The Book Of Mormon is the Another Testament of Jesus Christ : A Response to thesplendorofthechurch.com

Catholic Apologetic website “The Splendor of the Church” gives the following article against the Book of Mormon titled “The Book of Mormon is not Another Testament of Jesus Christ” with a reallly messed up comphrehension on how Biblical canon works and the necessity of the Book of Mormon. the following is what is contained in the article followed by my responses :

    “...The Book of Mormon is not part on the Canon of the Bible. If their book is in line with the Holy Bible and “another testament of Christ”, then supposed to be that it must be approved by any apostle nor to Church fathers but none.”

This is one example of appealing to ignorance, a flawed argument where x is assumed to be false because of the absence of evidence, as for this case, the evidence that apostles and church father’s approve the Book of Mormon. this is plain absurdity and also, we do not claim that the Book of Mormon is a part of the Bible, in which here, the author’s lack of further research of basic doctrines of Latter Day Saint theology is in display. the Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible but is not a part of the Bible. it begs the question that why would you assume that its not a part of the Bible? you are arguing against the Book of Mormon like assuming that if it is approved and if it is approved Scripture, then it must be a part of the Bible. “Another Testament” shows companionship to the Bible. the assumption made by the author however, is based upon distortions.

    “...The Holy Bible tells us that there are apostolic traditions that we need to keep and follow both oral and written (2 Thes 2:14-15). For sure the Book of Mormon is not an apostolic one since they said from their book itself that the testament of Christ/message of salvation was received by Mormon, down to Moroni, then to Joseph Smith and witnesses (Book of Mormon, Introduction). Remember that these persons are not apostles and therefore their book is not reliable.”

This is one example of the Genetical Fallacy where x is assumed to be false because it came from y. as for this case, the author assumes that the Book of Mormon is unreliable because it is assumed that it came from Mormon, Moroni, and Joseph Smith and then assumes that they are not apostles. furthermore, the author also ignores the stand of Lattter Day Saints that these three men being mentioned by the author are prophets and messengers of God, and Latter Day Saints claim that they are inspired. inspired scripture is not limited to apostles. inspired scripture also comes from Prophets and prophetic revelation. Latter Day Saints also claim that there are apostles at the setting of the Book Of Mormon, that Christ chose them when he visited the American Continent. this claim by Latter Day Saints however, has not been taken into consideration by the author of the article and made evaluations above it, whether in disagreement or not. it’s just he did not read the Book’s whole story, setting, and context. this is absurdity. Latter Day Saints and Roman Catholics have a common ground that both prophets/oracles and God are the agents of the writing of divine scripture. with the same wording that “they wrote” and “added a few words”, Paul said that he is writing the epistle to the with his own hand (Gal. 6:11) and that Paul dictated his written letter to Tertius, said that he wrote that letter (Rom. 16:22) and Paul also said that he writes to the Corinthian Saints are the Lord’s command (1 Cor. 14:37). Paul said in many places in his epistles that he and the people who he dictated his words to, are the the ones who wrote his epistles (1 Cor. 4:14; 14:37; 2 Cor. 1:13;  2 Cor. 1:13; 2:9; 9:1; 13:2-10; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 3:1; 1 Ths. 4:9; 5:1; 2 Ths. 3:17; 1 Tim. 3:14) and this does not exclude the involvement of God in the authorship of divine scripture as the author of the article claims. then he quotes Alma 40:20 and comments :

     “...Alma 40:20 (From Book of Mormon)

“Now, my son, I DO NOT SAY THAT THEIR RESURRECTION COMETH AT THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST; BUT BEHOLD, I GAVE IT AS MY OPINION, THAT THE SOULS AND THE BODIES ARE REUNITED, OF THE RIGHTEOUS, AT THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, AND HIS ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN”.

Note:

– Personal opinion is No if it is word of God.

– Christ will come on the Judgment day to judge the living and the dead (1 Cor 15, 1 Thes 4, Rev 20, Rev 22).

– During the judgment day, those who died will be resurrected regardless if wicked or not (Jn 5:28-29).

– Remember that resurrection is sure, not an opinion.”

According to the author, if Alma said that he gave it as his “opinion”, then it would be dismissed as divinely inspired. As for opinions, Paul also gave advices to umarried Corinthian Saints in his own accord for there was no given commandment from the Lord (1 Cor. 7:25). Paul also said that he thinks he have the spirit of God (1 Cor. 7:40). does these make Paul’s letters less inspired? Alma is not in denial of the reality of the Resurrection of the dead, that is something that the author missed p the point, but he became unsure of when the Ressurection will happen as for Alma lives at the times before Christ was even born.  on the Resurrection, we have agreements that everyone will be resurrected regardless of their moral choices. hastily generalized everything about about writing upon a writer’s own opinion,  he also misinterpreted what was said that Moroni is a glorified and ressurected being and questions the timeline that the day of Resurrection has not happened yet and begs us the question how about Jesus Christ and other people who were Resurrected before the day of Ressurection? (Mt. 27:50-51; 1 Cor. 15:20-23). depends on what day of Resurrection that you refer, whether it is eschatological or not. commentators agree that there are Saints who are ressurected before that day of Ressurection after that Christ was ressurected. The Bible Knowledge Commentary comments on the following issue, states : 

“ 27:51-53 (Mark 15:38; Luke 23:44-45). At the time of Jesus’ death, three momentous events occurred. First, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This curtain separated the holy place from the holy of holies in the temple (Heb. 9:2-3). The fact that this occurred from top to bottom signified that God is the One who ripped the thick curtain. It was not torn from the bottom by men ripping it. God was showing that the way of access into His presence was now available for everyone, not simply the Old Testament high priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22).

Second, at Christ’s death a strong earthquake occurred, splitting rocks (Matt. 27:51). Truly the death of Christ was a powerful, earthshaking event with repercussions affecting even the creation. A third event mentioned was recorded only by Matthew. The tombs of many holy (righteous) people (v. 52) were opened, probably at a Jerusalem cemetery. The NIV suggests that these saints were resurrected when Jesus died and then went into Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection. A number of commentators agree with this view. Many others, however, say that since Christ is the firstfruits of the dead (1 Cor. 15:23), their resurrection did not occur till He was raised. In this view, the phrase “after Jesus’ resurrection” goes with the words were raised to life and came out of the tombs. This is possible in the Greek, and is suggested in the KJV and the NASB. The tombs, then, broke open at Christ’s death, probably by the earthquake, thus heralding Christ’s triumph in death over sin, but the bodies were not raised till Christ was raised.” (Dallas Theological Seminary, J. Walvoord, R.B Zuck : The Bible Knowledge Commentary : Old And New Testament, Victor Books/Scripture Press, Wheaton Illinois [1985, 2002]).

Furthermore, Latter Day Saint scholar, Theologian, and Apologist, Robert Boylan, gives the following on “opinions” in the Book of Mormon and also in the Bible (something that the author of the Catholic article did not taken into consideration, e.g 2 Macc. 15:39; 1 Cor. 7:40). Robert Boylan wrote :

“ And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge. (1 Nephi 1:3)

Some critics (e.g., Marian Bodine) have attacked the Book of Mormon on this basis that Nephi is denying that his record is inspired by God (or “God-breathed” [cf. 2 Tim 3:16]). Maybe it would be enough to bring up a similar comment by the apostle Paul:

But in my judgment she is more blessed if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. (1 Cor 7:40 | NRSV)

In this verse, Paul, speaking to the widow, is rather equivocal on this issue where, essentially, he is giving his own opinion on a matter. As the Lord has not given him a commandment on such matters, Paul can only "think" he knows God's will. Using the "logic" of Bodine, 1 Corinthians is to be jettisoned!

Furthermore, there are many instances in the Book of Mormon, including statements in 1 Nephi itself, affirming the inspiration of the Book of Mormon authors. Here are some representative examples:

And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I am writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work. For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of Joseph. And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God. For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world. Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men. (1 Nephi 6:1-6)

And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates of Nephi. Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people. Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people. Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. (1 Nephi 9:2-6)

And I knew not at the time when I made them that I should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates; wherefore, the record of my father, and the genealogy of his fathers, and the more part of all our proceedings in the wilderness are engraven upon those first plates of which I have spoken; wherefore, the things which transpired before I made these plates are, of a truth, more particularly made mention upon the first plates. And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord. (1 Nephi 19:2-3)

And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me: Make other plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy people. Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, went and made these plates upon which I have engraven these things. (2 Nephi 5:30-31)

And now I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi. And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass--Wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people. But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will. And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people. And now I, Mormon, proceed to finish out my record, which I take from the plates of Nephi; and I make it according to the knowledge and the understanding which God has given me. (Words of Mormon 3-9 BOM)

And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation. Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people. Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been commanded me of the Lord. And now I, Mormon, make an end of my sayings, and proceed to write the things which have been commanded me. (3 Nephi 26:6-12)

And now I, Mormon, make an end of speaking concerning these things for a time. Behold, I was about to write the names of those who were never to taste of death, but the Lord forbade; therefore I write them not, for they are hid from the world. (3 Nephi 28:24-25)

And also that a knowledge of these things must come unto the remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles, who the Lord hath said should scatter this people, and this people should be counted as naught among them-- therefore I write a small abridgment, daring not to give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people. (Mormon 5:9)

Behold, I make an end of speaking concerning this people. I am the son of Mormon, and my father was a descendant of Nephi. And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord. And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God. (Mormon 8:13-16)

And the Lord commanded the brother of Jared to go down out of the mount from the presence of the Lord, and write the things which he had seen; and they were forbidden to come unto the children of men until after that he should be lifted up upon the cross; and for this cause did king Mosiah keep them, that they should not come unto the world until after Christ should show himself unto his people. And after Christ truly had showed himself unto his people he commanded that they should be made manifest. And now, after that, they have all dwindled in unbelief; and there is none save it be the Lamanites, and they have rejected the gospel of Christ; therefore I am commanded that I should hide them up again in the earth. Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which the brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared. Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them. And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord. For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord. (Ether 4:1-6)

And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God. And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work; and unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true. And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record-- and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God. And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen. (Ether 5:1-6)

Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8:26)

And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden; but great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether; but they esteemed him as naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come upon the people. (Ether 13:13)

And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record; (and the hundredth part I have not written) and he hid them in a manner that the people of Limhi did find them. (Ether 15:33)

And if it so be that they perish, we know that many of our brethren have deserted over unto the Lamanites, and many more will also desert over unto them; wherefore, write somewhat a few things, if thou art spared and I shall perish and not see thee; but I trust that I may see thee soon; for I have sacred records that I would deliver up unto thee. (Moroni 9:24).”

This is one of the half baked articles made by the site against Latter Day Saints with such fallacious arguments and lack of reading of the actual book. the Book of Mormon is the Another Testament of Jesus Christ and is inspired by God and was written and translated by inspired men.

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