Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Studies of the Book of Mormon/A Parallel

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Response to "A Parallel"



A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books, a work by author: B.H. Roberts, edited by Brigham D. Madsen

Response to hypotheses made in "A Parallel"


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Response to hypothesis: 323 - Book of Mormon revealed to Joseph Smith on September 22, 1823. View of the Hebrews published (1st edition) 1823

The author(s) of A Parallel present(s) the following hypothesis:

Book of Mormon revealed to Joseph Smith on September 22, 1823. View of the Hebrews published (1st edition) 1823.

FairMormon Response

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Response to hypothesis: 343-324 - some Mormons "ignorantly" claim that "the Book of Mormon was the first to represent the American Indians as descendants of the Hebrews"

The author(s) of A Parallel present(s) the following hypothesis:

Book of Mormon: According to Roberts, some Mormons "ignorantly" claim that "the Book of Mormon was the first to represent the American Indians as descendants of the Hebrews." In View of the Hebrews, Ethan Smith states his belief that the American Indians were of Hebrew origin.

FairMormon Response

Fact checking results: This claim is based upon correct information - The author is providing knowledge concerning some particular fact, subject, or event

The idea that native Americans were descendants of the Hebrews was actually a popular idea at the time, even before the publication of the Book of Mormon.


Response to hypothesis: 324-326 - View of the Hebrews tells of "an old Indian" who stated that there was a "book which they had for a long time preserved"

The author(s) of A Parallel present(s) the following hypothesis:

The Book of Mormon was hidden and then revealed. View of the Hebrews tells of "an old Indian" who stated that there was a "book which they had for a long time preserved. But having lost the knowledge of reading it, they concluded it would be of no further use to them; and they buried it with an Indian chief."

FairMormon Response

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Response to hypothesis: 327-328 - View of the Hebrews mentions the Urim and Thummim

The author(s) of A Parallel present(s) the following hypothesis:

The Urim and Thummim and breastplate are mentioned in connection with the recovery of the Book of Mormon (Pearl of Great Price 53). View of the Hebrews mentions the Urim and Thummim.

FairMormon Response

Fact checking results: The author has stated erroneous information or misinterpreted their sources

The Nephite interpreters were never referred to as the "Urim and Thummim" during the time that the Book of Mormon was translated: They were referred to as the "spectacles" or "interpreters." The Nephite interpreters were not referred to as the "Urim and Thummim" until 1833 - three years after the Book of Mormon was published.

Joseph Smith/Seer stones/Statements