A Scientist's approach to the Book of Mormon

The day starts early at 6AM Pack up the briefcase with the Laboratory Glassware, Beakers, Flasks, Test Tubes, Measuring Cylinders, Thermometers, Hotplates and Burners,Ph strips, Photometers, Mycology supplies,calibration weights, stands lamps, boss heads, pipettes and digital scales. Log sheets,Empiric reports,data records and multimedia recorder and last of all the subject matter...The Book of Mormon. Empirical formula is a mathematical equation that predicts observed results, but is derived from experiment or conjecture and directly from first principles. Observed results...predicting observed results. There had to be an answer. This Book of Mormon thing that everybody is questioning, there has to be an answer! I want a result...I am going to settle this once in for all! All loaded into the van and ready to go, time to head on down to the laboratory. The highway is still lit from the mercury lighting as dawn approaches. I roll up to the lab and start unloading the gear. It's a lengthy process. No one walks the halls of the laboratory,it's really peaceful and quiet. Perfect for my quest without distractions. The beakers and flasks are systematically filled with inert elements. Hotplate and burners heated. Ph stripes laid out in in coloured sequence with pipettes connected by rubber hoses ready for testing. Measuring cylinders prepared for analysis. Digital scales calibrated for weight. If there is weight to this theory of belief in such a Book, I want to see the evidence. Now for the subject matter....The Book of Mormon The last item to come out of the briefcase. Neatly laid out on the table next to all the instruments. I am now ready to record and log the testimony of its pages and subject matter.

This is what keeps us scientists bound together by research. Measure its depth Weigh it against similar subject matter Probe it Dissect its content Step 1 Turn the pages and study the material intensely Step 2 Go back and cross reference the material Step 3 Compare to available texts So far it's seems conclusive, but I have seemed to hit a brick wall. Logic tells me to just give up. I know that since my degree and six hard years of tuition and education as a scientist, persistence is a virtue. Persistence, persistence...OK OK...I will not give up! Now for the final experiment. I take the Book of Mormon off the table and hold in my arms and pray to a living God for a witness to the evidence I hold in my hands, expecting a result. A proclamation of truth. After several minutes of sincere supplication the answer comes in a still small voice. The testimony I am seeking. The heart is mightier than the beaker. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God a sure witness of Jesus Christ. A resounding confirmation. Now it's time to put all the instruments and lab data back into the briefcase and head home with the knowledge that my search for conclusive evidence is assured. The formula is sure.

Joseph Atwater Melbourne Australia February 2012