Book of Mormon Changes

Heart of the Matter: A Meeting Point

“LIVE FROM THE MECCA OF MORMONISM”

• SALT LAKE CITY UTAH –

This is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology., where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity, face to face.

Show 26 BOM 51 – Peeling the Onion E
June 26th 2012

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Exploring Mormon Agenda in the Media

Have you noticed it? It’s like..nerve gas spreading over the national consciousness. What am I talking about? “The ever-growing, smooth…refined, trimmed and scrubbed…Mormon Agenda.”

I’ve tried to pay attention to it this week. What did I find? Brandi Kaye sent me a photo taken at a San Diego Padre’s game. From what I could gather a members of the LDS Seventy threw out the first pitch and the picture has made its way all over “Disgrace book” with the caption: “Blankety-blank, LDS member of the fifth quorum of the Seventy, throws out first pitch at Padres game.”

Really? I mean, are we supposed to be impressed that Mormon’s attend professional baseball games? Or that they can actually throw a ball? I eat breakfast. I can throw a baseball. And I’m a Mormon. ???

Then I took a gander at the cover of the May 2012 Sports Illustrated someone sent me. (Hold it up) The guy holding the ball – a young black man – goes by the name of Jabari Parker. The by-line reads: “The best High School Basketball player since Lebron James is…JABARI PARKER.” But there’s something more important to Him than NBA Stardom: HIS FAITH. His faith? In what? His faith in the Lord being the only way to salvation? No? His “faith” in a religion created by Joseph? His faith in a false priesthood? In a culture, in men?

Then at the gym (where I’m forced to work out in front of a bank of television sets) I’ve witnessed these advertisements endorsing the re-election of LDS Senator Orrin Hatch. You know what these ads say? “It’s Utah’s time to lead.” What the hel-icopter does that mean? Is Utah running for office? In some very distinct ways, it appears that it is.

As we’ve said on this program since 2007, when any Mormon assumes ANY role of prominence, Mormonism (aka Utah) wins. Does the popular media have ANY idea of how badly they are being used by the Mormon marketing machine? Perhaps most importantly, does the Christian evangelical collective?…who, just ten to fifteen years back, unitedly claimed that Mormonism was a cult? (beat) I don’t think they do.

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Received an email that reads:

Shawn,

I recently was wasting my time watching one of your phone interviews with a man named John who was supposedly a LDS High Priest and a member of a bishopric. That interview was staged and any Latter Day Saint watching knows it. Your end goal is wicked as are the means you employ to accomplish the

Examination of Truth and Claims

Does it trouble you at all that you deliberately lied? It was so ridiculous as to be laughable. No Latter Day Saint would or could be deceived by such an obvious fabrication. You really have to do more research if you intend to make your next staged interview believable.”

Let me say here and now I we have NEVER, EVER staged any call, any scenario, or any other event here on “Heart of the Matter” other than an April fool’s joke I pulled a number of years ago. We let anyone and everyone on the air so long as they meet our criteria which is to be a first time caller and preferably LDS. We are not afraid of any question from any caller – ever – in fact, we welcome the most accomplished LDS scholars and official representatives here on the air . . . in fact, we have even gone so far as to offer Scott Gordon of FAIRS one full uninterrupted hour to explain and defend Mormonism WITHOUT me even being on the set. Invitation not accepted.

Mormonism and Christianity

Why? Because Mormonism is NOT Christian and those in possession of the facts of it know it – they know there is way to defend the facts of the faith and are therefore terrified of programs like this. But the time is coming when Mormons will ardently and proudly shout the freakish facts about their faith from the house tops and without reserve. And when that happens, we ONLY have ourselves to blame.

Speaking of staging things, a number of people have wondered if James, our guest on the program last week was a “set up” just to prove a point. Not in the least. I was introduced to Jim’s existence via a text and invited him to be on the show prior to even dialoging with him. Other people have wanted to know if Jim was aware of why I had him on the show and the answer to this is “yes” – total and full disclosure was given. And even though the program proved to be VERY popular and well received by most viewers there were a few who said that I had taken “advantage of a mentally ill man” one even said he would “never watch the program again” as a result.

First of all, I am of the opinion that the term “mentally ill” ought to liberally applied – everyone, to some extent or another, is mentally ill – I certainly am and I’m not joking here. But the presence of mental illness does NOT mean the opinions of those with it are not of interest or value and should not be heard. Should Van Gogh’s or Jackson Pollack’s paintings be displayed? They were both “mentally ill.” Should we exclude all of the writings Nietzsche, Dickens, Eugene O’neil, Sylvia Plath or Hermann Hesse – they were mentally ill? Should Abraham Lincoln not have been allowed to deliver the Gettysburg address. He suffered immeasurably from tremendous depression. And what is “mentally ill” anyway? Who defines it and what are its limits and limitations?

Understanding Mental Illness in Context

Here’s the point – mental illness present or not is not the issue here – I could have had a person on here who claimed he was a duck instead of one who said God is a blue woman named “Cae Cae.” The point was: “HOW CAN WE TELL WHETHER JAMES WAS REVEALING TRUTH?” Were there ANY differences at all between Jim and Joseph Smith, who claimed God was once a man who lives near a planet called Kolob?

(beat)

One our website, someone wrote that if Jesus Christ had been on the air we would not be able to tell any difference between Him and Joseph Smith either! And from such idiocy we have a perfect example of WHY Jesus alone IS the only way to discover and distinguish truth.

First, the Messiah was foretold of and prophesied for 1400 years before His arrival by real people from real time in real places. And then this promised Messiah was born, experienced all that was prophesied of Him, and then experienced what was foretold.

Then this Messiah performed the miracles that were prophesied that He would perform. Then He was hung on a tree and died – as foretold. Then He rose from the grave – which was witnessed by hundreds. And then, perhaps twelve humble men dedicated their lives, suffering and ultimately dying for their witness that He in fact did overcome deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God..

(Long beat)

Regarding James and Joseph Smith, one viewer, Donna, wrote and said, in part:

“I have been the loving guardian

Reflections on Perception and Truth

Of my fifty-five year old brother since 1982. With an IQ of 161, my brother has the demeanor of one raised in an educated and privileged environment. He is articulate and impressive as he expresses his political and religious views. His writings, revelations and prophecies are clear, consistent, and erudite. He believes he "is" Jesus Christ and has been an institutionalized schizophrenic for thirty years. I have always thought it was interesting, that there was little difference in the validity of his writings, beliefs, and teachings and those of Joseph Smith's … yet my brother is on major psychotropic drugs, is legally insane, and completely bonkers.

Insights from John Chapter 8

How about a moment from the Word? We’re still in John chapter 8, which is obviously full of great passages to consider in the Mormon Christian debate. Tonight let’s take a look at something Jesus said to a group of Jews who believed on Him . . . He said: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

In other words, He’s saying, “You have believed what I have told you so far. If you continue to accept my teachings, you will be my disciples indeed (LISTEN) and you shall know the truth . . . and the truth shall set you free.” When we get to chapter fourteen of John, we will read the Lord say: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Taking these passages together, we can stand on the fact that to know Jesus (who is the truth) is to be “set free.” Set free from what? I would suggest that knowing Jesus sets people free from EVERYTHING. From sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace.. From hell. From religion. From the manipulations of Man. From anything that holds men and women captive. Have you been set free?

Are you free from guilt, free from the burden of having to earn your place with Him? Are you free to love everyone – free from pride, from feeling superior, free from condemning others. I want you to know, having had been an active member of the LDS church… that true freedom is not available by or through it. God has far, far more waiting for any and all . . . who become “His disciples indeed.”

And with that, let’s have a word of prayer.

Examining Translation and Text Changes

We’re working our way through the Book of Mormonion, whose author said it was the most correct book on the face of the earth. I have one more biographical element to address that is found in Joseph’s book but have to put it off for a week or two due to some research problems. So we’re going to take a stroll through the book and point out some other “issues” we’ll come across in our page by page analysis.

Here’s the deal (as we’ve said before): It is a known and accepted fact that Joseph Smith “translated” the Book of Mormon by staring into a hat. Witness to the actual golden plates, David Whitmer, said the following about the translation process:

“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation of it in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear.” (from, An Address to all Believers in Christ – Chapter one)

Okay? That is well understood by this point, right?

Then, LDS Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith said, in Answers To Gospel Questions, page 200, the following about changes and corrections in the text:

“A careful check of the list of changes submitted by critics shows there is not one change or addition that is not in full harmony with the original text. Changes have been made in punctuation and a few other minor matters that needed correction, but never has any alteration or addition changed a single original thought.”

Changes in the Book of Mormon

The LDS prophet is problematic since the very sentences that popped up in Joseph’s hat would NOT go away unless it was properly recorded by the scribe. So let’s work our way through the Onion and just point out not only changes of significance but words and sentences that God Himself supposedly wrote for Joseph to recite. I thank Steave Conley and his fantastic summary for helping me gather these facts. Ready?

First of all, the Book of Mormon title was changed from the Book of Mormon to The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Christ. If God had titled the book, the Mormon Marketing Machine changed it. Then, in the introduction page, which too was received by revelation, it used to say that the lamanites “are the principle ancestors of the American Indians.” This was recently changed to read that the lamanites are “among the ancestors of the American Indians.” (Wonder why?) Of course the title page was altered as mentioned) and then, NOT COVERING PUNCTUATION NOR GRAMMAR, we also find these changes within the body of the book.

Textual Revisions

The first verse listed was in the original version with the second being the change:

1st Nephi 11:1 read “upon which I never before sat my foot” was changed to “upon which I never had before set my foot”

1st Nephi 11:18 read “the virgin which thou seest , it the mother of God.” was changed to “the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God.”

1st Nephi 11:32 read “the Everlasting God, was judged of the world . . .” was changed to “the Son of the Everlasting God was judged of the world.”

1st Nephi 12:18 read “and Jesus Christ, which is the Lamb of God” was changed to “and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God”

1st Nephi 13:32 read “the Gentiles shall forever remain in that awful state of woundedness” was changed to “that awful state of blindness.”

1st Nephi 13:40 read “the Lamb of God is the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world” was changed to “the lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world.”

In 1st Nephi 20:1 these words were added to the text, never appearing in the original “straight from God” text: “or out of the waters of baptism.”

2nd Nephi 12:9 read “the mean man boweth down” was changed to “the mean man boweth not down.”

In 1981, 2nd Nephi 30:6 was changed from reading: “they shall be a white and delightsome people” to “they shall be a pure and delightsome people.” (For Shawn only) Hey Gladys Knight, did you hear that? Jabari? Yo, Jabari, you listening?)

Mosiah 21:28 read “king Benjamin had a gift from God” but was changed to “king Mosiah had a gift from God.”

Alma 5:48 read “the Son of the only begotten of the Father” was changed to “the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father.”

Notable Omissions

The phrase in Alma 29:4, which in the “from God” version read: “Yes, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable” was removed. Removed altogether!

And where it read in Ether 4:1 “and for this cause did king Benjamin keep them,” it was changed to read “and for this cause did king Mosiah keep them.”

These are just some of the changes the Book of Mormon has undergone since it originally came from the pen of God, to the eyes of Joseph, to the pen of Oliver. Next week we will travel through and pick out some “issues” what I would call the Most Corrected book on earth contain.

Listener Engagement and Support

Let’s open up the phone lines: (801) 973-8820, (801) 973-TV20. We would love to hear from any and all LDS on any topic. We want first-time callers – unless you're John from Ofallon Illinois – he’s always welcome.

Our ability to produce books, present this program, maintain our websites, send out information, counsel and meet with people, and help pull people out of Mormonism and into a saving relationship with the only True King, even Jesus, is directly related to you and your support. Pray for us—please—if you appreciate the ministry—pray for us. And if led by God to volunteer or do anything else, it is all appreciated. We love and appreciate you guys.

While we wait on the operators, how about some . . .

EMAILS?

Hello Shawn,

I am a big fan of the show but I just have a few concerns I’d like to express… I am not a Mormon but I live among them. They have tried to get me to church time after time but I am simply not interested. I will say though that they are some of the nicest people I know and I’m sure you’d agree. The difference

Inviting vs. Attacking Approaches

I notice with them, and with you, is that they simply invite rather than attack. Their missionaries invite me rather than tear me apart (which is what I feel you do). I honestly feel that if you were to take that approach you might have better success. When people are nice to you, you seem to listen to them more.

I apologize if you feel I’m "calling you out" but I just thought maybe you could consider what I said. May God bless us all, and I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for. Good luck! And again, I am a big fan!

Questions on Seeing God

COMMENTS

FROM Ben

Shawn, can you help clarify the scripture, which says that "no one at any time has seen God"? I believe it, but then we have several scriptures saying otherwise, such as 1 Kings 9:2 saying "That the lord appeared to Solomon the second time, As he had appeared to him at Gibeon…" I don't feel very equipped to harmonize these contradictory statements.

LDS Temple Construction

End notes:

More EMAILS

Hi Shawn,

My name is Tyler Watt, I am a former Mormon and I have been thinking about something that has quite a bit of significance in the LDS church. Both the Salt Lake and Kirtland temples were supposedly built with holes and hollow areas that are supposed to be the perfect fit for modern technology, elevators, electric wiring, plumbing, etc. I was just wondering if you have or could find out about this because that is a very big argument for the church in my family, if you could find out what is really going on with that, then I would really appreciate it.

Looking forward to hearing back from you and I appreciate your time,

Sincerely, Tyler W.

Changes in LDS Tithing Slips

Next time Mormons pay tithing, they may notice something new. Published on Jun 25, 2012, 12:09 PM.

The LDS Church has redesigned the slips members use to pay tithing and other donations, eliminating several of the line items. Until recently, church members could check a box in front of the Perpetual Education Fund (which helps Mormon students in less-developed nations), the Book of Mormon (to pay for publication of the Utah-based faith's signature scripture), or temple construction in addition to tithing, fast offerings (for the poor), general and ward missionary funds, and humanitarian aid. The current form now has spaces only for tithing, fast offering, humanitarian aid, and general and ward missionary fund. The education, temple, and scripture funds have been removed.

A line remains for “other,” which members can use to specify these various funds where they want their money to be spent, but there is no guarantee that the church will honor any particular request. “Though reasonable efforts will be made globally to use donations as designated,” it now reads on the bottom of the form, “all donations become the church's property and will be used at the church's sole discretion to further the church's overall mission.”

The reason for the change? “We feel a sacred obligation to make sure that tithing and other donations made to the church are used prudently and wisely,” church spokesman Scott Trotter said. “The new language on the donation slips simply gives some flexibility to meet the changing needs of a growing, global faith as circumstances require.” The new slips eventually will reach every Mormon congregation.