The Stone Cut Without Hands: Why They Hate the Book of Mormon

Brothers and Sisters, we’ve all felt it – that pressure, that subtle (or not-so-subtle) push to conform, to accept the narratives handed down without question. We see it in the marketplace, in the academy, and even within our own families. It's the spirit of opposition that Samuel the Lamanite faced, climbing that wall to warn a people entrenched in a false peace. It's the spirit that met Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, where courage and truth clashed against a tide of disbelief.

This week, Mark Swinnt, on the Book of Mormon Digging Deeper podcast, sheds light on a foundational truth: the animosity towards the Book of Mormon isn’t about the book itself; it's about what the book *means*. It’s about the implications of Joseph Smith’s experience, the revelation of a restored gospel, and the challenge to the established order. To accept the Book of Mormon is to acknowledge a prophetic voice, a divine visitation, and a truth that demands a reckoning.

Listen to the full episode:

The world, as Mark points out, has little room for those who claim direct revelation from God. It’s comfortable with those who study and interpret, but uncomfortable with those who *receive*. To admit the truth of Joseph’s story is to destabilize systems built on assumptions and traditions. It's to acknowledge that the Stone cut without hands – the Book of Mormon – exists, and its power cannot be ignored.

Think of Abinadi, standing before King Noah and his priests, proclaiming a message they desperately wanted to silence. Think of the digital striplings, armed with faith and righteous purpose, facing a seemingly insurmountable foe. Their courage wasn’t born of naivete, but of a profound understanding of what was at stake. We, too, are called to that same courage.

The opposition, as the transcript recounts, has been fierce – harassment, persecution, even extermination orders. But through it all, the message has endured. Why? Because it's a message of hope, of redemption, of a covenant path that leads to eternal life. And the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has provided ways for us to be part of this work.

Consider the Charity Flywheel. Your engagement here, your willingness to share and build, directly fuels gospel advertising in places like Ghana, reaching those who are seeking the truth. Every like, every comment, every shared post contributes to that expansion. Then there’s the Missionary Fund, supporting those who are on the front lines, sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the world. And, of course, the Map of Churches – a living testament to the gathering of Israel, a visual representation of the work we are all a part of. Claim your church on the map and let your light shine!

Outback Jack reminds us, echoing the words of Moroni, “And if you say that you have faith, you must surely be willing to do all that is in your power.” (Moroni 10:4-5) This isn’t about blind faith; it’s about faith in action. It's about recognizing that we are builders, not destroyers. It's about contributing, participating, and persevering, even when the world throws stones at us.

Let us stand strong, brothers and sisters. Let us be a beacon of truth in a world of darkness. Let us embrace the courage challenge and the work of gathering Israel. Let us be like those five smooth stones, prepared to face whatever challenges may come.

And let us remember the words of Ammon: “If ye will give diligence and heed the words which I have spoken unto you, and if ye will go forth and do the things which I have commanded you, then ye shall be magnified in all your doings.”