MR says: Learn how this unusual yet faith-inspiring goal led one Latter-day Saint to discover something rather unexpected in the pages of the Book of Mormon.
The following is an excerpt from Marilynne Todd Linford's new book, The Book of Mormon is True: Evidences and Insights to Strengthen Your Testimony.
My journey began when a series of experiences led me to type the Book of Mormon as a new way to study it. I began on January 13, 2010, and typed the title page, the introduction, the Testimony of Three Witnesses, and the Testimony of Eight Witnesses.
A year and a half and 531 pages later, on August 1, 2011, I typed Moroni’s last words: “And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen!” The exclamation point is mine. I had typed all 268,163 words, plus all the introductory pages and headnotes—everything but the footnotes.
They had been awe-filled months, and I had received the results for which I had hoped—deeper insights into the doctrines, specific and detailed knowledge of the peoples and places, considerably greater understanding of the structure of this book of holy scripture, and
increased ability to identify with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. I felt richly rewarded; my expectations were met. I would have felt forever grateful even if the experience had ended there, but along the way, about seven months in, something completely unexpected happened.
Lead image from Meridian Magazine.
How do you know the Book of Mormon is true? For bestselling author Marilynne Todd Linford, the decision to type, word-for-word, the entire Book of Mormon as a method of study led her to discover incredible truths regarding the authenticity of this sacred volume of scripture. With the aid of expert analysis of the text, the author shares a unique blend of both spiritual and secular evidence substantiating the claim that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Through an exploration of ancient literature and cultures, Joseph Smith’s educational background, and the science of wordprints, The Book of Mormon Is True invites audiences to strengthen their testimony of this sacred scripture as the divine word of God.
