DiscussMormonism.com

1. The Book of Mormon itself?
or
2. The theological edifice of modern Mormonism?

I'd say the Book of Mormon is more consistent. If the Church had stuck to the Book of Mormon from the beginning, about 50% of its current problems would not have occurred (rough guess). Perhaps that's why the Community of Christ is a much less contentious subject.

Ray A wrote:I'd say the Book of Mormon is more consistent. If the Church had stuck to the Book of Mormon from the beginning, about 50% of its current problems would not have occurred (rough guess). Perhaps that's why the Community of Christ is a much less contentious subject.

I agree. The Book of Mormon does not stray far from basic 19th century American Christianity. What with the warnings against masonry (secret combinations) and polygamy in the Book of Mormon, it is hard to imagine how it was the begining of what led to the religious scene in Utah in the days of BY.

Tarski wrote:I agree. The Book of Mormon does not stray far from basic 19th century American Christianity. What with the warnings against masonry (secret combinations) and polygamy in the Book of Mormon, it is hard to imagine how it was the begining of what led to the religious scene in Utah in the days of BY.

Beastie has pointed out many times that one of the things that disturbed her was that in the original BoC (Book of Commandments) it was recorded that after the Book of Mormon there was to be no more scripture (after the Book of Mormon). Then that verse was later amended to open the possibility of further scripture. That, in my opinion, is where Joseph Smith opened a Pandora's Box. Whitmer was one of the first to object, then leave. He considered all the revelations subsequent to the Book of Mormon as false, and Joseph became a "fallen prophet".

But if that hadn't happened, what would there be to discuss on boards like this? :)

The historicity question, I suppose. But even the Community of Christ have quashed that debate by not emphasising it, or even considering it important.

Yes, I agree as well.

Many critics have noted that the Book of Mormon didn't seem to have much impact on the developing theology of the LDS church, anyway. This is one reason I am skeptical that Joseph Smith was the author of the text. Usually authors have quite a bit of fondness for their creations, and attachment to the wisdom found therein. Joseph Smith didn't really seem to have that high of a regard for the contents of the Book of Mormon.

Beastie has pointed out many times that one of the things that disturbed her was that in the original BoC (Book of Commandments) it was recorded that after the Book of Mormon there was to be no more scripture (after the Book of Mormon). Then that verse was later amended to open the possibility of further scripture. That, in my opinion, is where Joseph Smith opened a Pandora's Box. Whitmer was one of the first to object, then leave. He considered all the revelations subsequent to the Book of Mormon as false, and Joseph became a "fallen prophet".

It's even worse than that there was to be no more scripture - it was that Joseph Smith was not to pretend to any other gift other than to translate the Book of Mormon. I think it could be argued that even establishing a formal church and proclaiming himself prophet constituted another "gift".

“And he [Joseph Smith, Jr.] has a gift to translate the book [of Mormon], and I have commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant him no other gift.”

- Book of Commandments, Ch. 10

Changed to:

“And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.”

- Doctrine and Covenants, Ch. 5, verse 4

beastie wrote:It's even worse than that there was to be no more scripture - it was that Joseph Smith was not to pretend to any other gift other than to translate the Book of Mormon. I think it could be argued that even establishing a formal church and proclaiming himself prophet constituted another "gift".

“And he [Joseph Smith, Jr.] has a gift to translate the book [of Mormon], and I have commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant him no other gift.”

- Book of Commandments, Ch. 10

Changed to:

“And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.”

- Doctrine and Covenants, Ch. 5, verse 4

Sandra Tanner expounds on this as she attempts to help an idiot Mormon who called in to the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RyJhmCShwg

The theological edifice of modern Mormonism, if I understand what my man T-bone is getting at --- totally lame. Uninteresting. Sort of absurd. Lacking sophistication. the idea of three kingdoms and grading on a curve is the best thing it has, but it's not solid theology, and I'm hearing more and more inclusive christians today who make heaven easy.

So I'd say the Book of Mormon is superior. I give it credit because it's very long and critics are divided on how to explain its origin. And of all things, Joseph Smith was able to use it to get laid. I don't think Hincks or any other GA got action over the "proclaimation of the familty".

The Book of Mormon was the only thing keeping me in Mormonism for a long time. It's still the only thing, frequently, keeping my father in.

There are some pretty doofy passages, to be sure. But there are also some pretty brilliant ones, enough to convince me that Joseph Smith was a prodigy. The brilliance of chapters like 2 Nephi 2 and Alma 5 kept me going through absurdities like Ether and the last half of Alma.

Where the Book of Mormon shines is in its theology-- very 19th century Christian in many respects, but with some interesting original ideas sprinkled in as well (what 19th century Christian would think that God could cease to be God?)

The D&C and PoGP, by comparison, are ham-handed and uneven.

Tarski wrote:1. The Book of Mormon itself?
or
2. The theological edifice of modern Mormonism?

Answer: The Book of Mormon itself.