“The citation for horses is furthermore an ‘anonymous’ article in a Mormon magazine... not exactly strong evidential support.”
That article is from a peer-reviewed journal, and if you check the footnote in that article associated with the quote you see that data being refered to comes from a respected non-LDS source, specifically:
Harry E. D. Pollock and Clayton E. Ray, “Notes on Vertebrate Animal Remains from Mayapan,” Current Reports 41 (August 1957): 638; this publication is from the Department of Archaeology at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. See also Clayton E. Ray, “Pre-Columbian Horses from Yucatan,” Journal of Mammalogy 38 (1957): 278.
Likewise, the information about tons of Olmec iron artifacts comes from Dr. Anne Cyphers of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, a non-LDS Olmec specialist.
As I said before however, even a total lack of any evidence proves nothing, and even absolute proof of that the Nephite civilization did exist still doesn’t prove that the BoM is the word of God. If you want to know if it really is the word of God, you have to find that out from God.
“You mention that you believe Christians interpret the Bible incorrectly. Could you give examples please?”
Interpreting the oneness of the Father and the Son as them being two persons but one being of one substance is a misinterpretation. One that leads to the false doctrine of the trinity. The doctrine that the sacrament as literally becoming the body and blood of Christ is likewise based on a misinterpretation. Original sin, the idea that baptism is optional, that there is to be no more scripture after the Bible, these also are the results of misinterpreting the Bible.
“In an earlier post, you defend the position that God was a man, and then go on to say that it is not doctrinal LDS belief.”
If by God you refer to Christ, yes, God was once a man as the NT says. If by God you mean the Father, there is no doctrine of ours that asserts he was ever mortal or that tries to explain his origin.
“Yet the statement was made by your prophet Joseph Smith ... If he is a prophet, why do you not accept his teachings on this? If he is not a prophet, then why do you follow him?”
Prophets do not share God’s omniscience. They get revelation on specific matters and on everything else they are free to form their own opinions. Those opinions are not infallible and they are not doctrinal either.
Just saying ‘Joseph said it so it must be their doctrine’ is false, that isn’t how the church operates. For something to be doctrine it must be endorsed by the whole First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve (all of whom hold the key of prophecy for the church) then formally presented to the members as doctrine.
“As a starting premise, this in itself flies against scripture, and contradicts who the God of the Bible declares himself to be.”
In post 218 I gave you many quotes from the early church fathers and other sources that clearly showed the idea of theosis was part of 1st century orthodox Christian teaching. The link I gave then give additional information, including the scriptural support.
You rightly point out though that this would not prove the Book of Mormon. Yet this sits at the tip of a rather lengthy list of other historical anomalies which, taken as a whole, point strongly to a human vs divine origin of Mormonism.
Your comments on Smith’s statements are understood, but where (as in the case for the statement, “We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil.”) Smith seems to be asserting higher knowledge, that creates a quandary. He is here not saying it is his understanding (as Paul clearly does in a couple of his letters), but rather that he is ‘taking away a veil’ and revealing something that has been shown to him. This does not require a reply, but I ask you to lift up to God the question; Was Joseph Smith your prophet? ...and to test him against what scripture tells us about discerning prophets.
The source is always an important consideration. The person and life of Jesus Christ are a unique witness in this regard.
(Grig wrote) Interpreting the oneness of the Father and the Son as them being two persons but one being of one substance is a misinterpretation. One that leads to the false doctrine of the trinity. The doctrine that the sacrament as literally becoming the body and blood of Christ is likewise based on a misinterpretation. Original sin, the idea that baptism is optional, that there is to be no more scripture after the Bible, these also are the results of misinterpreting the Bible.
Some of your comments here are very denominational (it appears mainly Roman Catholic) in nature... transubstantiation for example, which I would suggest is not ‘misinterpretation’, but rather reliance on human tradition and wisdom vs what is presented in the Bible. Men are fallible though, and it is not human wisdom we rely upon but that of God.
Let’s narrow the field by giving a definition of Christianity. You are correct that there have been many who have claimed to be ‘Christian’ throughout history, yet who have drawn their inspiration not from the God of the Abraham and Isaac. I’ll present this as a statement of what followers of Christ throughout the ages have been in clear agreement on. These words are not mine, but I stand behind them as a true representation of what I believe through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I believe in the one, holy, sovereign, creating and redeeming God, eternally existing in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I believe in the divine inspiration and the entire trustworthiness of the Bible, its infallible teaching and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct, and its normative value for all people, at all times, in all cultures.
I believe that all people without distinction are made in the image of God, but all are now sinners and have incurred both God`s holy wrath and their own shame and guilt. All are therefore in utter need of redemption.
I believe in Jesus Christ our Lord, the incarnate Son of God, uniquely God-man and the only Savior. I believe in his virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, bodily resurrection and ascension. I believe he has achieved the final defeat of Satan and all evil powers.
I believe in the justification of sinners by God`s grace, through faith in Christ alone.
I believe in the Holy Spirit and in his convicting, regenerating, sanctifying and reviving work. He guides and empowers individuals and churches in their service to God and man.
I believe in the unity and priesthood of all believers who together form the one, holy, universal, apostolic church.
I believe in the visible, personal return of Jesus Christ in power and great glory to judge both the living and the dead. We believe that the Scriptures set out only two destinies for humanity: the joyful prospect of eternal life in the presence of God for those who have received Christ, and the agonizing prospect of eternal separation from God for those who have rejected him.