I'm tempted to ask why wouldn't people want more scripture in these complex times? It has been the pattern of God from Adam on down, to reveal His will to men and women. These men and women have shared their stories with others and have written down the words of God revealed to them. As long as there have been people worthy and willing to listen to Him, He has spoken.
Consider the command and promise in the letter of James contained in the New Testament – "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Clearly, God is willing to give His wisdom to all mankind. We believe that the Lord keeps this promise regardless of where people are located in the world. As Mormons, we believe that there were people on the American continents thousands of years ago who also sought to know God. He responded to their petitions just as He did to the petitions of those in the Middle East. And as a Church, we believe that God wanted us to have His words to the ancient inhabitants of the American continents (The Book of Mormon), just as He wanted us to have His words to the ancient inhabitants of the Middle East (The Bible).
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Do Mormons believe in the Bible?
Of course.
A better question might be 'Which version?' In English, Mormons generally use the King James Version - commonly used by many Protestant denominations. However, I've read from the New International Version, the English Revised Version, and the Darby among others. I have also read the Reina Valera in Spanish. And often, when I'm studying I will refer to either the Hebrew, Latin Vulgate or Greek Septuagint for the Old Testament, and the Greek for the New Testament. In using all of these generally accepted versions, I have noticed that each translation differs somewhat. And each provides unique insights.
As I've studied the writings of bible scholars, I've found that historically there have been debates regarding which books should be included in the Bible. The Catholics include several books in the Old Testament called the Apocrypha that Protestants don't generally include. Additionally, internal references within the holy scriptures indicate that the ancients relied on writings we no longer have. Regardless, the Bible is a beautiful, inspired work containing the words of God to his children and thus Mormons accept it as holy writ.
Those who emphasize that Mormons believe changes have occurred in the Bible over the millennia ignore that most other Christian and Jewish biblical scholars have the same basic understanding.
A better question might be 'Which version?' In English, Mormons generally use the King James Version - commonly used by many Protestant denominations. However, I've read from the New International Version, the English Revised Version, and the Darby among others. I have also read the Reina Valera in Spanish. And often, when I'm studying I will refer to either the Hebrew, Latin Vulgate or Greek Septuagint for the Old Testament, and the Greek for the New Testament. In using all of these generally accepted versions, I have noticed that each translation differs somewhat. And each provides unique insights.
As I've studied the writings of bible scholars, I've found that historically there have been debates regarding which books should be included in the Bible. The Catholics include several books in the Old Testament called the Apocrypha that Protestants don't generally include. Additionally, internal references within the holy scriptures indicate that the ancients relied on writings we no longer have. Regardless, the Bible is a beautiful, inspired work containing the words of God to his children and thus Mormons accept it as holy writ.
Those who emphasize that Mormons believe changes have occurred in the Bible over the millennia ignore that most other Christian and Jewish biblical scholars have the same basic understanding.
Are Mormons Christian?
I think by trying to defend our status as Christians, Mormons are accepting the evangelicals' self-assumed right that only they may judge who is or who is not a Christian. Since that right isn't mine to surrender, I'll succinctly state our belief on the issue below, and let Christ himself judge. I believe he has earned the right.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and THE anointed savior for all mankind. With the fall of Adam, physical death and disobedience to God's guidance created a breach between God and man. It is only through Christ's infinite atonement, and by obedience to his word, that the breach between God and man can be closed. There is no other being, including ourselves, that can save us.
So are we Christian? That's really up to Him.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and THE anointed savior for all mankind. With the fall of Adam, physical death and disobedience to God's guidance created a breach between God and man. It is only through Christ's infinite atonement, and by obedience to his word, that the breach between God and man can be closed. There is no other being, including ourselves, that can save us.
So are we Christian? That's really up to Him.