Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting the Prophet Joseph Smith

by Michael R. Ash

How do faith and reason relate to the Prophet Joseph Smith? Michael Ash, well-known LDS apologist, explains why it s useful and perhaps necessary to have both in your testimony of Joseph Smith. In the early 1800s, many criticized Joseph for his prophecies and revelations. Today, several evidences prove that Joseph was right. Using scholarly journal articles and ancient Jewish and Christian writings, Michael Ash shows how the Book of Mormon is a true account of an ancient people, how LDS scriptures are consistent with the traditions and culture of ancient Israel, and how the doctrines of the Church accurately reflect the teachings of Christ.

Genres: Religion, Lds, History

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Matt Sager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I had seen the Book of Mormon musical and figured there must be some logic or reasoning to the Mormon belief system. While I am not Mormon, I found reading about their beliefs through apologetics was quite interesting.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very likely that nothing in this book would change the mind of someone who had decided against the truth of the LDS Church, Book of Mormon, gospel, or Joseph Smith. They've made up their minds, for whatever reason, and they aren't going to be swayed.

But for the person of neutral opinion, it could be interesting, and open their minds to the possibility.

For the faithful, it's simply another layer of protection for that shield of faith.

I found some parts more relevant to my interests than others. This book essentally serves as a summary of the vast amount of research that has been conducted in ancient studies, both Old World and New World. Many elements of the Book of Mormon have been mocked -both at its original publication date and currently- as silly or inaccurate. This book summarizes knowledge acquired since the book was translated and published (which Joseph Smith would not have had access to), undermining claims that he was: 1) a total fraud, who made it up out of whole cloth from the elements that he had in the world around him already; 2) a religious genius, who was able to concoct (again, out of his head) the Book of Mormon; or 3) mentally ill, with some particular disease that is characterized by religious obsession. Many of the elements of the Book of Mormon have more recently been found to be supported by liguistic and archaeological research in both the Old and New Worlds, lending credence to the claim that it is a work of ancient, not modern, origin.

Ultimately, the truth of the Book of Mormon is a matter of prayer. There is -as yet- no concrete, scientifically incontrovertable evidence that says "Yes, this is where Lehi landed." Frankly, if there was, there would still be people who would not believe. That's just people.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Milne gives a good review that catches most of my thoughts related to "Of Faith and Reason." Another reviewer recommends this book for reading prior to serving a mission, and I wholeheartedly agree.

I am quite pleased (and amazed) at just how much archaeology and other sciences have uncovered in the years since the BoM was first published, things which back up an incredible amount of what Joseph translated 150+ years ago. So many things may have seemed ridiculous then, but time has proven critics wrong on many accounts.

I decided several years ago that archaeological evidences would be a bolster to my faith, but that in the end the message & spirit of what was written in the BoM was more important than any physical evidence. However, Bro. Ash's consolidation of current studies and research that lends so much credence to Joseph Smith as a translator and the BoM as an authentic, wholly credible ancient text is greatly welcomed in this day and age of increasing religious skepticism, doubt, and unbelief.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ash summarizes the work of dozens of researchers who have toiled to verify the truth of Joseph Smith's calling as the prophet of the Restoration. Ash admits that while the preponderance of evidence can bolster ones faith, it will not convince anyone who wishes to deny the facts. Unfortunately, Ash barely introduces each example, and unlike the original sources, gives no evidence to bolster the claims. If this is your first introduction to Mormon apologetics, then you may find it helpful. If you are familiar with the works of Hugh Nibley and FARMS, then you will find Ash's unsubstantiated claims frustrating.

[Brandon Minster · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the Milton Friedman argument that you should evaluate models based on their explaining power, not on their elegance? An inelegant model that can explain 70% of what you see is better than an elegant model that can explain 30% of what you see. I feel the same is true of LDS Church apologetics. There are some questions that can't be answered right now, sure, but when you consider the number of questions that CAN be answered, and the likelihood that that happened by chance, it should make you discount your "unanswerable" questions, not cling to them as "proof" of anything.

CFI books have a higher typo rate than any other publisher's books I've read. It's unfortunate.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is filled with facts that support the reality of the stories from the Book of Mormon. Not that I wanted proof, I just liked learning a little bit more on the historical & science side of things. There were a few points that were written a little dry, but other than those very few instances, the rest of the book kept my attention & enlightened me. It's a book that gets you thinking.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern day info on recent finds with archeology, plus studies on language patterns that sustain Joseph Smith's translation of The Book of Mormon. He had to have divine help! No way that a 14 year old boy with an 8th grade education could have written The Book of Mormon. Of course, reading The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and gaining a testimony of said book, is a matter of faith, not proof.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never enjoyed a religious text more. I appreciated learning about all of the support for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and Church doctrine.

[Alexander Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the Book of Mormon is not legit, then it is the most historically baffling text ever produced.

Also, there are 89 evidences, not 80. If only the author could think of one more.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Lots of interesting concepts. Regardless of your view of Joseph Smith, this book clearly lays out many evidences of these works he produced.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written book that is refreshing in that its main points all seem to be based on solid research. It is valuable as a collection of well-written abstracts for a lot of very interesting FARMS research, allowing the reader to get a high-level overview and identify some interesting papers to read in more detail. The points contained in the book seem to be skewed towards the research that the author knows the most about, so there's a lot of FARMS research, for example on the Book of Abraham, that is not covered here, but taken as a whole, the book fulfills its promise quite well and is a fairly quick read.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I picked up this book with perfect timing for where I'm at in my life. It had been gifted to me a few years ago, I'm glad it finally came back into my hands (and off the dusty bookshelf). There are plenteous references throughout the book and some very interesting arguments presented supporting the calling of Joseph Smith and the work that he did. The author repeatedly mentions that evidences are not enough to make up for any lack of faith, but only there to support one's desire to believe. He's currently doing a series of podcasts on FAIRLDS.org going through each of the evidences presented in the book, check them out if you're interested.

[Justin Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. Nothing that would convince a true skeptic, but plenty to remind a believer that the skeptics have a lot of 'splaining to do before they can write off Joseph Smith. I flew through the first 2/3 of the book and found it really fascinating. The final 1/3 has dragged for me -- the final sections are longer and don't feel as compelling. All in all, thought, a quick and interesting read.

[Nancy Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides straightforward answers to the arguments we've heard for years against Joseph Smith in a way that is clear and concise. The author's research is extensive and the evidence he presents should put to rest once and for all, questions about the Book of Mormon and Joseph's calling as a prophet.

[Roya Lorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if this will change the minds of those convinced that Joseph Smith was a fraud, but it is a very good book, and I learned a lot from it.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I thought it would be. Ash doesn't go into great detail about the evidences, but that would make for a long book. I would probably give it 4.5 if I could.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that logically and reasonably outlines some very substantial evidences of the mission of Joseph Smith. Highly recommended, especially to anti-Mormons!

[Anord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Recommend reading before serving a mission.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mormon apologist. There are some arguments that are still weak. But the book does a good job of covering major issues with the Mormon faith.

[Tony Derricott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little confused about why there were more than 80...

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs editing in a bad way but good content. Some of the evidences are better than others but it is not the evidence that will convince anyone but the Spirit of God.