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Why Did Joseph Smith Write In Old English? - Page 2

You are more correct, then some who posted a comment. David also made a very valid point, the Book of Mormon's basic sentence structure is Hebrew in nature, same basic structure that you find in the Bible. Things that Joseph, a self educated boy of his his time, would have had no grasp or no real knowledge of; let alone translate it in as little as 60 days. Though some changes happened after it was translated, numbers were added later, to make it more functional to read.

From what I know, God had him translate it so it would be familiar, it also was Hebrew in origin, like the Bible. And I am sure God realized that, it would help those who read it, to find it more acceptable. Also then and even today, addressing God in prayer, using Old English words like Thou, was consider more respectful.

Also some of the Book of Mormon, draws from the words of earlier prophets like Isaiah, so to keep the context the same, it was done like that, I am sure.

You have to realize, that Mormon's are like everyone else, they come in degrees of knowledge, faith and understanding. That precept exist in any group of people, just like it does with the brightness of the stars in heaven. Know I will say, if you do not feel the Spirit, and know for sure, best to keep ones mouth shut, except to ask a question, and should not be putting someone down for their comment. We believe that light comes from where it will come, I am often held in aw by children, youth and those not in the LDS Church. Good people with understanding are everywhere.

Message Edited...
Persephone: Cleaned up your post.

English Old Write Smith Joseph Why

That brings me back to my point... Wouldn't the most familiar English for him be his own modern English?

Why Did Joseph Smith Write In Old English? Studies Doctrine Mormon

Sorry, I did not say familiar to what, I meant familiar as scripture. It makes sense to me, that is he had translated it to modern English, people would of found more of a problem with it. And as I said, Old English that was used in the Bible of the their times, like the King James version still today, was considered a more appropriate and respectful way to converse and relate to God.

When I joined the LDS Church, I was also told then, it shows more respect to converse with God with thee, thou and etc. The idea is, using a language that is not familiar and common to everyday. It does not seem to be as stressed today, as it was when I joined 35 years ago.

Page 2 English Old Write Smith Joseph Why

I wish Joseph did translate the Book of Mormon into regular English so we could all understand it better. So much time is taken up figuring out what is being said and then you have to read like a translation of what's going on. That's why there is the chapter headers and seminary manuals.

English Old Write Smith Joseph Why

I really don't find too many words, that are hard to understand, but then I have read the Book of Mormon 30 times or more. That is why we study Scripture at Church in sunday classes, and dido for young in Seminary classes.

I find because it is not written in todays language, that I pay more attention to what I am reading. It also helps me to dig deeper and see more. If we want it planner, then we have the D&C and writings by modern prophets and church magazines. But the Book of Mormon has a special spirit to enlighten, and it was written for our day, to bring us to Heavenly Father and Christ, as no other Book can.

Then above that, the Holy Ghost is essential, you cannot really understand it without his help. Every time I read the Book of Mormon, I see deeper and deeper into it light and lessons.

It is said, line upon line, precept upon precept, and that is how we learn. I read something, that causes me to flash spiritually, then another one comes, and etc, as I pray, seek and ask. The Holy Ghost is like a the wireless internet or WiFi. The more we tune in, and ask and receive and follow and put it to use and share, the more it happens and the more easily it happens.

I gave a Sacrament talk a few weeks ago on this very thing, included in a talk about Resurrection; not about what happens when, but how to get there, and what level we want to be at. The Holy Ghost is like a water line and valve, the more you use it and pay heed what you get, the more the valve opens, the less we use it and the less we heed what is given, the more it closes, a very simple process. Our connection to God, our relationship with God, though the Holy Ghost is everything. In the Scriptures, when did God turn from his people, to let them be chastised, when they turned from him, when they did not thank him for what they received. Many Saints may not be in that predicament, but they may be more in slow mode and not as they should be, like on the net with a really slow connection. So much, that they may not recognize what God is trying to tell them, or to impatient to wait around for a answer, so they walk away and don't hear it.

Because I don't know you, can't say where you are at, but truth always enlightens if you are open. I always like the story of Nehpi's wayward brothers, who took things as a hard thing; because they did not have the connecting and relationship they should of had with Heavenly Father.

Why Did Joseph Smith Write In Old English?

I know what you're saying and I agree but I was mostly talking about the time it takes. You have to read the Book of Mormon and then you have to read a book about the Book of Mormon to understand it - twice the reading you know what I mean?

Why Joseph Smith Write Old English - Page 2

I understand what you are saying, I like things plan and simple myself. Don't like news or science articles, so much chaff, just want the main details and facts. I am ADD like, and problems from the military from the Viet Nam Era, so reading is most often a struggle.

I find when it is more personal, and human interactions are a part of it, and I have to work at it, I learn more and remember it better. I find if things are just handed to me, I forget it quickly. Also Scriptures today are like the Scriptures in the Bible, wrapped in parables and etc, so only those who are to see those truths, do. The more I read, the more I see, then, the more I see, and so on.

I think today, the newer generations are so used to NOW, they forget what can be learned by the journey to get there. I am 62, and for me, I still have a problem of wanting it clean and sliced and ready to eat, NOW.

I find though there is great satisfaction and joy in taking the journey. My entire yard is an experimental nursery. I am into rare and usual fruit research and growing them, as well as more common stone fruits and etc. Since starting this, I have come to enjoy fruit more and also have learned to enjoy fruits I never knew existed or like before. Maybe that is a lame analogy, but for me it fits.

In life, it seems if things are free or don't cost much, or don't take much effort to acquire, we don't really see their true value or appreciate them as we should.

Why Joseph Smith Write Old English Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 2

Its kind of funny that you put it that way because one of the things about most of my friends and I is we never read the instruction manual even though it will help us with whatever we bought but you know how they have an easy 1-2-3 guide to get started right away? Well that's how I see the seminary manuals and stuff because the other instructions from the Book of Mormon can get way too complex.