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This came across my FB feed. Elder Holland doubling down on a historical BOM:
Consider the source--it's an exmormon reddit thread--but it doesn't seem out of character for him. I can almost hear his voice behind some of these lines.
I can accept that there are people who believe the BOM to be historical. The problem I have with this stuff is when he acts like it's so patently and objectively obvious. The claims that no alternative credible explanation for its production exists, that it hasn't been discredited in 200 years of academic analysis, and the like are just plain wrong. And frankly, it's a dishonest thing to say. There have been plenty of alternate explanations offered, all of which are frankly more believable than an angel delivering plates to be translated using a stone and a hat. You may not accept them, and that's fine--that's where faith comes in--but to pretend that they just aren't out there is silly. Similarly, if we ask a bunch of academics what they think of the BOM, what do you think the collective response will be? Again, doesn't mean it's not a true record of an ancient people, but really, from an academic perspective, it's been as thoroughly discredited as these kinds of things can be.
I think these kinds of efforts to prove the BOM are going to backfire someday. It creates a very narrow idea of what scripture is, one that I'm not sure will hold up for the next fifty years. It draws lines in the sand that don't really need to be there. I wonder if we'll be as embarrassed about these kinds of statements as we are about JFS's statements on evolution. I get that he's an emotional passionate speaker, and hyperbole and emotion is part of why people love him, but these kinds of statements are really exclusionary and harmful in the end.
For anyone curious, here's a very hasty transcript of Jeffrey Holland's talk today in the UK/Scandinavia conference. It got quite shouty.
TL; DR: the BoM can't be explained away.
It was the best meeting he's been in in 20 years. He's doing lots of things during his UK visit, including speaking in Parliament!? More sister missionaries will change the fabric and future of the church. A dramatic chapter on church history. D-Day anniversary. Dangers and risks today are different, but just as present. Tribute to earlier speakers, including Julia Olson from Sweden. Her maiden name Matteson? Reminiscing 1990-1993 as Area Authority. Hasn't really been back since.
When are the last days? They began with JS. When is the LAST day? No one knows, but it will come and be surprising. Signs of the times. A time of sifting, sheep and goats, wheat and tares, wise and foolish virgins. BoM comes forth. Mormon writes to try our faith. Those who won't believe will be cut off. BoM is a sign, an evidence, a shield against fatal departure from the true church.
I've had 1000, 10000 witnesses of the BoM in my lifetime. First was on my mission in the UK. Undeniable spiritual conviction. Church stands or falls on authenticity of BoM and how it came forth. Not everything in life is black and white but this is.
BoM is quick and powerful like a two edged sword in getting to the issue. BoM had withstood withering scrutiny. Can't be rivaled/reproduced or explained away. People gave up future and fortune and lives for it. Never been discredited by combined weight of 200 years of analysis and academia.
If JS did not translate the BoM I would move heaven and earth to meet the man who wrote it. No one ever came forward to claim authorship, no one could have. The witnesses stood by their claims, even when disaffected. No other account of the BoM can truthfully be given.
No ghost writer is still waiting in the wings. To have fabricated the BoM would be a greater miracle than divine translation.
50 scholars took 7 years on the KJV. JS translated at White hot speed. John Taylor "JS had done more for salvation of men..."
I would be in Carthage then now or ever to defend JS and the gospel.
I have read many books, attended three universities, presided in the church. I know profundity when I see it. I testify just as surely as if I'd been one of the 3 witnesses. I offer you the BoM as safety for your sole and the antidote to wavering convictions. Cling to the iron rod.
I am a witness. If you approach my coffin as I enter the next world you'll hear my last breath whisper "This is God's truth".
TL/DR : Holland says if the BOM is a fraud, then its all a fraud but its not a fraud because it's never been disproven. Um, quite sure it has. He is a dodo.
TL; DR: the BoM can't be explained away.
It was the best meeting he's been in in 20 years. He's doing lots of things during his UK visit, including speaking in Parliament!? More sister missionaries will change the fabric and future of the church. A dramatic chapter on church history. D-Day anniversary. Dangers and risks today are different, but just as present. Tribute to earlier speakers, including Julia Olson from Sweden. Her maiden name Matteson? Reminiscing 1990-1993 as Area Authority. Hasn't really been back since.
When are the last days? They began with JS. When is the LAST day? No one knows, but it will come and be surprising. Signs of the times. A time of sifting, sheep and goats, wheat and tares, wise and foolish virgins. BoM comes forth. Mormon writes to try our faith. Those who won't believe will be cut off. BoM is a sign, an evidence, a shield against fatal departure from the true church.
I've had 1000, 10000 witnesses of the BoM in my lifetime. First was on my mission in the UK. Undeniable spiritual conviction. Church stands or falls on authenticity of BoM and how it came forth. Not everything in life is black and white but this is.
BoM is quick and powerful like a two edged sword in getting to the issue. BoM had withstood withering scrutiny. Can't be rivaled/reproduced or explained away. People gave up future and fortune and lives for it. Never been discredited by combined weight of 200 years of analysis and academia.
If JS did not translate the BoM I would move heaven and earth to meet the man who wrote it. No one ever came forward to claim authorship, no one could have. The witnesses stood by their claims, even when disaffected. No other account of the BoM can truthfully be given.
No ghost writer is still waiting in the wings. To have fabricated the BoM would be a greater miracle than divine translation.
50 scholars took 7 years on the KJV. JS translated at White hot speed. John Taylor "JS had done more for salvation of men..."
I would be in Carthage then now or ever to defend JS and the gospel.
I have read many books, attended three universities, presided in the church. I know profundity when I see it. I testify just as surely as if I'd been one of the 3 witnesses. I offer you the BoM as safety for your sole and the antidote to wavering convictions. Cling to the iron rod.
I am a witness. If you approach my coffin as I enter the next world you'll hear my last breath whisper "This is God's truth".
TL/DR : Holland says if the BOM is a fraud, then its all a fraud but its not a fraud because it's never been disproven. Um, quite sure it has. He is a dodo.
I can accept that there are people who believe the BOM to be historical. The problem I have with this stuff is when he acts like it's so patently and objectively obvious. The claims that no alternative credible explanation for its production exists, that it hasn't been discredited in 200 years of academic analysis, and the like are just plain wrong. And frankly, it's a dishonest thing to say. There have been plenty of alternate explanations offered, all of which are frankly more believable than an angel delivering plates to be translated using a stone and a hat. You may not accept them, and that's fine--that's where faith comes in--but to pretend that they just aren't out there is silly. Similarly, if we ask a bunch of academics what they think of the BOM, what do you think the collective response will be? Again, doesn't mean it's not a true record of an ancient people, but really, from an academic perspective, it's been as thoroughly discredited as these kinds of things can be.
I think these kinds of efforts to prove the BOM are going to backfire someday. It creates a very narrow idea of what scripture is, one that I'm not sure will hold up for the next fifty years. It draws lines in the sand that don't really need to be there. I wonder if we'll be as embarrassed about these kinds of statements as we are about JFS's statements on evolution. I get that he's an emotional passionate speaker, and hyperbole and emotion is part of why people love him, but these kinds of statements are really exclusionary and harmful in the end.
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