My Beliefs
The Book of Mormon
What is the Book of Mormon? Do you believe in the Book of Mormon and not the Bible?
You will notice that most of the scriptures I use here to substantiate my beliefs are from the Holy
Bible. I believe the Bible to be the word of God. We use the King James version of the Bible as
we believe it to be the most correct of the many translation of the Bible that have occurred
through the centuries.
To me, every aspect of the Church, when fully understood is evidence of the restoration of
Christ’s true church and that it was restored and now operates under his personal direction.
Probably the most tangible evidence of the truth and divine involvement in the restoration of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Book of Mormon.
Three and an half years after the first vision, as it is called, of God and Christ in the grove that
Spring of 1820, Joseph, by then 18 years of age, prayed with concern that he had heard no
further word. As he prayed the room lit up and a heavenly messenger appeared. He introduced
himself as Moroni who had been the last of a long line of prophets who lived in Ancient
America. He explained that he was custodian of ancient set of scriptural records, written by the
prophets who had lived in this land from about 600 BC to 421 AD and that it was time for those
writings to be brought forth as part of the restoration of that spoken by all of the prophets from
the beginning of the earth. The messenger came three times during the night and then again the
next day in the field where he instructed Joseph to go tell his father of what was transpiring and
then meet him on the side of the Hill Cumorah near the farm. Moroni there showed Joseph the
set of records and forbade him to get them until it was time. Each year, Joseph met Moroni at
the hill and received instructions from him.
On the 23rd day of September, 1827 Moroni delivered the records into the hands of Joseph and
instructed him to seek the inspiration of the Lord to translate them into English. As Joseph
Smith had little formal education, and the delivered records were written in a reformed Egyptian
Hieroglyphics, the translation was only possible by the gift and power of God. Included with the
records was a set of seer stones called the Urim and Thummim (See Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8,
Deuteronomy 38:8, Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65) which when used in faith and worthiness provided the
translation from the ancient language in which the record was written.
One Martin Harris took a transcription of these hieroglyphics to a Professor Charles Anthon, a
professor of classical languages in New York’s Columbia College (Now Columbia University).
Martin’s account of the meeting was that the Professor gave a certification that these were indeed
Egyptian Hieroglyphics, but tore the paper up when he learned that he could not have access to
the ancient record himself. He was quoted as saying, “I cannot read a sealed book.” This
account, we declare is a direct fulfillment of another of Isaiah prophecies in that same 29th
chapter where Isaiah speaks of the marvelous work that was to come forth: And the vision of all
is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is
learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is
delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not
learned. (Isaiah 29:11 - 12) The Angel Moroni commanded Joseph to translate only a third of the
records, that the other two thirds were to remain sealed until a later time. That, by the way, is
one of the reasons the records were returned to Moroni when the translation the third of the
record was finished and remain in his custody today.
The word got out that the records were kept on gold plates and there were all kinds of connived
efforts to get them away from him. Because of the difficulties, it was only in a few months in
1829 that most of translation was done. The transcripts were type set and published under the
title of The Book of Mormon in 1829. I will explain why we use both the Bible and the Book of
Mormon.
The Book of Mormon has now been translated in over 100 languages in fulfillment of the
prophecy: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his
judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains
of waters. (Revelation 14:6 - 7)
The Book of Mormon, consists of the writings of a number of prophets who lived in Ancient
America for a little over a thousand years from 600 B.C. to 421 A.D.
It actually originates in the City of Jerusalem with the account of a prophet named Lehi, a
contemporary of Jeremiah as both were warning the inhabitants of that city of their pending
destruction by the Babylonians if they continued their wickedness. Jeremiah was eventually
imprisoned and Lehi and his family were warned to flee for their lives. They were led to a
promised land which turned out to be what we would call Ancient America. Not long after they
arrived, father Lehi passed away and the two oldest brothers, Laman and Lemual, rebelled and
the younger brothers led by Nephi were told to separate themselves. Most of the thousand year
history includes conflicts between the followers of the older brothers known as Lamanites and of
Nephi known as Nephites. The Lord promised the Nephites as long as they were keeping his
commandments, they would be preserved from the warring Lamanites, if they ever turned away
from the Lord, he would allow the Lamanites to destroy them. This actually finally occurred in
the years leading up to 400 A.D. Moroni was the sole Nephite survivor and was given custody
of the record that had been prepared by his father, Mormon. The record on the gold plates
Mormon delivered to his son, were a result of Mormon tireless abridgement of the masses of
records that had been kept up to that time. He was under the command of the Lord to record the
parts of the records that would carry the everlasting gospel to the earth in the latter days. It is
after Mormon that the record is named.
Evidences of the Truth of the Book of Mormon
There are many, especially some religious leaders and others who sponsor anti-Mormon websites
that want to imply that Joseph Smith was the author of the Book of Mormon. Well, as a student
of the Book of Mormon, my first impression is that anyone who thinks that just is not aware of
the facts. First of all, Joseph was the one referred to in Isaiah 29 as not learned and the truth is
that he did have very little formal education and was a very young man when the Book of
Mormon was published. Anyone who would read it with an open mind and an honest heart, will
see that no one could concoct such a record of such complexity that would stand the test of time
over 150 years. There are many evidences that the Book of Mormon was written anciently by
inspired prophets and that it has a divine purpose. There are also strong physical evidences of its
truth which I will discuss next.
Scriptural Evidences
Many ask if the Book of Mormon is mentioned in the Bible and the answer is, “yes” but not by
name. Lehi knew that he was a direct descendant of Joseph, the one with the coat of many
colors (I can relate to him.), who was sold by his brothers into Egypt. When Joseph’s family
joined him in Egypt prior to father Jacob’s death, the sons received prophetic blessings from
father Jacob. Jacob blessed Joseph: 22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a
well; whose branches run over the wall …26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above
the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on
the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
(Genesis 49:22 - 26) We have reason to know that this prophecy refers a branch of Joseph’s
descendants, Lehi, who would run over the wall (ocean) to the umost bound (opposite side of the
world) of the everlasting hills. Only on this Western hemisphere is there a continual range of
mountains starting with the Aleutian Islands of Alaska growing into the Canadian Rockies,
continuing as the Rocky Mountains in the Western U. S. and the Guadalupe Mountains in
Mexico ending at the Southern tip of South America with the Andes Mountains. The Americas
is the “land of everlasting hills” foreseen as the home of a branch of Joseph’s descendants.
The prophet Ezekiel was aware of the record of this branch of Joseph. 15 ¶ The word of the
LORD came again unto me, saying, 16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and
write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick,
and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his
companions: 17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine
hand. ( Ezekiel 37:15 - 17) The stick or record of Judah (the Jews) is the Holy Bible. The stick or
record of Joseph (Lehi) is the Book of Mormon. They are now used together in our church “one
in thine hand” to teach the gospel.
Earlier, I mentioned that the resurrected Jesus Christ visited Ancient America. The account of
this visit is an important part of the Book of Mormon. I quoted the statement of Jesus to the
Jews: And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall
hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16) Throughout the entire
Book of Mormon, reference is made to Jesus Christ and his gospel which is the doctrine taught
therein. His visit to the Book of Mormon people is promised and the account of his personal
visit is a precious writing. As mentioned earlier, he told these people: And verily I say unto you,
that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must
bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (Book of
Mormon | 3 Nephi 15:21) Because the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus
Christ and offers a second witness of a nation to whom he ministered, the Book of Mormon is
subtitled, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Special Witnesses
There were three prominent men who saw the heavenly messenger, Moroni, and was
commanded of him to be witnesses of its divine origin.
THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES
1 BE IT KNOWN unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall
come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the
plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the
Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which
hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of
God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.
And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have
been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of
soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our
eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by
the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that
these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord
commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the
commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in
Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the
judgment–seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to
the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY
DAVID WHITMER
MARTIN HARRIS
(Book of Mormon | Preface 3 Witnesses:Heading - 1)
In addition, there were eight men who saw and handled the gold plates.
THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES
1 BE IT KNOWN unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall
come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which
hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said
Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all
of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear
record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and
hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And
we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we
lie not, God bearing witness of it.
CHRISTIAN WHITMER
HIRAM PAGE
JACOB WHITMER
JOSEPH SMITH, SEN.
PETER WHITMER, JUN.
HYRUM SMITH
JOHN WHITMER
SAMUEL H. SMITH
(Book of Mormon | Preface 8 Witnesses:Heading - 1)
Some of the witness were at different times offended and left the Church for varying periods of
time, some for the rest of their lives, but in spite of bitter feelings, none at any time ever denied
their testimonies. To me this is very significant.
Archeological Evidences
Books have been written about evidences supporting the validity of the Book of Mormon by
archeological findings in the areas supposed to be the habitation of its people. Though none of
these findings offer what some would call proof, I personally am satisfied that many evidences
exist that could definitely substantiate the existence and traditions of the Book of Mormon
people.
One interesting example is an object that is a common depictions in Latin America of the tree of
life, especially the one called the Lehi Stone because it so closely resembles the vision or dream
of Lehi recorded in the 8th chapter of the Book of Mormon, (1 Nephi 8) centered around what he
referred to as the tree of life.
Tree of Life photo
Sketch of the photo
Here is a photo of one of the many pyramids in Mexico, Central and South America, which I
believe to be the habitation of the Book of Mormon people. To me it is perfectly logical to
believe that those who built these pyramids were descendants of those who built similar
structures in Egypt prior to the exodus to the Holy Land which was led by Moses. The Book of
Mormon people came from the Holy Land after the exodus.
KUKULKAN PYRAMID at Chichen Itza on Mexico's Yucatan
Like any other such artifact or archeological structure, these do not nor cannot convince anyone
who is otherwise not inclined to believe.
Legends
Cortez and Montezuma at Mexican Temple
The Spaniard Hernando Cortez, conqueror of Mexico, enters the Aztec temple. He is
welcomed by Emperor Montezuma II, who thought Cortez was a god.
Quetzalcoatl - “‘He's that Feathered Serpent of Ancient Mexico"… who [a bearded, white God]
was suppose to return from the East to reclaim his power, but the Indians [and Montezuma]
mistook [the Spanish Conqueror], Cortez for him instead’.”
http://weber.ucsd.edu/~anthclub/quetzalcoatl/quetzal.htm
Quetzalcoatl, god of civilization, was identified with the planet Venus and with the wind;
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Quetzalcoatl.aspx
I have heard of one legend that explains the feathered serpent and the connection with Venus as
stemming from a night of light experienced by the inhabitants of Ancient America, as a sign to
them at the time of Christ’s birth (Book of Mormon 3rd Nephi Chapter 1). It was said that the
new star that appeared may have been Venus (suggested to now be about 2,000 years old) flaring
into its present orbit glowing and with a tail like a comet. The glowing comet and trail of light
steaming behind as it streaked across the night sky, lighting it up as noon and afterward referred
to as a feathered serpent according to that legend and in my mind logically connect that event to
the birth of Jesus Christ.
Temple of Quetzacoatl
Linguistic Evidences
To me some of the most compelling evidence of the validity of the Book of Mormon is relates to
the subtle linguistic embedded in the translation.
Quoting from an article: Mounting Evidence for the Book of Mormon by Daniel C. Peterson:
“The Book of Mormon claims to have been written in “reformed Egyptian” (Book of Mormon,
Mormon 9:32). Most who have studied the subject conclude that this signifies writing the
Hebrew language in modified Egyptian characters. In recent years, we have learned that several
ancient documents were written in precisely that fashion.” (John A. Tvedtnes and Stephen D.
Ricks, “Jewish and Other Semitic Texts Written in Egyptian Characters,” JBMS, fall 1996, 156–
63; William J. Hamblin, “Reformed Egyptian” (Provo: FARMS, 1995). See also John Gee,
“Two Notes on Egyptian Script,” JBMS, spring 1996, 162–76.)
Peterson continues: The name of Lehi’s wife, Sariah, previously unknown outside the Book of
Mormon, has been found in ancient Jewish documents from Egypt. 21 Likewise, the nonbiblical
name Nephi belongs to the very time and place of the first Book of Mormon figure who bears it.
The imagery in Nephi’s vision is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern symbolism with which
Joseph Smith could not have been familiar. 24 Moreover, its predictions are strikingly accurate.
On simple little example of which I am aware is in the Book of Mormon, the honey bee is called
deseret. That this was the actual term of the bee in the ancient Arabic languages has only
recently been discovered by language experts. There is no way that Joseph Smith could have
know this in the 1830’s, as far as I know, it was not known then by anyone. This is a simple
example, but it is a strong evidence.
Spiritual Confirmation
I personally believe that it is the intention of the Lord, that the truth Book of Mormon is to be
determined by each individual, not by any physical evidence, but by spiritual confirmation. In
the very last chapter of the Book of Mormon, the last prophet, Moroni promised: 4 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. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Book of
Mormon | Moroni 10:4 - 5)
My Personal Conviction
When I was a teenager, performing on television and stage in many parts of the world, I decided
I had better find out for myself if the church I belonged to was true. It was clear to me that the
best way to test it was to put the above promise to the test, so I read the Book of Mormon and
sincerely prayed to know. The power of the Holy Ghost, I learned first hand, was real and did in
fact powerfully confirm to me that the book was true and that Joseph Smith translated it by the
gift and power of God. I have since studied it as well as the Bible and I have felt that quiet but
powerful and undeniable conviction that can only come from the Comforter, the Holy Ghost
many times. This conviction has sustained me in my career and throughout my life thus far and
hopefully will help me endure to the end in faith.