1. Authority of the Bible vs. Book of Mormon

• Reliability of Biblical Manuscripts:
  • Research textual criticism: historical accuracy, manuscript evidence (Dead Sea Scrolls, manuscript tradition).
• Book of Mormon Historicity:
  • Investigate historical, archaeological, linguistic claims in Book of Mormon.
  • Compare alleged archaeological support for the Bible versus the Book of Mormon (cities, cultures, peoples, languages).
• Translation Concerns:
  • Study claims about Book of Mormon translation process (seer stones, golden plates).
  • Compare transparency and reliability of Bible’s manuscript transmission and translation history to that of Book of Mormon.

2. Joseph Smith’s Credibility as a Prophet

• Historical Accounts and Testimonies:
  • Examine eyewitness accounts (supportive and critical) of Joseph Smith’s character, translations, and prophecies.
• Prophecies & Revelations:
  • Identify documented prophecies by Joseph Smith; analyze their accuracy using Deuteronomy 18 standard.
• Moral and Ethical Issues:
  • Research controversial historical events linked to Joseph Smith (polygamy, Book of Abraham translation issues, early church practices).

3. Clarifications Provided by the Book of Mormon

• Critical Doctrinal Differences:
  • Analyze Mormon claims that Book of Mormon clarifies the nature of God and baptism, comparing these claims directly with biblical texts.
• Alleged Bible Contradictions:
  • Investigate claimed contradictions by LDS missionaries; study apologetic responses explaining biblical coherence without needing extra-biblical clarifications.
• Theological Consistency:
  • Critically assess whether the Book of Mormon is consistent with itself and historical Christian doctrines, or if theological evolution occurs.

4. Native American Ancestry Claims in Book of Mormon

• DNA Evidence & Anthropology:
  • Research DNA studies on Native American populations and assess how findings align or conflict with LDS claims about Hebrew ancestry.
• Historical and Archaeological Evidence:
  • Investigate archaeological records to verify or challenge Mormon claims about Nephite/Lamanite civilizations in ancient America.
• Comparative Religion and Native Beliefs:
  • Explore historical accuracy and validity of LDS missionary claims regarding Native American spiritual beliefs and practices corresponding to Book of Mormon narratives.

5. Mormonism’s View of Scripture as Containing “Errors”

• Inerrancy and Inspiration Doctrine:
  • Study Protestant evangelical understanding of biblical inerrancy vs. Mormon acceptance of scripture errors.
• Implications of Errant Scripture:
  • Evaluate theological consequences of claiming scripture is inspired yet fallible; investigate biblical claims about scripture’s divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21).

6. Doctrine of Salvation and Grace vs. Mormon Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation)