Waivering In Faith

One of my friends has recently come across an anti-mormon web site that lists things that to them are problems with the Book of Mormon.  Now, the Book of Mormon has gone through several changes over the years.  Some of those changes have significantly impacted true doctrine that was restored, and other changes are far more minor.  My personal preference is to use the first and second editions of the BoM, because these are the editions of which the Prophet Joseph approved, and between which there were the least changes.  Yet, when posting quotes I tend to use a more current BoM that has been divided into verses, for ease of reference. 

When the anti-mormon groups attack Mormonism, they usually attack only one branch of Mormonism, and that is the LDS church that was started by Brigham Young.  Prior to the death of Joseph and Hyrum, there were divisions among the members.  Then when Joseph and Hyrum were killed, the churches split into several other branches.  (See D&C 101:43-62, 1 Nephi 8-15)  But the Lord loves all His branches and will bring them back, if they produce good fruit.  So it is a moot point to argue over which branch is the “true branch.”  Most all of them are from the original tree, and some of them produce good fruit. Remember also that wild branches are grafted into the original tree to keep the roots alive, and they will/have become corrupt and soon they will be pruned off and the natural branches that are producing good fruit shall be grafted back in. 

The BoM that has evolved in Brigham’s LDS church has gone through many changes and therefore it is often the target of attacks of anti-mormon groups.  Of course, once this is understood, it is really nothing to be concerned over.  The original doctrine that was established in the BoM is still true, no matter how the branches have altered and adapted their versions of the BoM.  The original doctrine is true, and is not only applicable on a large social scale, but is also very personally applicable on an individual basis. 

I can testify by personal experience, that the original doctrine in the Book of Mormon can be applied individually, and will lead a person into the presence of God.  Many people have followed and personally applied the doctrine contained in the Book of Mormon and have personally stood in the presence of God.  This does not only happen when a person is alone, but two or more people can also stand together in the presence of the Saviour at the same time.  It is an easily reproducible fact.  It is even reproducible in groups, and can be experienced by several people at the same time.  It is real. 

To my friend, I would like to say, the BoM contains doctrine that will lead an individual into the presence of God.  Personally apply the original doctrine found in the early editions of the BoM, and you will soon find yourself in the presence of God. 
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