John, in criticizing me above, you ask if I have read the works claiming the Book of Mormon was based on a manuscript written by Solomon Spalding. Would it surprise you if I said I have read many of those accounts? Would it also surprise you if I told you they all make essentially the same assertions as the book you reference? I would ask you if you actually reviewed the link I referenced, but I think the answer is obvious. You looked at it, and then discounted everything written because its author appears to be LDS. And of course, an LDS person has an agenda (no one else does, just the LDS folks), so we must discount what they say as a simple matter of logic… On the other hand, since the authors of the book on Spaulding do not have an agenda, we can accept everything they say without question. It makes searching for the truth so very simple, doesn’t it? (Heaven forbid we actually ask God–He must have all sorts of agendas…)

By the way, I’ve also read Fawn Brodie, who as Light Planet points out was an outspoken critic of the LDS church and Joseph Smith. She, too, offers a number of reasons the Spalding theory is incorrect. Of course, you need to be careful which LDS critics you choose, because some will disagree with each other.

You then get into the age old claim of Joseph Smith lying about polygamy. I would refer you to an excellent link that talks about the whole polygamy thing in agonizing detail, including the claims of lying, etc. However, we would have the same problem–it was written by one of those blasted LDS folks. Therefore, it can’t be trusted. So, referring you there would be a waste of time.

Tim, I’m coming to a point here (I know, not a moment too soon). For those whose objective it is to criticize a religion, or to demonize those long since dead who cannot defend themselves; they will never run out of ammunition or energy. And, as you so aptly point out, all your arguments…or mine…or any Biblical author’s are just a waste of time in trying to head off that misguided energy.

Tim, in agreeing totally with your advice, I’ll just add my witness here that Jesus is our Savior, and both the Bible and Book of Mormon testify of Him. God is neither fickle nor changeable; and if He led people in Old and New Testament times via prophets, why would He not lead us so now? Do we not have problems that require His help? Is he bound by our opinions that He can no longer lead us in that way? I think not.

Okay, I’m also going to take your earlier advice, which I didn’t learn the first time, and step back, once again, from the urinal. The match is both messy and pointless.

Well said! (As usual.)

Still, I find it amazing how lose some people are with the “facts” when it comes to impugning the character of others.

Unfortunately, this kind of behavior will be with us until the end.

GB: Actually you haven’t SHOWN any such thing. You have only made bald assertions and unsubstantiated accusations.

No surprise here.

So, you want facts? Would that change your mind about him being a real prophet of God? On May 26, 1844 Joseph Smith denied he had ever practiced polygamy: “What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one.”

Now, who here DOESN’T know that it is a FACT that Joseph Smith WAS practicing polygamy at the very time he was denying it!?

Why on earth would you want to place your faith and trust in a lying prophet?

Yes, he broke the laws because at that time it was illegal to practice bigamy/polygamy.

http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/polygamy_illegal.htm

Let me ask you, Barry, have you actually read “Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon”?

If not, then why don’t you take your own advice and let the book speak for itself rather than rely on the biased opinions of those Mormons who clearly have an agenda?