Much of the historical research disparaged by Thomas involves the rhetorical patterns and cultural meanings within the Book of Mormon. Yet Mormon scholars are "studying the books' message" and finding correlations with the Bible and ancient documents that ring true. These historical, linguistic, and cultural correlations are part of the blend of objective and subjective perceptions that add up to the joy of reading and of the testimony of the Book of Mormon that lingers after reading. Joseph Smith used historical records in this composition—its result exceeded both the time and the man. Thomas opts for an ethical springboard who can suggest in it what is "worth reading" (p. 53). To him, this book is beyond history: "A universal, providential history that transcends any particular history" (p. 53). Thomas here confuses historical theory with history, the art of compiling and explaining events. what transcends "particular history" is either speculation or some form of philosophy. Whatever Thomas may or may not believe about modern revelations, rational philosophy is a poor substitute for serious review of nineteenth-century miracles is a poor substitute for serious review of nineteenth-century miracles that revealed and validated the Book of Mormon as an ancient record.