Why I Can't Be a Mormon #1: A False Scripture

The Bible is believed by Christians to be inspired. Even from the human standpoint alone, it is regarded with respect. It’s recorded history is being validated today by modern archaeology and textual criticism. There are thousands of extant Greek New Testament manuscripts used to determine today’s biblical text.

By comparing these texts, it is known that today’s underlying Greek text is extremely reliable. It is so reliable, scholar Philip Schaff stated that although many slight variations do exist in the Greek manuscripts, these differences do not alter …

“… an article of faith or a precept of duty which is not abundantly sustained by other and undoubted passages, or by the whole tenor of Scripture teaching.”

The Mormon Papers by Harry Ropp, p. 105

In other words, the New Testament is extremely reliable!

The Bible is but one of the Latter-day Saint scriptures. And Mormonism even questions the reliability of the Bible by claiming that this scripture is only to be accepted …

“… as far as … translated correctly.”

Articles of Faith, Number 8

This “Article” is an exception clause, which allows the Mormon to reject anything in the Bible which does not agree with the present-day teachings of his church.

The Mormons also have as scripture the Book of Mormon, which contains thousands of changes from the originally published text of 1830. And regardless of LDS claims, this book is not substantiated by archaeological discoveries. The Book of Mormon, published in 1830, is very different from today’s Book of Mormon. The LDS Church re-published the 1830 Book of Mormon as part of their celebration of 150 years since the first publication. This Sesquicentennial Edition is an exact reprint of the 1830 edition so making comparisons easily shows the tampering with the text.

In spite of the many changes in this book, Mormon leaders hold it in much higher esteem than they do the Bible. Former President of the Mormon church, Ezra Taft Benson, stated:

“Combined with the Spirit of the Lord, the Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world.”

The Ensign, November, 1984

In the same article, the late Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie is quoted as stating:

“There will be more people saved in the kingdom of God, ten thousand times over, because of the Book of Mormon than there will because of the Bible.”

The Ensign, November, 1984, p. 7

Two other Mormon scriptures are the Doctrine and Covenants (also with hundreds of secret changes in many of its previously-published revelations), and the Pearl of Great Price.

Also, according to the Mormon publication Gospel Principles:

“The words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders.” (p. 52)

If the foundations of their faith, their scriptures, have been tampered with, then why would anyone be able to trust their “living prophets?” But what Mormon knows of this tampering? Someone has to be able to tell them.

August 26, 2022 E-Letter

Website: www.watchman-ga.org

Email: dhenkewatchman@gmail.com (If you would like to receive David’s current e-letters, request them here.)