Like Why Me and others as well when I first read the Book of Mormon I received a confirmation that it was true. And for almost 40 years I continued to believe it was. When I came to realization that it was not true, it broke my heart, because it had become such an important part of my life.
I think that it is wonderful that you feel the way you do. It is so important for someone to find peace, comfort and wellbeing. But I have to disagree with your realization aspect. I can understand the ‘realization’ very well. But as I often point out to people, coming to a realization does not make that realization true. I suppose that what I am trying to say is: the book of mormon has not been proven false and as such, no one can actually claim that it is not true. But we can say, that we think that it is not true.
To my knowledge, no one has come up with a credible story about how that book came about, if JS was a fraud.
And then of course, we have David Whitmer who is 1881 wrote:
It is recorded in the American Cyclopedia and the Encyclopedia Britannica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon; and that the other two witnesses, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, denied their testimony to that Book. I will say once more to all mankind, that I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof. I also testify to the world, that neither Oliver Cowdery or Martin Harris ever at any time denied their testimony. They both died reaffirming the truth of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. I was present at the death bed of Oliver Cowdery, and his last words were, "Brother David, be true to your testimony to the Book of Mormon.’’ He died here in Richmond, Mo., on March 3d, 1850. Many witnesses yet live in Richmond, who will testify to the truth of these facts, as well as to the good character of Oliver Cowdery. The very powers of darkness have combined against the Book of Mormon, to prove that it is not the word of God, and this should go to prove to men of spiritual understanding, that the Book is true. To show the reader what I have had to contend with, I give you below a copy of a leaflet which I had printed and distributed in March, 1881.
A Proclamation
"Unto all Nations, Kindred Tongues and People, unto whom these presents shall come:
"It having been represented by one John Murphy, of Polo, Caldwell County, Mo., that I, in a conversation with him last summer, denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
"To the end, therefore, that he may understand me now, if he did not then; and that the world may know the truth, I wish now, standing as it were, in the very sunset of life, and in the fear of God, once for all to make this public statement:
"That I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof, which has so long since been published with that Book, as one of the three witnesses. Those who know me best, well know that I have always adhered to that testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present views in regard to the same, I do again affirm the truth of all of my statements, as then made and published.
"‘He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear;’ it was no delusion! What was written is written, and he that readeth let him understand.
It is this kind of statement that makes the book of mormon an enigma and something that just can not be discounted. There was no reason for David to lie toward the end of his life. Or was there??
A) Originally Posted by zerinus 