So, these are all problems we have to deal with." (Richard Bushman, Interview with Bill Reel, November 21, 2015, https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2015/11/perspectives-richard-bushman/)
I can see where you cut off. And -why-
Bushman still believes.
Bill Reel believed and was a believer at the time of the interview.
Here is what you (you are just copying and pasting from critical material. Here is whoever you are copying from left out)...
Nineish minute mark...
"These are all problems we have to deal with, ON THE OTHER HAND there are things that are very ancient like the first chapter of First Nephi. With what is called the throne theophany which is very ancient form of revelation which is where you see the Lord on His Throne coming down. And all the way through. So I think I don't know quite where to stand on this I think its a puzzle. But I think we have to go back to Blake Ostlers Dialogue Essay in 1985 where he talked about the Book of Mormon being an expanded text. I don't think it comes out of Joseph Smiths mind. I don't think he knew enough to put all that stuff in the Book of Mormon... (mumbles) modern ring to it. I think we are left with a puzzle. I personally believe in the Nephites. When I read those stories they seem awfully real to me. I can't imagine Joseph Smith writing them. There are too many strange things in there. We are left in a dilemma...
Bushmans whole quote has Bushman saying he thinks the Nephites are real. He also says he does not mind people who take the hard apologetic approach of Ostler and Skousen and say that the Book of Mormon is not historical.
Bill Reel goes on to say he does not think the Book of Mormon is historical, but he believes in it anyway, and says it brings people closer to Christ.
Blake Ostler in 1985
Skousen... 1997
