This is a question that has been asked ever since Book of Mormon was published in 1829 and the Articles of Faith were printed a few years later.

I wholeheartedly agree with you in regards to the historical verifications of the Bible of which you speak. Scholars in our Church are very active in the work of reviewing and understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls. In fact, our Church has an exhibit of some of photos, inscriptions and other interesting features of these scrolls that are currently being displayed throughout Europe. We are excited to know that the ancient writings of the early prophets has been preserved by God for us today.

It is known that the currently used versions of the Bible have come to us from the original Hebrew and Greek languages through a series of translations. Each translation involves reading one language and understanding it according to the translator’s interpretation and then writing it in another language. That is why Joseph Smith wrote in the Articles of Faith, “We believe the Bible as far as it translated correctly…”.

Here is a paragraph from an answer of a previous similar question: There are clearly some things that have been mis-translated or deleted from the Bible; however, I could not personally tell you any Biblical passages that we do not accept. In fact, if you review my answers to questions and the multimedia presentations in MY BELIEFS which I have narrated on some of the basics of our faith, you will note that I largely quote from the Bible to establish the points of doctrine in which we believe. I maintain that our church and teachings adhere more closely to the Biblical scripture by far than any other church of which I am aware. I would not remain devoted to my beliefs, if I were not convinced that it is the same church and gospel that Christ established during his earthly ministry and that is taught in the Holy Bible.

Our acknowledgement of the potential for errors in translation is not totally unique in our church. I think our position is much more accepting of the Bible as it is than the recent article printed this past October 5, 2005 in the London Times. The report states: “THE hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church has published a teaching document instructing the faithful that some parts of the Bible are not actually true. The Catholic bishops of England, Wales and Scotland are warning their five million worshippers, as well as any others drawn to the study of scripture, that they should not expect “total accuracy” from the Bible.” You may be able to view the entire article on the web at: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1811332,00.html

The writings of the prophets who lived in Ancient America which was translated by Joseph Smith and published as The Book of Mormon, were in a reformed Egyptian Hieroglyphic. No one of that time understood that written language and the young, uneducated Prophet Joseph Smith was certainly no exception to this. He could only translate when inspired by the Lord and if you will read the account of the witnesses in the front of the Book of Mormon, it should be clear that those who were around him as this was being done, became wholly convinced that the translation from the original inscriptions was accomplished only by the gift and power of God. That is why the Article of Faith continues, “We Believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God”.

Neither book can truly be accurately interpreted unless one is worthy and has openly and honestly appealed in prayer for their own spiritual inspiration: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Peter 1:20 - 21) “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:4 - 5)

I have for most of my life, studied the Bible and the Book of Mormon and I can tell you that they do not conflict, but both testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ, of his atonement and his teachings. They are each the writings of prophets on two separate hemispheres declaring God’s word.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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