One of the signatures on the Book of Mormon that mark it as an ancient document is the use of chiasmus, a style of language composition used by the Hebrews in holy writ. Where in English, we use a linear style of composition, building our ideas consecutively to a conclusion, ancient writers did something very different. They used a style of writing where the main point is emphasized in the center point of an composition, and the ideas on either side mirror each other.
The ancient Israelites not only had a unique message for the world, but they had a unique way of conveying it in their language.
Who discovered chiasmus in the Book of Mormon? It is an amazing story because it was a 20-year-old missionary in Germany who came to be a well-known scholar—John W. Welch. See how that came to happen in this video and understand a little about why chiasmus is so intriguing.
Jeannie FarrowSeptember 7, 2015
For many years I have found myself trying to defend this book to close family and friends by my testimony and convictions. Thank you so much for this very informative piece. As a member of this wonderful church I have read the book of Mormon many times. I am however no scholar, but in recent years I have began to study this awesome book more diligently. Although I have known for the last 36 year's that this book is authentic I feel I can now offer a more balanced witness of its truth. For me, nothing will ever compare with my first sweet witness as it was the most uplifting, powerful and spiritual experience I am privileged to receive through a simple, trusting, prayer." I Know that my Redeemed Lives Jeannie xxx
Lori CushenberrySeptember 3, 2015
Fascinating look into the discovery of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. Similar to Don Layton's post, I know about chiasmus, but I didn't know that John Welch has discovered it and learned some new things about chiasmus itself. Great video, BTW. Thanks for bringing this to us.