Conservative news and media company The Daily Wire has several popular political commentators, many very religious. Daily Wire Co-founder Ben Shapiro is an Orthodox Jew while Michael Knowles is a self-described "mackerel-snapping papist."
Novelist-turned-political-commentator Andrew Klavan is no different. Ethnically the 69-year-old is an Ashkenazi Jew, though he grew up in a mostly secular household. He was an atheist until finally, he converted to Christianity when he was 49. Klavan often weaves religious ideas into his weekly show, "The Andrew Klavan Show." Consequently, he is often asked and is happy to answer questions about religion during online Q&A sessions with Daily Wire members.
On Wednesday, June 12, a Daily Wire member submitted a question asking Klavan if he had read the Book of Mormon and what he thought about it if he had read it. "I did read it, I was not impressed with it," he replied. He added, "I always hate to say this because I like Mormon people and whatever they're doing it seems to work." He expanded on what did not impress him about the Book of Mormon, "I never understood why the Book of Mormon, which was written in the 19th century, is written in fake Elizabethan English. It just ruined the whole thing for me... and the story doesn't sound read to me."
This is not the first time an American novelist has been unimpressed with the writing style of the Book of Mormon. Klavan's critique is more gentle than Mark Twain, who wrote in Chapter 16 of his book "Roughing It," "it is such a pretentious affair, and yet so "slow," so sleepy; such an insipid mess of inspiration. It is chloroform in print... If he had left ['it came to pass'] out, his Bible would have been only a pamphlet."
Klaven followed up his critique by quickly restating his love of the Mormon people and "the way they handle things" before finishing his answer by saying "I don't mean to offend anybody, but you asked the question and that is my reaction."
Ward Radio News is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Church) and does not officially represent the Church. The views expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the position of Ward Radio News.
I wouldn't expect anything else from Andrew. I doubt he read the whole thing, as everyone I've ever heard levy the "it's written in the wrong language" complaint could never make it past the first few chapters of 1 Nephi. Had he actually read it all the way through, his comment would have had more content. Even a poorly written story can have elements one can draw on. The fact Gadianton Robbers don't come to mind for someone from the Daily Wire, at a minimum, is telling. I think Andrew Klaven is smart and has a good sense for literature, but like many intelligent people, he throws out things that don't match his arbitrary standard for meaningfulness and legitimacy. He…
Andrew Clavan has said some weird stuff defending Israel and Ben Shapiro and his treatment of Candace Owens. The fact that Clavan will defend a Jew who believes Jesus Christ is going to hell with all the other Christians, doesn't make him a very authentic Christian to me. Something is fogging up his truth lense. His opinion on the Book of Mormon is just further evidence of his inauthenticity.
I actually really respect Andrew Klavan a lot, but I wish he thought about this a bit more (as he normally does with most issues). The Book of Mormon was translated into a style of English that I think Joseph believed showed elevated respect for scripture. Look at the Doctrine and Covenants as well - same thing. We also pray in 2024 using "thee/thy language" not becuase that is how we speek, but how we speak to God, and we do our best to show respect. Kind of like how a farmer would dress up for church on Sunday, although he did not wear fancy clothes on any other day. I have no issue with the "fancy English" styl…
Well, At least, it is not because they don't want to give up coffee or smoking. I get that a lot. I know we want to be for everyone but, our religion is not for everyone. I have heard some people say " oh, they are nice people and all but..." What do you say when they like what they do better? Jesus teaches in Spirit Prison. Maybe, they will change their mind then?
I'll give it to him that he actually read it. Next time actually study it.