Mormons, myths, and the construction of heresy oxford, 1997, by the hand of mormon. As part of his prophetic call, the author produced what he. Book of mormonauthorship theoriesautomatic writing. The 19th century writers included sidney rigdon, solomon spaulding, joseph smith, w.
Etymology of zyf and a metallurgical analysis of the book of mormon plates. The goal with the introduction to the book of abraham is to make reliable information about the book of abraham accessible to the general reader. Whereas in the story of the book of mormon, an earlier work, reynolds had agreed with orson pratt on book of mormon geography, in their commentary he and sjodahl placed geography at a low level of priority and were interested primarily in establishing an internally consistent map of all book of mormon sites, without attempting to identify those. It is a record of gods dealings with ancient inhabitants of the americas and contains the fulness of the. The book of mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates. For all who need to have an accurate account of what mormons believeand they are a faith community that now spans the globefamiliarity with the. Some have suggested that joseph smith admitted that he was the author of the book of mormon because the title page of the first edition lists him as author and proprietor. This close reading enables the construction of a theology of the book of mormon that explores the major theological emphases that emerge from a narrative analysis of the book. We who created and who maintain this onomasticon work under the belief that the book of mormon is an ancient document whose cultural roots, except for the jaredite cultural legacy, reach back to 7th century bc judah. The title page of the book of mormon, written by its final author. Royal skousen with stanford carmack, the history of the text of the book of mormon, vol.
Its a matter of some controversy, then, that lds officials have now changed the text of the introduction to the book of mormon, softening the assertion made when the introduction was first. The book of mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion introduction to the book of mormon. Using pauls conversion story as related variously in several texts, tvedtnes focuses on almas account of his somewhat similar conversion experience and its retellings in different book of mormon contexts. Recent research demonstrates that its diversity of styles is unusually high, even greater than the combined. Ive been reading and collecting the book of mormon my entire life in one form or another, from the illustrated book of mormon for beginning readers or whatever it was called in the 1970s to the official blue copy i handed out as a missionary, to royal skousens earliest text. Book of mormon introduction change may reflect new thinking about. Many people accuse lds apologists of lying for the lord. Lds apologists have a pretty bad reputation among nonlds, and its not just a good vs evil thing. To convince both gentiles and jews that jesus is the christ, the eternal god to show the remnants of the house of israel the great things that the lord had done for their ancestors.
Coe is also a prominent skeptic of the book of mormon. A very short introduction examines the book of mormon primarily in terms of the claims that its narrators make for its historical genesis, its purpose as a sacred text, and its meaning for an audience which shifts over the course of the history it unfolds. The details are given in the book of mormon, considered by latterday. Givens is professor of literature and religion and holds the james bostwick chair of english at the university of richmond. The book required creativity a form of remixing to produce, and as with any other creative work, the book of mormon appears to be heavily influenced by its time and place in history. Taking the book of mormon on its own terms, terryl givens offers a complex, reverent analysis of a powerful epic history. Introduction to the book of mormon another testament. The book of mormon presents a different problem for josephs detractors than does his first vision. Prepared especially for use in the schools of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints smith, joseph manual. The book of mormon likewise shatters familiar religious paradigms and reconfigures them with a totality that is resistant to compromise. Joannas journey through her faith explores a side of the religion that is rarely put on display. Introduction a source book for book of mormon chronology. In the 1920s, latterday saint general authority and author b. Statistically, the differences among the authors are highly significant.
Some have wondered, though, if the book of mormon s different styles are in any way unique or impressive. Tvedtnes advances an original analysis of a beautiful book of mormon complexity that has eluded earlier readers. At least three computer analyses have been completed to date in an effort to determine who wrote the book of mormon, and whether it was a single individual or a group. A pentecostal reads the book of mormon reading religion. There are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. Introduction to the book of alma church of jesus christ. In the six books of atv, skousen discusses every substantive change to words or.
Madsen reveals for us the logic of book of mormon claims and the relevance of empirical tests for those claims. Smith claimed the angel moroni, a prophet in the book of mormon, directed him in the 1820s to a. Five governing themes revelation, christ, zion, scripture, and covenant serve as vectors for analysis of the. Mormon did not address the book of alma to a particular audience or state why he wrote it.
The book of mormon was not started and completed in a single sitting. This language, however, comes from the federal statutes and legal forms in use in 1829 1 stat. A very short introduction is designed to focus primarily on what has been overlooked. Tanner, jerald and sandra 1996, introduction, 39 changes in the book. Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon, 2nd. Midgley leads out in the analysis of the authorship debate in part 2 with a concise history of the alternative theories advanced by those who reject joseph smiths account of book of mormon origins. Ann introduction to the study of the book of mormon. Thomass work is, however, quite broad in its purview and analysis of the book of mormon. However, there is in his book strong evidence that favors the book of mormon, which dr. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion.
Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon, part one. Book of mormon authorship the encyclopedia of mormonism. The title page of the book of mormon, written by its final author, moroni, near 400 a. Typographical facsimile of the entire text in two parts, part two, vol. An analysis of wordprints, book of mormon authorship, 181. The book of mormon by joseph smith, paperback barnes. An analysis of wordprints, in book of mormon authorship. 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. It is a record of gods dealings with ancient inhabitants of the americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.
The second edition of volume 4 of the book of mormon critical text project. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Royal skousen has singlehandedly brought the textual analysis of the book of mormon to a professional level on par with the finest classical and biblical scholarship. Coming in at nearly five hundred pages, the book is divided into six major parts. Jun, 2019 there are bad book of mormon apologetics. The book of mormon is a sacred record of peoples in ancient america and was engraved upon metal plates. However, such a story is baseless and incongruent with any document of his life. Here is his analysis of the ways mormons at the conference were defending the book of mormon. Book of mormon studies the encyclopedia of mormonism.
Criticism of mormonismbooksthe book of lehi fairmormon. Previous studies have shown that the book of mormon contains multiple distinct writing styles and that those styles are consistent with the authors designated in the text itself. President joseph fielding smith 18761972 encouraged us to ponder the depth of jacob 5. This volume is the culmination of his labors, and it is the most textually significant edition since joseph smiths work was first published in 1830. The parable of zenos, recorded by jacob in chapter five of his book, is one of the greatest parables ever recorded. Is it possible that a single author wrote the book of mormon. They win points with the uninformed, but they hurt us more in the long run.
In this book, thomas balances critical inquiry with charitable reading with great success. With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the worlds fastest growing faiths, the book of mormon is undoubtedly one of the most influential religious texts produced in the western world. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. Many studies have investigated book of mormon authorship because the. Bad book of mormon apologetics lds church is true blog. The interpreter foundation currently hosts digital versions of all six parts of this volume. Conflicting results of computer analyses of the book of mormon.
Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the book of mormon. Most scholars of the book of mormon believe that js and cowdery translated the portion from mosiah to moroni first, and the portion from the first book of nephi to words of mormon second. The book of mormon is a complex book covering a variety of historical, religious, political, and military events in a variety of ancient communities. Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a work of inspired scripture. See, for example, welch, opening the heavens, 100101, 115117. However, the books numerous teachings on the redeeming mission of jesus christ contribute to a central purpose of the book of mormon, which is to testify that jesus is the christ, the eternal god. The book as a whole received its name from its primary editor, identified as mormon, who is said to have delivered the record to the concluding author, his son moroni, around 400 c. This sixbook set, entitled analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon atv, fulfills the central task of the critical text project, to restore the original text of the book of mormon to the extent possible using scholarly means. The book of mormon girl book by joanna brooks official. Scholars suggest that the title page was written by both mormon and moroni, but analysis provides evidence that moroni was the sole author. Jan 16, 2018 an analysis of wordprints, in book of mormon authorship. The book of mormon is one of the most influential, as well as controversial, religious documents in american history, and is regarded as sacred scripture by followers around the world, including members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, the fourthlargest. Critics of the book of mormon have claimed that a variety of linguistic anachronisms exist in it which cast doubt upon its historical authenticity.
Book of mormon manuscript excerpt, circa june 1829 1 nephi 2. Book of mormon introduction change may reflect new. The statistical odds that a single author wrote the book. A very short introduction very short introductions.
While the book is written to an audience unfamiliar with mormonism, those interested in mormon studies will find it a valuable resource for reflecting on the text of the book of mormon as a narrative. 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. Introduction the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints takes no official stance on the geography of the book of mormon. Critics of the book of mormon church of jesus christ. Written by terryl givens, a leading authority on mormonism, this compact volume offers the only concise, accessible introduction to this extraordinary work.
The american scripture that launched a new world religion oxford 2002, which the new york times called provocative reading. The author of the book of lehi claims to have been commanded to translate the sealed portion of the book of mormon, as well as the lost 116 pages. The individual who has been most seriously and productively engaged in scholarly analysis of book of mormon origins and for the longest time is professor hugh nibley. Daniel walker howe, pulitzerprize winning author of what hath god wrought. Another testament of jesus christ presents itself as a translated record of ancient american peoples detailing their dealings with each other and with god. The study next traces the books reception amongst followers and opponents alike, as well as its impact in the areas of music, art, and disastrous interpretations of. It is a record of gods dealings with ancient inhabitants of the americas. Sources from which this record was compiled include the following. The great strength of the book is that it provides a wellargued perspective based on the geology of natural disasters that is new to the analysis of the book of mormonone that adds to the reality of book of mormon events and opens new doors for potential research and understanding of the geography of the book of mormon. However, there is in his book strong evidence that favors the book of mormon. Nevertheless, this material is not presented as an apologetic work, neither is. Daniel walker howe for all who need to have an accurate account of what mormons believeand they are a faith community that now spans the globefamiliarity with the message of the book of mormon is the basic.
Two others are by the hand of mormon and the book of mormon. The book of lehi fails even a cursory analysis when checked against what is known about joseph smiths translation of the same material. David bokovoys work and grant hardys understanding the book of mormon have already been mentioned and both would qualify as efforts that bracket issues of truthfulness to evaluate the literary value. The book of mormon girl is a story about leaving behind the innocence of childhood belief and embracing the complications and heartbreaks that come to every adult life of faith. Book of mormon manuscript excerpt, circa june 1829 1. Roberts, spurred by rileys theory, began a concerted study of book of mormon criticisms. Some critics of the book of mormon have claimed that joseph smith wrote the book while under the influence of an epileptic fit, thus perpetuating a fraud without knowing it. Book of mormon introduction change may reflect new thinking. Introductory pages of the book of mormon another testament. An introduction to the relevance of and a methodology for a study of the. Five governing themes revelation, christ, zion, scripture, and. The remix hypothesis holds that without certain foundational texts and cultural influences preceding the 1830 publication of the book of mormon, it simply would. A bayesian statistical analysis of positive and negative. A comprehensive commentary of the title page of the book of mormon, by paul nolan hyde this volume provides extensive commentary on the title page of the book of mormon, written by the hand of mormon.
The book of mormon is a second witness, confirming the validity of biblical doctrine and verifying the divinity of christ through the inspired words of other sheep in christs fold see john 10. The spiritual text that forms the basis of mormonism, in the last edition edited by its founder, joseph smith, jr. Book of mormon authorship, in book of mormon authorship revisited. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 1982, 163. It introduces the book of mormon to the modern reader by providing. Differences as large as these simply could not occur if a single author wrote the book. Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon book. This article analyzes that evidence, using bayesian. Jun 03, 2019 the book of mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible, reads the introduction to the churchs official 20 edition of the book of mormon. Mormon s record, compiled from four sets of metal plates, resulted in a book of direct historical narrative, expansive summary. A very short introduction very short introductions kindle edition by givens, terryl l download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. A biblical scholar looks at the book of mormon rob bowman gives an overview of the resources on this website about the book of mormon and explains how he approaches the subject from the perspective of a biblical scholar.
He assumes that these books are written completely by the authors specifically named, despite the fact that in the book of mormon prophets. We first compared the 21 remaining authors by using the 10 most frequently occurring words in our list. The most common belief of adherents is that promoted by joseph smith, who said he translated ancient golden plates inscribed by prophets. If you are looking for a book that focuses on the coming forth of the book of mormon, what it tells us about antebellum religious culture, or even how it shaped or was shaped by. For even more info on mormons aka members of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints check out or. The lds church encourages discovery of the books truth by following the suggestion in its final chapter to study, ponder, and pray to god concerning its veracity. The books current introduction, added by the late lds apostle bruce r. Zenoss allegory of the olive trees reveals gods personal involvement in the history and destiny of the house of israel see jacob 6. Critics of the book of mormon claim there are places where the language is anachronistic and suggestive of a 19thcentury origin consistent with smiths upbringing and life experience, as well as the books and other literature published just preceding the time that the book of mormon was published. The first chapter introduces the reader to the book of mormon and the kind of tests that might be appropriate by relating the intellectual and spiritual struggles of b. Prepared especially for use in the schools of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. To view any of the parts, click on one of the links below. Roberts encouraged latterday saints to answer the questions of critics carefully and seriously. Volume 4 of royal skousens book of mormon critical text project contains six parts that detail the textual variants found throughout the text of the book of mormon.