Canonicity of the Book of Mormon

THE BOOK OF MORMON LACKS INSPIRATION

From a scriptural perspective, the fact that the Book of Mormon is errant is enough to disqualify it immediately as inspired.^[27] Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Scriptures which we have were God breathed.^[28] Because of this, Scripture cannot err, since it is impossible for God to breathe or speak error.^[29]

In the final chapter of The Book of Mormon, it attempts to authenticate its inspiration by stating, “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. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:4-5).^[30] This is their suggested test for confirming its inspiration.^[31] Mormons consistently cite this passage, urging prospective converts to read the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true.^[32]

The discrepancies in validating this approach for its inspiration are evident. To begin, many people have read and followed this formula in Moroni 10:4 only to arrive at the conclusion that the Book of Mormon is not true.^[33] They have read it and have asked God to show them whether or not it is true, but have come away convinced that it is false.^[34] To address this, other Mormons will tell them that they must not have prayed “with a sincere heart” or “real intent ^[35].” The problem is that this judgment is only viable if it is assumed that the Book of Mormon is true.^[36]