Have you had any success talking to Mormons?
Answer:
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Introduction: The Book of Mormon claims to be the record of God’s dealings with the inhabitants of ancient Mesoamerica (2000 BC to 421 AD). The record tracks the history of two civilizations. The first nation, known as the Jaredites, claims to have come to the Americas (Isthmus of Tehuantepec/Southern Mexico/Guatemala) when God confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:5-9). After thousands of years the entire nation is destroyed by the Lamanites, the alleged ancestors of the American Indians. (Book of Esther)
The second nation claims to have come from Jerusalem during the first year of King Zedekiah (600 BC). Rebellion soon divided the nation into two factions, the Nephites and the Lamanites. Throughout the book the Nephites are preaching the story of Jesus, calling unbelievers to be "born again" in 100-92 BC (Mosiah 27:25), and making "Christians" as early as 73 BC (Alma 46:15).
This history is recorded on sheets of metal and plates of brass. In or about the year 421 AD, the last Nephite prophet, Moroni, sealed up the record and hid it on the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the resurrected Moroni visited Joseph Smith and subsequently delivered the plates and two stones that were used for interpreting the plates. The first Book of Mormon was published in 1830.
First Book of Nephi 600-570 BC
Lehi, his wife Sariah and their four sons, Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi are called to flee from the destruction of Jerusalem during the reign of Zedekiah (2 Ki 24:18). Eight years they wander in a wilderness near the Red Sea, being led by a ball (I Nephi 16:16). During this time any who waver in unbelief are turned to dark skin people (12:23). The corruption of the Bible is foretold and the establishment of "other books" which must be followed in order to be saved (13:39-40). Coming to a great "sea", it is divinely revealed that they shall build a ship (17:8). In this ship, they will be taken to the "promise land" (18:8). Utilizing a compass (18:12,21), which only Nephi knows how to manage, they arrive at the promise land (18:23-25). Nephi makes plates of ore recording the events of those who have come "out of the waters of baptism" (20:1). He closes with prophecies regarding the future destinies of his people, the Christian ear, and the human race.
Second Book of Nephi 588-545 BC
Lehi proclaims "Jerusalem is destroyed", the Americas are the new "land of promise". Explanation is given for the origin of the devil (2:17) and the fall of man. Lehi claims to be "a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt" (3:4). He prophesies the coming of Joseph Smith, the seer "great like unto Moses" (3:7-9). Lehi dies, Nephi takes leadership of the nation and divides from Laman. The Nephites build a temple like the temple of Solomon. The Lamanites, who are white people, are cursed with a "skin of blackness" (5:14-21). The history of Israel is reviewed with an emphasis on "covenants" with "all" the house of Israel gathering in "all their lands of promise" (9:2). The complete plan of salvation is revealed by 545 BC. The Americas are claimed as a "better land" of promise (10:20). The destruction of Judah, Jerusalem, Assyria and Babylon is declared. The coming of Christ to America after the resurrection is promised (26:1-3). The book of Mormon will reveal things from the beginning of the world to the end. It will be delivered to one man and witnessed by three (27:7-12). Many will reject the book saying, "A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible" (29:3-10). There is also claim of another book forthcoming from the "lost tribes of Israel" (29:13). The book closes with a review of the complete plan of salvation (30-33).
Book of Jacob 544-421 BC
Jacob is commissioned to write about the history of the Nephites. Jacob preaches against pride, materialism, and plural marriages (2:12-28). The Lamanites are now acknowledged as being more faithful than the Nephites. A warning is given that if the Nephites do not repent the Lamanites "skins will be whiter than yours" (3:8). The atonement of the Christ is preached as something to accept now, 544 BC, even though it is recognized that Christ has not yet been born (4:11-13). The prefigure (parable) of the vineyard (5). A religious teacher named Sherem confronts Jacob that he should not be preaching Christ but should be helping people to obey the Law of Moses. Sherem claims he would not deny Christ but he desires a sign from the Holy Spirit to believe. God smites Sherem to the ground, he confesses Christ, calls his followers to deny what he has taught them, and dies (7:1-20). The Nephites attempt to restore the Lamanites.
Book of Enos 544-421 BC
The book of Enos has only 27 verses. Before Nephi dies he ordains Enos and gives him the plates. Most of what he records is about the struggle between the Nephites and the Lamanites. He passes the plates on to his son Jarom.
Book of Jarom 420-399 BC
The book of Jarom has only 15 verses. Jarom begins by acknowledging that the writers before him have revealed the true plan of salvation (1:2). They are to observe the Law of Moses and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah as though it has already happened (v: 11). He passes the plates on to his son Omni.
Book of Omni 361-130 BC
The book of Omni has only 30 verses. Omni writes the first 3 who then conferred the task of writing to his son Amaron who writes the next 5 verses. No matter how wicked the Nephites had become God would fulfill his promises (v: 5-6). Chemish writes verse 9, Abinadom writes verses 10-11, concluding with the words written by Amaleki. They discover a people from the land of Zarahemla. This nation had also come from Jerusalem during the reign of Zedekiah (v: 14-15). Upon arrival the people of Zarahemla had encountered a nation from one called Coriantumr, whose parents had come to America from the tower of Babel (v: 22). The Nephites preach the redemption of Jesus (v: 26). The plates are passed on to King Benjamin the son of Mosiah (v: 23-25).
Words of Mormon 385 AD
Containing only 18 verses, the events of this book are reported to have occurred many years after the coming of Christ. Mormon delivers the records over to Moroni. His writings are an abridgment in the history from Jacob to the reign of King Benjamin (v: 3).
Thousands of Lamanites have been slain but King Benjamin has been able to bring peace to the land (v: 14-18).
Book of Mosiah 130-92 BC
King Benjamin hands down to Mosiah, his son, the plates of brass, the plates of Nephi, the sword of Laban, and the ball which led them through the wilderness (1:16). They meet at the temple for a time of great sacrifice and burnt offerings according to the Law of Moses (2:3). Because of the multitude gathered there, no one could hear King Benjamin, therefore his lesson is recorded for all to read (2:8). Mosiah is appointed their king. The atonement of Christ and remission of sins is proclaimed (3:1-5:30). All those accepting his words are called "children of Christ" (5:7, 124 BC). Priests are appointed from among the Nephites (6:3). Ammon recounts the history of the Limhi people, with a discovery of gold plates, ruins of buildings, artifacts, and weapons (8:8-11). A definition is given of a seer (8:16-17). The record of Zeniff from the search of Zarahemla to deliverance from the Lamanites (ch. 9-22). Noah is condemned for polygamy (11:2). Noah is said to have built many spacious buildings, a spacious palace, a temple, and a tower, which could view other lands (11:8-12). The prophet Abinadi condemns the priest of Noah’s time for failing to live y the Law of Moses (12:33). Atonement foreshadowed in the Law of Moses (16:14). He further observes that the message of Jesus atonement is not yet binding on mankind (13:27-28). Alma begins to preach Jesus and to baptize in the name of Jesus (18:10). He baptizes 204 converts and establishes the "church of Christ", the "kingdom of God", and teaches them to observe the Sabbath day (18:15-23, 147 BC). Alma rejects being made king and becomes their high priest (23:16). Seven churches are established in Zarahemla by Alma (25:23). Many in the church fall away and begin to persecute the church (ch. 26-28). Mosiah interprets the plates of gold using the two stones fastened into two rims (28:11-13). The role of a king is rejected and judges are set up to lead the nation. Alma becomes the first chief judge and high priest (29:42).
Book of Alma 96-53 BC
Alma is the longest of all of the books, containing 63 chapters. It is the most varied in its content, with doctrine, history, prophecy, and revelation. Nehor battles against a false religion called priestcraft that believes all mankind will be saved (ch.1-2). The Nephites battle against the Amlicite unbelievers who are distinguished by "marking themselves with red in their foreheads" (3:2). 3500 souls are baptized into the church 86-85 BC (4:4-5). Alma appoints Nephihah as chief judge but maintains the office of high priest (4:17). Alma calls his generation and all generations to repent and be born again 83 BC (5:48-50). He calls men to be "born again", washed by the blood of the lamb, going into baptism 83 BC (7:14-15). Warning is given to the Nephites not to forsake the Lord. Lehi is identified as a descendant of Manasseh (10:3 Eze. 37:15-28). Nephite coinage is identified and explained (ch.11). Zeezrom and Amulek debate over the existence of God (11:21-35) and the Trinity (11:44). Alma preaches to Antionah the plan of redemption from the foundations of the world 82 BC (12:19-33). Qualifications for the priesthood are given(ch. 13). Alma and Amulek are cast into prison then an earthquake sets them free (14:17-27). Alma teaches that after his resurrection Jesus will appear to the Nephites (16:20). The conversion of Lamoni to the plan of salvation 90 BC (19:13). The conversions of the whole household of Lamoni’s father (22:23). Zarahemla identified as the place of their first landing (22:30). The conversion of the Lamanites in mass become the nation of Anti-Nephi-Lehies and no longer has the dark skin "curse" (23:17-18, II Nephi 5:21). Warnings against "falling away" after being enlightened by the Spirit (24:30). The Law of Moses was not fulfilled yet, it must be kept looking forward to Christ (25:15). The decrees of God are unalterable (29:4). Korihor, the antichrist, teaches that death is the end of man (30:6-18). The Zoramite view of election and their claim as the chosen people (31:16-18). Alma compares the word to a seed (32:28-34). Infinite atonement is illustrated in Moses as a type foreshadowing the atonement of Christ (33:19-34:31). The mysteries of atonement are not yet fully known (37:11). The word of Christ compared to the ball or compass that led their way in the wilderness (37:38-44). Alma justifies the teaching of atonement as necessary to the plan of redemption in 73 BC (39:15-19). The state of the soul between death and the resurrection (40:11). The first resurrection is defined (40:15-20). The scheme of redemption (42). The prediction of the falling away and destruction of the Nephites (45:10-11). Alma taken up and his body buried by God (45:18-19). CHRISTIANS, 73 BC (46:13-16). The last 16 chapters deal mainly with the history of battles with the Nephites.
Book of Helaman 52-2 BC
This book contains the account of the conversion of tens of thousands of Lamanites (ch.3). Many buildings and cities are built of cement 49 BC (3:9-11). The church of the Nephites begins to dwindle in unbelief (4:23). The Holy Spirit appears in a pillar of fire and three hundred are filled with fire to "speak forth marvelous words" (5:43-49). A nation called the Gadianton begins an order of "secret signs", "secret words", "secret oaths and covenants" (6:22-25). The coming of the Messiah is compared to the brazen serpent of Moses (8:14). The five messengers who find the chief judge dead following the prophecy of Nephi (ch. 9). Nephi is given the power to smite the land with famine and pestilence (10:6). A prophet named Samuel foretold that Christ would be born in five years and that the night before would be as light as day, "no darkness" (14:2-5). Another sign would come at the death of Christ, three days of darkness (14:17-20). Unbelievers find this unreasonable to accept and reject the coming of Christ (16:18).
Book of Third Nephi 1 BC-35 AD
The Messiah is born, the sun set, but the night is as bright as day. A star appears but it can be clearly seen by all and many unbelievers are converted (ch. 1). The Lamanites who are converted have the dark skin curse removed and become white like the Nephites (2:15). Battles continue with the secret order of the Gadiatons. At the time of the death of Jesus darkness covers the land for three days, cities sink into the sea, and the whole face of the land becomes deformed (8:1-23). The land remains dark until the resurrection of Jesus when he appears to thousands (ch. 9-10). Baptism by immersion is clarified (11:26). Jesus commissions twelve others and delivers the Sermon on the Mount (ch. 12-14). Jesus promises to visit other lands and other people to gather them in from the four quarters of the earth (ch. 16). Jesus heals the people and teaches them many things. Three witnesses are promised that they will never die (28:36-40).
Book of Fourth Nephi 36-321 AD
At the close of Nephite history, many Lamanites are converted. After two centuries the church falls into many evil practices.
Book of Mormon 322-421 AD
The three Nephite witnesses are taken away because of the unbelief of the people. Mormon, a mighty general, commands forty-two thousand men against the Lamanites in a dreadful battle. The Lamanites, who have now become darker than they have ever been before (5:15), take the land (South America) and the Nephites are left with the land of Cumorah (North America, 6:4). Knowing they will be destroyed, Mormon hides the plates on the hill of Cumorah (6:6). He foretold that the plates would be discovered during a time of great religious controversy in the land (ch. 8). He proclaims the permanence of miraculous gifts as long as belief is present (9:15-25). He ends by challenging others not to be critical of his imperfect records because of his limited familiarity of "reformed Egyptian" (9:31-32).
Book of Ether (Tower of Babel)
Moroni writes the book of Ether as an account of the Jaradites who escaped from the Tower of Babel (1:33). Promised to be a greater nation than any other (1:43), they follow a cloud through a wilderness to the sea. Building eight barges, they prepare to cross the sea. Jared becomes concerned that in these airtight vessels they will suffocate. So he informs the Lord that they need to breathe or they will die (2:17-20). God allows them to put a hole in the top and in the bottom of the boat that they can clear or stop at any time. Concerned about the darkness Jared petitions God to touch sixteen stones that will be used as windows in the barges. Miraculously Jared beholds the finger of Jesus turning the stones clear. Later two of these stones are sealed up with the plates that will be discovered by Joseph Smith (3:1-9, 3:23-24, 6:2). Their journey across the ocean takes 344 days (6:11). Not long after landing the nation becomes consumed in civil strife. Now numbering about two million might men they war and carnage among the people until they are all killed but one. Moroni claims to see Jesus face to face hereupon he is given the message of the future coming of the "New Jerusalem" (13:3). The lone survivor of this generation is Coriantumr who will later be discovered by the Nephites (15:32).
Book of Moroni 400-421 AD
Moroni writes to teach the Lamanites how to ordain priests and teachers and how to administer the law (ch. 1-7). He condemns infant baptism and original sin (8:5-8). Moroni seals up the record in 421 AD promising that any reader who is sincere can ask God and he will be shown that these things are true (10:2-4).
