Emily Woods
11th Bible
Mrs. Kelly
February 8, 2013
Mormons not only believe in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, but also in the Bible. Mormons believe in the historical value of the gold plates, strongly in the past life, and in Salvation through works, even though the Bible teaches otherwise. Mormons believe that the historical value of the gold plates is significant evidence of the past, yet there is no evidence of them found in the Bible. The gold plates are the ancient record that Joseph Smith was told to translate into the Book of Mormon. It is said that Joseph Smith translated the gold plates into the Book of Mormon through the power of God. The problem here is no one has any hard evidence, nor are there any witnesses to prove this correct. There is no evidence found anywhere in the Bible of these gold plates, no evidence found on the earth, and thus we can only take Joseph Smith’s word on the matter. This makes this subject an easy one to argue because of the lack of proof or evidence. Also, if these gold plates were translated into the Book of Mormon, isn’t that adding to the Bible since they also believe in the Bible? In Deuteronomy 4:2 it says “You shall not add to the word which I command you…”. Proverbs 30:6 says “Add thou not unto His words, lest He approve thee, and thou be found a liar.” The gold plates are adding to the Bible and changing the wording around. Mormons teach about the importance of the gold plates, even though the Bible doesn’t talk about them.
Mormons believe strongly in the past life, even though the Bible says nothing about it. Mormons believe that before we lived here on earth, we were living and fellowshipping with the Father. They believe that in order to teach us to live by faith, God sent us to the earth in order for us to grow in our walk with Him. There are no verses found in the Bible that talk about pre-existence prior to our