon, I obviously have no problem with the beliefs of the author, but I do have a low tolerance of historical accounts biased by an author's personal beliefs. This book is entirely agenda driven, and I really struggled to get to the end.
...........
<SNIP>

link: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1PPNID1F8 ... NID1F8UP5O

So... who am I to believe? (the bold is mine)

*childish voice* you need ta pwaay 'bout it and da' holdy ghost will twell you, cuz he alllwaays tell da' truff!!

[_collegeterrace]

So... who am I to believe? (the bold is mine)

I have read, and still have a paperback edition of Anderson's book (the books I kept after I had to forcefully whittle down my library because of six moves in seven years is telling). It is interesting reading (accompanied with two pages of my own handwritten footnoted impressions), but I think it wise to weigh it against other accounts. The best way to form an opinion is to read Anderson's other writings, to judge just how reliable he is and what his biases are. I think the customer review you linked was quite good. The only way to account for author bias is to read what both apologists and critics have written.

Interesting thoughts Ray.

Additionally, one should also consider the character of these men. Stand back from this single moment that so many LDS members place their faith and trust in, and look at their character by examining events they were involved in before and after this key event of being a witness to Smith's claims.

For example, did any of them engage in folk magic? The occult?

Did any of these witnesses leave the church?

Were any of these men involved with other self proclaimed prophets of their day like James Strang?

All witnesses in a court of law are put through the same examination, why not these men?

[_harmony]

*childish voice* you need ta pwaay 'bout it and da' holdy ghost will twell you, cuz he alllwaays tell da' truff!!

Try to remember who you're commenting to. I already know the truth.

[_collegeterrace]

*childish voice* you need ta pwaay 'bout it and da' holdy ghost will twell you, cuz he alllwaays tell da' truff!!

Try to remember who you're commenting to. I already know the truth.

Try to remember who I was impersonating. There are some here who don't know the truth or just flat out deny it.

[_harmony]

Try to remember who I was impersonating. There are some here who don't know the truth or just flat out deny it.

I've yet to see a GA here.

[_Daniel Peterson]

So... who am I to believe?

I don't think the Amazon reviewer raised any very solid points.

I think Richard Anderson's book is superb.

I repeat my question: Have you read it?

[_harmony]

So... who am I to believe?

I don't think the Amazon reviewer raised any very solid points.

I'm sure you don't.

I think Richard Anderson's book is superb.

I'm sure you do.

I repeat my question: Have you read it?

I'm sure I haven't.

What does this have to do with the subject of the thread?

[_Daniel Peterson]

What does this have to do with the subject of the thread?

It has to do with your comments about the plates, expressed in the course of the thread.

If they had to do with the subject of the thread, so do mine. If my comments don't have anything to do with the subject of the thread, yours didn't either.

[_harmony]

What does this have to do with the subject of the thread?

It has to do with your comments about the plates, expressed in the course of the thread.

If they had to do with the subject of the thread, so do mine. If my comments don't have anything to do with the subject of the thread, yours didn't either.

My comment about the plates was a result of a question from collegeterrace. And quite likely could be construed to be off topic.

Do you have a comment about the OP?