(My feelings toward that web browser are.. malevolent.)

http://ia700202.us.archive.org/19/items/HighFidelityDemo/draves-high-fidelity-sample.mov

Thank you for your supportive comments. And, erm.. I’m not sure I’d call my proposed version a “translation”.

My impression is that the poster known as Honestly is peeved I’m creating something that already exists (and which, I presume, they created). They may eat their peevishness, and continue telling the world how it tastes, in fits of nasty anonymous comments.

Of course there is a dividing line that a scholar shouldn’t cross when creating a version of a scriptural text, and I don’t think Alex crosses that line. That line would be crossed if you claimed that your own production of a scriptural text was superior to the official canon text, but only in terms of it being better in its potential ability to accomplish what the Lord intends to accomplish with the official canon text.

(I think the Book of Mormon itself defines that line, saying:

“And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God.”

I don’t believe Alex in any way is “condemning” the Book of Mormon, official canon version. “Condemn” is “to pronounce as evil or unfit for use.” I don’t think Alex is doing that at all.)

Further, the Lord does not claim that the Book of Mormon contains “ALL TRUTH” (Although it does claim that it contains the portion of truth necessary to come to Christ.)

So, to gain all truth, if that is one’s desire- which desire is worthy- one must go beyond the Book of Mormon. I guess that’s why the Lord created FARMS (now Neal A. Maxwell Institute). I guess that’s why the Lord permits personal scholarship, such as Hugh Nibley’s works, Bruce R. McConkie’s works, Robert J. Matthews works, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.
I think where “Honestly” is misunderstanding the issue is at the core of what Alex’s intent is. Alex is not subverting the official version in any way. His proposed version would be a fantastic resource in studying the history of the translation of the Book of Mormon, would act as a catalyst to the creation of counter-works that point out what Hebraism’s, etc. were lost in Alex’s translation, etc.

We are commanded by the Lord, through his prophets, in the Book of Mormon, to not “condemn” it, or as I pointed out, “pronounce it evil or unfit for use.”

“Condemn” is a good word to describe what “Honestly” has done to Alex’s proposed version. A condemnation that I believe is wholly unholy.

If they claim to value the book in subject, their behavior opposes it. That’s why they hide behind a false name, domain, and email. Which is sad. Because instead of opening to collaboration, they disregard the creativity of others as somehow innately injurious to theirs. More sadly, they seek to alleviate their own suffering by diminishing other people. (That, incidentally, is selfish.) It is also simply stupid to rage about what someone else doesn’t know and yet withhold from them what you’re angry they didn’t know.

Could the utopia described in the Book of Mormon ever be built on such attitudes?

And when undertaking to produce a book, is it necessary to check if it has “already been done”? It depends, and it’s really up to the person doing it, don’t you think? So how about this: lets not any of us presume to dictate to other people what books they should or should not create.

But thanks for letting me know there’s a market, Sparky!

(And you may have guessed, standers-by, that this is the friend to whom this happened.)