Review
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Title: Book of Mormon Evidences
Author: John Hilton III
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Non-fiction apologetics
Year Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 90
Binding: Small softcover
ISBN: 978-1-59038-850-1
Price: $6.95
Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again." (First used by Alexander Pope [1688 - 1744] in An Essay on Criticism, 1709)
Is the field of Book of Mormon evidences to be avoided because a “little learning” can lead to a false sense of security? Can the casual student really become equipped to argue for the Book of Mormon without sounding a bit silly? Mormon apologetics is one of the most difficult fields in which one can engage. You have to really dive in and study, study, study, in order to be competent in this field But most readers, who are generally not experts in the field, are not equipped to sort through the flow of ideas and separate the wheat from the tares.
Author Hilton's offering is a prime example of "a little learning" -- a slim, easily-read book that purports to produce "Book of Mormon evidences." Skeptics will be inclined to dismiss the book out of hand. But this little book deserves a second look, although it is a cautionary look. Handle with care, I say.
Some years ago I was having a discussion with a friend about the antiquity of the Book of Mormon. Is it really an ancient document, or is it an invention of Joseph Smith? My friend simply said to me, "But what about chiasmus?" I was floored. As most know, much of the Bible is written in chiastic format. But, so is Paradise Lost. Clearly, chiasm doesn't prove anything. It may *point* to antiquity, but it certainly doesn't prove it. Wordprints, a fairly new science, also may *point* to the uniqueness of a document, but it doesn't prove anything about it.
Hilton covers both of these subjects, among others, as "evidences" of the Book of Mormon's "trueness." One working definition of "evidence" is: “attest; provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes.” "His high fever attested to his illness ..." All of which points to a question we must ask about this little book -- does it "stand in proof of" the antiquity of the Book of Mormon? The minute you think it does, you run into trouble.
With the advent of the Internet, and with great advances in science and technology, we have become accustomed to demanding higher standards of those putting forth propositions as truth. You can't slip-slide over evidence to the contrary any more. You have to dig, you have to study.
And this is where Hilton's book is a mixed blessing. For some, reading this book can give a person an enhanced sense of surety, one that will not stand up under close scrutiny. But for the wise reader, this little book can be a pointer toward further study. Indeed, Hilton supplies several sources that readers can explore to gain a fuller understanding of what he only touches upon.
And, in fairness, the author explains that he’s not an expert in this field. He understands that his little book should be a starting point. Sadly, many readers will not take his counsel.
Can this book be helpful? Of course. But only if used as a starting point for further study. And, for the record, I think this further study can be one of the most rewarding quests that any student can embark upon. Sadly, for others, "Book of Mormon Evidences" will constitute the end of education. The danger -- such readers open themselves to challenges they're not prepared to address. And this can be devastating to the true believer.
If you're in the market for a good introduction to the field of Book of Mormon apologetics, by all means purchase this little book. It is a good starting place. But when you're done reading this, go out and find more detailed support for his ideas. It will be a rewarding quest.
Jeff Needle
Association for Mormon Letters
jeff.needle@gmail.comwww.aml-online.orgwww.LDSBookLovers.com/Needle.html
