John a widtsoe, did joseph smith write the book of mormon excerpt from. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. When he was 24, smith published the book of mormon. Lest anyone be misled, this is a scholarly undertaking, not a religious work. This comparison of joseph smith and john milton focuses on their literary output and especially the preparation each had for dictating a long religious work, in miltons case paradise lost and in smiths the book of mormon. The book of mormon the stick of joseph in the hands of ephraim had now been published for some time, and as the ancient prophet had predicted of it. John milton, joseph smith, and the book of mormon byu. Of course, he was the translator unaided by mortal man. It attempted to prove that natives had descended from the ancient israelites. John milton, joseph smith, and the book of mormon byu studies. Later writings many years later, john smith published two more books. Except it wasnt jesus christ that smith saw in his vision, if he had it at all. There were so many people who wrote in the book of mormon. The mormon church teaches that the book of mormon was written by a series of ancient people, the first of whom was nephi, and that it was finally redacted and compiled by.
As john hilton put the matter, if wordprinting is a valid technique, then this analysis suggests that it is statistically indefensible to claim that joseph, oliver, or solomon spaulding wrote the 30,000 words in the book of mormon attributed to nephi and alma. Oliver cowdery was joseph smiths distant cousin, whose familys minister was ethan smith of poultney, vermont, author of the 1823 view of the hebrews. Oct 18, 2012 there were so many people who wrote in the book of mormon. Jan 16, 2018 for a comparison of joseph smiths translation of the book of mormon with john miltons dictation of paradise lost, see robert a. The spalding enigma by wayne cowdery, howard davis, and donald scales summary.
The book of mormon is true because it was written by joseph smith joseph smith wrote the truth because he was divinely inspired we know that joseph smith was divinely inspired because the book of mo generate in true christians a desire to spread the gospel in truth and in love. For five years after publication of howes mormonism unvailed on nov 28, 1834, rigdon and smith provided no written rebuttal to that book s central thesis, i. Many concepts from the book of mormon are present in this book notably 2000 stripling warriors, a liahonalike description of a metal device, the freeman movement, rod of iron, standard of liberty, brass plates, cataclysmic earthquakes followed by great darkness, chiasmus, and many, many more. Howard davis and arthur vanick, recently published by concordia, the highly respected publishing arm of the lutheran church missouri synod. For five years after publication of howes mormonism unvailed on nov 28, 1834, rigdon and smith provided no written rebuttal to that books central thesis, i. Joseph smith and the geography of the book of mormon. This book was available and advertised in joseph smiths neighborhood in 1823 1826. No one in america, let alone in western new york, fully understood chiasmus in 1830.
It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of. In it, joseph smith desired to restore many of the plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the lamb of god. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to adherents, contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. This has caused some to wonder if the prophet gave. According to persuitte, these are sufficient to have inspired joseph smith to have written the book of mormon.
A readers guide, have attempted to move the discussion away from polemics to an appreciation for the books narrative complexities. Criticism of mormonismbookswho really wrote the book of. Oct 14, 2019 from a handwritten letter to his wife emma smith while on zions camp march of june 4th, 1834 joseph wrote the whole of our journey, in the midst of so large a company of social honest and sincere men, wandering over the plains of the nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the book of mormon, roving over the mounds of that once. It is highly likely that joseph smith wrote, or at least approved, of the central americanbook of mormon editorials. The truth of john smith the text i have chosen to write this essay about is an account by john smith about his experiences in the new world and his first encounter with native american people the text im using is from the coursepack page 105 to page 107, general history of virginia, new england and the summer isles, from the second chapter in. Joseph smith and the geography of the book of mormon kindle. Generall historie of virginia 1624 and the true adventures and observations of captain john smith. This claim, as well as all claims to historical authenticity of the book of mormon, are rejected by nonlatter day saint historians. Some mormon scholars, like grant hardy, who wrote understanding the book of mormon. Many concepts from the book of mormon are present in this book notably 2000 stripling warriors, a liahonalike description of a metal device, the freeman movement, rod of iron, standard of liberty, brass plates, cataclysmic earthquakes followed by. Rigdon, sidneys son, asks his dad if he wrote the book of mormon or if josephs story about golden plates is true. Joseph smith did not sign more than a handful of copies of the book of mormon, said brother fox. First staged in 2011, the play is a satirical examination of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints beliefs and practices that ultimately endorses the positive power of love and service.
Those who believe that joseph smith translated it by the gift and power of god naturally have accepted that its source texts were written by multiple ancient prophets. Joseph smith knew book of mormon geography book of. Most notable authors, including milton, had a long apprenticeship that involved writing several try works, practice works that served as tutorials and stepping. The scribes of the book of mormon manuscripts who were native, american speaking made almost 4 000 errors in both of them. The book of mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, joseph smith stated, and the keystone of our religion.
Opponents of the book have claimed that joseph smith wrote it himself, or that an accomplice such as solomon spaulding or sidney rigdon penned it and somehow transferred it to joseph smith. He didnt have the time, education or wherewithal to do this. Adams wrote in the book of mormon he received, the above is the autograph of the chief of the mormons who gave me this book at nauvoo on the 15th of may 1844. Why did the book of mormon originally say that joseph smith. Critics have claimed several passages and thematic material in the book of mormon are found in josiah priests the wonders of nature, published in 1825. Joseph smith had been dead ten full years before john forbess book was published in scotland. Sidney rigdons final words about joseph smith and the. In 1732 john walker published a book called critical pronouncing dictionary, listing hundreds of biblicallike names and how to pronounce them.
Now remember oliver cowdery pastor was ethan smith who wrote the best seller at the time view of the hebrews from the time the plates were mentioned to the time they were actually made into the book of mormon was like 6 years. Others, however, have assumed that joseph smith or one of his associates wrote it. Introductory pages of the book of mormon book of mormon. It was a deceiving spirit, as paul wrote about, when he said that even satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. Lds scholars often point out that smith had received a rudimentary education at best, and did not have access to the works needed to research the book. Joseph smiths translation and publication of the book of mormon, excerpted by fairmormon. A readers guide, have attempted to move the discussion away from polemics to an appreciation for the books. Commenting on the reception of the book of mormon among the public in aprilmay 1830, and its significance to the proselyting program of the new church, the prophet joseph smith concluded. Wordprint studies of the book of mormon fairmormon. The book of mormon is a musical comedy with music, lyrics and book by trey parker, robert lopez, and matt stone. In fact, joseph smith once remarked that the title page of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the plates of mormon. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates. Oct 20, 2015 adams wrote in the book of mormon he received, the above is the autograph of the chief of the mormons who gave me this book at nauvoo on the 15th of may 1844. This book, therefore, makes a useful contribution to our understanding of an important historical question.
At the end of the book of john, the author hints that john may tarry until christ comes again. While its easy to throw that word around in light of todays problems with child abusing priests in the catholic clergy, the fact remains that pedophilia is defined as the act or fantasy on the part of an adult of engaging in sexual activity with a child or children. Several investigations and studies which set out to prove that joseph wrote the book of mormon have actua. The mormon church teaches that the book of mormon was written by a series of ancient people, the first of whom was nephi, and that it was finally redacted and compiled by mormon.
Why i left the mormon church dusty smith exex mormon tells all duration. Anyone who is interested in knowing what joseph smith thought about book of mormon should definitely check this book out. Rees, john milton, joseph smith, and the book of mormon, byu studies quarterly 54, no. The coming forth of the book of mormon, foretold by ancient prophets, began with an angelic visitation in 1823 to 17yearold joseph smith. One summary lists 7 names from the book of mormon that are found in this book. It is highly likely that joseph smith wrote, or at least approved, of the central american book of mormon editorials.
To ask if joseph smith produced the book of mormon seems unnecessary. Introductory pages of the book of mormon book of mormon central. In my opinion this testifies of an influence of evil spirits, and, accordingly, the book of mormon as a hoax. In this book i explore the real genesis of the book of mormon relying on family documents and published affidavits of people who witnessed firsthand the creation of the book of mormon men and women who knew joseph smith and sidney rigdon personally over their entire lifetime. This book attempted to revive the moribund spalding manuscript theory for the book of mormon. Read this weeks knowhy connected with the come follow me curriculum, and watch a video elucidating an insight in this weeks scripture reading. Emma smiths copy of the 1841 book of mormon found church. The problem of book of mormon authorship has challenged historians and theologians since the book was published in 1830. Hullinger, a lutheran minister, argued similarly in his 1980 book, mormon answer to skepticism. Later, the prophet joseph smith, by the gift and power of.
However, to more fully substantiate my claims, i would like to confirm differences between those scripts and their normal ones to. Response to claims made in who really wrote the book of mormon. The book of mormon is true because it was written by. Apr 09, 2007 see myth of the manuscript found, 1883 edition pg 71 etc joseph smith himself said in the history of the church, vol. From a handwritten letter to his wife emma smith while on zions camp march of june 4th, 1834 joseph wrote the whole of our journey, in the midst of so large a company of social honest and sincere men, wandering over the plains of the nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the book of mormon, roving over the mounds of that once. For a comparison of joseph smiths translation of the book of mormon with john miltons dictation of paradise lost, see robert a. Rees this comparison of joseph smith and john milton focuses on their literary output and especially the preparation each had for dictating a long religious work, in miltons case paradise lost and in smiths the book of mormon. Critics of the book of mormon claim there are places where the language is anachronistic and suggestive of a 19thcentury origin consistent with smith s upbringing and life experience, as well as the books and other literature published just preceding the time that the book of mormon was published. End reason death 2nd mayor of nauvoo, illinois in office may 19, 1842 18420519 june 27, 1844 18440627. According to most adherents of the latter day saint movement, the book of mormon is a 19thcentury translation of a record of ancient inhabitants of the american continent, which was written in a script which the book refers to as reformed egyptian.
The book of mormon shall stand as a testimony against the world, ether 5. Since the book of mormons publication in 1830, a number of different theories have been proposed concerning its authorship. What can stylometry tell us about book of mormon authorship. In april 1829, joseph smith and oliver cowdery asked the lord what had happened to john the beloved. The earliest writers in opposition to the church accepted joseph smith as the author of the book. Sidney rigdons final words about joseph smith and the origin. One argument that mormon apologists frequently employ is the claim that joseph smith was intellectually unequipped to write the book of mormon. Brigham young, sidney rigdon, joseph smith iii, and at least four others each claimed succession. Rigdon, the son of sydney rigdon visited utah and spent the winter among the mormons. As with most scripture, however, claims to historical authenticity remain a central issue. Oct 31, 2012 some mormon scholars, like grant hardy, who wrote understanding the book of mormon. Is it possible that a single author wrote the book of mormon. Smith also asserted that john the baptist appeared to him while he was translating the book of mormon and instructed him to restore the church by preaching the true gospel.
Udv4 crip how joseph smith wrote the book of mormon how joseph smith came up with mormonism anti mormon lds byu flds kbyu jesus christ lord master savior messiah king bible cult scam fraud. Learn about the book of mormon with verse by verse commentaries from renowned book of mormon scholars like john w. Proof the book of mormon isnt true the book of mormon contradicts the bible and was actually a work of fiction written by joseph smith in the 1800s, who copied much of it from the king james version, trying to make it look like an ancient manuscript. The book of mormon is true because it was written by joseph. If chiasmus can be convincingly identified in the book of mormon, it will testify of the books ancient origin. I believe that smith believed he was called of god, yet occasionally engaged in fraudulent activities in order to preach gods word as effectively as possible. John milton, joseph smith, and the book of mormon author robert a. Scholars reject smith s explanation of the origin of the book of mormon. Dec 12, 2017 since the book of mormons publication in 1830, a number of different theories have been proposed concerning its authorship.
Later, the prophet joseph smith, by the gift and power of god, translated an abridgment of those original plates. The lord revealed that john had asked for the privilege of inviting people to come unto christ until the second coming. The official story, of course, is that smith and cowdery had never met, and that cowdery just happened to get a job teaching school in palmyra and boarded with the smith family. Rees, john milton, joseph smith, and the book of mormon, 12.
The book of mormon also contains work written by more than one author. Sidney rigdons confession to his son about the book of mormon. When his cousin oliver cowdery showed up they whip it out much faster. The book of mormon is offered as the most tangible and easiest test of the mission of joseph smith. We know god didnt send smith because of the false doctrines smith taught and because of the fruit that he bore. By the time of his death, 14 years later, he had attracted tens of thousands of followers and founded a religion that continues to the present with millions of global adherents.
The work in question is who really wrote the book of mormon. Mar 22, 2019 artwork on the back wall by jorge cocco. December 23, 1805 june 27, 1844 was an american religious leader and founder of mormonism and the latter day saint movement. Joseph smith himself mentioned ethan smith and cited passages from view of the hebrews in an article from the june 1842 publication of times and seasons. Does the bible contain prophecies about joseph smith. Seven years later, in 1830, this scriptural canon of the latterday saints was published for the world. The book of mormon contradicts the bible and was actually a work of fiction written by joseph smith in the 1800s, who copied much of it from the king james version, trying to make it look like an ancient manuscript. Ancient prophets, historians, and leaders engraved their testimonies and history on golden plates. Joseph smith knew book of mormon geography book of mormon. Joseph smith 1st president of the church of christ later the church of jesus christ of latter day saints april 6, 1830 18300406 june 27, 1844 18440627 successor disputed. A claim being disputed is that joseph smith was a pedophile.
An american, james adair, wrote a book a history of the american indians in 1775. John smith journals captain john smith chesapeake national. The 1830 edition of the book of mormon named joseph smith as the author and proprietor of the book. Others, however, have assumed that joseph smith or one of his associates.
Skeptics have put forth several theories of book of. How could joseph smith possibly have written the book of. The book is in two parts one part written by captain john smith and the other part written by several of his crew including walter russell, anas todkill, and thomas momford. Sidney rigdons final confession about joseph smith and the origin of the book of mormon. If the primary purpose of the book of mormon were to function as a sign as tangible evidence that joseph smith was a true prophet of god that mission could have been page 180 accomplished much more concisely a longer tome might be more impressive to some, but it would put off other.
518 862 1174 1568 1305 445 710 1505 525 135 1225 743 951 1088 39 1327 785 340 1298 183 883 1307 961 924 1066 1216 169 517 138 1293 1325 622 38