The title page was first published on 26 june 1829 in the wayne sentinel, representing the first portion of the book of mormon to be published. The introduction was written by bruce r mcconkie, not mormon or moroni. The title page states, the book of mormon, an account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates. Ive read both sides many times over, and i can argue the pro mormon side just as easily as the no mormon side, with the prime diference being that the. I have done some seraching on the internet and the best answer i have found, is church leaders, but i am looking more specifically which church leaders if it was in fact church leaders, which i do tend to believe.
Lehi wrote an account of his life and spiritual experiences that was included in the large plates of nephi. Many studies have investigated book of mormon authorship because the book presents itself as a composite work of many ancient authors. Who divided the book of mormon into chapters and verses. Over time we have to evaluate our previous assumptions to assess whether they were correct or incorrect.
Those who reject joseph smiths claim that he translated the book through divine power assume that he or one of his contemporaries wrote the book. He also wrote the words of mormon, and his son, moroni, later copied two of his. The introduction was written by mormon apostle brucer. In joseph smiths day, the church was presented as something new, something different from the many sects of his time.
Pratt as key players in the authorship of the book of mormon. The title page is therefore the translation of an ancient document, at least partially written by moroni 2, son of mormon, in the fifth century a. The brief fourword title the book of mormon is the same title that has appeared on the cover and title page of all editions and appears first on the title page of the current edition. Sep 05, 20 the title page and translation of the book of mormon ben green. This claim, as well as all claims to historical authenticity of the book of mormon, are rejected by nonlatter day saint historians and scientists. Elder talmage, then a member of the quorum of the twelve apostles, was the chairman of the committee that affected these changes. Book of mormon authorship the encyclopedia of mormonism. The title page of the book of mormon was most likely written by moroni, but in recent years scholars have suggested that mormon, moronis father, may have written the first six lines of the title page, with moroni writing the rest. An account fits the bill for the early days of the church. I think the title of the book of mormon actually says less about the contents of the book and more about the goals of the organization. Could joseph smith have written the book of mormon. In essence, the challenge states that the critic should produce a text of like character to the book of mormon, before he assumes that smith could have been the sole author.
He also wrote the title page to the book of mormon on the very last leaf of the plates. The original book of mormon title page book of mormon central. This article is being offered free as a courtesy to as it was footnoted in an expanded gospel topic on their site while much that has been said regarding the origin of the book of mormon is beyond the experience of the average searcher, only as he accepts or rejects the credibility of the earliest witnesses, the existence of the book itself provides a common ground for careful. The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to the book of mormon. Sources from which this record was compiled include the following. I could swear that this book was written by one man. So the book of mormon has nothing to do with ancient native americans. Because the text was found on the very last page of the plates, it seems likely that the final author, moroni, wrote it. 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 title page of the book of mormon was most likely written by moroni, but in recent years scholars have suggested that mormon, moronis father, may have written. I wrote one of these studies for each of the four gospels and the letters of paul. Book of mormon plates and records the encyclopedia of. An american, james adair, wrote a book a history of the american indians in 1775. Joseph smith explained, 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 collection or book of plates history of the church, 1.
The title page and translation of the book of mormon youtube. Who really wrote the book of mormon the spalding enigma. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. A unique characteristic of the first edition book of mormon title page is the diamond imprint. These page titles and reading charts are already included in our book of mormon study squares, so if you already. As a coauthor of the 1977 work who really wrote the book of mormon.
Mcconkie, at the time considered to be one of the churchs most prominent theologians. 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. Who most likely wrote the title page of the book of mormon. In reading the first paragraph, let us change our mindset and assume that mormon wrote it rather than moroni. Aug 31, 2006 i am curious as to who wrote the introduction the page after the title page in the book of mormon. 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. If i were introducing the gospel to someone, i would find a way at least to read these last words written by moroni. This photocopy of the title page of the original 1830 edition of the book of. Cowdrey is an ex mormon whose interest in the origins of the book of mormon derives from his familys tradition that they are relatives of the oliver cowdery who figures so prominently in the spalding enigma. The book of mormon, though the most correct book on earth 20 i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other. Lots of good information, but really starts to drag because they cite so many letters and documents to prove their point.
The book of mormon was divided into doublecolumn pages in 1920, and to the book were added chapter headings, chronological data, revised footnote references, a pronouncing vocabulary, and an index. Ludlow discusses the possibility that mormon started that page, and moroni finished it, which seems reasonable to me. The first title page differs from the title page of the current 1981 edition, the most obvious difference being that joseph smith is listed as the author. Text matches the title page of the first edition of the book of mormon, palmyra. Critics claim that it was authored by smith, drawing on material and ideas. The spalding enigma, our authors set out to accomplish a monumental task. The title page of the book of mormon refers to its primary records as abridgments. Sperry tells the dramatic and tragic story of moroni, who wandered alone for sixteen years before adding to his fathers record. I was particularly interested in the way each name was used, both in the book of mormon and in the bible. Members of the church have long held that its joseph smith. Who really wrote the book of mormon solomon spalding. 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. Book of mormon 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. Virtually all other scholars and students of the book of mormon who have written commentary about the title page have reached exactly the same two conclusions.
The precise purposes of the book of mormon religious. In the history of the church, joseph smith made an important clarification about the title page of the book of mormon. The culture and beliefs of the book of mormon arent anything like the traditions of ancient native americans maya, aztec, etc. The most common belief of adherents is that promoted by joseph smith, who said he translated ancient golden plates inscribed by prophets. In my opinion, this is one of the most valuable statements from the title page. Book of mormon word change christian research institute. The title page of the book of mormon written by moroni 3. The book of mormon joseph smith explained, the titlepage of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates. According to smiths account and the books narrative, the book of mormon was originally written in otherwise unknown characte. Mormon, has been the recognized author of the title page of the book. More light on who wrote the title page book of mormon central.
And as joseph smith is a very ignorant man and is called the author on the title page, i cannot doubt for a single moment that he is the sole author and proprietor of it. The title page of the book of mormon was most likely written by moroni, but in recent years schol ars have suggested that mormon, moronis father, may have written the first six lines of the title page. Introductory pages of the book of mormon book of mormon. This book critically examines key historical documents, personal testimonies, and records of 19thcentury mormon history concluding that the book of mormon is an adaptation of an obscure historical novel written by revolutionary war veteran solomon spalding during the war of 1812. Quotes the book of mormon was first printed in 1830. Who really wrote the book of mormon the spalding enigma by. I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness. An account written by the hand of mormon upon the plates taken from the plates of nephi. Davis has made numerous public lecture and media appearances on the subject. The few who buy into the thesis that the ultimate source of the book of mormon was a historical romance written by solomon spalding love it.
This photocopy of the title page of the original 1830 edition of the book of mormon gives modern readers an idea of how the book first appeared when it was published in palmyra, new york. This happened at some stage of the bookbinding process at the e. Whats in a name, or, why is the book of mormon called the. Title page step by step through the book of mormon. Title page of book of mormon, circa early june 1829, page 1. Criticism of mormonismbookswho really wrote the book of mormon. At first glance, this might seem like joseph made contradictory claims about his role in bringing forth the book of mormon. Mormon apologists will immediately recognize this as the counterpart to the socalled book of mormon challenge. Trey parker, matt stone and robert lopez, writers of the book of mormon.
Come follow me introductory pages of the book of mormon dec. It was written to show what great things the lord does for his children. Title page of the book of mormon come follow me lesson dec 30 jan 5. Oct 19, 2009 authorship who really wrote the book of mormon. According to the narrative in the book of mormon, the prophet mormon abridged the large plates, including the book of lehi the translation of which martin harris lost in july 1828 and the books of mosiah, alma, helaman, nephi the third and fourth books under the name of nephi, and mormon. The book of mormon pokes fun at the confidence anyone might harbor in a literal interpretation of a genesis. Joseph smith declared, the titlepage of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. Response to claims made in who really wrote the book of mormon. This photocopy of the title page of the original 1830 edition of the book of mormon gives. D, is a professor and senior fellow, woods institute for the environment, stanford university. The original book of mormon manuscript byu studies.
Solomon spaulding and the book of mormon fairmormon. Just write them at the top of each page and you can know, at a glance, what is happening. To emphasize this point, in the 1840 edition of the book of mormon, moronis name was appended to the title page. He is also titular head of the spalding research associates. I get it, when talking to someone who denies the claims that the foundation for mormonism is a stolen story from a mediocre writer no one has ever heard of you have to show an overwhelming amount of evidence, but holy cow. The spalding enigma by wayne cowdery, howard davis, and donald scales summary. In making this study we obtained photocopies of an original 1830 edition of the book of mormon.
Turn to the very beginning of the book to the title page, written by moroni. If joseph smith wasnt educated enough to form a complete sentence to save his life, its unlikely that he wrote the whole thing by himself. I personally do not believe the bands with which nephi was bound just magically fell from his hands and wrists. Howe suggested, basing himself on witnesses collected by doctor hurlbut, that the book of. Preface to book of mormon, circa august 1829, page iii. Book of mormon reading charts and page titles pink and blue. The story of the writing of the title page to the book of mormon sidney b. According to the title page, what are the purposes of the book of mormon.
Native americans did not come from jerusalem, they came from siberia. Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a work of inspired scripture. Come, follow me latest posts names and titles of jesus christ in march, 2019, i studied 20 different names or titles of jesus christ which appear in the book of mormon. I wish also to mention here, 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 collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated. More light on who wrote the title page byu scholarsarchive. The title page and translation of the book of mormon ben green. Unfortunately, mormon s abridgment of the record of lehi was the material translated in the 116 manuscript pages that were lost, and consequently it is not available in the present book of mormon. Scholars suggest that the title page was written by both mormon and moroni, but analysis provides evidence that moroni was the sole author. In the bible, jesus spoke to the jews in jerusalem of other sheep who. Some mormon scholars, like grant hardy, who wrote understanding the book of mormon. Oct 06, 20 the title page of the book of mormon states the following. Did moroni write the title page to the book of mormon. Having read tens of thousands of pages of material, pro and con, here in a nutshell is my current best guess, included with a preface that i dont care what anyone has to refute my position.
Or was the book really derived from solomon spaldings romantic fantasy novel called manuscript found. Jun 11, 2009 the onepage introduction to the book of mormon, which gives a brief overview of its contents, was added in 1981 when the lds church released a revised text of the book of mormon. Joseph smith once wrote, i wish to mention here that the titlepage of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated. The book of mormon is a sacred record of peoples in ancient america and was engraved upon metal plates.
The title page, however, is typically categorized as part of jss translation, rather than as a revelation. This language, however, comes from the federal statutes and legal forms in use in 1829 1 stat. It disintegrates completely under the unbiased examination of competent scholarship and a careful examination of the facts, documents. Our book of mormon page titles are some of our most requested items. An abridgment is a shortened version of a text, which means that the abridgments found in the book of mormon are only summaries of larger recorded histories. Joseph smith was first named the translator of the book of mormon on the title page in the second edition of the book published in kirtland, ohio in 1837. Ludlow notes that virtually all other scholars and students of the book of mormon who had written commentary up until his 1986 presentation had reached. It is useful to compare the purposes of the book of mormon as stated on the title page with the purposes for writing given in the text by nephi, jacob, mormon, and moroni who between them wrote 98. The book of mormon is a musical comedy with music, lyrics and book by trey parker, robert lopez, and matt stone 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. A readers guide, have attempted to move the discussion away from polemics to an appreciation for the book.
Feb 15, 2010 its obvious that it isnt an accurate historical record. It attempted to prove that natives had descended from the ancient israelites. The book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ. There is a power in the book of mormon which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of it. This easytoprint pdf contains 531 page titles that each summarize what is happening on each page in the book of mormon.
Book of mormon study notes insights from my daily study. He had access to the many records written by various other prophets from the time that lehi and his family left jerusalem around 600 bc. Who divided the book of mormon into chapters and verses and when. This book attempted to revive the moribund spalding manuscript theory for the book of mormon. Grandin press in palmyra, new yorkbecause all first editions copies of the book of mormon have this visible trait. The title page of the book of mormonbook of mormon teacher resource manual. Show me the great things the lord has done for me, that i may know the covenants of the lord, that i am not cast off forever 3.
In this study we will show that there have been at least 3,9 changes made in the book of mormon from the time it was first published in 1830. Grandin, 1830, but is a different setting of type and lacks imprint. I wish to mention here that the titlepage of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated, the language of the whole running the same as all hebrew writing in general. Title page of the book of mormon together with references for further study from the general conferences of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints the encyclopedia of mormonism and other doctrinal texts by general authorities of the church written and compiled by paul nolan hyde parrish press orem, utah. Exploring how the book of mormon s various source texts contribute to its message about christ can be intellectually. For a long time, mormons assumed that the book of mormon took place all over the americas.
As the bible is a record of gods dealings with the inhabitants of the eastern hemisphere, the book of mormon tells of a people who were led by god from jerusalem to the western hemisphere 600 years prior to the birth of the savior. Eventually, however, i began to sense that there was much that i knew about the new testament that my translations could not communicate. Criticism of mormonismbookswho really wrote the book of. The first title page differs from the title page of the current 1981 edition, the most obvious difference being that joseph smith is listed as the author and proprietor of the book of mormon. The title page states, the book of mormon, an account written by the hand of mormon. Moroni states the precise purposes of the book of mormon on the title page which is to show unto the remnant of the house of israel. Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of nephi, and also of the lamaniteswritten to the lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of. This presentation presents the strong connection via.
This article argues that the term gentiles in the title page of the book of mormon does not carry the modern connotation of nonisraelite, but instead refers to nonephraimites. As it turns out, olivers grandfather william cowdery, sr. According to the prophet joseph smith, the titlepage of the book of mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated, the language of the whole running the same as all hebrew writing in general. There were no christians in america before columbus. The scriptures are called the words of life, and nowhere is that more true than it is of the book of. The title page states that the purpose of the book of mormon is to show unto.
The spalding enigma did an angel of god in the late 1820s really give 18yearold con artist joseph smith mormon bible, as he claimed. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. Title page of the book of mormon who wrote the title page. Trey parker, matt stone and robert lopez, writers of the. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to. There are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. The title page and translation of the book of mormon. What is now the title page was originally on the last of the gold plates, so it is reasonable to assume that moroni wrote it.