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Criticism of Mormonism/Books/An Insider's View of Mormon Origins/Chapter 4: Difference between revisions
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====95-96, n1-2==== | ====95-96, n1-2==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The author claims that elements from Joseph Smith's own life form the basis for a portion of the Book of Mormon. | *The author claims that elements from Joseph Smith's own life form the basis for a portion of the Book of Mormon. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Joseph Smith's environment and the Book of Mormon]]{{nw}} | *[[Joseph Smith's environment and the Book of Mormon]]{{nw}} | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Alexander Campbell, Delusions: An Analysis of the Book of Mormon, 19. | *Alexander Campbell, Delusions: An Analysis of the Book of Mormon, 19. | ||
*Jason Whitman, "The Book of Mormon," The Unitarian, 1 Jan. 1834,44,47-49. | *Jason Whitman, "The Book of Mormon," The Unitarian, 1 Jan. 1834,44,47-49. | ||
}} | |||
====96==== | ====96==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The author believes that one would not expect to find "camp meeting" elements among ancient Americans. | *The author believes that one would not expect to find "camp meeting" elements among ancient Americans. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Kingship and coronation in Book of Mormon]] | *[[Book of Mormon/Evidences/Kingship and coronation in Book of Mormon]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Author’s opinion. | *Author’s opinion. | ||
}} | |||
====97, n6==== | ====97, n6==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*King Benjamin's farewell speech parallels that of Methodist leader Bishop M'Kendree. | *King Benjamin's farewell speech parallels that of Methodist leader Bishop M'Kendree. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Kingship and coronation in Book of Mormon]] | *[[Book of Mormon/Evidences/Kingship and coronation in Book of Mormon]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Rev. Z. Paddock, Memoir of Rev. Benjamin G. Paddock ,177-81 | *Rev. Z. Paddock, Memoir of Rev. Benjamin G. Paddock ,177-81 | ||
*"Genesee Conference," Methodist Magazine 9 (Aug. 1826): 313 | *"Genesee Conference," Methodist Magazine 9 (Aug. 1826): 313 | ||
| Line 53: | Line 53: | ||
*{{s||Mosiah|5-7|}} | *{{s||Mosiah|5-7|}} | ||
*{{s||Mosiah|28-30|}} | *{{s||Mosiah|28-30|}} | ||
}} | |||
====99-100, n7==== | ====99-100, n7==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The story of King Benjamin’s sermon is similar to a Methodist camp meeting. | *The story of King Benjamin’s sermon is similar to a Methodist camp meeting. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Kingship and coronation in Book of Mormon]] | *[[Book of Mormon/Evidences/Kingship and coronation in Book of Mormon]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Mark D. Thomas, "Revival Language in the Book of Mormon," Sunstone 8 (May-June 1983): 20. | *Mark D. Thomas, "Revival Language in the Book of Mormon," Sunstone 8 (May-June 1983): 20. | ||
}} | |||
====100-106, n8-12==== | ====100-106, n8-12==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The Book of Mormon is claimed to show the Methodist form of conversion. | *The Book of Mormon is claimed to show the Methodist form of conversion. | ||
| | |response= | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Brent Lee Metcalfe, unpublished response to Blake T. Ostler, 1987, photocopy of typescript in possession of the author. | *Brent Lee Metcalfe, unpublished response to Blake T. Ostler, 1987, photocopy of typescript in possession of the author. | ||
*Blake T. Ostler, "The Book of Mormon as a Modern Expansion of an Ancient Source," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 20 (Spring 1987): 66-123. | *Blake T. Ostler, "The Book of Mormon as a Modern Expansion of an Ancient Source," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 20 (Spring 1987): 66-123. | ||
| Line 75: | Line 75: | ||
*Lorenzo Dow, The Dealings of God, Man and the Devil, As Exemplified in the Life, Experience, and Travels of Lorenzo Dow, 14-16. | *Lorenzo Dow, The Dealings of God, Man and the Devil, As Exemplified in the Life, Experience, and Travels of Lorenzo Dow, 14-16. | ||
*Eleazer Sherman, The Narrative of Eleazer Sherman, 1:11-21. | *Eleazer Sherman, The Narrative of Eleazer Sherman, 1:11-21. | ||
}} | |||
====106, n13==== | ====106, n13==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*Alma's conversion parallels that of Darius Williams and Abel Thornton. | *Alma's conversion parallels that of Darius Williams and Abel Thornton. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[ | *[[Book of Mormon/Plagiarism accusations]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*George Peck, The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck, D.D., 108-9. | *George Peck, The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck, D.D., 108-9. | ||
}} | |||
====107, n15-17==== | ====107, n15-17==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*Alma's missions are similar to those of traveling preachers. | *Alma's missions are similar to those of traveling preachers. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[ | *[[Book of Mormon/Plagiarism accusations]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Milton V. Backman Jr., American Religions and the Rise of Mormonism,283-85. | *Milton V. Backman Jr., American Religions and the Rise of Mormonism,283-85. | ||
*Backman, American Religions, 283-87; Nathan O. Hatch, The Democratization of American Christianity,88. | *Backman, American Religions, 283-87; Nathan O. Hatch, The Democratization of American Christianity,88. | ||
| Line 101: | Line 101: | ||
*{{s||Alma|30|32-35}} | *{{s||Alma|30|32-35}} | ||
*Whitman, "The Book of Mormon," 47. | *Whitman, "The Book of Mormon," 47. | ||
}} | |||
====110==== | ====110==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*Joseph Smith was an “exhorter” at evening meetings. | *Joseph Smith was an “exhorter” at evening meetings. | ||
| | |response= | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Previously referenced in the chapter. | *Previously referenced in the chapter. | ||
}} | |||
====114, n32==== | ====114, n32==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The Book of Mormon includes hundreds of popular phrases from frontier preaching. | *The Book of Mormon includes hundreds of popular phrases from frontier preaching. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[ | *[[Book of Mormon/Plagiarism accusations]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*The author provides the following equivalents: Alma 5:15=1 Cor. 15:53; 5:24=Matt. 8:11; 5:42=Rom. 6:23; 5:48= John 1:14,29; 5:50=Matt. 3:2; 5:52=Matt. 3:10; 5:54=Matt. 3:8; 5:57=2 Cor. 6:17. | *The author provides the following equivalents: Alma 5:15=1 Cor. 15:53; 5:24=Matt. 8:11; 5:42=Rom. 6:23; 5:48= John 1:14,29; 5:50=Matt. 3:2; 5:52=Matt. 3:10; 5:54=Matt. 3:8; 5:57=2 Cor. 6:17. | ||
}} | |||
====116, n37==== | ====116, n37==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*There are "recognizable evangelical phrases" contained in Amulek's and Alma's preaching. | *There are "recognizable evangelical phrases" contained in Amulek's and Alma's preaching. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[ | *[[Book of Mormon/Plagiarism accusations]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Alma 11:37=Eph. 5:5; 12:3 = Acts 5:4; 12:7=Heb. 4:12; 12:8=Acts 24:15; 12:14=Rev. 6:16; 12:27=Heb. 9:27; 13:8=2 Tim. 1:9; 13: 12=Rom. 15:16; 13:15=Heb. 7:1-2; 13:20=2 Pet. 3:16; 14:28=1 Cor. 10:13; 34:13=Matt. 5:18; 34:23=Acts 13:10; 34:29=Matt. 5:13; 34:31=2 Cor. 6:2; 34:37=Phillip. 2:12; 34:38=John 4:24. | *Alma 11:37=Eph. 5:5; 12:3 = Acts 5:4; 12:7=Heb. 4:12; 12:8=Acts 24:15; 12:14=Rev. 6:16; 12:27=Heb. 9:27; 13:8=2 Tim. 1:9; 13: 12=Rom. 15:16; 13:15=Heb. 7:1-2; 13:20=2 Pet. 3:16; 14:28=1 Cor. 10:13; 34:13=Matt. 5:18; 34:23=Acts 13:10; 34:29=Matt. 5:13; 34:31=2 Cor. 6:2; 34:37=Phillip. 2:12; 34:38=John 4:24. | ||
}} | |||
====118, n42==== | ====118, n42==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The Book of Mormon is claimed to be simply "revival literature" cast in a different setting. | *The Book of Mormon is claimed to be simply "revival literature" cast in a different setting. | ||
*{{AuthorQuote|The biblical and revival elements also help us understand how Joseph could dictate the Book of Mormon in such a short period of time.}} | *{{AuthorQuote|The biblical and revival elements also help us understand how Joseph could dictate the Book of Mormon in such a short period of time.}} | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[ | *[[Book of Mormon/Plagiarism accusations]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*John W Welch, "How Long Did It Take Joseph Smith to Translate the Book of Mormon?" Ensign 18 (Jan. 1988): 46-47. | *John W Welch, "How Long Did It Take Joseph Smith to Translate the Book of Mormon?" Ensign 18 (Jan. 1988): 46-47. | ||
}} | |||
====120==== | ====120==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The Book of Mormon teaches that all men are evil as a result of the Fall. | *The Book of Mormon teaches that all men are evil as a result of the Fall. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Plain and precious | *[[Book of Mormon/Plain and precious doctrines#The purpose of life|Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines—The purpose of life]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*{{s||Mosiah|16|3}} | *{{s||Mosiah|16|3}} | ||
*{{s||Alma|42|9-10}} | *{{s||Alma|42|9-10}} | ||
*{{s||Ether|3|2}} | *{{s||Ether|3|2}} | ||
}} | |||
====121-122, n48==== | ====121-122, n48==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*Joseph is claimed to have evolved his view of the Godhead over time. | *Joseph is claimed to have evolved his view of the Godhead over time. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Joseph Smith's early conception of God]] | *[[First Vision/Joseph Smith's early conception of God]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*{{s|2|Nephi|31|21}} | *{{s|2|Nephi|31|21}} | ||
*Wilford C. Wood, Joseph Smith Begins His Work: Book of Mormon 1830 First Edition, 1:25-26,32; d. 1 Ne. 11:16, 18,21,32; 13:40, 1981 ed. | *Wilford C. Wood, Joseph Smith Begins His Work: Book of Mormon 1830 First Edition, 1:25-26,32; d. 1 Ne. 11:16, 18,21,32; 13:40, 1981 ed. | ||
}} | |||
====122, n49==== | ====122, n49==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The Book of Mormon "vividly" portrays the Father and Son as the same God. | *The Book of Mormon "vividly" portrays the Father and Son as the same God. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Book of Mormon | *[[Book of Mormon/Portrays Father and Son as the same God]]{{nw}} | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*{{s||Mosiah|7|27}} | *{{s||Mosiah|7|27}} | ||
*{{s||Mosiah|13|34}} | *{{s||Mosiah|13|34}} | ||
| Line 173: | Line 173: | ||
*Melodie Moench Charles, "Book of Mormon Christology," in New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology, ed. Brent Lee Metcalfe ,81-114. | *Melodie Moench Charles, "Book of Mormon Christology," in New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology, ed. Brent Lee Metcalfe ,81-114. | ||
*Dan Vogel, "The Earliest Mormon Concept of God," in Line upon Line: Essays on Mormon Doctrine, ed. Gary James Bergera, 17-33. | *Dan Vogel, "The Earliest Mormon Concept of God," in Line upon Line: Essays on Mormon Doctrine, ed. Gary James Bergera, 17-33. | ||
}} | |||
====124==== | ====124==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The Book of Mormon contains no information about temple ordinances, exaltation or baptism for the dead. | *The Book of Mormon contains no information about temple ordinances, exaltation or baptism for the dead. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Book of Mormon | *[[Book of Mormon/Contains the fulness of the gospel]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*No source provided. | *No source provided. | ||
}} | |||
====124, n53==== | ====124, n53==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*Brigham Young said, “"If the Book of Mormon were now to be re-written, in many instances it would materially differ from the present translation." The author presumes that “Young may have had in mind the book's uncomplimentary view of man” since Brigham had recently said that men "naturally love and admire righteousness, justice and truth more than they do evil. ... The natural man is of God." | *Brigham Young said, “"If the Book of Mormon were now to be re-written, in many instances it would materially differ from the present translation." The author presumes that “Young may have had in mind the book's uncomplimentary view of man” since Brigham had recently said that men "naturally love and admire righteousness, justice and truth more than they do evil. ... The natural man is of God." | ||
| | |response= | ||
*The author misinterprets the source. Brigham says in JoD 9:311: | *The author misinterprets the source. Brigham says in JoD 9:311: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
| Line 194: | Line 194: | ||
*Brigham Young talked about how the scriptures were written based upon people's readiness to receive and accept them, and he includes the Bible in his statement. The author implies with his statement that Brigham disagreed with the way the Book of Mormon was written with regard to what he calls "the book's uncomplimentary view of man." The author's conclusion is not supported by the quote, and he has to bring in a second quote from a different discourse in order to shore up his assumption. | *Brigham Young talked about how the scriptures were written based upon people's readiness to receive and accept them, and he includes the Bible in his statement. The author implies with his statement that Brigham disagreed with the way the Book of Mormon was written with regard to what he calls "the book's uncomplimentary view of man." The author's conclusion is not supported by the quote, and he has to bring in a second quote from a different discourse in order to shore up his assumption. | ||
*[[../../Use of sources/Brigham would rewrite the Book of Mormon|Use of sources: Brigham would rewrite the Book of Mormon?]] | *[[../../Use of sources/Brigham would rewrite the Book of Mormon|Use of sources: Brigham would rewrite the Book of Mormon?]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*{{JDfairwiki|author=Brigham Young|disc=63|vol=9|start=305}} | *{{JDfairwiki|author=Brigham Young|disc=63|vol=9|start=305}} | ||
*{{JDfairwiki|author=Brigham Young|disc=64|vol=9|start=311}} | *{{JDfairwiki|author=Brigham Young|disc=64|vol=9|start=311}} | ||
}} | |||
====129-130, n64-66==== | ====129-130, n64-66==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*B.H. Roberts concluded that Joseph Smith created the anti-Christs Sherem, Nehor and Korihor. | *B.H. Roberts concluded that Joseph Smith created the anti-Christs Sherem, Nehor and Korihor. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[B.H. Roberts' testimony | *[[Book of Mormon/B.H. Roberts' testimony]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
* {{CriticalWork:Roberts:Studies|pages=270-271}} | * {{CriticalWork:Roberts:Studies|pages=270-271}} | ||
}} | |||
====131==== | ====131==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*The author claims that many people believe in the truthfulness of their own religion because of similar confirming experiences, and that edifying feelings are not sufficient to determine truth. | *The author claims that many people believe in the truthfulness of their own religion because of similar confirming experiences, and that edifying feelings are not sufficient to determine truth. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Burning in the bosom]] | *[[Holy Ghost/Burning in the bosom]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*No source provided. | *No source provided. | ||
}} | |||
====132, n68-69==== | ====132, n68-69==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*It is possible to feel "the sprit" even when listening to a hoax. | *It is possible to feel "the sprit" even when listening to a hoax. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Burning in the bosom]] | *[[Holy Ghost/Burning in the bosom]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Frank H. Jonas, "The Story of a Political Hoax," in Institute of Government, vol. 8 (Salt Lake City: University of Utah, 1966): 1-97. | *Frank H. Jonas, "The Story of a Political Hoax," in Institute of Government, vol. 8 (Salt Lake City: University of Utah, 1966): 1-97. | ||
*"Arizona Paper Alleges Many Stories Were Exaggerated," Deseret News, 16 Feb. 1991, 5; and "Elder Dunn Offers Apology for Errors, Admits Censure," ibid., 27 Oct. 1991, 1. | *"Arizona Paper Alleges Many Stories Were Exaggerated," Deseret News, 16 Feb. 1991, 5; and "Elder Dunn Offers Apology for Errors, Admits Censure," ibid., 27 Oct. 1991, 1. | ||
}} | |||
====132-133, n71==== | ====132-133, n71==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*It is claimed that the LDS church claims exclusive receipt of the Holy Ghost as a gift. | *It is claimed that the LDS church claims exclusive receipt of the Holy Ghost as a gift. | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Exclusivity of the gift of | *[[Holy Ghost/Exclusivity of the gift of]]{{nw}} | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*George Gallop Jr., "Forty-Three Percent of Americans Admit to Spiritual Experiences," Salt Lake Tribune, 15 May 1985,1-2. | *George Gallop Jr., "Forty-Three Percent of Americans Admit to Spiritual Experiences," Salt Lake Tribune, 15 May 1985,1-2. | ||
}} | |||
====133==== | ====133==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*{{AuthorQuote|I assert that the Holy Ghost does exist, that it does speak to human beings. This Spirit of love gives peace, comfort, prompts, and enhances belief in God, but abundant evidence also demonstrates that it is an unreliable means of proving truth.}} | *{{AuthorQuote|I assert that the Holy Ghost does exist, that it does speak to human beings. This Spirit of love gives peace, comfort, prompts, and enhances belief in God, but abundant evidence also demonstrates that it is an unreliable means of proving truth.}} | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Burning in the bosom]] | *[[Holy Ghost/Burning in the bosom]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Author’s opinion. | *Author’s opinion. | ||
}} | |||
====133==== | ====133==== | ||
| | {{IndexClaim | ||
|claim= | |||
*{{AuthorQuote|Nor does the Spirit, which testifies of the Book of Mormon, confirm the historical reality of the book.}} | *{{AuthorQuote|Nor does the Spirit, which testifies of the Book of Mormon, confirm the historical reality of the book.}} | ||
| | |response= | ||
*[[Burning in the bosom]] | *[[Holy Ghost/Burning in the bosom]] | ||
| | |authorsources= | ||
*Author’s opinion | *Author’s opinion | ||
}} | |||
=Further reading= | =Further reading= | ||
{{FAIRAnalysisWiki}} | {{FAIRAnalysisWiki}} | ||
Revision as of 03:51, 26 January 2010
| Claims made in "Chapter 3: The Bible in the Book of Mormon" | A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books A work by author: Grant Palmer
|
Claims made in "Chapter 5: Moroni and 'The Golden Pot'" |
Claims made in "Chapter 4: Evangelical Protestantism in the Book of Mormon"
I assert that the Holy Ghost does exist, that it does speak to human beings.
This Spirit of love gives peace, comfort, prompts, and enhances belief in God,
but abundant evidence also demonstrates that it is an unreliable means of proving truth.
—An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins, p. 133
95-96, n1-2
Claim
- The author claims that elements from Joseph Smith's own life form the basis for a portion of the Book of Mormon.
Author's source(s)
- Alexander Campbell, Delusions: An Analysis of the Book of Mormon, 19.
- Jason Whitman, "The Book of Mormon," The Unitarian, 1 Jan. 1834,44,47-49.
Response
96
Claim
- The author believes that one would not expect to find "camp meeting" elements among ancient Americans.
Author's source(s)
- Author’s opinion.
Response
97, n6
Claim
- King Benjamin's farewell speech parallels that of Methodist leader Bishop M'Kendree.
Author's source(s)
- Rev. Z. Paddock, Memoir of Rev. Benjamin G. Paddock ,177-81
- "Genesee Conference," Methodist Magazine 9 (Aug. 1826): 313
- George Peck, Early Methodism within the Bounds of the Old Genesee Conference from 1788 to 1828, 509.
- Mosiah 2꞉1
- Mosiah 5-7
- Mosiah 28-30
Response
99-100, n7
Claim
- The story of King Benjamin’s sermon is similar to a Methodist camp meeting.
Author's source(s)
- Mark D. Thomas, "Revival Language in the Book of Mormon," Sunstone 8 (May-June 1983): 20.
Response
100-106, n8-12
Claim
- The Book of Mormon is claimed to show the Methodist form of conversion.
Author's source(s)
- Brent Lee Metcalfe, unpublished response to Blake T. Ostler, 1987, photocopy of typescript in possession of the author.
- Blake T. Ostler, "The Book of Mormon as a Modern Expansion of an Ancient Source," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 20 (Spring 1987): 66-123.
- George Lane, "Letter from Rev. George Lane," 25 Jan. 1825, Methodist Magazine 8 (Apr. 1825): 159.
- James Porter, An Essay on Camp-Meetings, 37.
- Lorenzo Dow, The Dealings of God, Man and the Devil, As Exemplified in the Life, Experience, and Travels of Lorenzo Dow, 14-16.
- Eleazer Sherman, The Narrative of Eleazer Sherman, 1:11-21.
Response
FAIR WIKI EDITORS: Check sources
106, n13
Claim
- Alma's conversion parallels that of Darius Williams and Abel Thornton.
Author's source(s)
- George Peck, The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck, D.D., 108-9.
Response
107, n15-17
Claim
- Alma's missions are similar to those of traveling preachers.
Author's source(s)
- Milton V. Backman Jr., American Religions and the Rise of Mormonism,283-85.
- Backman, American Religions, 283-87; Nathan O. Hatch, The Democratization of American Christianity,88.
- Mosiah 18꞉24
- Mosiah 24꞉4-5
- Alma 1꞉3
- Alma 1꞉20,26
- Alma 30꞉32-35
- Whitman, "The Book of Mormon," 47.
Response
110
Claim
- Joseph Smith was an “exhorter” at evening meetings.
Author's source(s)
- Previously referenced in the chapter.
Response
FAIR WIKI EDITORS: Check sources
114, n32
Claim
- The Book of Mormon includes hundreds of popular phrases from frontier preaching.
Author's source(s)
- The author provides the following equivalents: Alma 5:15=1 Cor. 15:53; 5:24=Matt. 8:11; 5:42=Rom. 6:23; 5:48= John 1:14,29; 5:50=Matt. 3:2; 5:52=Matt. 3:10; 5:54=Matt. 3:8; 5:57=2 Cor. 6:17.
Response
116, n37
Claim
- There are "recognizable evangelical phrases" contained in Amulek's and Alma's preaching.
Author's source(s)
- Alma 11:37=Eph. 5:5; 12:3 = Acts 5:4; 12:7=Heb. 4:12; 12:8=Acts 24:15; 12:14=Rev. 6:16; 12:27=Heb. 9:27; 13:8=2 Tim. 1:9; 13: 12=Rom. 15:16; 13:15=Heb. 7:1-2; 13:20=2 Pet. 3:16; 14:28=1 Cor. 10:13; 34:13=Matt. 5:18; 34:23=Acts 13:10; 34:29=Matt. 5:13; 34:31=2 Cor. 6:2; 34:37=Phillip. 2:12; 34:38=John 4:24.
Response
118, n42
Claim
- The Book of Mormon is claimed to be simply "revival literature" cast in a different setting.
- Author's quote: The biblical and revival elements also help us understand how Joseph could dictate the Book of Mormon in such a short period of time.
Author's source(s)
- John W Welch, "How Long Did It Take Joseph Smith to Translate the Book of Mormon?" Ensign 18 (Jan. 1988): 46-47.
Response
120
Claim
- The Book of Mormon teaches that all men are evil as a result of the Fall.
Author's source(s)
Response
121-122, n48
Claim
- Joseph is claimed to have evolved his view of the Godhead over time.
Author's source(s)
- 2 Nephi 31꞉21
- Wilford C. Wood, Joseph Smith Begins His Work: Book of Mormon 1830 First Edition, 1:25-26,32; d. 1 Ne. 11:16, 18,21,32; 13:40, 1981 ed.
Response
122, n49
Claim
- The Book of Mormon "vividly" portrays the Father and Son as the same God.
Author's source(s)
- Mosiah 7꞉27
- Mosiah 13꞉34
- Mosiah 15꞉1-4
- Boyd Kirkland, "An Evolving God," Dialogue 28 (Spring 1995): v-vi.
- Melodie Moench Charles, "Book of Mormon Christology," in New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology, ed. Brent Lee Metcalfe ,81-114.
- Dan Vogel, "The Earliest Mormon Concept of God," in Line upon Line: Essays on Mormon Doctrine, ed. Gary James Bergera, 17-33.
Response
124
Claim
- The Book of Mormon contains no information about temple ordinances, exaltation or baptism for the dead.
Author's source(s)
- No source provided.
Response
124, n53
Claim
- Brigham Young said, “"If the Book of Mormon were now to be re-written, in many instances it would materially differ from the present translation." The author presumes that “Young may have had in mind the book's uncomplimentary view of man” since Brigham had recently said that men "naturally love and admire righteousness, justice and truth more than they do evil. ... The natural man is of God."
Author's source(s)
- Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 9:305.
- Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 9:311.
Response
- The author misinterprets the source. Brigham says in JoD 9:311:
When God speaks to the people, he does it in a manner to suit their circumstances and capacities. He spoke to the children of Jacob through Moses, as a blind, stiff-necked people, and when Jesus and his Apostles came they talked with the Jews as a benighted, wicked, selfish people. They would not receive the Gospel, though presented to them by the Son of God in all its righteousness, beauty and glory. Should the Lord Almighty send an angel to re-write the Bible, it would in many places be very different from what it now is. And I will even venture to say that if the Book of Mormon were now to be re-written, in many instances it would materially differ from the present translation. According as people are willing to receive the things of God, so the heavens send forth their blessings. If the people are stiff-necked, the Lord can tell them but little.
- Brigham Young talked about how the scriptures were written based upon people's readiness to receive and accept them, and he includes the Bible in his statement. The author implies with his statement that Brigham disagreed with the way the Book of Mormon was written with regard to what he calls "the book's uncomplimentary view of man." The author's conclusion is not supported by the quote, and he has to bring in a second quote from a different discourse in order to shore up his assumption.
- Use of sources: Brigham would rewrite the Book of Mormon?
129-130, n64-66
Claim
- B.H. Roberts concluded that Joseph Smith created the anti-Christs Sherem, Nehor and Korihor.
Author's source(s)
- B.H. Roberts, Brigham D. Madsen (ed.), Studies of the Book of Mormon (Signature Books, 1992), 270-271 ( Index of claims )
Response
131
Claim
- The author claims that many people believe in the truthfulness of their own religion because of similar confirming experiences, and that edifying feelings are not sufficient to determine truth.
Author's source(s)
- No source provided.
Response
132, n68-69
Claim
- It is possible to feel "the sprit" even when listening to a hoax.
Author's source(s)
- Frank H. Jonas, "The Story of a Political Hoax," in Institute of Government, vol. 8 (Salt Lake City: University of Utah, 1966): 1-97.
- "Arizona Paper Alleges Many Stories Were Exaggerated," Deseret News, 16 Feb. 1991, 5; and "Elder Dunn Offers Apology for Errors, Admits Censure," ibid., 27 Oct. 1991, 1.
Response
132-133, n71
Claim
- It is claimed that the LDS church claims exclusive receipt of the Holy Ghost as a gift.
Author's source(s)
- George Gallop Jr., "Forty-Three Percent of Americans Admit to Spiritual Experiences," Salt Lake Tribune, 15 May 1985,1-2.
Response
133
Claim
- Author's quote: I assert that the Holy Ghost does exist, that it does speak to human beings. This Spirit of love gives peace, comfort, prompts, and enhances belief in God, but abundant evidence also demonstrates that it is an unreliable means of proving truth.
Author's source(s)
- Author’s opinion.
Response
133
Claim
- Author's quote: Nor does the Spirit, which testifies of the Book of Mormon, confirm the historical reality of the book.
Author's source(s)
- Author’s opinion
Response
Further reading
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| {{To learn more box:''Under the Banner of Heaven''}} | To learn more about responses to: Under the Banner of Heaven | edit |
| {{To learn more box:responses to: Robert Price}} | To learn more about responses to: Robert Price | edit |
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