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Difference between revisions of "Mormonism and Wikipedia/Joseph Smith, Jr./1827 to 1830"
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In October 1827, Smith and his pregnant | In October 1827, Smith and his pregnant | ||
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| − | *{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=55}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=55}}. |
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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wife moved from Palmyra to Harmony (now [[Oakland Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania|Oakland), Pennsylvania]], | wife moved from Palmyra to Harmony (now [[Oakland Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania|Oakland), Pennsylvania]], | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Newell|Avery|1994|p=2}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Newell|Avery|1994|p=2}}. |
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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aided by money from a comparatively prosperous neighbor [[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]]. | aided by money from a comparatively prosperous neighbor [[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]]. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=62–63}}; {{Harvtxt|Walker|1986|p=35}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=55}} (Harris' money allowed Smith to pay his debts and thus allowed him to move without being arrested for evading his creditors); {{Harvtxt|Smith|1853|p=113}}; {{Harvtxt|Howe|1834}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=62–63}}; {{Harvtxt|Walker|1986|p=35}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=55}} (Harris' money allowed Smith to pay his debts and thus allowed him to move without being arrested for evading his creditors); {{Harvtxt|Smith|1853|p=113}}; {{Harvtxt|Howe|1834}}. |
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*{{WikipediaNPOV}}The footnote implies that Joseph would have attempted to evade his creditors had Martin Harris not become involved. | *{{WikipediaNPOV}}The footnote implies that Joseph would have attempted to evade his creditors had Martin Harris not become involved. | ||
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Living near his disapproving in-laws, | Living near his disapproving in-laws, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=56}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=56}}. |
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Smith transcribed some of the characters (what he called "[[reformed Egyptian]]") engraved on the plates and then dictated a translation to his wife. | Smith transcribed some of the characters (what he called "[[reformed Egyptian]]") engraved on the plates and then dictated a translation to his wife. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=63}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=56}}; {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=19}};{{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|pp=270–71}} (Smith sat behind a curtain and passed transcriptions to his wife or her brother). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=63}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=56}}; {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=19}};{{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|pp=270–71}} (Smith sat behind a curtain and passed transcriptions to his wife or her brother). |
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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For at least some of the earliest translation, Smith said he used "[[Urim and Thummim (Latter Day Saints)|Urim and Thummim]]", | For at least some of the earliest translation, Smith said he used "[[Urim and Thummim (Latter Day Saints)|Urim and Thummim]]", | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Smith|Mulholland|Thompson|Phelps|Richards|1839–1843|p=9}} (describing early translation with the Urim and Thummim from December 1827 to February 1828); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=57}} (noting that Emma Smith said that Smith started translating with the Urim and Thummim and then eventually used his dark seer stone exclusively); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=66}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=169–70}} (noting that, according to witnesses, Smith's early translation with the two-stone Urim and Thummim spectacles involved placing the spectacles in his hat, and that the spectacles were too large to actually wear). In one 1842 statement, Smith said that "[t]hrough the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift, the power of God." {{Harv|Smith|1842|p=707}}. There is debate as to whether or not this statement is consistent with his known use of a [[seer stone (Latter Day Saints)|seer stone]] other than the Urim and Thummim. {{harv|Quinn|1998|p=175}} argues that the term ''Urim and Thummim'' was a generic term early Mormons used to refer to all of Smith's seer stones. {{Harv|Persuitte|2000|pp=81–83}} interprets Smith to say that he translated the entire [[Book of Mormon]] with the two stones found with the plates, which would be in flat contradiction with his documented use of the chocolate-colored seer stone. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Smith|Mulholland|Thompson|Phelps|Richards|1839–1843|p=9}} (describing early translation with the Urim and Thummim from December 1827 to February 1828); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=57}} (noting that Emma Smith said that Smith started translating with the Urim and Thummim and then eventually used his dark seer stone exclusively); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=66}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=169–70}} (noting that, according to witnesses, Smith's early translation with the two-stone Urim and Thummim spectacles involved placing the spectacles in his hat, and that the spectacles were too large to actually wear). In one 1842 statement, Smith said that "[t]hrough the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift, the power of God." {{Harv|Smith|1842|p=707}}. There is debate as to whether or not this statement is consistent with his known use of a [[seer stone (Latter Day Saints)|seer stone]] other than the Urim and Thummim. {{harv|Quinn|1998|p=175}} argues that the term ''Urim and Thummim'' was a generic term early Mormons used to refer to all of Smith's seer stones. {{Harv|Persuitte|2000|pp=81–83}} interprets Smith to say that he translated the entire [[Book of Mormon]] with the two stones found with the plates, which would be in flat contradiction with his documented use of the chocolate-colored seer stone. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaNPOV}}The summary of Persuitte is worded in such a way that it makes it appear that Joseph lied about the instrument used to translate. However, both the Nephite interpreters and the seer stone were eventually referred to as "Urim and Thummin." | *{{WikipediaNPOV}}The summary of Persuitte is worded in such a way that it makes it appear that Joseph lied about the instrument used to translate. However, both the Nephite interpreters and the seer stone were eventually referred to as "Urim and Thummin." | ||
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a pair of [[seer stone (Latter Day Saints)|seer stones]] he said were buried with the [[golden plates]]. | a pair of [[seer stone (Latter Day Saints)|seer stones]] he said were buried with the [[golden plates]]. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Smith|Mulholland|Thompson|Phelps|Richards|1839–1843|p=4}} (stating that deposited with the plates were "two stones in silver bows" and stating that "these stones fastened into a breastplate constituted what is called the Urim & Thummim...."); {{Harvtxt|Smith|1842|p=707}} (describing "a curious instrument which the ancients called 'Urim and Thummim,' which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate."). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Smith|Mulholland|Thompson|Phelps|Richards|1839–1843|p=4}} (stating that deposited with the plates were "two stones in silver bows" and stating that "these stones fastened into a breastplate constituted what is called the Urim & Thummim...."); {{Harvtxt|Smith|1842|p=707}} (describing "a curious instrument which the ancients called 'Urim and Thummim,' which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate."). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Later, however, he used the single chocolate-colored stone he had found in 1822 and used for treasure hunting. | Later, however, he used the single chocolate-colored stone he had found in 1822 and used for treasure hunting. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harv|Quinn|1998|pp=171–73}} (witnesses said that Smith shifted from the Urim and Thummim to the single brown seer stone after the loss of the earliest [[Lost 116 pages|116 manuscript pages]]); {{Harvtxt|Persuitte|2000|pp=81–82}} (none of the existing [[Book of Mormon]] transcript was created using the Urim and Thummim); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=57}} (noting that [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma Smith]] said that after 1828, Smith used his dark seer stone exclusively). | + | #*{{Harv|Quinn|1998|pp=171–73}} (witnesses said that Smith shifted from the Urim and Thummim to the single brown seer stone after the loss of the earliest [[Lost 116 pages|116 manuscript pages]]); {{Harvtxt|Persuitte|2000|pp=81–82}} (none of the existing [[Book of Mormon]] transcript was created using the Urim and Thummim); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=57}} (noting that [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma Smith]] said that after 1828, Smith used his dark seer stone exclusively). |
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*As noted in the official Church magazine for children, the ''Friend'', | *As noted in the official Church magazine for children, the ''Friend'', | ||
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As when divining the location of treasure, | As when divining the location of treasure, | ||
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| − | *{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|p=173}} ("[T]he actual translation process was strikingly similar to the way Smith used the same stone for treasure-hunting."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005}} (In using the divining power of stones, Smith blended the magic culture of his upbringing with inspired translation.). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|p=173}} ("[T]he actual translation process was strikingly similar to the way Smith used the same stone for treasure-hunting."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005}} (In using the divining power of stones, Smith blended the magic culture of his upbringing with inspired translation.). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Joseph Smith/Money digging}} | *{{Detail|Joseph Smith/Money digging}} | ||
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Smith said he saw the words of the translation while he gazed at the stone or stones in the bottom of his hat, excluding all light. | Smith said he saw the words of the translation while he gazed at the stone or stones in the bottom of his hat, excluding all light. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=71–72}}; {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|Walters|1994|pp=103–04}}; {{Harvtxt|Van Wagoner|Walker|1982|pp=52–53}} (citing numerous witnesses of the translation process); {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=169–70, 173}} (describing similar methods for both the two-stone Urim and Thummim and the chocolate seer stone). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=71–72}}; {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|Walters|1994|pp=103–04}}; {{Harvtxt|Van Wagoner|Walker|1982|pp=52–53}} (citing numerous witnesses of the translation process); {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=169–70, 173}} (describing similar methods for both the two-stone Urim and Thummim and the chocolate seer stone). |
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*{{WikipediaCITE}}Joseph Smith himself never said anything about how the translation was performed, other than that it was accomplished through the "gift and power of God." It was David Whitmer who claimed that Joseph saw actual words on the stone. | *{{WikipediaCITE}}Joseph Smith himself never said anything about how the translation was performed, other than that it was accomplished through the "gift and power of God." It was David Whitmer who claimed that Joseph saw actual words on the stone. | ||
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The plates themselves were not directly consulted. | The plates themselves were not directly consulted. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | {{Harvtxt|Van Wagoner|Walker|1982|p=53}} ("The plates could not have been used directly in the translation process."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=71–72}} (Joseph did not pretend to look at the 'reformed Egyptian' words, the language on the plates, according to the book's own description. The plates lay covered on the table, while Joseph's head was in the hat looking at the seerstone...."); {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|Walters|1994|pp=103–04}} ("When it came to translating the crucial plates, they were no more present in the room than was John the Beloved's ancient 'parchment', the words of which Joseph also dictated at the time."). | + | #{{Harvtxt|Van Wagoner|Walker|1982|p=53}} ("The plates could not have been used directly in the translation process."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=71–72}} (Joseph did not pretend to look at the 'reformed Egyptian' words, the language on the plates, according to the book's own description. The plates lay covered on the table, while Joseph's head was in the hat looking at the seerstone...."); {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|Walters|1994|pp=103–04}} ("When it came to translating the crucial plates, they were no more present in the room than was John the Beloved's ancient 'parchment', the words of which Joseph also dictated at the time."). |
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*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Translation}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Translation}} | ||
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Smith did this in full view of witnesses, but sometimes concealed the process by raising a curtain or dictating from another room. | Smith did this in full view of witnesses, but sometimes concealed the process by raising a curtain or dictating from another room. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Cole|1831}}; {{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|p=14}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Cole|1831}}; {{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|p=14}}. |
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}}From the cited source Howe, p. 14: | *{{WikipediaCorrect}}From the cited source Howe, p. 14: | ||
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Smith may have considered giving up the translation because of opposition from his in-laws, | Smith may have considered giving up the translation because of opposition from his in-laws, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Morgan|1986|p=280}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Morgan|1986|p=280}}. |
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*Given that Joseph was commanded by God to perform the translation, this is highly unlikely. There are some additional secondary hostile sources which are used to support the assertion put forth in the wiki article: | *Given that Joseph was commanded by God to perform the translation, this is highly unlikely. There are some additional secondary hostile sources which are used to support the assertion put forth in the wiki article: | ||
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but in February 1828, Martin Harris arrived to spur him on | but in February 1828, Martin Harris arrived to spur him on | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=63}} (Harris had a vision that he was to assist with a "marvelous work"); {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=19}} (Harris arrived in Harmony in February 1828); {{Harvtxt|Booth|1831}} (Harris had to convince Smith to continue translating, saying, "I have not come down here for nothing, and we will go on with it"). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=63}} (Harris had a vision that he was to assist with a "marvelous work"); {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=19}} (Harris arrived in Harmony in February 1828); {{Harvtxt|Booth|1831}} (Harris had to convince Smith to continue translating, saying, "I have not come down here for nothing, and we will go on with it"). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCITE}}Ezra Booth, a hostile source, is the only one of the three sources used to claim that Harris arrived in order to convince Joseph to continue translating. The other two sources simply confirm that "Martin Harris arrived" in order assist Joseph. According to Booth: | *{{WikipediaCITE}}Ezra Booth, a hostile source, is the only one of the three sources used to claim that Harris arrived in order to convince Joseph to continue translating. The other two sources simply confirm that "Martin Harris arrived" in order assist Joseph. According to Booth: | ||
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by taking the [[Anthon transcript|characters]] and their translations to a few prominent scholars. | by taking the [[Anthon transcript|characters]] and their translations to a few prominent scholars. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=63–64}} (the plan to use a scholar to authenticate the characters was part of a vision received by Harris; author notes that [[Lucy Mack Smith|Smith's mother]] said the plan to authenticate the characters was arranged between Smith and Harris before Harris left Palmyra); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=57–58}} (noting that the plan arose from a vision of Martin Harris). According to {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=64}}, these scholars probably included at least [[Luther Bradish]] in [[Albany, New York]] {{Harv|Lapham|1870}}, [[Samuel L. Mitchill]] of New York City ({{Harv|Hadley|1829}}; {{Harvnb|Jessee|1976|p=3}}), and [[Charles Anthon]] of New York City {{Harv|Howe|1834|pp=269–272}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=63–64}} (the plan to use a scholar to authenticate the characters was part of a vision received by Harris; author notes that [[Lucy Mack Smith|Smith's mother]] said the plan to authenticate the characters was arranged between Smith and Harris before Harris left Palmyra); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=57–58}} (noting that the plan arose from a vision of Martin Harris). According to {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=64}}, these scholars probably included at least [[Luther Bradish]] in [[Albany, New York]] {{Harv|Lapham|1870}}, [[Samuel L. Mitchill]] of New York City ({{Harv|Hadley|1829}}; {{Harvnb|Jessee|1976|p=3}}), and [[Charles Anthon]] of New York City {{Harv|Howe|1834|pp=269–272}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Harris claimed that one of the scholars he visited, [[Charles Anthon]], initially authenticated the characters and their translation, then recanted upon hearing that Smith had received the plates from an angel. | Harris claimed that one of the scholars he visited, [[Charles Anthon]], initially authenticated the characters and their translation, then recanted upon hearing that Smith had received the plates from an angel. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=64–65}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=58–59}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=64–65}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=58–59}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Anthon denied this claim | Anthon denied this claim | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|pp=269–72}} (Anthon's description of his meeting with Harris, claiming he tried to convince Harris that he was a victim of a fraud). But see {{Harvtxt|Vogel|2004|p=115}} (arguing that Anthon's initial assessment was likely more positive than he would later admit). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Howe|1834|pp=269–72}} (Anthon's description of his meeting with Harris, claiming he tried to convince Harris that he was a victim of a fraud). But see {{Harvtxt|Vogel|2004|p=115}} (arguing that Anthon's initial assessment was likely more positive than he would later admit). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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and Harris returned to Harmony in April 1828 motivated to act as Smith's scribe. | and Harris returned to Harmony in April 1828 motivated to act as Smith's scribe. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=20}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=20}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Translation continued until mid-June 1828, until Harris began having doubts about the existence of the golden plates. | Translation continued until mid-June 1828, until Harris began having doubts about the existence of the golden plates. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *These doubts were induced by [[Lucy Harris|his wife's]] deep skepticism. {{Harvtxt|Bushman|p=66}}. | + | #*These doubts were induced by [[Lucy Harris|his wife's]] deep skepticism. {{Harvtxt|Bushman|p=66}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Harris importuned Smith to let him take the existing [[Lost 116 pages|116 pages of manuscript]] to Palmyra to show a few family members. | Harris importuned Smith to let him take the existing [[Lost 116 pages|116 pages of manuscript]] to Palmyra to show a few family members. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Smith|1853|pp=117–18}}; {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=20}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Smith|1853|pp=117–18}}; {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|p=20}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Harris then lost the manuscript—of which there was no copy—at about the same time as Smith's wife Emma gave birth to a [[stillbirth|stillborn]] son. | Harris then lost the manuscript—of which there was no copy—at about the same time as Smith's wife Emma gave birth to a [[stillbirth|stillborn]] son. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *During this dark period, Smith briefly attended his in-laws' [[Methodism|Methodist]] church, but one of Emma's cousins "objected to the inclusion of a 'practicing necromancer' on the Methodist roll," and Smith voluntarily withdrew rather than face a disciplinary hearing. {{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=69–70}}. | + | #*During this dark period, Smith briefly attended his in-laws' [[Methodism|Methodist]] church, but one of Emma's cousins "objected to the inclusion of a 'practicing necromancer' on the Methodist roll," and Smith voluntarily withdrew rather than face a disciplinary hearing. {{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=69–70}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Smith said the [[angel Moroni|angel]] had taken away the plates and he had lost his ability to translate | Smith said the [[angel Moroni|angel]] had taken away the plates and he had lost his ability to translate | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harv|Phelps|1833|loc=sec. 2:4–5}} (revelation dictated by Smith stating that his gift to translate was temporarily revoked); {{Harvtxt|Smith|1832|p=5}} (stating that the angel had taken away the plates and the Urim and Thummim). | + | #*{{Harv|Phelps|1833|loc=sec. 2:4–5}} (revelation dictated by Smith stating that his gift to translate was temporarily revoked); {{Harvtxt|Smith|1832|p=5}} (stating that the angel had taken away the plates and the Urim and Thummim). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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until September 22, 1828, when they were restored. | until September 22, 1828, when they were restored. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Smith|1853|p=126}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Smith|1853|p=126}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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Smith did not earnestly resume the translation again until April 1829, when he met [[Oliver Cowdery]], a teacher and [[dowsing|dowser]], | Smith did not earnestly resume the translation again until April 1829, when he met [[Oliver Cowdery]], a teacher and [[dowsing|dowser]], | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Hill|1977|p=86}} (Cowdery had brought with him a "rod of nature," perhaps acquired while he was among his father's religious group in Vermont, who believed that certain rods had spiritual properties and could be used in divining."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=73}} ("Cowdery was open to belief in Joseph's powers because he had come to Harmony the possessor of a supernatural gift alluded to in a revelation..." and his family had apparently engaged in treasure seeking and other magical practices.){{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=35–36, 121}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Hill|1977|p=86}} (Cowdery had brought with him a "rod of nature," perhaps acquired while he was among his father's religious group in Vermont, who believed that certain rods had spiritual properties and could be used in divining."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=73}} ("Cowdery was open to belief in Joseph's powers because he had come to Harmony the possessor of a supernatural gift alluded to in a revelation..." and his family had apparently engaged in treasure seeking and other magical practices.){{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=35–36, 121}}. |
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*Oliver himself may have used a divining rod, although there is no evidence that it was used for treasure-seeking. According to the cited source, "Most likely, Cowdery used a rod to discover water and minerals." (Bushman, p. 73). | *Oliver himself may have used a divining rod, although there is no evidence that it was used for treasure-seeking. According to the cited source, "Most likely, Cowdery used a rod to discover water and minerals." (Bushman, p. 73). | ||
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who now became Smith's scribe. | who now became Smith's scribe. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=74}} (Smith and Cowdery began translating where the narrative left off after the [[lost 116 pages]], now representing the [[Book of Mosiah]]. A revelation would later direct them not to re-translate the lost text, to ensure that the lost pages could not later be found and compared to the re-translation.). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=74}} (Smith and Cowdery began translating where the narrative left off after the [[lost 116 pages]], now representing the [[Book of Mosiah]]. A revelation would later direct them not to re-translate the lost text, to ensure that the lost pages could not later be found and compared to the re-translation.). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Translation/The lost 116 pages}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Translation/The lost 116 pages}} | ||
| Line 371: | Line 371: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
They worked full time on the translation between April and early June 1829, | They worked full time on the translation between April and early June 1829, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=70–74}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=70–74}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 381: | Line 381: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
and then moved to [[Fayette, New York]] where they continued to work at the home of Cowdery's friend [[Peter Whitmer]]. When the translation spoke of an institutional church and a requirement for baptism, Smith and Cowdery baptized each other, | and then moved to [[Fayette, New York]] where they continued to work at the home of Cowdery's friend [[Peter Whitmer]]. When the translation spoke of an institutional church and a requirement for baptism, Smith and Cowdery baptized each other, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=5–6, 38}} (contrasting the 1829 view with the churchless Mormonism of 1828); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=74–75}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=5–6, 38}} (contrasting the 1829 view with the churchless Mormonism of 1828); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=74–75}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 392: | Line 392: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
with written documents five years later stating that [[John the Baptist]] had appeared and ordained them to [[Aaronic priesthood (LDS Church)|a priesthood]]. | with written documents five years later stating that [[John the Baptist]] had appeared and ordained them to [[Aaronic priesthood (LDS Church)|a priesthood]]. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=15–20}} (noting that Mormon records and publications contain no mention of any angelic conferral of authority until 1834); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=75}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=15–20}} (noting that Mormon records and publications contain no mention of any angelic conferral of authority until 1834); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=75}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 403: | Line 403: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Translation was completed around July 1, 1829. | Translation was completed around July 1, 1829. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=78}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=78}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 413: | Line 413: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Knowing that potential converts to the planned church might find Smith's story of the plates incredible, | Knowing that potential converts to the planned church might find Smith's story of the plates incredible, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=77}} (Smith "began to seek converts the question of credibility had to be addressed again. Joseph knew his story was unbelievable."). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=77}} (Smith "began to seek converts the question of credibility had to be addressed again. Joseph knew his story was unbelievable."). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 423: | Line 423: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Smith asked a group of [[Book of Mormon witnesses|eleven witnesses]], including Martin Harris and male members of the Whitmer and Smith families, to sign a statement testifying that they had seen the golden plates, and in the case of the latter eight witnesses, had actually hefted the plates. | Smith asked a group of [[Book of Mormon witnesses|eleven witnesses]], including Martin Harris and male members of the Whitmer and Smith families, to sign a statement testifying that they had seen the golden plates, and in the case of the latter eight witnesses, had actually hefted the plates. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=77–79}}. There were two statements, one by a set of [[Three Witnesses]] and another by a set of [[Eight Witnesses]]. The two testimonies are undated, and the exact dates on which the Witnesses are said to have seen the plates is unknown. | + | #*{{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=77–79}}. There were two statements, one by a set of [[Three Witnesses]] and another by a set of [[Eight Witnesses]]. The two testimonies are undated, and the exact dates on which the Witnesses are said to have seen the plates is unknown. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 435: | Line 435: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
According to Smith, the [[angel Moroni]] took back the plates after Smith was finished using them. | According to Smith, the [[angel Moroni]] took back the plates after Smith was finished using them. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Smith|Mulholland|Thompson|Phelps|Richards|1839–1843|p=8}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Smith|Mulholland|Thompson|Phelps|Richards|1839–1843|p=8}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 446: | Line 446: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
The translation, known as the [[Book of Mormon]], was published in Palmyra on March 26, 1830, by printer [[Egbert Bratt Grandin|E. B. Grandin]]. | The translation, known as the [[Book of Mormon]], was published in Palmyra on March 26, 1830, by printer [[Egbert Bratt Grandin|E. B. Grandin]]. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=82}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=82}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 458: | Line 458: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
[[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]] financed the publication by mortgaging his farm. | [[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]] financed the publication by mortgaging his farm. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=80}} (noting that Harris' marriage dissolved in part because his wife refused to be a party, and he eventually sold his farm to pay the bill. | + | #*{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=80}} (noting that Harris' marriage dissolved in part because his wife refused to be a party, and he eventually sold his farm to pay the bill. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 468: | Line 468: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Soon thereafter on April 6, 1830, Smith and his followers formally organized the [[Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints)|Church of Christ]], | Soon thereafter on April 6, 1830, Smith and his followers formally organized the [[Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints)|Church of Christ]], | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *Scholars and eye-witnesses disagree whether the church was organized in [[Manchester (town), New York|Manchester, New York]] at the Smith log home, or in [[Fayette, New York|Fayette]] at the home of [[Peter Whitmer]]. {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=109}}; {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|2005|pp=223–23}} (arguing that organization in Manchester is most consistent with eye-witness statements). | + | #*Scholars and eye-witnesses disagree whether the church was organized in [[Manchester (town), New York|Manchester, New York]] at the Smith log home, or in [[Fayette, New York|Fayette]] at the home of [[Peter Whitmer]]. {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=109}}; {{Harvtxt|Marquardt|2005|pp=223–23}} (arguing that organization in Manchester is most consistent with eye-witness statements). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaMissingRef}} Several Fayette references are missing. | *{{WikipediaMissingRef}} Several Fayette references are missing. | ||
| Line 485: | Line 485: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
and small branches were established in Palmyra, Fayette, and [[Colesville, New York]]. | and small branches were established in Palmyra, Fayette, and [[Colesville, New York]]. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=55}} (noting that by July 1830, the church was "in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester"). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=55}} (noting that by July 1830, the church was "in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester"). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 496: | Line 496: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
The Book of Mormon brought Smith regional notoriety, | The Book of Mormon brought Smith regional notoriety, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=80–82}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=80–82}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 507: | Line 507: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
but also strong opposition by those who remembered Smith's money-digging and his 1826 trial near Colesville. | but also strong opposition by those who remembered Smith's money-digging and his 1826 trial near Colesville. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=117}}(noting that area residents connected the discovery of the Book of Mormon with Smith's past career as a money digger);{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971}} (discussing organized boycott of Book of Mormon by Palmyra residents, p. 80, and opposition by Colesville and Bainbridge residents who remembered the 1826 trial, p. 87). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=117}}(noting that area residents connected the discovery of the Book of Mormon with Smith's past career as a money digger);{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971}} (discussing organized boycott of Book of Mormon by Palmyra residents, p. 80, and opposition by Colesville and Bainbridge residents who remembered the 1826 trial, p. 87). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Joseph Smith/Legal trials/1826 glasslooking trial}} | *{{Detail|Joseph Smith/Legal trials/1826 glasslooking trial}} | ||
| Line 519: | Line 519: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Soon after Smith reportedly performed an [[exorcism]] in Colesville, | Soon after Smith reportedly performed an [[exorcism]] in Colesville, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=86}} (describing the exorcism). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=86}} (describing the exorcism). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*According to Brodie (p. 86): | *According to Brodie (p. 86): | ||
| Line 534: | Line 534: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
he was again tried as a [[vagrancy (people)|disorderly person]] but was acquitted. | he was again tried as a [[vagrancy (people)|disorderly person]] but was acquitted. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=116–17}}. | + | #*{{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=116–17}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 549: | Line 549: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Even so, Smith and Cowdery had to flee Colesville to escape a gathering mob. Probably referring to this period of flight, Smith told years later of hearing the voices of [[Saint Peter|Peter]], [[James, son of Zebedee|James]], and [[John the Apostle|John]] who he said gave Smith and Cowdery an apostolic authority. | Even so, Smith and Cowdery had to flee Colesville to escape a gathering mob. Probably referring to this period of flight, Smith told years later of hearing the voices of [[Saint Peter|Peter]], [[James, son of Zebedee|James]], and [[John the Apostle|John]] who he said gave Smith and Cowdery an apostolic authority. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=24–26}}; {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=118}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=24–26}}; {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=118}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 561: | Line 561: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
When [[Oliver Cowdery]] and other church members attempted to exercise independent authority | When [[Oliver Cowdery]] and other church members attempted to exercise independent authority | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=120}} ("Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family began to conceive of themselves as independent authorities with the right to correct Joseph and receive revelation."). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=120}} ("Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family began to conceive of themselves as independent authorities with the right to correct Joseph and receive revelation."). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 572: | Line 572: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
—as when [[Eight Witnesses|Book of Mormon witness]] [[Hiram Page]] used his [[seer stone (Latter Day Saints)|seer stone]] to locate the American [[New Jerusalem]] prophesied by the Book of Mormon | —as when [[Eight Witnesses|Book of Mormon witness]] [[Hiram Page]] used his [[seer stone (Latter Day Saints)|seer stone]] to locate the American [[New Jerusalem]] prophesied by the Book of Mormon | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|pp=109–110}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|pp=109–110}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | ||
| Line 584: | Line 584: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
—Smith responded by establishing himself as the sole [[prophet]]. | —Smith responded by establishing himself as the sole [[prophet]]. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=121}}; {{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=67}} ("[N]o one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph, for he receiveth them even as Moses."). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=121}}; {{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=67}} ("[N]o one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph, for he receiveth them even as Moses."). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}}, although it would be more correct to state the Joseph established himself as sole prophet for the entire Church. | *{{WikipediaCorrect}}, although it would be more correct to state the Joseph established himself as sole prophet for the entire Church. | ||
| Line 595: | Line 595: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Smith disputed Page's location for the New Jerusalem, | Smith disputed Page's location for the New Jerusalem, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=68}} ("[I]t is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city shall be built."). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=68}} ("[I]t is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city shall be built."). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | ||
| Line 606: | Line 606: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
but dispatched Cowdery to lead a mission to [[Missouri]] to find its ''true'' location | but dispatched Cowdery to lead a mission to [[Missouri]] to find its ''true'' location | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=68}} ("The New Jerusalem "shall be on the borders by the [[Lamanite]]s."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=122}} (church members knew that "on the borders by the Lamanites" referred to Western Missouri, and Cowdery's mission in part was to "locate the place of the New Jerusalem along this frontier"). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|p=68}} ("The New Jerusalem "shall be on the borders by the [[Lamanite]]s."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=122}} (church members knew that "on the borders by the Lamanites" referred to Western Missouri, and Cowdery's mission in part was to "locate the place of the New Jerusalem along this frontier"). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | ||
| Line 617: | Line 617: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
and to proselytize the Native Americans. | and to proselytize the Native Americans. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|pp=67–68}} (Cowdery "shall go unto the [[Lamanite]]s and preach my gospel unto them".). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|pp=67–68}} (Cowdery "shall go unto the [[Lamanite]]s and preach my gospel unto them".). |
}} | }} | ||
| Line 626: | Line 626: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Smith also dictated a lost "[[Book of Moses|Book of Enoch]]," telling how the [[Enoch (ancestor of Noah)|biblical Enoch]] had established a [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|city of Zion]] of such civic goodness that God had taken it to heaven. | Smith also dictated a lost "[[Book of Moses|Book of Enoch]]," telling how the [[Enoch (ancestor of Noah)|biblical Enoch]] had established a [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|city of Zion]] of such civic goodness that God had taken it to heaven. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=96}} (noting that this was the third time Smith had revealed "lost books" since the [[Book of Mormon]], the first being the "parchment of John" produced in 1829, and the second the [[Book of Moses]] dictated in June 1830. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=96}} (noting that this was the third time Smith had revealed "lost books" since the [[Book of Mormon]], the first being the "parchment of John" produced in 1829, and the second the [[Book of Moses]] dictated in June 1830. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*Brodie states that Joseph "dictated to Cowdery a fragment said to have come from a parchment buried by St. John," that he "revealed a conversation between God and Moses," and that he "wrote one of the longest and most remarkable revelations of his career" about Enoch. | *Brodie states that Joseph "dictated to Cowdery a fragment said to have come from a parchment buried by St. John," that he "revealed a conversation between God and Moses," and that he "wrote one of the longest and most remarkable revelations of his career" about Enoch. | ||
| Line 637: | Line 637: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
On their way to Missouri, Cowdery's party passed through the [[Kirtland, Ohio]] area and converted [[Sidney Rigdon]] and over a hundred members of his [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Disciples of Christ]] congregation, | On their way to Missouri, Cowdery's party passed through the [[Kirtland, Ohio]] area and converted [[Sidney Rigdon]] and over a hundred members of his [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Disciples of Christ]] congregation, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=124}}; {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|pp=120–124}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=124}}; {{Harvtxt|Roberts|1902|pp=120–124}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 648: | Line 648: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
more than doubling the size of the church. | more than doubling the size of the church. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *F. Mark McKiernan, "The Conversion of Sidney Rigdon to Mormonism," ''Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought'', 5 (Summer 1970): 77. Parley Pratt said that the Mormon mission baptized 127 within two or three weeks "and this number soon increased to one thousand." McKiernan argues that "Rigdon's conversion and the missionary effort which followed transformed Mormonism from a New York-based sect with about a hundred members into one which was a major threat to Protestantism in the Western Reserve." | + | #*F. Mark McKiernan, "The Conversion of Sidney Rigdon to Mormonism," ''Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought'', 5 (Summer 1970): 77. Parley Pratt said that the Mormon mission baptized 127 within two or three weeks "and this number soon increased to one thousand." McKiernan argues that "Rigdon's conversion and the missionary effort which followed transformed Mormonism from a New York-based sect with about a hundred members into one which was a major threat to Protestantism in the Western Reserve." |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 659: | Line 659: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
Rigdon visited New York and quickly became second in command of the church, | Rigdon visited New York and quickly became second in command of the church, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=96}} ("When Rigdon read the Book of Enoch, the scholar in him fled and the evangelist stepped into the place of second in command of the millennial church."). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=96}} ("When Rigdon read the Book of Enoch, the scholar in him fled and the evangelist stepped into the place of second in command of the millennial church."). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} This is, of course, Brodie's opinion. | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} This is, of course, Brodie's opinion. | ||
| Line 670: | Line 670: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
to the discomfort of Smith's earlier followers. | to the discomfort of Smith's earlier followers. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=123–24}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=96–97}}. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=123–24}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=96–97}}. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| Line 681: | Line 681: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
In the face of acute and growing opposition in New York, Smith announced that Kirtland was the "eastern boundary" of the New Jerusalem, | In the face of acute and growing opposition in New York, Smith announced that Kirtland was the "eastern boundary" of the New Jerusalem, | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=97}} (citing letter by Smith to Kirtland converts, quoted in {{Harvtxt|Howe|1833|p=111}}). In 1834, Smith designated Kirtland as one of the "[[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stakes]]" of Zion, referring to the tent–stakes metaphor of [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] 54:2. | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=97}} (citing letter by Smith to Kirtland converts, quoted in {{Harvtxt|Howe|1833|p=111}}). In 1834, Smith designated Kirtland as one of the "[[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|stakes]]" of Zion, referring to the tent–stakes metaphor of [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] 54:2. |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Geography/New World/Great Lakes geography/Location of Zion}} | ||
| Line 692: | Line 692: | ||
|claim= | |claim= | ||
and that the Saints must gather there. | and that the Saints must gather there. | ||
| − | |authorsources= | + | |authorsources=<br> |
| − | *{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|pp=79–80}} ("And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together in the Ohio, until the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=124–25}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=96}} (noting that Rigdon had urged Smith to return with him to Ohio). | + | #*{{Harvtxt|Phelps|1833|pp=79–80}} ("And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together in the Ohio, until the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them."); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=124–25}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=96}} (noting that Rigdon had urged Smith to return with him to Ohio). |
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
Revision as of 22:01, 12 October 2017
FAIR Answers—back to home page
An analysis of Wikipedia article "Joseph Smith"
| Early years | A FairMormon Analysis of Wikipedia: "Joseph Smith" A work by a collaboration of authors (Link to Wikipedia article here)
|
1831 to 1838 |
| The name Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.. Wikipedia content is copied and made available under the GNU Free Documentation License. |
Every witness to Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon said that he looked at a stone in his hat. Arguing that Smith never said how he translated is arguing from silence. There is no evidence for anything else but the hat and just Mormon embarrassment at how silly this method must seem to most prospective converts today.....The burden of proof is on you. There are no accounts of Smith translating that indicate he used any other method but the hat. You can't argue from silence. Where are the references to any other method? Even the father of lies himself didn't spell one out.....Baloney. No other eyewitness said there was any other method. No scholarship argues for any other method. You're just pushing this POV because there's no reason to preserve golden plates for generations if Smith made no use of them. But according to all eyewitnesses that's exactly what happened. Embarrassing, isn't it?
—Editor "John Foxe," posting using his banned sockpuppet "Hi540," insisting that the stone-in-hat was the only Book of Mormon translation method ever documented, 23 October 2009 off-site
Reviews of previous revisions of this section
19 May 2009
Summary: A review of this section as it appeared in Wikipedia on 19 May 2009.Section review
Founding a church (1827–30) Updated 9/3/2011
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
In October 1827, Smith and his pregnantAuthor's sources:
- Remini (2002) , p. 55.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
wife moved from Palmyra to Harmony (now Oakland), Pennsylvania,Author's sources:
- Newell (Avery) , p. 2.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
aided by money from a comparatively prosperous neighbor Martin Harris.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 62–63; Walker (1986) , p. 35; Remini (2002) , p. 55 (Harris' money allowed Smith to pay his debts and thus allowed him to move without being arrested for evading his creditors); Smith (1853) , p. 113; Howe (1834) .
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Living near his disapproving in-laws,Author's sources:
- Remini (2002) , p. 56.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith transcribed some of the characters (what he called "reformed Egyptian") engraved on the plates and then dictated a translation to his wife.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 63; Remini (2002) , p. 56; Roberts (1902) , p. 19;Howe (1834) , pp. 270–71 (Smith sat behind a curtain and passed transcriptions to his wife or her brother).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
For at least some of the earliest translation, Smith said he used "Urim and Thummim",Author's sources:
- Smith (Mulholland) , p. 9 (describing early translation with the Urim and Thummim from December 1827 to February 1828); Remini (2002) , p. 57 (noting that Emma Smith said that Smith started translating with the Urim and Thummim and then eventually used his dark seer stone exclusively); Bushman (2005) , p. 66; Quinn (1998) , pp. 169–70 (noting that, according to witnesses, Smith's early translation with the two-stone Urim and Thummim spectacles involved placing the spectacles in his hat, and that the spectacles were too large to actually wear). In one 1842 statement, Smith said that "[t]hrough the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift, the power of God." Smith (1842) , p. 707. There is debate as to whether or not this statement is consistent with his known use of a seer stone other than the Urim and Thummim. Quinn (1998) , p. 175 argues that the term Urim and Thummim was a generic term early Mormons used to refer to all of Smith's seer stones. Persuitte (2000) , pp. 81–83 interprets Smith to say that he translated the entire Book of Mormon with the two stones found with the plates, which would be in flat contradiction with his documented use of the chocolate-colored seer stone.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
a pair of seer stones he said were buried with the golden plates.Author's sources:
- Smith (Mulholland) , p. 4 (stating that deposited with the plates were "two stones in silver bows" and stating that "these stones fastened into a breastplate constituted what is called the Urim & Thummim...."); Smith (1842) , p. 707 (describing "a curious instrument which the ancients called 'Urim and Thummim,' which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Later, however, he used the single chocolate-colored stone he had found in 1822 and used for treasure hunting.Author's sources:
- Quinn (1998) , pp. 171–73 (witnesses said that Smith shifted from the Urim and Thummim to the single brown seer stone after the loss of the earliest 116 manuscript pages); Persuitte (2000) , pp. 81–82 (none of the existing Book of Mormon transcript was created using the Urim and Thummim); Remini (2002) , p. 57 (noting that Emma Smith said that after 1828, Smith used his dark seer stone exclusively).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
As when divining the location of treasure,Author's sources:
- Quinn (1998) , p. 173 ("[T]he actual translation process was strikingly similar to the way Smith used the same stone for treasure-hunting."); Bushman (2005) (In using the divining power of stones, Smith blended the magic culture of his upbringing with inspired translation.).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith said he saw the words of the translation while he gazed at the stone or stones in the bottom of his hat, excluding all light.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 71–72; Marquardt (Walters) , pp. 103–04; Van Wagoner (Walker) , pp. 52–53 (citing numerous witnesses of the translation process); Quinn (1998) , pp. 169–70, 173 (describing similar methods for both the two-stone Urim and Thummim and the chocolate seer stone).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
The plates themselves were not directly consulted.Author's sources:
- Van Wagoner (Walker) , p. 53 ("The plates could not have been used directly in the translation process."); Bushman (2005) , pp. 71–72 (Joseph did not pretend to look at the 'reformed Egyptian' words, the language on the plates, according to the book's own description. The plates lay covered on the table, while Joseph's head was in the hat looking at the seerstone...."); Marquardt (Walters) , pp. 103–04 ("When it came to translating the crucial plates, they were no more present in the room than was John the Beloved's ancient 'parchment', the words of which Joseph also dictated at the time.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith did this in full view of witnesses, but sometimes concealed the process by raising a curtain or dictating from another room.Author's sources:
- Cole (1831) ; Howe (1834) , p. 14.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith may have considered giving up the translation because of opposition from his in-laws,Author's sources:
- Morgan (1986) , p. 280.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
but in February 1828, Martin Harris arrived to spur him onAuthor's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 63 (Harris had a vision that he was to assist with a "marvelous work"); Roberts (1902) , p. 19 (Harris arrived in Harmony in February 1828); Booth (1831) (Harris had to convince Smith to continue translating, saying, "I have not come down here for nothing, and we will go on with it").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
by taking the characters and their translations to a few prominent scholars.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 63–64 (the plan to use a scholar to authenticate the characters was part of a vision received by Harris; author notes that Smith's mother said the plan to authenticate the characters was arranged between Smith and Harris before Harris left Palmyra); Remini (2002) , pp. 57–58 (noting that the plan arose from a vision of Martin Harris). According to Bushman (2005) , p. 64, these scholars probably included at least Luther Bradish in Albany, New York Lapham (1870) , Samuel L. Mitchill of New York City (Hadley (1829) ; Jessee (1976) , p. 3), and Charles Anthon of New York City Howe (1834) , pp. 269–272.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Harris claimed that one of the scholars he visited, Charles Anthon, initially authenticated the characters and their translation, then recanted upon hearing that Smith had received the plates from an angel.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 64–65; Remini (2002) , pp. 58–59.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Anthon denied this claimAuthor's sources:
- Howe (1834) , pp. 269–72 (Anthon's description of his meeting with Harris, claiming he tried to convince Harris that he was a victim of a fraud). But see Vogel (2004) , p. 115 (arguing that Anthon's initial assessment was likely more positive than he would later admit).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
and Harris returned to Harmony in April 1828 motivated to act as Smith's scribe.Author's sources:
- Roberts (1902) , p. 20.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Translation continued until mid-June 1828, until Harris began having doubts about the existence of the golden plates.Author's sources:
- These doubts were induced by his wife's deep skepticism. Bushman , p. 66.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Harris importuned Smith to let him take the existing 116 pages of manuscript to Palmyra to show a few family members.Author's sources:
- Smith (1853) , pp. 117–18; Roberts (1902) , p. 20.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Harris then lost the manuscript—of which there was no copy—at about the same time as Smith's wife Emma gave birth to a stillborn son.Author's sources:
- During this dark period, Smith briefly attended his in-laws' Methodist church, but one of Emma's cousins "objected to the inclusion of a 'practicing necromancer' on the Methodist roll," and Smith voluntarily withdrew rather than face a disciplinary hearing. Bushman (2005) , pp. 69–70.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith said the angel had taken away the plates and he had lost his ability to translateAuthor's sources:
- Phelps (1833) (revelation dictated by Smith stating that his gift to translate was temporarily revoked); Smith (1832) , p. 5 (stating that the angel had taken away the plates and the Urim and Thummim).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
until September 22, 1828, when they were restored.Author's sources:
- Smith (1853) , p. 126.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith did not earnestly resume the translation again until April 1829, when he met Oliver Cowdery, a teacher and dowser,Author's sources:
- Hill (1977) , p. 86 (Cowdery had brought with him a "rod of nature," perhaps acquired while he was among his father's religious group in Vermont, who believed that certain rods had spiritual properties and could be used in divining."); Bushman (2005) , p. 73 ("Cowdery was open to belief in Joseph's powers because he had come to Harmony the possessor of a supernatural gift alluded to in a revelation..." and his family had apparently engaged in treasure seeking and other magical practices.)Quinn (1998) , pp. 35–36, 121.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
who now became Smith's scribe.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 74 (Smith and Cowdery began translating where the narrative left off after the lost 116 pages, now representing the Book of Mosiah. A revelation would later direct them not to re-translate the lost text, to ensure that the lost pages could not later be found and compared to the re-translation.).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
They worked full time on the translation between April and early June 1829,Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 70–74.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
and then moved to Fayette, New York where they continued to work at the home of Cowdery's friend Peter Whitmer. When the translation spoke of an institutional church and a requirement for baptism, Smith and Cowdery baptized each other,Author's sources:
- Quinn (1994) , pp. 5–6, 38 (contrasting the 1829 view with the churchless Mormonism of 1828); Bushman (2005) , pp. 74–75.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
with written documents five years later stating that John the Baptist had appeared and ordained them to a priesthood.Author's sources:
- Quinn (1994) , pp. 15–20 (noting that Mormon records and publications contain no mention of any angelic conferral of authority until 1834); Bushman (2005) , p. 75.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Translation was completed around July 1, 1829.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 78.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Knowing that potential converts to the planned church might find Smith's story of the plates incredible,Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 77 (Smith "began to seek converts the question of credibility had to be addressed again. Joseph knew his story was unbelievable.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith asked a group of eleven witnesses, including Martin Harris and male members of the Whitmer and Smith families, to sign a statement testifying that they had seen the golden plates, and in the case of the latter eight witnesses, had actually hefted the plates.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 77–79. There were two statements, one by a set of Three Witnesses and another by a set of Eight Witnesses. The two testimonies are undated, and the exact dates on which the Witnesses are said to have seen the plates is unknown.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
According to Smith, the angel Moroni took back the plates after Smith was finished using them.Author's sources:
- Smith (Mulholland) , p. 8.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
The translation, known as the Book of Mormon, was published in Palmyra on March 26, 1830, by printer E. B. Grandin.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 82.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Martin Harris financed the publication by mortgaging his farm.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 80 (noting that Harris' marriage dissolved in part because his wife refused to be a party, and he eventually sold his farm to pay the bill.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Soon thereafter on April 6, 1830, Smith and his followers formally organized the Church of Christ,Author's sources:
- Scholars and eye-witnesses disagree whether the church was organized in Manchester, New York at the Smith log home, or in Fayette at the home of Peter Whitmer. Bushman (2005) , p. 109; Marquardt (2005) , pp. 223–23 (arguing that organization in Manchester is most consistent with eye-witness statements).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
and small branches were established in Palmyra, Fayette, and Colesville, New York.Author's sources:
- Phelps (1833) , p. 55 (noting that by July 1830, the church was "in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
The Book of Mormon brought Smith regional notoriety,Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 80–82.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
but also strong opposition by those who remembered Smith's money-digging and his 1826 trial near Colesville.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 117(noting that area residents connected the discovery of the Book of Mormon with Smith's past career as a money digger);Brodie (1971) (discussing organized boycott of Book of Mormon by Palmyra residents, p. 80, and opposition by Colesville and Bainbridge residents who remembered the 1826 trial, p. 87).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Soon after Smith reportedly performed an exorcism in Colesville,Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , p. 86 (describing the exorcism).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
he was again tried as a disorderly person but was acquitted.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 116–17.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Even so, Smith and Cowdery had to flee Colesville to escape a gathering mob. Probably referring to this period of flight, Smith told years later of hearing the voices of Peter, James, and John who he said gave Smith and Cowdery an apostolic authority.Author's sources:
- Quinn (1994) , pp. 24–26; Bushman (2005) , p. 118.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
When Oliver Cowdery and other church members attempted to exercise independent authorityAuthor's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 120 ("Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family began to conceive of themselves as independent authorities with the right to correct Joseph and receive revelation.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
—as when Book of Mormon witness Hiram Page used his seer stone to locate the American New Jerusalem prophesied by the Book of MormonAuthor's sources:
- Roberts (1902) , pp. 109–110.
FAIR's Response
Question: Why did Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer accept Hiram Page's seer stone revelations as authoritative?
The Lord used this incident as a way to teach Oliver the proper order of revelation in the Church
This event is discussed in the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Seminary Teacher Manual (2013):
In 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith encountered a challenge because Church members did not understand the order of revelation in the Church. Hiram Page claimed to receive revelations for the Church through the medium of a special stone, and some Church members, including Oliver Cowdery, believed him. Shortly before a Church conference that was held on September 26, 1830, the Lord revealed truths that helped Oliver Cowdery and others understand the order of revelation in the Church.[1]
Oliver was actually directed by the Lord to correct Hiram Page in this matter. It was a "teaching moment" for Oliver:
11 And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him;
12 For, behold, these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants.
13 For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.
14 And thou shalt assist to settle all these things, according to the covenants of the church, before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites. (D&C 28꞉11-14).
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
—Smith responded by establishing himself as the sole prophet.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 121; Phelps (1833) , p. 67 ("[N]o one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph, for he receiveth them even as Moses.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith disputed Page's location for the New Jerusalem,Author's sources:
- Phelps (1833) , p. 68 ("[I]t is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city shall be built.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
but dispatched Cowdery to lead a mission to Missouri to find its true locationAuthor's sources:
- Phelps (1833) , p. 68 ("The New Jerusalem "shall be on the borders by the Lamanites."); Bushman (2005) , p. 122 (church members knew that "on the borders by the Lamanites" referred to Western Missouri, and Cowdery's mission in part was to "locate the place of the New Jerusalem along this frontier").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
and to proselytize the Native Americans.Author's sources:
- Phelps (1833) , pp. 67–68 (Cowdery "shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them".).
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Smith also dictated a lost "Book of Enoch," telling how the biblical Enoch had established a city of Zion of such civic goodness that God had taken it to heaven.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , p. 96 (noting that this was the third time Smith had revealed "lost books" since the Book of Mormon, the first being the "parchment of John" produced in 1829, and the second the Book of Moses dictated in June 1830.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
On their way to Missouri, Cowdery's party passed through the Kirtland, Ohio area and converted Sidney Rigdon and over a hundred members of his Disciples of Christ congregation,Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , p. 124; Roberts (1902) , pp. 120–124.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
more than doubling the size of the church.Author's sources:
- F. Mark McKiernan, "The Conversion of Sidney Rigdon to Mormonism," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, 5 (Summer 1970): 77. Parley Pratt said that the Mormon mission baptized 127 within two or three weeks "and this number soon increased to one thousand." McKiernan argues that "Rigdon's conversion and the missionary effort which followed transformed Mormonism from a New York-based sect with about a hundred members into one which was a major threat to Protestantism in the Western Reserve."
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
Rigdon visited New York and quickly became second in command of the church,Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , p. 96 ("When Rigdon read the Book of Enoch, the scholar in him fled and the evangelist stepped into the place of second in command of the millennial church.").
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
to the discomfort of Smith's earlier followers.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 123–24; Brodie (1971) , pp. 96–97.
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
In the face of acute and growing opposition in New York, Smith announced that Kirtland was the "eastern boundary" of the New Jerusalem,Author's sources:
FAIR's Response
The author(s) of Check link or content make(s) the following claim:
and that the Saints must gather there.Author's sources:
- Phelps (1833) , pp. 79–80 ("And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together in the Ohio, until the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them."); Bushman (2005) , pp. 124–25; Brodie (1971) , p. 96 (noting that Rigdon had urged Smith to return with him to Ohio).
FAIR's Response
References
| Wikipedia references for "Joseph Smith, Jr." |
- Abanes, Richard, (2003), One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church Thunder's Mouth Press
- Allen, James B., The Significance of Joseph Smith's "First Vision" in Mormon Thought off-site .
- (1992), The Mormon Experience University of Illinois Press .
- (1980), The Lion and the Lady: Brigham Young and Emma Smith off-site .
- Bergera, Gary James (editor) (1989), Line Upon Line: Essays on Mormon Doctrine Signature Books .
- Bloom, Harold, (1992), The American Religion: The Emergence of the Post-Christian Nation Simon & Schuster .
- Booth, Ezra, Mormonism—Nos. VIII–IX (Letters to the editor) off-site .
- Brodie, Fawn M., (1971), No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith Knopf .
- Brooke, , (1994), The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644–1844 Cambridge University Press .
- Bushman, Richard Lyman, (2005), Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling , New York: Knopf .
- Clark, John A., (1842), Gleanings by the Way , Philadelphia: W.J. & J.K Simmon off-site .
- Compton, Todd, (1997), In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith Signature Books .
- Foster, Lawrence, (1981), Religion and Sexuality: The Shakers, the Mormons, and the Oneida Community , New York: Oxford University Press .
- Harris, Martin, (1859), Mormonism—No. II off-site .
- Hill, Donna, (1977), Joseph Smith: The first Mormon , Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co. .
- Hill, Marvin S., (1976), Joseph Smith and the 1826 Trial: New Evidence and New Difficulties off-site .
- Hill, Marvin S., (1989), Quest for Refuge: The Mormon Flight from American Pluralism Signature Books off-site .
- Howe, Eber Dudley, (1834), Mormonism Unvailed: Or, A Faithful Account of that Singular Imposition and Delusion, from its Rise to the Present Time , Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Hullinger, Robert N., (1992), Joseph Smith's Response to Skepticism Signature Books off-site .
- Jessee, Dean, (1976), Joseph Knight's Recollection of Early Mormon History off-site .
- Lapham, [La]Fayette, (1870), Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, Forty Years Ago. His Account of the Finding of the Sacred Plates off-site .
- Larson, Stan, (1978), The King Follett Discourse: A Newly Amalgamated Text off-site .
- Mormon History off-site .
- Mack, Solomon, (1811), A Narraitve [sic] of the Life of Solomon Mack Windsor: Solomon Mack off-site .
- (1994), Inventing Mormonism Signature Books .
- Marquardt, H. Michael, (1999), The Joseph Smith Revelations: Text and Commentary Signature Books .
- Marquardt, H. Michael, (2005), The Rise of Mormonism: 1816–1844 Xulon Press .
- Matzko, John, (2007), The Encounter of the Young Joseph Smith with Presbyterianism off-site .
- Morgan, Dale, Walker, John Phillip (editor) (1986), Dale Morgan on Early Mormonism: Correspondence and a New History Signature Books off-site .
- (2008), Joseph Smith Jr.: reappraisals after two centuries Oxford University Press .
- Newell, Linda King, (1994), Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith University of Illinois Press .
- (1999), Mormon America: The Power and the Promise HarperSanFrancisco .
- Persuitte, David, (2000), Joseph Smith and the origins of the Book of Mormon McFarland & Co. .
- Phelps, W.W. (editor) (1833), A Book of Commandments, for the Government of the Church of Christ , Zion: William Wines Phelps & Co. off-site .
- Prince, Gregory A, (1995), Power From On High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood Signature Books .
- Quinn, D. Michael, (1994), The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power Signature Books .
- Quinn, D. Michael, (1998), Early Mormonism and the Magic World View Signature Books .
- Remini, , (2002), Joseph Smith: A Penguin Life Penguin Group .
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1902), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1904), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1905), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1909), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Shipps, Jan, (1985), Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition University of Illinois Press .
- Smith, George D., (1994), Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841–46: A Preliminary Demographic Report off-site .
- Smith, George D, (2008), Nauvoo Polygamy: "...but we called it celestial marriage" Signature Books .
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., (1830), The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi , Palmyra, New York: E. B. Grandin off-site . See Book of Mormon.
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., Jessee, Dean C (editor) (1832), Personal Writings of Joseph Smith , Salt Lake City: Deseret Book .
- Jessee, Dean C (editor) (1839–1843), Personal Writings of Joseph Smith Deseret Book .
- (1835), Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God , Kirtland, Ohio: F. G. Williams & Co off-site . See Doctrine and Covenants.
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., Church History [Wentworth Letter] off-site . See Wentworth letter.
- Smith, Lucy Mack, (1853), Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations , Liverpool: S.W. Richards off-site . See The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
- Tucker, Pomeroy, (1867), Origin, Rise and Progress of Mormonism , New York: D. Appleton off-site .
- Turner, Orsamus, (1852), History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, and Morris' Reserve , Rochester, New York: William Alling off-site .
- Joseph Smith: The Gift of Seeing off-site .
- Van Wagoner, Richard S., (1992), Mormon Polygamy: A History Signature Books .
- Vogel, Dan, (1994), The Locations of Joseph Smith's Early Treasure Quests off-site .
- Vogel, Dan, (2004), Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet Signature Books .
- Widmer, Kurt, (2000), Mormonism and the Nature of God: A Theological Evolution, 1830–1915 McFarland .
Further reading
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- ↑ "Lesson 34: Doctrine and Covenants 28," Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Seminary Teacher Manual, 2013.