The Truth About the COC -- The Blind Leading the Blind Discussion Board

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Since our proposed approach in the curriculum is not subject-oriented,
we shall in all likelihood be saved from having to tackle some of
the extremely thorny; issues of the Book's historicity in our curriculum
materials themselves.

Nevertheless, when the Book as a phenomenon is treated, we propose
that it shall be done in the context of that segment of Restoration
history out of which it emerged, without a dogmatic emphasis on
it as a depository of facts about Ancient American history or culture.
It would thus appear to be prudent to avoid any specific dogmatic pronouncements
as to the ultimate nature and origin of the Book, in light of the present
scantiness of data by which our opinions may be inferred. Dogmatically
affirming its actual historicity, or asserting that it is definitely to
be understood in other than historical categories-either of these alternatives
would deny our stance of "strategic caution" which now seems to be most
wise in the face of our insight into the complexities of the issues involved.

In many instances this stance will manifest itself in terms of a discreet
silence in areas where hitherto Book of Mormon teachings have been
invoked. However, since in the Book there can
be found various passages that may serve to illustrate or illuminate a
persistent life need of the students, such passages may very well be utilized
in the development of a lesson for any age level. Thus each instance of
potential use of Book of Mormon material must be judged in light of all
the various factors surrounding the individual set of circumstances in
which its use might appear to be helpful and appropriate.

In this work, we are not primarily concerned with the origin of
the Book of Mormon, from Whence it came, nor the manner in which it
was brought forth.

<Kathy Widner> Do you believe the Book of Mormon to be the
actual historic record of the early inhabitants of this continent, delivered
through divine means?

<Grant_McMurray> Kathy, I do not want to beg your question
at all, but it is an extremely complex one that is difficult to respond
to in this format. I believe the Book of Mormon to be scripture.
All scripture has a historical rootedness that need
to be understood, whether it is the Bible or the BofM or the D&C.

<Grant_McMurray> But I cannot declare unequivocally
that the BofM is an "actual historical record...."in the way you
describe. There are diverse pieces of evidence about that and
I would be less than honest if I did not acknowledge it.

<Grant_McMurray>
Our task is not to spend an abundance of
our time trying to PROVE the historicity of the Book of Mormon.
Our task is to use it as a second witness of Jesus Christ, to the extent it may speak to us in our individual ministry, and then to be ABOUT THE TASK of being the disciples described therein.

There are many places where the writers of
the present "Restoration Studies 1-8 have stated much the same thoughts.
However, we are told that we should not believe what they say; we should
instead believe that they actually say things that they do not believe
or state.

If these same men were put on the stand
in a court of law, they would have to tell the truth, or be guilty of perjury.