Could This Book Have Been Written By An Uneducated Young Man In About Seventy-Five Days?

perhaps one the best evidences of the veracity of the Book of Mormon is that its opponents have had to work so hard just to come up with their attack. They have claimed Joseph Smith copied it from other books,from the Bible,was given it through magic,got others to write it or did it through some sort of psychological delusion. All of these have been proven quite false.That no credible argument has been found is incredible given the fact that Joseph Smith, an uneducated farm boy, would hardly seem a match for a world of scientific,linguistic,archaeological, and historical scholars-particvularlt because the  task of presenting to the world something as bold as the Book of Mormon as a product of fiction simply defies any odds. Hugh Nibley described this impossibility in the following chalenge to his college class to create a book like Joseph Smith did:
  " Since Joseph Smith was younger than most of you and not nearly so experienced or well-educated as any of you at the time he copyrighted the Book of Mormon, it should not be too much to ask you to hand in by the end of the semester(which will give you more time than he had) a paper of, say, five to six hundred pages in length.Call it a sacred book if you will,and give it the form of a history.Tell of a community of wandering Jews in ancient times; have all sort of characters in your story, and involve them in all sorts of public and private vicissitudes;give them names-hundreds of them-pretending that they are real Hebrew and Egyptian names of circa 600 B.C.;be lavish with cultural and technical details-manners and customs, arts and industries,political and religioud institutions, rite, and traditions; include long and complicated military and economic histories;have your narrative cover a thousand years without anylarge gaps; keep a number of interrelated local histories going at once;feel free to introduce religious controversy and philosophical discussion,but always in a plausible setting; observe the appropriate literary conventions and explain the derivation and transmission of your varied historical materials.
Above all,do not ever contracdict yourself! For now we come to the really hard part of this little assignment. You an I know that you are making this all up-we have our little joke-but just the same you are going to be required to haveto have your paper published when you finish it,not as fiction or romance,but as a true history!After you have handed it in,you may make no changes in it(in this class we always use the first edition of the Book of Mormon);what is more,you are to invite any and all scholars to read and criticize your  work freely, explaining to them that it is a sacred book on a par with the Bible.If they seem over-skeptical, you might tell that you translated the book from the original records by the aid of Urim and Thummin- they will love that! Further to allay their misgivings,you might tell them that the original manuscript was on golden plates, and that you got the plates from an angel. Now go to work and good luck!
To date no student has carried out this assignment,which of course, was not meant seriously.But why not? if anybody could write the Book of Mormon,as we have been so often assured, it is high time that somebody, some devoted and learned minister of the gospel,performed the invaluable public service of showing the world that it can be done."
From a purely doctrinal and philosophical point of view,Truman Madsen also notes the following about the enormity of the task accomplished by the Book of Mormon relative to Joseph Smith's training and knowledge. He writes:
"As to the 'originality of the Book of Mormon,'B.H. Roberts found in the book of doctrines exceeding the native intelligence of Joseph Smith, and his associates, and indeed the combined intelligence of the nineteenth century.Among these truths were the definition of truth itself(Jacob 4:13); the doctrine of opposite existences(2 Nephi 2); the doctrine(with cosmological implications) that the universe splits into two categories,"things to act and things to be acted upon ( 2 Nephi 2:14); a foundation for an unqualified affirmation of man;s agency ( 2 Nephi 2:27; 2 Nephi 10:23; Alma 61:21); a doctrine of the fall of Adam as instrumental to a higher good ( 2 Nephi2:10-11,15; Alma 42:16-17);a doctrine of the nature of evil as "among the eternal things"-"as eternal as good; as eternal as law; as eternal as the agency of intelligence"( 2 Nephi 2:15-25); and a doctrine of the purpose of man's existence ( 2 Nephi 2:25). Here he contrasts the classical catechisms,confessions, and creeds of the major christian and jewish faiths. He formulates this doctrine from the words of Lehi as folloes: 'Earth life became essential to intelligences-Adam fell that this earth life might be realized. The purpose of man's earth life is that he might have joy. The purpose of the gospel is to bring to pass that joy."'
As a 20-year-old with no reference material, Joseph Smith orally dictated the remarkable Book of Mormon record in sixty to seventy-five days- an impossible feat for even an educated man. Therefore,one should never be surprised that researchers continue to discover nwe and growing evidence which supports the Book of Mormon's claim to be a translation of an ancient sacred record. Likewise, because evidence takes time to discover, one should also not be surprised that not every city, plant or name mentioned in the Book of Mormon has been scientifically foung. But just as the critics once said that there was no cement, or horses, or writing on metal plates in the New World, we now know they were absolutely wrong.

All African Service Project.

The Twentieth of August Two Thousand and Eleven which was a saturday was set aside for the saints in africa for a service project. this was an opportunity for the saints to render service in their various communities within the wards boundaries.
   The Lartebiokorshie ward, which is my current ward of service as a full time missionaryworked at the mamprobi polyclinic, ward members, both adults and youth were united in meaningful service of sweeping,cutting down grasses and tidying up the entire compound. During the clean up exercise, i recalled the saviour's statement on the eve of His crucifixion to His apostles.He said:
  "a new commandment i give unto you, that ye love one another, as i have loved you...
  "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" ( John 13 : 34 - 35 )
The love the saviour described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service. It is only when we nlove God and Christ with all of our hearts,souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbours through acts of kindness and service- the way that the saviuor woulod love and serve all of us if He were among us today. When tyhis pure love of christ - or charity - envelops us, we think, feel and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel and act.
   Church leaders have often counselled that ' service' is the very means of how a new measure of concern and unselfishness would grow in the hearts of people every where.
To serve is to abase oneself, to succor those in need of succor and to impart of one's 'substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for christ's sake.' ( Alma 4:13 ).Work brings happiness, self-esteem, and prosperity. It is the means of all accomplisment; it is the opposite of idleness. We are commanded to work.( Genesis 3:19).
   The modern good samaritans followed the divine injunction to "go, and do thou likewise." (luke 10:37).

May we be generous with our time and liberal in our contributions for the care of those who suffer. May we commit to the principles of good samaritanism and be ever mindful of the need to " go, and do thou likewise."gabrieldominic.blogspot.com

A Mission Is The School For Eternity.

A Mission Is The School For Eternity.

your mission is preparation. it is your school for eternity. you won't forget that, will you? this mission is not just a two year stretch. this is the time when you cultivate the seeds of godhood so that you can help other people on their way toward exaltation. how small are we who think of the mission as just being a stretch of time, somephysical things to do, a little studying to do, some praying. this is the most purposeful thing, perhaps, you have ever done in your life and possibly the most purposeful thing that some of you will ever do. it's up to you to let this be the prelude to your life, to let it be the beginning of a great and glorious life.

i have certainly come to agree that,we do not suddenly become what we do not participate in becoming.
 now some of you may begin to wonder why such statement at this time of civic unrest but to be specific i'm off  the hook of my political counterpart so, i'm neutral to my views.
where there is hatred,let me sow love. where there is injury, pardon. where there is doubt, faith . where there is despair, hope. where there is darkness, light. where there is sadness, joy. O Divine master, grant that i may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood, as to understand, to be loved, as to love, for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardonning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

of late we hear about soo many funny stories going on about some of the world leaders and this sort of behaviour has the tendency of causing "worries". now , this's what i think: worry a little bit everyday and in a life time you will lose a couple of years. if something is wrong, fix it if you can. but train yourself not to worry. worry never fixes anything.

life is not what you want it to be,but what you make it. your ship has come in... but you've got to row out to meet it.
so my plea is that fix it.

Pleasure versus Happiness.

“The present is an age of pleasure seeking, and men are losing their sanity in the mad rush for sensations that do but excite and disappoint.  In this day of counterfeits, adulterations, and base limitations, the devil is busier than he has ever been in the course of human history.  In the manufacture of pleasures, both old and new; and these he offers for sale in most attractive fashion, falsely labeled, happiness.  In this soul-destroying craft he is without a peer; he has had centuries of experience and practice, and by his skill he controls the market.  He has learned the tricks of the trade, and knows well how to catch the eye and arouse the desire of his customers.  He puts up the stuff in bright colored packages, tied with tinsel string and tassel; and crowds flock to his bargain counters, hustling and crushing one another in their frenzy to buy.
“Follow one of the purchasers as he goes off gloatingly with his gaudy packet, and watch him as he opens it.  What finds he inside the gilded wrapping?  He has expected fragrant happiness, but uncovers only an inferior branch of pleasure, the stench of which his nauseating.
“Happiness includes all that is really desirable and of true worth in pleasure, and much beside.  Happiness is genuine gold, pleasure but gilded brass, which corrodes in the hand, and is soon converted into poisonous verdigris.  Happiness is as the genuine diamond, which, rough or polished, shines with its own limitable luster; pleasure is as the paste limitation that glows only when artificially embellished.  Happiness is as the ruby, red as the heart’s blood, hard and enduring; pleasure, as stained glass, soft, brittle, and of but transitory beauty.
“Happiness is true food, wholesome, nutritious and sweet; it builds up the body and generates energy for action, physical, mental and spiritual; pleasure is but a deceiving stimulant which, like spirituous drink, makes on think he is strong when in reality enfeebled; makes him fancy he is well when in fact stricken with deadly malady.
“Happiness leaves no bad after taste; it is followed by no depressing reaction.  I calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering; and if indulged to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction.
“True happiness is lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure may leave a barbed sting, which, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever present source of anguish.
“Happiness is not akin with levity, nor is it one with light minded mirth.  It springs from the deeper fountains of the soul, and is not infrequently accompanied by tears.  Have you never been so happy that you have had to weep? I have.”

The Best Book On Earth,( The BOM )

 I'm honored to have the love and support of so many friends and family today, especially those not of my faith. I have been asked to speak on the keystone of our religion, the Book of Mormon. My remarks today are based on those of Elder Craig C. Christensen, in his address “A Book with a Promise.” In the 8th Article of faith, we assert that we believe the Bible to be the word of God. As Elder Craig C. Christensen points out. "Being able to read many of the Savior’s words as He taught the gospel during His earthly ministry strengthens us, helps us come to know Him, and teaches us that we can become more like Him.” We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We then declared that, like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is additional evidence that God loves all of His children and has provided a way for us to return and live with Him once again."In the oft over-looked Title Page, the prophet Nephi states that the Book of Mormon is a record of the People of Nephi, and also the Lamanites. These were ancient inhabitants of the Americas, brought over from Jerusalem around the year 600 BC. Upon coming to this land, Nephi was commanded to keep a record, both of things spiritual and temporal. This record was maintained for hundreds of years, until the Nephites were ultimately destroyed because of their wickedness. Nephi states that the Book was written by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Indeed, every aspect of the Book of Mormon is riddled with Prophets. It was written by Prophets, like Alma, Nephi, Mosiah, and Moroni. It was compiled by the Prophet Mormon, and hidden away by his son, Moroni. It was brought forth, and translated by the Prophet, Joseph Smith Jr., who restored the Church in these the latter days. In days long past, it was forseen by Prophets, like Isiah and Ezekial, and today, it is testified of by Prophets, like Thomas S. Monson, the current President of the Church.The Book of Mormon begins with a purpose. To show the remnants of the House of Israel the great things that God has done for them, to remind them of the covenants they made with the Lord, and to testify to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, that Jesus is the Christ, manifesting himself unto all nations. Just like The Bible is a the Testimony of Israel, and the descendants of Judah, the Book of Mormon is the testimony of the Americas, and of Ephraim, a tribe of the House of Israel. It's existence alone is a testimony of our Heavenly Father. He remembers us, his children, wherever they may be in the world, 200 years before Christ, or 2000 years after him, and He loves us.This means that the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day. Nephi, the first man to write in the Book of Mormon, was aware early on that his people, the Nephites, would be destroyed because of their unbelief. He knew, as did all the other men who wrote in it's pages, that the Book of Mormon was for us. In a way so characteristic of our Heavenly Father's plan, the Book of Mormon was written for all of us, and each of us individually. Mormon, in compiling these writings, was shown in a vision not only the challenges and struggles that would face us as a Church, but the problems that would face Dave Fuhriman. The problems that would face Zchon Jones. The problems that would face Walter Skowhede. The problems that would face you, and me. And with your name and situation fixed in his mind, he was inspired to carefully choose what to include accordingly.His son, Moroni ends the Book of Mormon with a promise. In the final chapter, he boldly declares: “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.” This promise serves as a profound foundation for EVERYTHING contained within the Book of Mormon. It is a footnote for every chapter, and every verse. If for a moment you have doubts, or do not understand what you have just read, pray. The Lord has no desire to keep you in the dark.The Prophet Joseph Smith adds to this promise. He testifies that “the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”Ezra Taft Benson, another Modern-Day Prophet states that“When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. These promises—increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness—these are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God” Finally, It is filled with the truth. The Book of Mormon is filled with many plain, and precious truths, even a fullness of the Gospel. It illustrates in simple terms the great plan of Happiness, a plan devised for our spiritual growth and salvation. It expands our understanding of our first parents, Adam and Eve, and the consequences of their decision in the Garden. It further testifies of the Atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and shares with us the hope that comes from His resurrection. The crowning event of the Book of Mormon is the personal appearance and ministry of the Savior himself. In a single page, Christ teaches us that He was born, that He atoned for our sins, that He was crucified and then raised from the Dead. He teaches us that if we have faith, if we repent, if we are baptized in His name, and if we endure to the end, we have a part in that great promise, even the promise of Eternal life.That, brothers and sisters, is the message I leave with you today. That is the message I take with me to Ghana,  and the message that we, as members of the Church, promised to take to the world.To those who have not yet, I urge you, friends... read the Book of Mormon. I know it to be true. It is a book with a purpose, to remind you that you are the child of a loving Heavenly Father. It is a book with a promise, that He is there to guide you. It is a book, filled with the truth. That Jesus is the Christ. He lives. He remembers you, and loves you. And, while it will be hard at times, with His help, you can make it through anything.To those of you who have, in the spirit of Missionary work, I issue you a challenge. Share the Book of Mormon. Put a quote on your facebook page. Leave a copy in the reception room of your businesses. Download it on to your i-Pod. Take it to those you home teach, to your neighbors, your co-workers and friends.As Ezra Taft Benson once said, we must flood the world with the Book of Mormon. “We have the Book of Mormon, translated into [100] different languages. We have the members. Our numbers are quickly approaching almost 15 million. We have the missionaries. [53,000] young men and women, who love the Lord. We have the resources, and the world has a need. The time is now.”We cannot know the power of the Book of Mormon to bring souls unto the Lord.I promise that as you do, Brothers and Sisters, your lives will be blessed, and you will bless the lives of those around you.I say these things, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

the righteous influence of mothers.

The Righteous Influence of Mothers
How can mothers fulfill their sacred role of teaching and nurturing their children?
Woman has within her the power of creation in company with her legal and lawful husband here, and if sealed in celestial wedlock, she may have eternal increase in the world to come.
Woman is the homemaker in her own home and an exemplar to her posterity in the generations that succeed her. Woman is an helpmeet to her husband and may render him more perfect than he otherwise would be.
Woman’s influence can bless a community or a nation to that extent to which she develops her spiritual powers in harmony with the heaven-sent gifts with which she has been endowed by nature… year in and year out, she may cast the aura of her calming and refining influence to make certain that her posterity will enjoy the opportunities to develop to their fullest potential their spiritual and physical natures.
Mothers are the creators of the atmosphere in the home and do much to provide the strong foundation for their sons and daughters, to provide them with strength when they leave the influence of their homes.
Mothers, stay at the crossroads of the home.
Today, I feel that women are becoming victims of the speed of modern living. It is in building their motherly intuition and that marvelous closeness with their children that they are enable to tune in upon the wavelengths of their children and to pick up the first signs of difficulty, of danger and distress, which if caught in time would save them from disasters. I say to mothers, if you ever have sons and daughters who amount to what they should in the world, it will be in no small degree due to the fact that your children have a mother who spends many nights on her knees in prayer, praying God that her son, her daughter will not fail. A mother’s heart is a child’s schoolroom. The instructions received at the mother’s knee, and the parental lessons together with the pious and sweet souvenirs of the fireside, are never effaced entirely from the soul. Someone has said that the best school of discipline is the home, for family life is God’s own method of training the young, and homes are largely what mothers make them.
What is the mother’s role, then, in the great service of the Kingdom? Her first and most important role is to remember the teaching of the gospel in the family. [I wish to refer to] woman’s place in training her family… The Lord said:
“But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine only Begotten;
“Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;
“For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.”
D&C 29:46-48
Great accomplishments are required of fathers and mothers before Satan has power to tempt little children. It is the responsibility of the parents to lay a solid foundation by teaching Church standards by example and by precept. To the sisters, this means they must make a career of motherhood. They must let nothing supersede that career. Mothers, when your children begin to ask you questions, even about the delicate things in life, don’t turn them aside. Take time to explain to their childish minds, or as they grow up, to their older minds. A successful mother is one who is never too tired for her sons and daughters to come and share their joys and their sorrows with her.
I pray that the blessings of the Lord will be on you, my beloved sisters.

I dey

Hello, this is my new blog.  All are welcome to come, peruse, and read what they like.  I'm Gabriel Dominic, and I'm a mormon.