Criticism of Mormonism/Books/The Changing World of Mormonism/Chapter 4

Chapter 3

A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books A work by author: Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Chapter 5

Claims made in Chapter 4: Joseph Smith and Money-Digging

Page	Claim	Response	Author's sources
67-70	Joseph Smith was convicted of "glass looking" in 1826.	Joseph Smith's 1826 glasslooking trial
72	Regarding Joseph's "glass looking trial," Hugh Nibley is claimed to have said that "...if this court record is authentic it is the most damning evidence in existence against Joseph Smith," and that ""the most devastating blow to Smith ever delivered."	Joseph Smith's 1826 glasslooking trial	Nibley, The Myth Makers, p. 142
75	Joseph Smith was "deeply involved in money-digging" during the years that he was preparing to received the gold plates.	Joseph Smith and money digging The Hurlbut affidavits	No source provided.
77	Martin Harris reported stories of treasures "sinking into the earth," and other "strange sights."	Joseph Smith and money digging	An interview with Martin Harris, published in Tiffany's Monthly, 1859, p.165
78-79	Joseph found a seer stone while helping to dig a well.	The Hurlbut affidavits—Willard Chase	Comprehensive History of the Church 1:129;
79	Joseph said that the angel told him to "quit the company of the money-diggers."	Joseph Smith and money digging	Tiffany's Monthly, 1859, pp. 163-164, 167, 169
80	Joseph is claimed to have fastened two of his seer stones together to make his "Urim and Thummim."	Book of Mormon translation method  History unclear or in error: Joseph removed a stone from the Urim and Thummim to use by itself, since the two joined together were two large for him to look through comfortably.	[ATTENTION!]
80	Joseph's father-in-law Isaac Hale claimed that Jospeh's occupation was "pretending to see by means of a stone placed in his hat."	The Hurlbut affidavits—Isaac Hale	Affidavit of Isaac Hale, as printed in the Susquehanna Register, May 1, 1834
82	The seer stone is sometimes called the "Urim and Thummim."	Joseph Smith and seer stones	Mormon Doctrine, 1966, p. 818 Template:DoC1
83	Mormon apologists have difficulty explaining Joseph's use of seer stones.	The author's claim is false No, they don't. Mormon apologists explain Joseph's use of seer stones
83	Mormons aren't sure how to deal with Joseph Smith's "peeping" activities.	Joseph Smith and seer stones
84	The plates didn't even have to be present while Joseph was translating.	Book of Mormon translation method
84	Joseph Smith originally wanted to obtain the plates in order to get rich, and he was rebuked by the angel.	Joseph's intent was to follow the command of the angel to get the plates. He reported that Moroni "added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me, (in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father's family) to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich. This he forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom; otherwise I could not get them."[1] However, when he saw them for the first time, Oliver Cowdery says that "a thought would start across the mind on the prospects of obtaining so desirable a treasure--one in all human probability sufficient to raise him above the level of the common earthly fortunes of his fellow men, and relieve his family from want, in which by misfortune and sickness they were placed....his mind would be carried back to its former reflections of poverty, abuse, wealth, grandeur and ease, until before arriving at the place described, this wholly occupied his desire; and when he thought upon the fact of what was previously shown him, it was only with an assurance that he should obtain, and accomplish his desire in relieving himself and friends from want....do not understand me to attach blame to our brother; he was young, and his mind easily turned from correct principles, unless he could be favored with a certain round of experience."[2]	[ATTENTION!]
86	Joseph is claimed to have attempted to "cover up" Oliver Cowdery's alleged work with a divining rod by changing a revelation.	Oliver Cowdery and the "rod of nature"	Book of Commandments 7:3 DC 8꞉6-7
87	Joseph went to Salem, Massachusetts to look for money hidden in a cellar.	Joseph Smith's "treasure hunting" trip to Salem	D&C 111:1-2, 4, 9, 10 Comprehensive History of the Church 1:412
89	Joseph Smith is claimed to have had a "Jupiter Talisman" in his possession at the time of his death.	Joseph Smith and Jupiter talisman	[ATTENTION!]