Knowing Why: 137 Evidences That the Book of Mormon Is True

by John W. Welch, Taylor Halverson, Stephen O. Smoot

True understanding of scripture requires diligent study—not only reading at the surface level but delving deeper and asking the question why. For those who long to more fully understand the intricacies of scriptural doctrine and events, Knowing Why holds the key. In this unprecedented guide through the Book of Mormon, readers are invited on an exploration of the scriptures that asks—and answers—some of the most intriguing questions about the Book of Mormon, such Readers are presented with more than one hundred questions about various facets of scriptural events and doctrinal beliefs. Each topic is then broken down into the know—what is known about the topic—and the why—the purpose behind beliefs and events. With its wealth of thought-provoking questions and discussion, this invaluable resource will help readers delve deeply into gospel doctrine, engaging in scripture study in a way that enlightens the mind and expands the heart.

Genres: Lds

768 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2017

About the author

John W. Welch is the Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, where he teaches various courses, including Perspectives on Jewish, Greek, and Roman Law in the New Testament. Since 1991 he has also served as the editor in chief of BYU Studies. He studied history and classical languages at Brigham Young University, Greek philosophy at Oxford, and law at Duke University. As a founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, one of the editors for Macmillan’s Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and codirector of the Masada and Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition at BYU, he has published widely on biblical, early Christian, and Latter-day Saint topics.

from http://deseretbook.com/auth/420/John_...

Reviews

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 3 times digitally; then I just bit the bullet and bought it. TOTALLY WORTH IT!! It has taken my understanding of some of the context of The Book of Mormon to all new levels. While the only way to truly know if The Book of Mormon is true to to read it, pray about it, and ask God to reveal it through the Holy Ghost, I still think it would be really hard to logically not think it's true from some of these factual evidences. Between this book, "God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon" by Tad R. Callister (CR Oct. 2017.), and How Do I Know If I Know? by John Bytheway, I would be surprised if ANYONE would not at least take looking into the veracity of The Book of Mormon seriously; there are just too many evidences not to.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for Deseret News here: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/9...

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book of Mormon Central put out this excellent companion for studying the Book of Mormon, edited by five scholars. Each chapter addresses a question such as "Why are horses mentioned in the Book of Mormon?" and is divided into THE KNOW and THE WHY. What should we know, and why is it important to know it? This book covers chapters up to Alma 29. It's an oversized, full color, soft cover book with art throughout. Apparently there is a Kindle edition too. I'm hoping another volume will be forthcoming, as I have benefited from reading it as I study the Book of Mormon. In the meantime, bookofmormoncentral.org posts KnoWhys almost daily. This book is a compilation of the first 137 posted to their site.

[NaDell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I read these 137 evidences about The Book of Mormon during our couple scripture study over the last several months. I liked how Bible scriptures were compared with Book of Mormon scriptures and they were also analyzed with anthropology and other sources. A lot of the questions weren't things I would necessarily ask, but the answers were full of great insight.
I thought this book would cover the whole Book of Mormon, but is only the first half of The Book of Mormon. I hope they come out with the second half. I understand that they started as shorter articles on their website and they researched these more, but I still wish it covered the whole book or noted on the cover that it was only 1 Nephi-Alma 35.

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I love this book. I learned so much. Wonderful!!

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference about the Book of Mormon. It discusses a wide variety of facts that are historical and cultural. The research is phenomenal and it is unlikely that anyone would not improve their education by reading this volume. I was shocked with many facts of which I had previously been ignorant.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Individual essays beginning at 1 Nephi and going through about Alma 30. The ancient history background and Hebrew traditions give the reader enlightenment about the text that is faith-affirming. There were several "ah-ha" moments for me.

[Ari Bruening · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides some good insights to help in understanding the Book of Mormon.