The 2 S's of the Book of Mormon: Combining Science and Spirituality

What do you get when you cross an octopus and a mink? A coat of arms!

What do you get when you cross science and religion? A mess.
No, no, just kidding! You get theology.

Theology is the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth ("Theology"). It is the rationale behind religion, the science behind the spirituality. Through my blog I am attempting to give a theological analysis of the Book of Mormon. Please understand, I am not attempting to replace spiritual experience with only scientific fact. Rather, I am trying to support, strengthen and deepen spirituality through viewing the book as both a work of literature and a book with words inspired by God. The more I study things, in many different ways, the more my belief in the thing is strengthened.

Parley P. Pratt, one of the apostles of the early LDS church, wrote a work entitled, Key to the Science of Theology. He claims that with the changing society religious knowledge must and should expand with it. It is imperative that questions be asked, discussed and thought about. His final statement echoes that of my motive for starting this research project.

[If his book] serves to open the eyes of any of his fellowmen on the facts of the past, the present, and the future; if it leads to investigation and inquiry and calls public attention to the greater and more particular truths which have been or are about to be revealed as a standard by which to unite the people of all nations and of all religions upon the rock the sure foundation of divine eternal uncreated infinite and exhaustless Truth, it will have accomplished the end aimed at by the Author.

Some may be hesitant to question, for the LDS church is a church of answers. But let us never forget, it began with a question.