Book of Mormon, Part 5

Shawn McCraney challenges the label of "anti-Mormon" by arguing it's a manipulative tactic to shut down critique and discussion of LDS beliefs, while asserting that certain core Mormon teachings are inherently anti-Christian based on their departure from traditional Christian doctrines. He invites Christians to use the same label of "anti-Christian" against Latter-day Saints who fully embrace Mormonism, asserting that reciprocal labeling is warranted given LDS claims of apostasy and exclusive truth.

Joseph Smith utilized the King James English style, resembling the King James Bible, in the Book of Mormon to possibly lend it biblical authority, yet it contains direct quotes from the Bible, sparking accusations of borrowing or plagiarizing. This raises questions given that the Book of Mormon claims to originate from a time and place with no Greek influence, from which the King James Bible translations were derived.

This teaching by Shawn explores scriptural cross-references and thematic parallels between the Book of Mormon and the Bible, highlighting concepts such as the power of the Holy Ghost, seeking God diligently, the unchanging nature of God, testimony of Jesus as the Son of God, judgment according to works, and enduring to the end for salvation. Additionally, it emphasizes key biblical metaphors and imagery like the Lamb of God, the apostles, spiritual armor, and the ultimate defeat of evil, underscoring the shared spiritual messages across these religious texts.

In Shawn's teaching, the importance of repentance, salvation through grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the unalterable truth and doctrine of Christ are emphasized, drawing parallels between the prophetic words from the Book of Mormon and various passages in the Bible. The teaching warns against the consequences of sin and worldly desires but offers hope through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal joy for those who follow His path.

Shawn discusses the issue of anachronisms in religious texts, specifically highlighting how phrases from different eras are found in translations claimed to be ancient, such as the Book of Mormon borrowing from the Bible. He argues that such anachronistic inclusions suggest fraudulence, challenging the authenticity and credibility of texts that present themselves as ancient yet contain modern language or concepts.

Shawn's teaching examines the similarities and potential borrowing between biblical narratives and the Book of Mormon, noting the replication of phrases and thematic parallels between characters such as Lamoni and Lazarus, Alma the Younger and Paul, as well as Nephi and Judith from the apocrypha. The argument suggests that such similarities raise questions about the originality of the Book of Mormon's content, implying that Joseph Smith may have incorporated elements from biblical and apocryphal texts.

The authority of the ordinary Jewish canon, as confirmed by Jesus and his apostles, is regarded as identical to the Hebrew scriptures we recognize today, distinct from the Apocryphal texts written in Greek during the intertestamental period. Shawn argues that the translation story of the Book of Mormon is fraudulent, suggesting the need to abandon Joseph Smith's claims, emphasizing that Jesus alone offers complete peace, hope, salvation, and eternal life.