The book of mormon incorporates text which seems to be taken from the king james version, including passages which are now considered to be mistranslations in the king. Thus the bible is not just a single book, but is a divine library. I dont think you can say that the book of mormon contains unique errors from the king james version bible. Dont the dead sea scrolls prove the bible has not changed and contradict the book of mormon idea that there are errors in bible. Both the bible and the book of mormon declare themselves to be ancient. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents. Volumes have been written on its distinctive and rhythmic style, and it is still regarded as a triumph of modern english literature. The bible the bible teaches that all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of god. Its couched in king james english, and it features color renderings of mormon scenes made to look like bible illustrations. This is important because the latterday saints make such a point about it containing the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Sure, some of the words of the book of mormon are biblical, but that is only because they were copied directly from the bible. Sometimes the quotation is explicit, as in the second book of nephi, which contains 18 quoted chapters of the book of isaiah other significant connections between the two books include book of mormon words. The book of mormon claims to be the original writings of nephite leaders in ancient america, but it contains extensive quotation of the 17th century edition of the king james bible kjv and the deuterocanonical books, which joseph smiths bible had as well. Upon examination we find that the word seraphim is used twice in the book of mormon.
Since joseph smith used no paper notes, scripts or other texts, whatever he produced in the book of mormon came from god. Although it serves primarily as a religious text, it is to be interpreted literally as being an actual, historical record of the inhabitants of the ancient. When we study the book of mormon, our understanding of the doctrines in the bible is clarified. This section will look at this phenomemon in some detail through a series of articles which reveal how smith made use of the bible. The book of mormon contains the writings of several groups who came to the americas, including a family who left jerusalem in 600 b. It is written in english very similar to the early modern english linguistic style of the king james version of the bible, and has since been fully or partially translated into 111. Jul 14, 2017 comparing the bible to the book of mormon, with compilation. Besides the extensive list of parallels between the bible and the book of mormon, this book examines many other possible sources used to create the text, i. Is the book of mormon really inspired like the bible. The lamanites continued and are known as the american indians.
Article citing verses in book of mormon that contradict specific teaching of the bible both cannot be from god. The book of mormon teaches that little children are not capable of sin because they do not have a sinful nature moroni 8. Joseph smiths plagiarism of the bible in the book of mormon. If we accept the book of mormon as our authority, this would contradict the bible, because both cannot be true. Dec 19, 2018 yes, and we can only speculate as to why. Book of mormon problems lds church members are taught that the book of mormon bom is scripture, as well as a true record of the inhabitants of the americas from about 2200 bc to 420 ad. This resource is for christians who want to understand the development of mormon theology and how mormon beliefs are often selfcontradictory. Examining the book of mormon a christian view probe.
Both volumes are used by latterday saints side by side. A book of mistakes, error, and fraud by jon gary williams introduction the mormon church promotes the book of mormon as an inspired writing. Wherefore condemn not the things of god, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of christ. Youll find them in the book of mormon, the doctrine and covenants, the pearl of great price and the writings of joseph smith. The book of mormon is a book of scripture similar to the bible. The origin of the hill comora wildly racial statements in mormon. The book of mormon contains extensive quotes from isaiah some twentytwo chapters of the prophet are found in the book, in many cases quoted verbatim from the king james version. The book of mormon was not written in 570 bc, but was copied from the king james bible around 1820 ad. Joseph smith said that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book history of the church, vol. Many book of mormon names are either biblical, formed from a rhyming pattern, changed by a prefix or suffix, or greek in etymology. Top 10 embarrassments of the mormon religion listverse.
Not 18th century language there were no errors, but the question still stands. Book of mormontranslation errors from the kjv fairmormon. The christian bible is divided into the old and new testaments. The book of mormon is not another work of scripture comparable to the bible, it is a fraud that has a few truths as the accidental result of an intentional plagiarism. Critics wonder why many of the quotes from isaiah in the book of mormon are identical to the king james version. The existence of such errors becomes apparent when one considers the. For your free copy of the bible, go to free holy bible and for a free book of mormon, go to free book of mormon. In some cases, entire passages are duplicated in the book of mormon. How can the book of mormon, allegedly written around 570 bc, quote word for word from the new testament of the king james bible, not written until 1611 ad. So one of the talking points in the ces letter, which i have seen quoted in this sub as well, is that there are 1769 kjv bible edition errors unique to only that edition present in the book of mormon. This newlyreleased replica is a beautiful recreation of the original 1830 book of mormon printed in palmyra, new york. On average one of every nine chapters in the book of mormon is copied from the bible. Both volumes are used by latterday saints side by s.
The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. The book of mormon restores plain and precious truths that have been lost from the bible. In contrast to the bible, mormons believe the book of mormon is perfect because it was translated perfectly miraculously as reflected in the second half of the same article of faith. The book of mormon is a book written by joseph smith. At first glance the book of mormon appears to be biblical in heft and style. The word bible comes from the greek ta biblia, meaning the books. If youre asked by mormon missionaries to point out examples of such errors, here are two you can use. And now if there be fault, it be the mistake of men. The king james version of the bible is, in all likelihood, the most successful of all the english translations. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from. Comparing the bible to the book of mormon, with compilation. Ergo, the book of mormon could not be based on plates buried in 421 a.
Thats why you wont find mormon doctrines in the bible. Jul 06, 2011 the bible came first, not the book of mormon. Third, the book of mormon abounds in textual errors, factual errors, and outright plagiarisms from other works. However, after a fair and candid examination of the evidence, many thousands of honest mormons have discovered that this claim. There are other similar mistakes where the book of mormon includes the spurious kjv readings in 3 nephi. Of course, outside of the mormon s own writings, there are no records, no evidence whatsoever of any such visit by jesus to the americas. The book of mormon is divided into smaller books, titled after the individuals named as primary authors and, in most versions, divided into chapters and verses. Translation errors in the king james bible appearing in the book of mormon summary. Mormons or members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, sometimes inadvertently called the mormon church believe the bible to be the word of god as far as it is translated correctly the eighth article of faith, one of points of belief that outline the basic teachings and ordinances of the church of jesus christ. Jan 04, 2016 the book of mormon title page, which was translated by joseph smith, 1 ends with a rather intruiging disclaimer for a book of scripture.
The book of mormon emulates the language and style of the king james bible because that is the scriptural style joseph smith, translator of the book of mormon, was familiar with critics of the book of mormon claim that major portions of it are copied, without attribution, from the bible. We read that jesus shall be born of mary at jerusalem, which is in the land of our forefathers alma 7. He claimed that an angel led him to the plates, which were written by ancient prophets and then buried in what is now upstate new york. The book of mormon claims to be a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. These take the form of such things as double negatives, incorrect adverbs and adjectives, and incorrect tenses. They present this as evidence that joseph smith wrote the book of mormon by plagiarizing the authorized king james version of the bible. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. If the book of mormon is an accurate translation, why would it contain translational errors that exist in the king james bible. Twentyseven chapters in the kjv of the bible are repeated almost verbatim in the 239 chapters of the book of mormon.
May 27, 2002 historical research has led both christians and skeptics to affirm the historicity of the bible. He quotes king james translation errors again and again. The book of mormon contains passages from the king james bible summary. Comparisons made by mormon leaders between the bible and book of mormon. Nov 06, 2006 order the dvd at the book of mormon claims to be a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. Book of mormonplagiarism accusationsking james bible. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors teachings of the prophet joseph smith, p. There are also many king james bible translational errors contained within the book of mormon, specifically the 1769 version the joseph smith. Many book of mormon names are either biblical, formed from a rhyming. The bible is inspired without any error and correct, and we see this reality when we read it, but the book of mormon only pretends to be inspired and is full of errors. For example, no, the book of mormon does not contain unique errors from the king james version bible. Smith claimed he translated it from golden plates that he found in upstate new york. Palmyra collectors edition 1830 book of mormon replica. In response, apologists sometimes claim that the book of mormon does not transmit translation errors, mainly focusing on the highly subjective nature of translating.
However, historical research has proven damaging for the book of mormon. It is either of divine or human origin, and if it is of human origin that means that joseph smith concocted the book. Adherents of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints consider it to be as equally valid as the bible. The contradictions between the book of mormon and the bible constitute a most serious obstacle to accepting the book of mormon as latterday scripture supplemental to the bible. The bible has zero grammatical or spelling errors but the first edition of the book of mormon looks exactly like what you would expect from someone like the. Another testament of jesus christ is regarded as divinely inspired scripture, as is the holy bible. Bible, inerrancy of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Critics believe joseph smith came up with all the names in the book of mormon, noting that joseph owned a king james bible with a table listing all the names used in the bible. Other writings accepted as scripture are the doctrine and covenants, a compilation of revelations and writings given since the restoration of the church. Critics of the book of mormon claim that major portions of it are copied, without attribution, from the bible.
Their view was concisely expressed by brigham young in journal of discourses of july, 1862. What is less well known is that the book of mormon makes a large number of unacknowledged biblical quotes. The book of mormon and the bible mormons in transition. Book of mormon errors apologetics worthy christian forums.
The original 1830 edition, book of mormon had s of errors. Some people outside the mormon church erroneously think that mormons only read their own mormon bible, or the book of mormon. Mormons read and study the bible on a consistent basis. The book of mormon compared with the bible watchtower. They ignore, of course, the context itself in which god actually gives the interpretation v.
Isnt the story of the 116 pages being lost unreasonable. The mormon church distributes free copies of the king james version of the bible and the book of mormon. Lds church members are taught that the book of mormon bom is scripture, as well as a true record of the inhabitants of the americas from about 2200 bc to 420 ad. As a companion to the bible, the book of mormon is a witness of jesus christs divinity and his role as the savior of the world.
If this is true, then the book of mormon should be full of errors. Both the bible and the book of mormon declare themselves to be ancient, historical, and reliable rules of. Welch, a byu professor of law, admits that the best early manuscripts lack tois archaiois in matthew 5. Mormons or members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, sometimes inadvertently called the mormon church believe the bible to be the word of god as far as it is translated correctly the eighth article of faith, one of points of belief that outline the basic. Contradictions between the book of mormon and the bible. Thus the bible and book of mormon were written by people of the same heritage but in different parts of the world. Experience the book of mormon just as early converts such as emma smith, brigham young, and parley p. The holy bible is the collection of writings that contain the records of divine revelation and the dealings of god with his chosen people, the tribes of israel. Are there errors from the 1769 king james version of the. The book of mormon contains many linguistic similarities to the king james bible kjv. Islam and the church of jesus christ of latterday saints both teach that god revealed their sacred texts, the quran and the book of mormon, to correct humanmade errors in other religious practices. Mcconkie states that the plural of seraph is seraphim or, as incorrectly recorded in the king james version of the bible, seraphims. If the book of mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, as joseph smith said, why does it contain over 4000 changes from the original 1830 edition. The book of mormon is the story of two groups of people that supposedly traveled by sea from bible lands to the americas.
Why does the book of mormon state that jesus was born in jerusalem alma 7. The bible as such did not exist until after jesus came, and no one used the term the bible in greek, ta biblia to refer to. The book of mormon teaches that god has flesh and bones and that he has a wife with whom they produce spirit offspring in heaven that will inhabit human bodies on earth. Three simple ways to show contradictions in the mormon belief. To members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints the book of mormon is the word of god and is considered to be in complete harmony with the bible. The course of study for mormon gospel doctrine classes on sundays lasts four years and rotates through the scriptures, then begins again. Rather than ascribe these errors to deity, either through direct or indirect means, men will reject the claims of the book of mormon. What are 1769 kjv edition errors doing in book of mormon. Mormons claim the book of mormon is the most perfect book ever written. The book of mormon incorporates text which seems to be taken from the king james version, including passages which are now considered to be mistranslations in the king james version. The book of mormon in no case contradicts the bible. The introduction tells you that the book of mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible.
Jul 30, 2019 while other books were attempted to be added, they were considered noncanonical due to the lack of eyewitnesses, the heavy gnostic heresy content, historical errors, etc. So much for the book of mormon being a different gospel than the bible the record of this visit is found in the book of 3rd nephi, in the book of mormon. The bible has zero grammatical or spelling errors but the first edition of the book of mormon looks exactly like what you would expect from someone like the uneducated but otherwise brilliant joseph smith. Although the book of mormon makes heavy use of the bible, it also calls into question the reliability of the bible. Changes, contradictions, and errors is a musthave resource for anyone who knows or witnesses to mormons. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. The book of mormon title page, which was translated by joseph smith, 1 ends with a rather intruiging disclaimer for a book of scripture. Nov 07, 2018 sure, some of the words of the book of mormon are biblical, but that is only because they were copied directly from the bible. The book of mormon is supposed to be the account of the nephite leader who was called mormon as he wrote concerning their culture, civilization, and appearance of jesus to the americas. There are two possible explanations for the origin of the book of mormon.
Second, the book of mormon contains none of the key mormon doctrines. Fairmormons response to presence of 1769 kjv errors in book of mormon in terms of attempting to pinpoint the origin of the book of mormon, even more significant than book of mormon revisions are places where it follows the kjv into error, echoing mistranslations or including translations of late and derivative greek texts. And whereas the bible is organically linked to the earthly ministry of jesus christ by extensive surviving manuscript evidence going back as far as a. The book of mormon has no claim to validity due to its lack of incorporation into the biblical cannon. Errors in grammar there are literally thousands of grammatical errors in the original edition of the book of mormon errors that gradually have been changed in later editions. And there are many more, but these will suffice to show the true origin of the book of mormon. Why thousands of errors in the original 1830 the book of mormon. There are specific quotes in the book of mormon that are found in the king james bible and other modern works that joseph smith had access to. In short, there can be very little doubt that the king james version inspired large sections of the book of mormon. The book of mormon and the king james bible wikipedia.
We do have the book of mormon, and the rest of joseph smiths writings, though, and my heart tells me these are inspired by god. This, they say, is a clear prophecy that the bible the stick of judah is to be joined with the book of mormon the stick of joseph to comprise the full revelation of god. Mormons believe some editions of the bible include translation errors, while muslims believe jews and christians misinterpreted some of gods true. Smith plagiarized 478 verses from the book of isaiah, and 201 are identical to the king james bible. The following examples are some of such contradictions. The book of mormon contains numerous passages that contradict what the bible says. Doesnt it support the idea of fraud by joseph smith.