Skeptics have put forth several theories of book of mormon authorship that do not require believing in golden plates delivered by angels and translated by a miracle. In fact, clues in its text hint at the presence of other groups book of mormon and dna studies. Moroni, the last of the nephite prophethistorians, sealed up the abridged records of these people and hid them in about a. The book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a.
Joseph smith and his followers declared the book of mormon s supernatural originthat it was a divinely inspired translation of an ancientamerican record, acquired by joseph through visions and the help of an angel. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. In this episode, laura harris hales interviews brant a. The book of mormon never mentions quetzalcoatl or any of ethans details of quetzalcoatls indian traditionssuch as bare feet, pierced ears, fieryflying serpents, green plumage, and more. Automatic writing, sometimes called trance writing, has also been advanced as a theory. All opinions, speakers and presenters represent and express their own individual opinions, and not necessarily the opinions of firm foundation, book of mormon evidence, or its employees, and no information or opinions represent the church of jesus christ of latterday saints.
This paper probes the theories of the origin of the american indian up to the time of the translation and publication of the book of mormon. An analysis of the limited geography theory since the advent of the book of mormon in 1830, interested observers and believers have proposed various theories regarding its development, origin, and possible historical significance and setting. The mormon church the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Journal studies of native american dna shows that the rare x dna haplogroup is found in the parts of north america where the heartland theorists say the book of mormon took place. Second, the book of mormon contains none of the key mormon doctrines. Several theories of the origin of the text have emerged. A twohundredyear era of peace followed that visit of christ. What authorship theories are proposed by nonbelievers to account for the authorship of the book of mormon. Feb 05, 2018 none of this will satisfy the critics. Apr 22, 2016 skeptics have put forth several theories of book of mormon authorship that do not require believing in golden plates delivered by angels and translated by a miracle. The book of mormon does not contradict the land bridge migration theory. The book of mormon geography lands and map with dna evidence. The spaldingrigdon theory of book of mormon authorship is the theory that the book of mormon was plagiarized in part from an unpublished manuscript written by solomon spalding. Book of mormon scholarship, theories, and folklore brant a.
Internal evidencesthe book of mormon, in style and language, is consistent with the theory of its construction. Pros, cons of book of mormon geography theories deseret news. The spaulding theory of the origin of the book of mormon has been thoroughly demolished. That sidney rigdon ever saw the prophet joseph smith before the book of mormon was published has been disproved. What influences led to the development of grant palmers golden pot theory of book of mormon origin. Some critics believe that it was written solely by joseph smith.
This book, though short, is an engaging and generally positive overview of the origin and impact of the book of mormon by a serious nonlds scholar. The theory first appeared in print in the book mormonism unvailed sic, published in 1834 by e. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 2011, 171217. Spaldingrigdon theory of book of mormon authorship. A radically different book of mormon geography theory. There are heartening signs of change for the better even here, though, one of them being the recent publication of the book of mormon. Anyone who teaches this theory today betrays deliberate dishonesty or pitiful lack of knowledge concerning the whole matter. Would you respond to the theories that the book of mormon is based. However, it affirms a joseph smith revelation that declared that the coming forth of the book is proving to the world that the holy.
Book of mormonauthorship theoriesautomatic writing. There are over 100 theories concerning book of mormon geography. The book of mormon records the visit of jesus christ to people in the americas following his resurrection. Mormon challenges could the book of mormon story have come. Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a. What year was the book of mormon written, mr g a novel about the creation, there are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. Church releases statement on book of mormon geography. It covers some three hundred years of development, looking at many different theories, including the predominant theory of the lost tribes of israel, which was in decline among most leading scientific observers in the early nineteenth century. In spite of its weaknesses, this theory continues to surface from time to time even in our day. Since the book of mormon s publication in 1830, a number of different theories have been proposed concerning its authorship. Learn more about the incredible historicity of the book of mormon through our podcast, articles, and videos.
As early as 1831, eber howe, in his antimormon book mormonism unvailed, noted the use of names desolation and bountiful from pilgrims progress reappear in the book of mormon. The story of hagoth is recorded in just six verses 49 of alma 63. Miraculous origins theories generally accept joseph smiths own account, that he translated an ancient record compiled and abridged by mormon, a precolumbian resident of the western hemisphere. Third, the book of mormon abounds in textual errors, factual errors, and outright plagiarisms from other works. Although geneticists dating of the dna does not correlate with book of mormon times, the x dna haplogroup has its origins in the middle east, not asia. Within weeks after the book of mormons first pages came off the press, critics promoted naturalistic explanationsso called because they are based on scientific observation or natural phenomenathat rejected the possibility of a divine, supernatural origin of the book of mormon. Mormon archaeological argument that proves the historical accuracy of b of m. Roberts concluded that this book, originally published in poultney, vermont in 1823 7 years prior to the book of mormon was available to joseph smith and contained enough parallel material to the book of mormon so as to furnish a virtual groundplan for it. It covers some three hundred years of development, looking at. As early as 1831, eber howe, in his antimormon book mormonism. There are several theories as to the actual origin of the book of mormon.
At a recent mormon history association meeting held in hawaii, the linking together of these people with the people of hagoth was treated. Rigdon, sidneys son, asks his dad if he wrote the book of mormon or if josephs story about golden plates is true. Some claim that sidney rigdon authored the book of mormon, and conspired with joseph smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion. Update on horses in the book of mormon mormanity a mormon. The theory first appeared in print in the book mormonism unvailed, published in 1834 by e. There are differing views on the origin of the book of mormon. Elder holland continued, for 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history perhaps like no other book in any religious.
Journal of the book of mormon and other restoration scripture 202 2011. Several theories of the origin of the text have emerged, but they lack solid. What can stylometry tell us about book of mormon authorship. Evidence of the ancient origin of the book of mormon youtube. An analysis of the limited geography theory since the advent of the book of mormon in 1830, interested observers and believers have proposed various theories regarding its development, origin, and. Many book of mormon research projects have implications for the continuing issues surrounding the authorship of the book of mormon. To our knowledge, there have been no discussions about the need to put down one theory of book of mormon geography in order to promote another. An overview of secular authorship theories for the book of mormon jump to subtopic. On translation theories and the interpretation of the book. This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. Mormons say that the book of mormon was written by divinely inspired ancient americans and later was miraculously translated by joseph smith jr. But keep in mind that horses in the book of mormon are one of the biggest weaknesses in a book abounding with strengths.
Religious solutions from columbus to columbus to joseph smith vogel, dan on. Several theories of the origin of the text have emerged, but they lack solid evidence and require leaps of speculation. Naturalistic explanations of the origin of the book of. In order for christians or others to accept these claims, mormons must demonstrate that their version of the book of mormon s origin and story is historically accurate. Though latterday saints have long known that the book of mormon is an important religious text, it is encouraging to see it considered as such by a prestigious american university. Book of mormonauthorship theoriesautomatic writing fairmormon. In particular, i was intrigued by a theory about the origins of the book of mormon that i had not heard before. Apr 20, 2009 most of you believe that the book of mormon occurred in central america, right. Book of mormon geography is one of my favorite topics, and its been a while since i talked about it. Welcome to our project to crowd source the origins of the book of mormon, a controversial text published in 1830. By taking a brief journey through several centuries of speculation, not only about the origins of the indians, but also about the migrations of other early peoples, we can place the book of mormon into perspective, see it as a development from the theories which preceded it, and understand why it exists. Theories to explain the book of abraham by john gee.
I really enjoyed his comparison of joseph smith and the book of mormon with j. It was first published in 1830 in palmyra, new york, and was thereafter widely reprinted and translated. Scholars reject smiths explanation of the origin of the book of mormon. Within weeks after the book of mormon s first pages came off the press, critics promoted naturalistic explanationsso called because they are based on scientific observation or natural phenomenathat rejected the possibility of a divine, supernatural origin of the book of mormon. A nation now extinct, american indian origin theories as of. Book of mormon fringe theory was inspired by geography enthusiast john e. Tolkien and the lord of the rings, as well as those who doubt the american moon landings. New theory connects a native american prophet with joseph smith. There are several theories, but none of them are supported by more than a belief that the origin claim must be correct.
Naturalistic explanations of the origin of the book of mormon. The objective is not to find the most correct meaning for each passage of the book of mormon, but to find the most likely sources which joseph smith remixed to create the book of mormon. Although church members continue to discuss such theories today, the church takes no position on the geography of the book of mormon except that the events it describes took place. Unconventional book of mormon geography theories mormon matters. The pinnacle event in the book of mormon is a visitation from christ, himself. Would you respond to the theories that the book of mormon is. Sidney rigdons final confession about joseph smith and the origin of the book of mormon. Some believe that the history depicted in the book of mormon occurred in north america, while others believe that it occurred in central america or south america. Miraculous origins theories generally accept joseph smiths own account that he translated an ancient record 1 compiled and abridged by mormon, a precolumbian resident of the western hemisphere who recorded the spiritual history of generations of his people, and the teachings of their ancestors, the hebrews. A longitudinal study the spalding theory of book of mormon authorship. Perego, the book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a maternally inherited dna standpoint, in no weapon shall prosper. This book locates everything from the narrow neck, to zarahemla, from cumorah, to the land of promise, bountiful. Ethan equates the whitebearded god, quetzalcoatl, with moses.
Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. This is important because the latterday saints make such a point about it containing the fullness of the everlasting gospel. A nation now extinct,as american indian origin theories. Jan 11, 2020 evidence of the ancient origin of the book of mormon fair mormon. Book of mormon author theories refuted fair mormon. Nov 01, 2016 so the early theories about the origin of the book of mormon started to focus on the premise that joseph smith, an unlearned man, was simply incapable of writing such a complex book. Joseph smith said that the book of mormon was originally an ancient nativeamerican record written on golden plates, and that god gave him the power to translate it into english. Blumell, senior historical associate, church historical department historically, the most popular antimormon or nonmormon explanation of the origin. Religious solutions from columbus to columbus to joseph smith. The book of mormon claims to be a history of ancient peoples inhabiting central america until 421 a. Mormon stories march 20, 2019 book of mormon, church history, joseph smith 9 comments join us now for this mormon stories podcast episode, where historian john hamer offers his theory as to how the book of mormon was created.
Book of mormon history provides easy access to current research for personal study. Byu studies, naturalistic explanations of the origin of the book of mormon. Skeptics have put forth several theories of book of mormon authorship. The purpose of saints is to present a compelling narrative of the faith and sacrifice of early latterday saints, not to weigh in subtly or otherwise on the various theories of book of mormon geography. Spaldingrigdon theory of book of mormon authorship wikipedia. To the lds faithful, the book of mormon is the true historical account of a group of ancient israelites who fled jerusalem prior to the babylonian captivity 600 b. Since they cant all be correct, obviously, some scientists are digging in the wrong place.
This explanation, however, was widely rejected by outsiders from the outset. True book of mormon geography lands, western new york model. From this time on elder cannon and his associates began to teach that the hawaiian people were an offshoot branch of israel through the posterity of lehi, the book of mormon prophet britsch 9798. Although it is new to many church members today, the stoneinahat theory had its origins back in 1834 in a book titled mormonism unvailed.
Joseph smith as the sole author, without intentional assistance, possibly reflecting smiths own life events. What is the most plausible of all naturalistic theories of the origin of the book of mormon. Book of mormon scholarship, theories, and folklore brant. Miraculous origins theories generally accept joseph smiths own account that he translated an ancient record compiled and abridged by mormon, a precolumbian resident of the western hemisphere who recorded the spiritual history of generations of his people, and the teachings of their ancestors, the hebrews. May 28, 2016 there are several theories as to the actual origin of the book of mormon. The spaldingrigdon theory of book of mormon authorship is the theory that the book of. Clark, archaeology and cumorah questions, journal of book of mormon studies. Who really wrote the book of mormon the critics and. He is the author of several books and articles discussing the text of the book of mormon and ancient mesoamerica. The book of mormon includes a history of an ancient people who migrated from the near east to the americas. Variations of this theory only include that the text is a divinely inspired narrative, regardless of its. Book of mormon origin if you have read the book of mormon pages preceding this book of mormon origin page translation method, bom changes, and inspired. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place. This history contains information about the places they lived, including descriptions of landforms, natural features, and the distances and cardinal directions between important points.
In the years since the book of mormon was published, other naturalistic theories have waxed and waned in popularity, but similar to the early 1830s, joseph smiths intellect theory is today the most accepted naturalistic explanation for the origin of the book of mormon. Critical theories that sidney rigdon was a book of mormon author or coconspirator summary. The authors published the book in painesville, ohio, just a few miles from kirtland, and sought every way possible to discredit joseph smith, his associates, and the book of mormon. Athalia robinson, were present when that book was handed to me in mentor, ohio, and. Blumell, senior historical associate, church historical department historically, the most popular anti mormon or non mormon explanation of the origin of the book of mormon has been that it was based on a manuscript written by solomon spaulding. It will not thoroughly examine the current or past theories of the origin of the polynesians, but concentrate on the book of mormon account and supplementary interpretations that have led to the traditional beliefs. The book of mormon never claims that the people it describes were either the only or even the predominant inhabitants of america.
Sidney rigdons final words about joseph smith and the. Although church members continue to discuss such theories today, the churchs only position is that the events the book. Adena and hopewell peoples lived in pennsylvania and western new york, but this region represented the impoverished fringe of their culture. Dec 12, 2017 since the book of mormons publication in 1830, a number of different theories have been proposed concerning its authorship. Oct 27, 2019 this video discusses all of the main theories critics try and point to for alternative ways the book of mormon could be produced and how these arguments fall apart when the details are explored. Claim 10 there are additional theories as to the origin of the text. After all, he was but twentythree years of age, a simple plowboy from western new york, and he had little formal education. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Claim 11 no other copy of this book has vignettes similar to the facsimiles. Debunking 5 myths about the book of mormon lds living. Nonmormon critics disagree in their opinions as to the origin of the book. For the first 150 years of mormonisms existence, everyone thought it was a story about a people who left the middle east and came to south or central america, and who fought wars clear up into new york state where. In 1991, john sorenson of byu, the dean of book of mormon geography, created a book called the geography of book of mormon events.
If the book is true, as i believe it is, it should hardly be surprising that serious unresolved questions marks persist in some areas. Book of mormon, work accepted as holy scripture, in addition to the bible, in the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and other mormon churches. The theory that the book of mormon is an ancient american history is not accepted as scientifically verifiable by the mainstream. Wouldnt it be cool to find some archaeological evidence. Hagoth and the polynesians religious studies center. Most latterday saints are aware of a minor industry in certain religious circles in the united states devoted to refuting mormonism and to criticizing the book of mormon. Latter day saint movement through reading the book of mormon, howe argued that this story was a later invention to cover the books true origins. Some believe that the history depicted in the book of mormon. The theory that joseph smith worked with collaborators to create the book of mormon has never gained strong traction for. Most, but not all, mormons hold the book s connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith.
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