The Book of Mormon is a Literary Masterpiece | A Marvelous Work Episode 4

Discover compelling evidence for the divinity of the Book of Mormon in “A Marvelous Work”.
This episode follows Scott Christopher to the UK, where he explores connections between literary geniuses and the Book of Mormon's claims. Scott dives deep into Chiasmus, speaks to a Jewish scholar, and explores the fascinating science of Stylometry, all whilst exploring the haunts of some of the greatest authors of all time.
Watch Episode 1: • The Greatness of the E...
Watch Episode 2: • The Allegory of the Ol...
Watch Episode 3: • Is There A God? | A Ma...
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00:00 Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - Episode Opening
3:04 John W. Welch and Chiasmus
8:50 Discussion with Gary A. Rendsburg at Rutgers University
15:27 Reid Moon
23:41 Whitby Abbey
24:16 Stylometry with Paul J. Fields
32:17 Testimony of Wendy Lynch
40:03 Episode Wrap-up at the Cliffs of Dover
41:51 End Credits
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Learn more about the topics in this episode:
How the Book of Mormon's Complexity Shows its Authenticity:
• How the Book of Mormon...
Chiasmus Overview
The Book of Mormon’s pervasive and often complex chiastic structures are better explained as having come from various ancient writers than as having been created by Joseph Smith, especially under the circumstances described by the witnesses of the translation:
evidencecentral.org/recency/e...
Stylometry:
evidencecentral.org/recency/e...
evidencecentral.org/recency/e...
Archaic Vocabulary of the Book of Mormon:
evidencecentral.org/recency/e...
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Scripture Central builds enduring faith in Jesus Christ by illuminating the Book of Mormon and other restoration scripture, making them more accessible, defensible and comprehensible to people everywhere.
Scripture Central is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit public charity chartered in the state of Utah.
The opinions expressed represent the views of the individual creators and guests alone, and do not necessarily represent the official position of Scripture Central or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Scripture Central is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is a trusted independent advocate for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Copyright © 2024 Scripture Central

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

How'd you like this episode from the UK? Comment below and tell us where you are watching from!

[@nomadbrad6391]

Come on! Everyone knows Joseph Smith was a literary genius and made up all of the chiasmus found in the Book of Mormon out of thin air!!!

[@jerrysutton7293]

Calif.

[@Irvingdector]

México

[@debbiegoodman76]

Cottonwood Heights, UT

[@CrackedCandy]

Thank you Scott and Team.

[@gigidussere3014]

THANK YOU it was still a pleasure to watch and receive even more light. My story about the Book of Mormon is so strong that I cannot deny it. I was raised in the Catholic church by my parents who all come from Italy. I took “catechism” classes, I went to Catholic schools I was very religious, but one day at the age of 12 during a trip which took me to a place very well known to Catholics, I felt that I wasn't where I was supposed to be, when I got home I explained to my mother that I will not continue to go to church. A few months later my father became seriously ill. We had to move . One day while we were walking with my mother we heard singing, we crossed the street and there was a table covered with Blue Books. A young man approached me, I was 13 he asked me if I knew the Mormons ? I told him no but that I knew this man! It was a painting of Joseph Smith in the rocking chair reading the Bible. That day I knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet! I couldn't deny it, and I took this Blue Book: The Book of Mormon and my mother and I were baptized 15 days later this meeting with the missionaries. My father was baptized 1 year later. But I never put down the Book of Mormon again. My husband says of me that if I were to be sent to a desert island with only one Book...it would be the Book of Mormon. It is precious to me like a gift from heaven. He is truly another testimony of Jesus Christ, I cannot deny that. Your videos particularly touch me, my testimony of Joseph Smith is profound. I have no school diploma, none, but the power contained in the Book of Mormon has allowed me to grow in knowledge and spirituality. Now I teach Institute courses, religion courses and I share your videos with my students, all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, But also to my non-member friends. Your videos are a blessing in my life and the lives of many others. THANK YOU and I look forward to the rest .Special thanks to Scott Christopher for his deep humility, simplicity, and love for the Book of Mormon. His testimony is vibrant.❤

[@MichelleCreate324]

Thanks for sharing your amazing conversion story and testimony! 💕 😊 I too have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the prophet Joseph Smith. I know the Restoration is true and this is the true church of Jesus Christ on earth and that the Lord has called prophets and apostles in our day. All such priceless blessings that only bring joy. 😊

[@samuelmoon3051]

Thank you for your awesome testimony of the BoM! I’m like you; I just can’t deny it!!!

[@stardustgirl2904]

Just beautiful 😍 thank you so much for sharing this ❤️🙏🏻✨️💕💜💕🌷☀️🌻🌷

[@maryacaron635]

Thank you for sharing this. I love the book of Mormon. I was 13 when I first found out about the church. I was living in Guam, my step Father was in the navy there. I was raised catholic, but always had questions about some of the doctrine. My sister had a friend that was investigating the church and ask my sister and I if we wanted to hear the missionaries. We said yes but I thought I am catholic and will most likely stay that way. The first discussion was so amazing I new right then and there it was true. But I new I needed a testimony of the book of Mormon I felt I already believed it must be true. I fasted, prayed and read the Book over a few months. One day at church I was just pondering and reading and this feeling came over me it was like my body was filled with warmth and light, i began to cry and I new without daught the book of Morman was the word of God. That was about 1972. I am still active in the gospel. I am thankful for the Missionaries Elder Ogzewalla ( not sure if this is the correct spelling) and Elder Potter. This great book changed my life.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

[@gigidussere3014]

Thank you for your beautiful story

[@RichardFerguson-si3xf]

Another amazing episode! Each new episode is my favorite. Thanks team for your diligent work in producing this.

[@CatchTheBuzz1]

Amen amen

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@pzign]

That story about the Hyrum Smith copy Book of Mormon was amazing. And that quote, if Joseph Smith had written it, it would have been forgotten long ago. I didn’t expect it, but I felt the power of that statement so strongly. Well done. By the way, your episodes are getting better and better as you continue this series.

[@welcomehomecenter217]

I am from Guatemala. I have been waiting for this episode. It made cry.

[@5364310gb]

Thanks. Another great episode! Please do more and more often.

[@Kaydubbbb]

Wow. The variation spread is amazing.

[@LetsGetRealSJ]

I love when these episodes pop up in my feed.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Likewise Stephen! We need to do a collaborative episode some time.

[@mollybee6000]

Marvelous!!! Saw you at church yesterday. Wanted to thank you so much for these podcasts. Well done. Thank you so much.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!

[@truth4190]

You should make lots of episode of this. So goooodd

[@The_Man_Chidi]

Awesome watch this is. Each episode strengthens my testimony of the book of Mormon.

[@hollyarchuletta959]

"The only way to know if the Book of Mormon is true is to read it for yourself" and keep praying♡ love it. So true.

[@alipeticook4772]

Very true. Were unique and special and through your own search and study you’ll receive your own revelation that only you can share

[@BenjaminGriffin]

Excellent Episode! It's a fantastic journey into understanding the value of the Book of Mormon.

[@nadurkee46]

This was fun! Nice to be back in England for a few minutes via video. Enjoyed the learning about the written evidence or styles of writing evidence.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeffreyturner4252]

I got chills at the 23:20 minute mark. “If Joseph Smith had written it, it would have been long forgotten by now” Wow

[@debbieshrubb1222]

Many books that arnt based on truth remain in circulation. L Ron Hubbard's Books would be an obvious example and Hitlers thesis which was the driving dogma of Nazism is still in print and sells well in many countries.

[@Zubeneshemali]

Cannot describe the fulfilling experiences felt from the sharing of these special folks on your show! Thank You!!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darrengibby2389]

I happened to be helping my son with Othello and reading Alma with him the same day. It struck me that the story of the villain Amalakiah's ascent to the kingship of the Nephites is an incredible story, with twists and turns, military intrigue, and betrayals. I certainly can't see Joseph Smith making that small story up himself, let alone the entire Book of Mormon, but I can see why Mormon, a military general and educated historian would include it as counterpoint to his story of Captain Moroni, a hero he would name his son after. It also struck me that in some ways, Amalakiah is similar to Othello's nemesis Iago. A whole essay could be done comparing and contrasting Amalakiah's deeds with Iago's. Of course, Joseph Smith certainly would not have been familiar with Othello, if in fact Joseph had written the Book of Mormon.

[@KBColeLong]

Her story is so lovely!

[@gaynellpoulton7620]

The impact of memorized scriptures cannot be measured.

[@user-ux3vb5zg1p]

Im from Australia 🇦🇺 your info is true and priceless

[@AlchemizetheEnergy]

This was so good! I have more than one “favorite part” of this Marvelous Work! From the really cool findings of how the scriptures were written, to the grammar science proving 82 different authors of The Book of Mormon, to the really cool book store!! ❤ And I really enjoyed the women’s story, that was so very special too! Another great episode in the books! I can’t wait for the next one!!

[@jordana9966]

As always.. great episode ❤

[@RogerHale]

This is the best episode yet! I really enjoyed what I felt. I love the Book of Mormon!

[@user-be9kk4od1e]

I absolutely love these episodes ❤️ Please keep it going!

[@scottbrownnewaccount4325]

I've been to Moons rare books before and actually got to hold Joseph Smiths pocketsatch and got to hold the first missionaries Book Of Mormon too, it is sooooo cool 😎

[@scottbrownnewaccount4325]

Oops meant to say picket watch

[@CatchTheBuzz1]

​@@scottbrownnewaccount4325awesome thank you for sharing

[@austinsmith9413]

If you haven't been to Moons, you need to go! He has the most incredible collection of both church and general history that I have seen!

[@user-wk8vb4sn3g]

Hi Scott, Thank you so much for this series and especially this one.... By the way I was a missionary in England in the late 70's but in my defense I was in the southwest... Haha.... My wife was born in Hull, Yorkshire and we reside in Tennessee. Thanks again for these wonderful videos.

[@user-gm3yc1bp7w]

Where in Tennessee? I’m in Hendersonville.

[@johnharvey4448]

Was it easy to move to the USA ?

[@shellielong]

Thank you for sharing all this with us and especially hearing Wendy’s story and I love how she was still so respectful of her parents and with prayer it gave her courage and guidance.

[@evajackson9470]

Thank you for sharing this great work

[@nettajar1938]

This program "A Marvelous Work" is so exciting. I didn't get baptized until I was 36 years old. Once I retired, I dove into scripture like I never have before. The Book of Mormon is true! The only proof that I needed was the Holy Ghost confirming that to me. I have no regrets. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 (notice 7 hearts? 7 means totally, hearts because I love this gospel, purple in honor of my sweet Mom, who I'm trying to get her work done and then my parents sealed and me to them).

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for sharing. You are right, the only "proof" any of us need is our own witness from God through His Holy Spirit.

[@whitneylin4297]

I love Wendy’s testimony. It’s true that the only way to approach the Book of Mormon is to read it for yourself, and to ask God if it is of divine origin. I don’t know where I would be without the truths taught in the Book of Mormon. Not to mention the ways God has spoken personally to me as I’ve read it. I know it is of God.

[@stanleyhall8951]

Thanks for your comment. I was thinking how when I was probably 15 years old and in Seminary how we were reading and studying the Book of Mormon. I thought aw Joseph Smith probably wrote this. He was really creative and just wanted to do something big. But, of course, that all changed. I served a church mission and got active in the church, believed in the principles and still do. It truly is a marvelous work and a wonder and I am committed to reading it every year. Even along with the come follow me studies that change yearly.

[@Kimmer]

Great episode. I'm always touched by the sweet simple testimonies of converts to the Church who know the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost. There is only one emotion that Satan cannot imitate, and that is peace. Reading and praying about the Book of Mormon brings peace!

[@johnharvey4448]

Is it true that peace is the only feeling Satan can't imitate ?

[@johnvancott2830]

Great,fun content Scott. Thanks

[@johnjairobustamanteacosta9535]

Gracias excelente contenido, sigue adelante publicando mas evidencia

[@dinocollins720]

Another fantastic video! Thank you!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lynnrx52]

Fantastic! Great info, great testimony, talented narrator

[@gwviera]

This was truly an amazing adventure to watch. This was my first episode and I am anxious to watch 1,2, and 3. Thank you everyone!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@julioramirezarcos6617]

Amazing episodes

[@karliesukowaty]

The stylometry graph was super super cool!!!!! BOM central you did an amazing job on this episode

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thank you so much!

[@Steelblaidd]

I would love to get that on my Quest.

[@Bigencc1701]

I love this series!

[@hollyarchuletta959]

I love these episodes so much, thank you for bringing them to us!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@doughelvig2056]

Wonderful episode!

[@danieldunbar2956]

Great video!

[@debbiegoodman76]

REALLY ENJOYED THIS EPISODE!!

[@nancyappleby274]

I love these episodes. Thank you for putting them together

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@windowswashbasin]

Don’t give up a stern parent, the Lord will soften their heart. They usually have your best interests at heart.

[@karaleegarrett1000]

Another fabulous episode!!❤️

[@karliesukowaty]

I like what the book collector guy said If Jospeh Smith wrote it then it would have been long forgotten by now. Just shows he DIDNT write it 😍

[@stardustgirl2904]

Very profound word's! ❤

[@lanajohnson2424]

Love, love, love Scripture Central...thanks for putting on these insightful videos !

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

You are so welcome!

[@RJHatchMedia]

Good work, James and team. Wondered where you went after the "great purge' of 2016. It has led to many good works. I am hoping people will understand and appreciate what is given to them freely (this work) at the great cost of others.

[@JamesDalrymple]

Thanks, Robert.

[@JamesDalrymple]

Hi Rick, I mixed up your logo with Roberts. Great to hear from you. How are you? What are you up to?

[@bobkrulish5364]

Thank you so very much! So well done, I can't thank you all enough!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Our pleasure!

[@louiswall2984]

Please can l add my testimony it brought tears to hear those testimonies especially the Yorkshire lass

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thank you for sharing!

[@stardustgirl2904]

I'm sharing this video with people l know for family home evening ❤

[@polygarage5910]

Love it. I hope you guys delve into the way war and battle strategy was conducted in the Book of Mormon as another evidence of the authenticity of the book. I was reading in the war chapters of the Book of Mormon and at the same time out of coincidence reading We Were Soldiers by Hal Moore and realized that only men that have been to war and led men into battle could explain and have similar outlooks on war, battle, carnage, strategy, and brotherly love could write in detail what they saw.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

We do have a war chapters episode planned for later this year :)

[@sirria100]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial Can't wait for that one! Love you guys.

[@daviddrysdale8882]

Wow! It's President George Durant! What a great teacher and disciple!

[@louiswall2984]

One word amazing thank you so much

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

You are very welcome!

[@LarkenShortel]

Thats 5 words

[@ChristianstoConsider]

Thank you for this tremendous work!

[@jakebuehner]

It's nice to see the investigator from The Best Two Years has come so far in his faith journey Weird he changed his name though. 🤔

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

😂😂

[@jerry_phillips]

Wonderful episode. All I’ll say is if there was not one shred of empirical evidence for the Book of Mormon it wouldn’t change the testimony I’ve received from the Holy Ghost that it is true.

[@benjaminvandenberghe9726]

Very cool

[@ruthjamieson4072]

I love the one from the UK but I have loved all of them! I'm from Utah

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching! We are so glad you loved it!

[@debbieshrubb1222]

The UK no longer has the conversions of the 1970's when I was also baptized. Access to robust historical and biblical scholarship has helped many of us re-evaluate all of the evidence, not just the one sided information presented in this video.

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

I don't know why I hadn't considered the similarity with _Dracula_ earlier. But I do write fiction, and I see first-hand the effort that is necessary to write characters with apparently different voices. Authors (and musicians) have favorite signature words, phrases, licks, that show up constantly and unconsciously. Working against that natural tendency is an uphill battle and requires a lot of reading, thinking, drafting, editing, revising... someone ought to do stylometric analysis on _The Lord of the Rings._ Its characters have distinct voices, but that's the work of a middle-aged philologist who already had plenty of writing practice under his belt.

[@dinocollins720]

I've held an original 1830s first edition Book of Mormon a family friend has! It was so so cool!

[@mikkifrompreston4396]

How do you feel about the doctrinal changes and alterations that have occurred from the first edition to now?

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Awesome! That is a special treat with as few as were printed.

[@mikkifrompreston4396]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial Are you going to do an episode on the changes that have been made between the Book of Mormon first edition, compared to the current edition?

[@dinocollins720]

@@mikkifrompreston4396 go read Royal Skousen’s work on it. Makes complete sense

[@mikkifrompreston4396]

@@dinocollins720 is it LDS church approved?

[@noclady]

My family recently visited Moon’s on our vacation to UT and it is really a cool store. Unfortunately they were redoing some things and a few items my son wanted to show us weren’t available to see. But cool store!

[@OTKateOTKate]

I'm exited to see the research on chiasma in general conference talks as it is the way that God comunicates with us!

[@jakeave]

These have been great! Any plans to dub this series into other languages??

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

We would love to dub it into other languages and hope to do that in the future. In the meantime we are working on subtitles in numerous languages. Episodes 1 & 2 are in about 14 different languages.

[@alaster67]

Cool episode.. Thank you Suggestion: Lower the music. Attenuate it w the high shelving EQ so that it makes way for the vocals; doesn't overshadow or compete with it. Distracting. Cheers!

[@cindlou7335]

I actually agree. I really love the music but it was a tad too loud this time. Thanks all the same, I love every episode. It's all light and goodness!!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for the tips and for watching!

[@tylerstrazzo5078]

I loved Wendy’s story. What a sweet, Christ-like example. I love these evidences of the Book of Mormon. When the Savior was on the earth, he demonstrated many physical evidences of his divinity and truthfulness, yet many people still turned their heads and didn’t accept him as who he claimed to be, but those physical evidences at the time helped reinforce the testimonies of those who already had a spiritual witness and who had eyes to see and ears to hear. I feel it is similar in our day. For those who have a spiritual witness, these cool physical evidences from these videos reinforce what we already believe to be true, and it makes it even more exciting to be a believer. I pray for those who are witnessing these physical evidences that they won’t dismiss them, but that it can be a springboard toward a spiritual witness as well, and together deep roots can develop in adoring and serving our Savior. Thank you guys, what great work!

[@karliesukowaty]

DRACULA! Lunges at camera man and camera man says stop please 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

😂😂

[@cooldave88]

In one of the still shots at the end I swear I see a dear old friend of mine who was a missionary in England in the mid to late 70s. Can anyone confirm if that is Mark Wilcox?

[@essentialcraftsman]

I am watching from Roseburg, Oregon. I love the good work that you do please don’t stop.

[@bradhUtah]

I loved every part of this, especially Wendy's conversion story. So inspirational!

[@F7uxy]

When the photos of the family who kept the book of Mormon for 150 years were revealed ( 21:28 ),I was moved to tears. What a treasure! Thank you for these wonderful videos. The production value is out of this world.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@user-ux3vb5zg1p]

Wow thank you for this wonderful podcast the book of mormon still wouldn't be around if it wasn't inspired by God

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@moperezdz6146]

Me encantó, como siempre😊

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

🙌🙌

[@emperorgoldman3278]

Thank you for your amazing work. This episode is fantastic and very informative ❤

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BazSupport]

Fun video, some comments here want more depth but honestly my young kids can watch this and enjoy it so I think it’s just right

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

That is the intent, to make something accessible for all. Thanks for watching.

[@jesselenz5452]

I love this stuff! Thank you, anytime I can get my hands on new evidence for The Book of Mormon it is invigorating to me. Sometimes I think it actually takes more faith to disbelieve and try to refute The Book of Mormon because of the multitude of evidences which now support it.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@the1savagebeast]

"Oh that's a happy creak." 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

😂😂

[@seangrover140]

Stylometry is my favorite evidence for the book of Mormon....amazing.

[@saldomino1639]

Awesome Work ! Thank you for sharing!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@mitchellwahl748]

Hi Scott, I'm watching from Auckland, New Zealand. I love what you are doing. Experiences with the Book of Mormon are personal and meaningful. You are creating an atmosphere in which people can openly discuss these experiences. I like the topic of memorization. Book of Mormon prophets use techniques that the readers won't easily forget. Wendy Lynch's account of how memorization offered her access to the Book of Mormon in a trying time...beautiful..... Let me know if you ever visit NZ.... There's lots to explore. Beauty, wonder, excitement...all in the Book of Mormon.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate your support!

[@Irvingdector]

Muy buen episodio. 🙌🏼

[@DayneMedlyn]

Is there any way you could help me connect with Wendy Lynch?? The missionary picture was some of our MTC district, including me. For many years I have wondered how she is doing and wanted to reach out to her

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

I'm sorry but we can't give away personal contact info over KZbin. You'll need to find another way. So glad you had the privilege of serving in the same district though. She is a special lady.

[@DavidWhite-eh3wu]

Scott Christopher..... the KJazz movie guy....... and Jesus Christ 2024

[@ReesterKeesters]

I love these videos. I loved Wendy's testimony. Maybe this has already been asked, but did any of Wendy's family join also?

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Thanks for watching! I believe Wendy's sister also joined the Church.

[@ReesterKeesters]

Awesome ❤

[@kadenchristensen7]

The “Books of Mormon” reference 😄

[@marktabla5434]

9:40 I wonder if, in the end, the world's timeline is one giant chiasm whose focal point is when the Savior came into mortality in the meridian of time; paradise was lost when Satan was loosed and Adam fell and was cast out of God's presence but will have a Millennium of peace where Satan is bound and the Savior returns to earth to reign, the earth was baptized by water in the Flood, Pangea becomes the continents, and language is confounded at the Tower of Babel but will be baptized by fire and become Pangea where people will speak pure Adamic again, the city of Enoch was taken up but will return, the house of Israel was scattered anciently but is now being gathered, etc.

[@nancyganoe7524]

Excellent observation!

[@Cyrusmagi]

A slick performance, by a slick presenter, whose a slick person ,in a slick church with a slick BYU professor slick on literary styles, to combat Nemo who is the Slicker of Slicks!

[@_Lachoneus]

What does this even mean?

[@kevinparkin3322]

Moses presented the Lower Law (aka 10 Commandments) to the Israelites, to help them behave respectably. One of Jesus' three objectives of His ministry was to present the Higher Law (aka Sermon on the Mount aka Temple Endowment) to the Israelites (called Jews after Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob / Israel). By following the Lower Law, one avoids going to Hell; by following the Higher Law, one gets invited into Heaven. The Book of Mormon is a college level graduate course in the Higher Law.

[@prophetcentral]

I look forward to the day when Christians start talking about conversion to Christ over converstion to any church. God had some great warnings to us believers who put too much emphasis on a church or a religious organization. Conversion to a church is vain and can never amount to salvation, but only in a belief and conversion from a natural and fallen human to a born again child of Christ can we find salvation. The Book of Mormon gives many great witnesses of conversion to Christ over any specific church or religious system of worship.

[@perryekimae]

So... chiasmus appears in native English writings, and thus it's presence in the Book of Mormon is evidence of its ancient origin? For evidence to be useful in supporting a claim, it should point to the claim at the exclusion of competing claims. Your own video shows that the presence of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon does not point to an ancient origin at the exclusion of its being a modern production.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

As Gary points out the chiasms in the Book of Mormon are constructed in the same fashion as those discovered in the Bible in books such as Genesis. It is an ancient literary form. The use of it by persons such as Shakespeare is not an argument for its origins but an illustration and contrasting of its purpose. Shakespeare used chiasmus to create wit and drama in his work while ancient prophets use it to focus their readers on a central message (usually Christ). Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[@perryekimae]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial It's an ancient literary form that persists in more modern work (e.g. Shakespeare). It is particularly common in oral performance and conversion narratives. This is what the Book of Mormon is/contains. Good evidence for the ancient origin of the Book of Mormon would need to exclude modern origin claims, but the persistence of chiasmus and chiastic structures to modern times in virtually unbroken chains and across cultures does not privilege an ancient origin claim, no matter the topic of the chiasmus or chiastic structure.

[@LarkenShortel]

​@@perryekimae It shows that the Book of Mormon isn't at odds with ancient Hebrew literary features of this sort, so it at least is not an evidence against the Book of Mormon's ancient claim... but yes your reasons appear legitimate for it not being a positive evidence either. It's just a neat feature.

[@perryekimae]

@@LarkenShortel I can agree that it's a neat feature! That said, this series does purport to present "great evidence" for the truthfulness/historicity of the Book of Mormon. But so far, it seems to mostly be "how neat the features" rather than "how great the evidence".

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

When you take chiasmus in with all the other complexities in the book such as Hebraisms, Synthetic Parallelisms, Antithetical Parallelisms, Rich Symbolism, Repeated Conjunctions, etc. It becomes evidence as it adds to the many other ancient literary structures, many of which were unknown when the Book of Mormon was published. I think you'll enjoy the extended cut of Jack Welch's explanation when it is released. He talks about this. In the meantime check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmjKmmahot9gps0si=JtKMvsUiZh1Hoa9F

[@Extension-jn6ky]

I had to stop the video to comment on it at 9:58 to vindicate what John is saying. Wow, so true? The middle point where the concept repeats is essential for discernment! When you are in Hell, as long as you see the doot and the doot, you can transcend the realm. Here is a scripture by whom Jesus terms a "dark prophet" for the vindication so you get somewhat quite the notion: Again, by Alice in Chains. Watch the official video here on youtube. Masterpiece status.

[@berdytv3739]

Wow what a way to start my day...ive watch anti or what called it new discovery of my days that mormons once became aggressively doing captives or slaves..and the new issue about the SEC and other wrongfully doing in the financials of the church .im now not active 3yrs ago i start not to go with my family after 30yrs being member....

[@prophetcentral]

Why don't you use Shakespeare's real name rather than the pseudonym? The people need to know the genius behind the mysterious playwrite.

[@debbieshrubb1222]

I too was a convert in the UK in the 70's and after hearing the story of the First Vision felt profoundly moved. I read the BOM and was baptized beside my parents concerns. I took saw "anti Mormon literature" which I disregarded in my arrogance. Over years of study I realise that the BOM is demonstrably not an ancient record. You are swallowing camels to make it as such. If I had known about JS coercing girls and women into bigamous marriages, lying to poor Emma and the absolute contradictions of the BOM I would not have joined. Mormonism is demonstrably based on JS 19th century religious fraud.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

We have lots of material that addresses your concerns on Evidence Central and our various KZbin channels. Have you seen the interview with Don Bradley?: Have you seen the video about Don Bradley? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX-sgKB-bLeJaKssi=iqj314ZWdO2ZGqc3 Ultimately the witness of the Spirit is what matters most. Thankfully we can all choose for ourselves. All the best to you!

[@debbieshrubb1222]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial thanks but you don't offer a critical analysis of arguments you start from the point you are determined to prove. There is no DNA or any other evidence of ancient origins of the BOM. Your BOM "evidence" is disingenuous IMO m

[@user-js9qf2bc1x]

Which edition ya talking about? The first one? With all them errors?

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

It is true that some editions had minor errors that were perpetuated in previous editions. These errors however did not change the central message of the book nor the doctrine of Jesus Christ which it teaches. The current edition of the book contains corrections that help bring it into conformity with the prepublication manuscripts edited by Joseph Smith.

[@user-js9qf2bc1x]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial Joe smith said “the Book of Mormon is the most correct book ever written” yet there are close to 4000 corrections to the original since it was presented.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

I can't put words into Joseph Smith's mouth, but I believe he was speaking about the Doctrine of Jesus Christ and not grammatical errors or other changes. We will have to ask him some day when we are on the other side together.

[@user-js9qf2bc1x]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial polygamy, curse of Cain, endowments, etc etc etc. if you want to join an evolving church, go lds!

[@hxplxss1835]

@@Bookofmormoncentralofficial Why not use "true" instead of "correct" in that case?

[@whitniedouglass611]

.... but the book of Morman was wrote by one man. Who was the only one to be able to read it out of a hat.... and could only see the gold plates... So now that's not how it happened?

[@DougVandegrift]

See I always thought Chiasmus being in the BoM only furthered the more rational conclusion that JS wrote the BoM rather than it being in actual ancient scripture. Finding language often found in old english language such as Shakespeare seems to me only further the problematic arrow pointing to Joseph Smith's imaginative story telling. This is also corroborated by JS's mother Lucy Mack Smith who wrote in her journal that the whole family would come home and hear the "religious teachings" of her young boy. Yet no LDS scholar seems to want to address that seemingly inconvenient part of history. For me, Chiasmus being present at all is proof of it's origins. And it's not ancient.

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Take it as you will. Chiasmus is just one of hundreds of literary evidences that add up in the Book of Mormon's complexity and verify its ancient origins. If Chiasmus were the only evidence then perhaps it would not be as strong an argument, but add Chiasmus to other literary structures such as Hebraisms, antithetical parallelisms, Alternate Parallelisms, Synonymous Parallelisms, etc. and it only strengthens the fact that the text's source was ancient. Not even considering the fact that it was hardly known about in Palmyra when the Book of Mormon was translated. Several viewers seem to be missing the point completely though Scott explains it. Chiasmus used across the ages in literature has had different purposes. Shakespeare used it to create witty plays, while ancient prophets used it to focus the reader on their central message which was faith in the Savior Jesus Christ.

[@jkaccounting]

I'm very confused by the chiasmus evidence. If shakespeer can create Chiasmus then doesn't that strengthen the argument that Joseph Smith could create them too? chiasmus are also found writings from Solomon Spalding, Josheph Smith's diary, the D&C, and in John Taylor's book. What does this say about them?

[@DougVandegrift]

Yep. you're starting to use your head on this stuff.

[@jkaccounting]

@@DougVandegrift Thanks, I'm trying. What else am I missing?

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

Anyone can create a chiasm, but to create them with the literary complexity and sophistication of those found in the Book of Mormon requires literary genius. This is what Gary acknowledges in the video about Jack Welch's work. So we must either admit that Joseph was a literary genius, or that his claim is true. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets inspired from God who were familiar with the ancient form of writing. It should be noted that Chiasmus was barely known about in Joseph Smith's day in Upstate New York.

[@hxplxss1835]

@@jkaccounting Perhaps the fact that the original D&C 101 was removed because it contradicted Mormon theology of God. Or maybe that Brigham Young perpetuated as doctrine that God and Adam were the same person (Adam-God Doctrine), so much so it was part of the Temple ceremony of his day.

[@_Lachoneus]

​@@hxplxss1835 there's obviously something here if you feel the need to make these comments... if it's so obviously wrong then move on

[@daniellima2973]

Looking forward to this one. Watched the last 3 and was unimpressed.