tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005490685220949062.post1028749941447867593..comments2023-10-18T10:32:30.713-05:00Comments on American Testament: The Book of Mormon: Alma 32 - How To Know Whether the Book of Mormon Is Revealed ScriptureAmericanTestament.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127465919258708936noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005490685220949062.post-9107251991716576622008-11-30T06:04:00.000-06:002008-11-30T06:04:00.000-06:00Hey, lehislibrary...an interesting perspective tha...Hey, lehislibrary...an interesting perspective that I had (surprisingly) considered myself a few months back.<BR/><BR/>I actually think Alma makes two points in one. That is, how do we know it is true? Because it's desirable. I know it sounds like some twisted logic, but within the context of religion, it makes perfect sense.<BR/><BR/>If the principles of happiness are the same here as they are in heaven, and if happiness can only be known subjectively, then does not the desirability of any given spiritual truth prove its goodness and truth.<BR/><BR/>It sounds slippery, but something Augustine wrote really clicked with me. He said we all want happiness, but most of us want to find happiness in places we'll never get it. I think Alma's experiment does hold up...only that happiness takes a lot of faith, a lot of trial and error, and a lot of work. I guess we just wish eternal happiness came a little easier...in one of those places we want to find it but never will.Arkwelderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05162615204936544822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005490685220949062.post-56472791361792602842008-11-25T01:27:00.000-06:002008-11-25T01:27:00.000-06:00Thanks for the comments (and sorry I missed you on...Thanks for the comments (and sorry I missed you on gtalk this evening). <BR/><BR/>I can see your points about restricting this scripture to a unique interpretation. However, I do remember a few General Authorities mention this scripture in connection with gaining knowledge of other gospel principles and doctrines. It's really late and I need to get to bed, but I promise to do a follow-up of this when I have some more time.AmericanTestament.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04127465919258708936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005490685220949062.post-11988838423007691492008-11-24T00:38:00.000-06:002008-11-24T00:38:00.000-06:00Hi Rob, I'm glad you posted about Alma 32. I've be...Hi Rob, I'm glad you posted about Alma 32. I've been casually thinking and studying about this subject for a few weeks now.<BR/><BR/>One thing I have observed is that Alma never actually states that the experimenter will eventually "know" that the seed is in fact "true." Instead, Alma limits the results of the experiment to the discernment that the seed is "good."<BR/>What could this mean? I tend to think that Alma would be uncomfortable in a moder fast and testimony meeting where everyone habitually claims to "know" things. Where is the faith in that?<BR/><BR/>A couple other thoughts I've had while studying this:<BR/><BR/>A) What does the seed actually represent? Does it represent certain propositions such as "God is corporeal", or "the BoM is true", or "pre-mortality is reality", or "Thomas Monson is a prophet"? <BR/><BR/>I think that the context of the passage is one of a message of repentance and humble living. I don't see Alma as challenging them learn any particular doctrine. Instead, I see Alma as challenging to live a certain way. <BR/>If that is the case, the "seed" experiment could be, and probably is, duplicated by many faith traditions who promote a humble, godly lifestyle. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, my thoughts are still evolving on this. I am undecided. I recently read this article which partly has influenced my thinking.<BR/>http://www.libertypages.com/clark/10908.html<BR/><BR/>Thanks.<BR/>JamesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com