*As stated above, Eli is wandering west. While the 30 years of wandering is similar to Moroni wandering it is also similar to the Mormon Exodus or trek from the Illinois into the Rocky Mountains. The idea that in the West Eli will find a home for the book is similar to the Mormon’s believing that in the west they would find refuge and safety.
*Eli faces conflict from others trying to steal the precious book. Joseph Smith also was hunted and hounded periodically so that his pursuers might steal the gold plates he claimed he possessed.
*As stated above, the book was sealed. This is paralleled in Mormon teachings, that the Book of Mormon in the gold plate version also contains sealed portions. In the history of Martin Harris we learn that a scholar, who at one point verified the authenticity of the hieroglyphics copied from the plates, said that if the book [or portion there of] is sealed it cannot be read.
*Eli was lead to the book by the spirit/voice of God. Joseph Smith taught that he was lead to the Golden Plates by angelic direction.
*Eli was shot and later died at a prison. A famous prison of Alcatraz, which for the story served as a perfect fortress against casual marauders because it was an island and also in truth a fortress. Joseph Smith was shot and killed at Carthage Jail.
*Eli dictates the translation of the King James Bible from braille into English to be transcribed by a scribe. Joseph Smith had multiple scribes who helped him translate the Book of Mormon from the Golden Plates.

I read an article where Gary Whitta was interviewed and stated that he worked hard while writing the screenplay to not reveal his standing with Religion. I respect that. By so doing he permits me to exercise my imagination and stretch things. No doubt some of these things are a coincidence and certainly even I agree that we shouldn’t read so much into it as to suppose the movie The Book of Eli is any kind of Mormon treatise. But as a movie that did challenge my faith in a basic way (I feel the movie challenged me to ask myself if Religion is a healing or a hurting influence be it pre-apocalyptic or post apocalyptic) I found it helped me to strengthen my own Faith in God.

Thanks for letting me post on your page.

If anything, I hope people who read my post will see that I am a fan of the movie. Renting it wasn’t enough, I’ll go out and buy it.

D.