#954 - The Incredible Shrinking Book Of Mormon

The Challenge of the Golden Plates' Size

The Book of Mormon presents a challenge regarding the size and capacity of the alleged golden plates on which it was inscribed. With a length of approximately 270,000 words and only 40 plates, each measuring 6x8 inches, questions arise about the feasibility of fitting such extensive texts into such a small area. When compared to a modern edition of the Book of Mormon, the physical space it would require is significantly larger than what the alleged golden plates could accommodate. This discrepancy raises doubts about the authenticity of the translation, emphasizing that if the text cannot fit on the plates, the claims of an ancient origin are cast into serious doubt.

Mormon Apologetics: Shrinking the Words vs. Expanding the Translation

Mormon apologists typically address the issue by proposing two potential solutions: shrinking the words to fit or expanding the translation to encompass the extensive content. One approach suggests that if the original scribes had written in minuscule characters, the equivalent of the Book of Mormon's text could indeed fit onto the plates. However, practical examples, such as the translation experiment conducted by a Latter-day Saints scholar over a century ago, demonstrate that while writing small is theoretically possible, it becomes virtually impossible given the details of the golden plates' historical claims. Additionally, comparisons with ancient metallic inscriptions further substantiate the argument that the proposed densities and sizes are implausible.

Divine Revelation versus Historical Authenticity

The discussion frequently leads to a consideration of whether the Book of Mormon is a genuine historical document or if it serves as a form of divine revelation, bypassing traditional linguistic barriers altogether. Some Mormon scholars propose that the text is not a direct translation but rather a manifestation of divine inspiration, wherein Joseph Smith extracted the book through visionary experiences. This notion presents a safeguard against criticisms regarding the historical inconsistency of the Book of Mormon, yet it also raises questions about the nature of such revelations and their authenticity. Ultimately, this concept implies that even miraculous events could be misattributed, emphasizing the need for discernment when evaluating the validity of foundational religious texts.

The Counsel of Trent

#954 - The Incredible Shrinking Book Of Mormon

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Challenge of the Golden Plates' Size

Mormon Apologetics: Shrinking the Words vs. Expanding the Translation

Divine Revelation versus Historical Authenticity

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