Many LDS people are familiar with some of the major defenders of the faith such as FARMS or FAIRLDS.org, but another outstanding resource with some of the most impressive information I’ve seen may be less known to some of you. I refer to the Nephi Project. The videos and books they provide on the Arabian Peninsula, for example, will change the way you think about the Book of Mormon, bringing First Nephi to life and providing incredible insights into the evidences for authenticity. I haven’t seen some of their materials yet, but the book Lehi in the Wilderness by George Potter and Richard Wellington is a true gem. And I love the video, Discovering the Valley of Lemuel. There is no substitute for actually getting out to the Arabian Peninsula and exploring the places along Nephi’s trail. They exist!
NephiProject.com
They exist in one’s spiritual eyes.
Truth can be found anywhere, we needn’t stick to the script of the BofM’s historicity.
In my view we’re better off promoting the truths and path to the spirit that the BofM brings to the reader, focusing on it as a “history” deflects its power.
Are you suggesting that the Book of Mormon is more valuable if viewed as a fictional and fraudulent novel of some kind?
The Book of Mormon, like the Bible or the Upanishads, becomes perfectly absurd when you attempt to interpret it literally. The meaning behind the metaphor suffers when you try to assert the historicity of the fantastical stories contained therein. You stand to get more out of the scriptures when you read them as poetry rather than prose.
I think we should view it as a story that elicits truths, not a record…Anonymous says it very well, “poetry rather than prose…”
Are you sure you’re not a Supreme Court Justice? This attitude about scripture seems much the same as the Court’s view on the Constitution (based on recent decisions, anyway). In my view, it’s an attitude the strips either document of its value and meaning.