Review of Martha Beck. Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith.

Review of Mormons on the Internet (1997), by Lauramaery Gold

Websites for and against the Latter-day Saints proliferate. Some of them are, of course, better than others.

Mormon websites include those with links to other sites and those with something substantive to offer. Numerous links to substantive websites are given.

The Book of Mormon provides spiritual nutrition, prescribes a plan of action, and connects us with the Holy Spirit.

The early twentieth century found the Japanese language in a state of flux—colloquial Japanese was very slowly beginning to replace classical written Japanese, whose grammar had remained relatively intact for centuries. At this time of change Elder Alma O. Taylor began his 1909 translation of the Book of Mormon. He choose initially to render the text into the colloquial style; however, prodded by his Japanese reviewers, Taylor quickly realized that no publicly praiseworthy translation could be made in colloquial Japanese. The choice to translate the Book of Mormon in the classical language, as well as to have successful Japanese author, Choko Ikuta, review and edit the translation, allowed the 1909 text to accurately portray doctrine as well as to be considered a major literary achievement.

Making an analysis of the Book of Abraham and the Book of Mormon, this dissertation concludes that Joseph Smith was a poet, who produced his scriptures not through plagiarism nor the gift of God, but through a “poetic phenomenon” as defined by Julia Kristeva and Jacques Derrida.

A Book of Mormon left in the author’s mailbox lay unread for several years. Prayer seemed to be the way to find the truthfulness of the book and dispel fearful and doubtful feelings. Assurance and conversion followed a simple prayer.

A polemical tract against Mormonism that declares the Book of Mormon is “in utter disagreement with the Bible,” and “Satanically- inspired” Discusses the Spaulding theory, the Eight Witnesses, and Charles Anthon.

A polemical tract against Mormonism. The writer considers the Book of Mormon to be “the greatest religious hoax ever perpetrated in America” Among other things he discusses the Anthon incident, the testimonies of the Book of Mormon witnesses, the alleged lack of archaeological evidence, the Spaulding theory, and other items.

Says that the Book of Mormon prophesied of the American nation, the United States—the struggle for independence, the establishment of democracy, and that no king would rule over the land.

Compares the Twelve Apostles who were with Christ during his ministry with the Nephite twelve that Christ ordained in the Americas, and discusses their relationship, positions, and responsibilities.

The LDS church accepts both the Bible and the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. The Book of Mormon, however, has received a more correct translation than has the Bible.

The material in this pamphlet was later published as Lectures XIV and XV in The Articles of Faith: A Series of Lectures on the Principal Doctrines of the LDS Church, 261-80. Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1899. Later this was incorporated into A Study of The Articles of Faith, 255-95. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1924. The Book of Mormon came forth by the hand of Moroni to Joseph Smith. The Lord’s purpose in preserving the small plates of Nephi was divinely inspired to replace the 116 lost pages of manuscript. Bears testimony of its genuineness including the testimonies of the witnesses. The Book of Mormon is in agreement with the Bible. Archaeologists and ethnologists corroborate the teachings in the book. The ultimate test, however, is the witness of the Spirit to each reader according to the reader’s desire and willingness to accept the truth.

Brief summary of Book of Mormon story, and Joseph Smith’s translation. Modern revelation is not improbable. The Book of Mormon is “parallel volume” to the Bible, not a substitute; the two are not contradictory.

The matter presented in the following pages is published as Lectures XIV and XV, in the series entitled “ The Articles of Faith,” dealing with the principal doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prepared and delivered by Dr. James E. TAlmage, and published by the Church, 1899. The two Lectures are presented in this separate form for the use and benefit of investigators and students, who desire to learn something of the most noted and characteristic volume among the Standard Works of the Church.

The matter presented in the following pages is published as Lectures XIV and XV, in the series entitled “ The Articles of Faith,” dealing with the principal doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prepared and delivered by Dr. James E. TAlmage, and published by the Church, 1899. The two Lectures are presented in this separate form for the use and benefit of investigators and students, who desire to learn something of the most noted and characteristic volume among the Standard Works of the Church.

A paper that argues that “the commanding position of the United States among the world powers, and the prominent place of the American nation is to maintain as the exponent and champion of human rights were foreseen and predicted centuries before the beginning of the Christian era” by prophets of the Book of Mormon.

originally published in Deseret News, November 21, 1931, pp. 7-8

The term “Mormon,” a nickname given to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was derived from the scripture called the Book of Mormon. Members of the Church, however, are quick to point out that the proper name of their Church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Under the direction of Moroni, Joseph Smith obtained the plates and translated them according to the gift and power of God. He was an unschooled boy and an instrument in the hands of the Lord who confounded the mighty with his work.

In response to his calling as a member of the First Presidency, Tanner quotes Nephi who said “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” (1 Nephi 3:7).

This article discusses how some reject the Book of Mormon on account of its supernatural origin. Joseph Smith claimed that an angel revealed to him where to find the plates and that God inspired him in translating them. However, the Book of Mormon is harmonious with the Bible, and the story of its origin should not surprise anyone.

Calls attention to the many difficulties that occurred during the translation and publication of the Bible. Although many people reject the Book of Mormon, it is yet the word of God and was translated correctly by a prophet of God.

Bears witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon, emphasizes that it is the best literature for missionary work, and recommends that we pursue all possible investigation, comparison, research, and scholarship (even for Book of Mormon geography) in Book of Mormon studies. Warns scholars to let the Book of Mormon speak for itself. The Book of Mormon clearly confirms a unity of authorship in Isaiah.

This article unites the Bible and the Book of Mormon in bearing witness that Jesus is the Christ. It gives an examination of the two texts reveals sixteen important facts concerning Christ’s mission, including his premortal and antemortal Godhood, his foreordination as the Redeemer, and the predictions of his birth to Mary. The testimony of two witnesses—the Bible and the Book of Mormon—establishes the truth.

A collection of papers from letters and journals kept by Talmage. Two letters report Talmage’s work on revision of the Book of Mormon, suggesting to the First Presidency a list of minor revisions.

Shows the connection between the name “Lehi” and the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh River, and Lehigh Mountain of Pennsylvania.

A testimony of the Book of Mormon and explanation of how it came into existence through the appearance of an angel.

Talmage exposes the fraudulent nature of relics found in Michigan claimed to be of ancient origin. He warns collectors of artifacts and Church members eager for external evidences of the Book of Mormon not to be deceived. Talmage explains his investigation, details eight reasons for his conclusions, and cites other recognized scholars who have labeled the “Michigan relics” as spurious.

A reprint of an article for Deseret Museum Bulletin, September 1911, with the addition of a letter from Miriam Brooks substantiating TAlmage’s observations.

Although the Book of Mormon is an invaluable history, its priceless character lies in its role as a second testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon would be nothing more than an “important contribution to the common find of human knowledge” if all it were no more than a history of the ancient Americans, but it is a new witness for Jesus Christ’s mission and ministry.

For centuries members of the Nephite and Lamanite communities looked forward to the time when Jesus would be born into the world. Such an occasion would be “a night of light” unto the world.

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Christ. Author tells of the importance and significance of the two.

Recalls the coming forth of the Book of Mormon through Moroni, the Nephite prophet who appeared as an angel to Joseph Smith. Emphasizes that the Book of Mormon “stands as an independent witness of Jesus the Christ as the Son of the Eternal Father, and as the Redeemer”

The Nephites continued Lehi’s priesthood, especially the Aaronic priesthood connected with the law of Moses. The Book of Mormon is a witness of God that gives the account of God’s dealing with man through his holy priesthood. In time, both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were lost on both hemispheres.

Summarizes the Book of Mormon and the story of its coming forth, and explains that much of the opposition to the book was due to Joseph’s claim that he had been visited by an angel and received divine help in its translation. This claim was an affront to the dogma that miracles had ceased.

Presents the Book of Mormon as a scripture that originated on the American continent and gives a summary of its contents.

Talmage describes the eloquence and beauty of the parable of the shepherd in John 10. No one understood John 10:16 until the Book of Mormon taught that the other sheep were the scattered remnants of the house of Israel, some of whom were the Nephites and Lamanites.

The Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph identified in Ezekiel 37:15-20. Lehi is a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh and Ishmael is the descendant of Ephraim, thus completing the house of Joseph.

Gives a narrative of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Moroni’s visit and instructions to Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon does not take the place of the Bible. The Bible foretold of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. The Spaulding theory regarding the origin of the Book of Mormon has been disproved.

In a lecture presented at several universities throughout the United States, Dr. James E. TAlmage spoke on early Latter-day Saint history. In this first part, he focused on the young Joseph Smith and the First Vision, as well as a basic overview of the Book of Mormon and its ancient origins.

In a lecture presented at several universities throughout the United States, Dr. James E. TAlmage spoke on early Latter-day Saint history. In this second part, he focused on the critical reception that the Book of Mormon received, and dismantles one popular theory of its origin. He mentions early Latter-day Saint missions to the “Lamanites” and the persecutions that the early Saints endured.

The coming forth of the Book of Mormon fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that a testimony or speech would come forth “out of the dust” (Isaiah 29:4).

The earth’s cleansing, death, and resurrection

This article argues that, while the historical and ethnological information in the Book of Mormon is invaluable, the theological themes are far more important. The theological aspects in the Book of Mormon harmonize with those of the Bible.

Chapters 33-41, dedicated to the Book of Mormon, set forth the importance of the Book of Mormon in relation to the Bible, the account of Moroni’s visit to deliver the plates, the story of the Book of Mormon, the witnesses of the book, Ezekiel’s prophecy of the sticks of Joseph and Judah, the Book of Mormon as a witness for Christ, Jesus’ organization of the church in the Americas with all of the ordinances essential for salvation, Christ’s visit to his “other sheep” in America, and related items.

A brief history of the restoration of the Church and of the translation, the contents, and the importance of the Book of Mormon. [M.D.P.]”

Internal evidence testifies that the Book of Mormon fulfills both Old Testament prophecies as well as prophecies that are found within the pages of the Book of Mormon itself.

Presents an overview of the contents of the Book of Mormon, emphasizing the fact that Jesus Christ is the central character of the book, and that the LDS church is clearly distinguished from other Christian sects by the manner in which it believes in modern revelation. The Book of Mormon is an example of such revelation.

According to prophecy, Jesus Christ visited many persons on the American continent shortly after his resurrection. He established his Church and taught the people his gospel.

Briefly presents the history of Lehi and his family, including the separation between the Nephites and Lamanites. Descendants of the Lamanites became the American Indians.

In June of 1830, the first Latter-day Saint missionary Samuel Smith journeyed through the backcountry of western New York hoping to find parties interested in the recently published Book of Mormon. Advertising the volume as “a history of the origin of the Indians;’ he attempted to sell copies of the book his brother Joseph claimed to have translated from golden plates given to him by an angel. An etiological tale of the ancient inhabitants of the continent, the Book of Mormon described the emergence of two tribes: the righteous Nephites and wicked Lamanites. After the Lamanites’ rebellion against their relatives, the Book of Mormon recounted how God afflicted them for their iniquity. Whereas they were once “white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome;’ they became cursed with “a skin of blackness.” In the ensuing ethnic conflict, the black-skinned Lamanites ultimately triumphed over their “white” kin, overrunning and annihilating the Nephites to become the ancestors of modern-day Native Americans.

Tanner lists twenty passages from the Book of Mormon that were plagiarized from the Bible. Book of Mormon names do not match names of any native American cities or peoples. Book of Mormon prophets could not have known of Christ before his birth and Joseph Smith was not born from Lehi’s genealogy as the Book of Mormon says he was.

Argues against the claims made by the Book of Mormon and its authenticity. The Book of Mormon characters on the transcript taken to Professor Anthon hold no resemblance to those found in ancient American hieroglyphs preserved in marble.

This pamphlet, produced to replace A Key to the Book of Mormon,

Offers a challenge to all the world to examine the Book of Mormon closely to see if it will stand up under “every test” and analysis. Names used for cities and men never existed on this continent. Book of Mormon characters presented to Anthon are compared with Mayan hieroglyphs and there is no resemblance. Parts of the Book of Mormon have been borrowed from Shakespeare and the Bible.

A polemical pamphlet that offers evidence that Joseph Smith did not translate the Book of Mormon from an ancient text by arguing that Mayan hieroglyphics are not similar to the characters of the Anthon transcript.

In this life we know only in part, and in fact the more I learn, the more I see that I do not know. But I also believe that God knows us completely, that in our uncertainty we can accept God’s love for us as certain and constant.

Covers the period of time from Solomon to Christ. Shows a comparative chronologically of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as early Church writings and writings of Joseph Fielding Smith.

Indicates the textual changes made in the Book of Mormon since the 1830 edition.

Polemical treatise challenging claims that some LDS members make regarding American archaeological finds and their implications for the Book of Mormon. Includes material on the Bat Creek Cave, the Kinderhook plates, and Stela 5.

A polemical booklet attempting to show how the 1980 discovery of the Anthon Transcript casts doubt upon the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. (Editor’s note: this transcript has since been shown to be a forgery.)

These volumes repeat much of the material found in the Tanners’ Mormonism: Shadow or Reality. Volume 2 deals entirely with the Book of Mormon. Over 400 parallels between verses in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon are given. Contains a discussion of theories regarding the Hebrew origin of the American Indians that were common in the days of Joseph Smith. The authors believe that the Book of Mormon is a product of Joseph Smith’s environment.

Article advertising the author’s book Covering Up The Black Hole in the Book of Mormon. Suggests that there is too much emphasis on Christ in the “Old Testament portion” of the Book of Mormon, gives examples of how Joseph Smith plagiarized from the Bible, and claims that a lack of Jewish festivals in the Book of Mormon proves its Protestant origin.

The authors provide “devastating” evidence that the Book of Mormon is a product of the 19th century. Upon losing the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith generalized information because he could not remember all the details of his original 116 pages. In order to further fill in this gap Smith plagiarized from the Bible in order to save his work. The presence of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is unimpressive because similar structures can be found in Joseph Smith’s writings. This work is reviewed in N.145, T.335, and in R.468.

An analysis of two purported denials by Oliver Cowdery of his testimony regarding Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. The writer concludes that the two documents are probably spurious forgeries.

A critical appraisal of the research presented by Davis, Cowdery, and Scales (Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon,

Examines B. H. Roberts’s unpublished manuscript, “A Book of Mormon Study,” and concludes that Mr. Roberts believed that the Book of Mormon was of human origins, and had been influenced by Priest’s Wonders of Nature and Providence. Shows photographs of the unpublished manuscript.

Tanner refutes the theory in Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon?

Polemic challenging classic LDS Bible prooftexts prophesying of the Book of Mormon, attempting to diminish the impact of the testimonies of the Three Witnesses, discussing modes of translation, and citing attitudes of the Smithsonian Institute.

Advertisement for the authors’ work Ferguson’s Manuscript Unveiled, which deals with Thomas Ferguson’s loss of faith in the Book of Mormon as an ancient book.

“Besides the extensive list of parallels between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, this book examines many other possible sources used to create the text, i.e. the Apocrypha, the Westminster Confession, various newspapers and books, etc. Also examined is the Solomon Spalding theory, common phrases, chiasmus (Hebrew poetic form), influence of Freemasonry and folk magic, and the problems with the loss of the first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript.”

In an attempt to discredit the idea that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon himself, this article features a reproduction of a letter supposedly written by Lucy Smith, the mother of Joseph Smith. The letter has since been proven to be a Hofmann forgery.

A condensed version of Mormonism: Shadow or Reality?

The Book of Mormon was influenced by Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason. The LDS church and its Book of Mormon undermine the Bible, and in doing so will destroy the very foundation upon which the Book of Mormon rests. Evidence is presented that shows that modern archaeological finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls prove the Book of Mormon false in its attack on the Bible.

The “familiar spirit” of which the Book of Mormon speaks is used in the Bible to refer to evil spirits. The authors discuss the Masonic Enoch legend of a gold plate and draw comparisons with Mormon accounts.

An exposé of Mormonism. Asserts that the witnesses of the Book of Mormon were fickle and unreliable. Discusses various environmental factors that influenced Joseph Smith in the production of the Book of Mormon such as religious revivals, Protestant teachings of the time, anti-masonry, the Bible, theories regarding the Hebrew origin of the American Indian and Shakespeare’s writings. Various anachronisms are also discussed. Contains a criticism of stylometry and the Book of Mormon. Discusses Nephite coins, the Anthon incident, the Bat Creek inscription, Kinderhook plates, the Newark Stones, Izapa Stela 5, Book of Mormon geography, and others. This work is reviewed in R.469.

A duplication of B. H. Roberts’s personal “A Book of Mormon Study” (two copies) and “A Parallel,” which compared the Book of Mormon with Ethan Smith’s View of the Hebrews, using double columns.

In a rebuttal to charges that they are “demonized agents of the Mormon Church,” the authors give a critical review of Loftes Tryk’s book The Best Kept Secrets of the Book of Mormon

The author finds that the Martin Harris 1873 “White Salamander Letter,” “Joseph Smith III Blessing,” “Lucy Mack Smith’s 1829 Letter,” and “Joseph Smith’s 1825 letter” were forgeries. Reports the investigation of Mark Hofmann in chronological order. Contains interviews and newspaper reports concerning the investigation.

What a privilege and solemn responsibility is ours to be laborers in a house of learning that shares not only proximity with the temple but the same vision of learning as set forth in section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Brothers and sisters, I believe that God is likewise in both stones and storms on our pilgrimage to the promised land. We take with us on our journeys bright memories of times when His finger touched our lives.

President Kimball believed that there must be ongoing pruning for BYU to become more fruitful. We are trying to do this at the central level for university-wide programs and institutes.

The writings of Jacob and his descendants form part of the small plates, a section of the Book of Mormon that Mormon included intact, presumably without editing. Only on the small plates may Joseph Smith have found someone’s “handwriting” other than that of Mormon or Moroni. Speaking in the first person, Jacob and his descendants seem more individual, even in translation, than other writers whose words were more obviously edited by Mormon and Moroni. From Jacob through Omni, the record displays the complex variety one expects of a text written by many hands. The stylistic diversity of Jacob and his descendants is a powerful witness that we are dealing with material written by several ancient authors rather than by one person in early nineteenth-century New York.

Brothers and sisters, we are like those who stand upon mountain peaks, responsible for transmitting light in these last days darkening with signs of battle before the return of the King. Having seen the light from others who have scaled similar peaks, our task is to reflect light to those on the next peak—over and over, from peak to peak, across the miles and the years until the King returns. We are light bearers in a precious tradition of learning in the light.

The talks collected in this volume are drawn from John S. Tanner’s later years at Brigham Young University, prior to his appointment as president of BYU–Hawaii. They contain a record of how, as an administrator, he tried to keep the dream of BYU alive. More broadly, they speak to a vision of learning that has been central to Latter-day Saint doctrine and practice from the earliest days of the Church. He calls it learning in the light (see Psalm 36:9). Bruce C. Hafen observes, Since I began teaching at BYU forty-five years ago, I have heard many talks and read many essays about BYU’s spiritual and intellectual mission. I’ve not heard that mission described more eloquently or with more insight than in John’s work. At his best, he is reminiscent of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, with whom he has much in common—intuitive confidence in gospel premises as the best foundation for sound reasoning; a high degree of awareness about cultural context; equally fluent, even native-tongued, in both the language of the scriptures and the language of liberal education; meek, bright, and empathic.

The word amateur derives from the Latin for “love.” An amateur is at root a lover—a lover of sport, science, art, and so forth. Tanner explains, “There is much to recommend the professional ethic, including rigor, methodology, high standards of review, and so forth. . . . Yet it is hoped that we also never cease to be amateurs in our professions—that is, passionate devotees of our disciplines.” This book gathers together brief messages entitled “Notes from an Amateur” that were periodically sent to the faculty at Brigham Young University by former academic vice president John S. Tanner. Tanner’s words reflect his years of experience as a scholar, an administrator, and a disciple, addressing with characteristic insight and wisdom an impressive range of topics from the seemingly mundane to the inspiring. This book is enhanced by the evocative art of Brian Kershisnik. ISBN 978-0-8425-2801-6

I believe that our only hope to find the “more excellent way” at BYU is through charity, the pure love of Christ.

In a very real sense BYU extends the long shadow of the Prophet’s personal and prophetic commitment to seek learning by study and by faith. Joseph loved to learn.

Because our tribulations unfold in real time, the only way out, alas, is through. This means we must endure not only our hardships but the ordeal of anxiety within the ordeal; it means we must live on promises and walk by faith.

An education that edifies does not destroy innocence but pushes back ignorance. It does not eradicate faith but enables educated believers to articulate reasons for the hope that is in them.

The first line of Nephi’s Psalm (found in 2 Nephi 4:16– 35) matches perfectly the iambic pentameter of Jean Sibelius’s Finlandia, more commonly known among Latter-day Saints as the hymn Be Still, My Soul. Because of this coincidence, John S. Tanner decided to write lyrics based on Nephi’s Psalm, called I Love the Lord, after which he solicited the help of Ronald J. Staheli in composing a musical arrangement based on Finlandia. Tanner later wrote another adaptation of Nephi’s Psalm, called Sometimes My Soul, using the tune of an American folk song. He explains the process of writing these two songs and the accompanying challenges.

Scriptures are by nature preserved in words. Words alone, however, cannot contain the full reality of the worlds they represent. As sacred texts, our scriptures are overwhelmingly historical, presenting factual accounts of things that happened in time and space. But because they are written, scriptures are also inherently textual, possessing literary qualities that contribute to their witness. The aim of the writing of sacred history is different from that of history writing in general, because scripture seeks to bear testimony while it seeks to preserve events. To read the record without feeling the testimony is to misread. To be understood properly, scripture requires both the companionship of the Holy Ghost and a keen sensitivity to the inspired objectives of the author. Often those objectives are not seen fully without reading the scripture as sacred literature as well as history.

Short lessons on the characters and teachings of the Old Testament

Review of “Anti-Universalist Rhetoric in the Book of Mormon” (1993) by Dan Vogel.

Review of “Book of Mormon Christology” (1993), by Melodie Moench Charles.

The book of Ether is an edited version of the twenty-four gold plates found by Limhi and translated by Mosiah. Its themes include secret combinations, the importance of following prophets, and wickedness brings destruction. It teaches of Christ’s premortal spirit body, that Three Witnesses would testify of the Book of Mormon, and that a New Jerusalem will be built in the western hemisphere.

N. Eldon Tanner - The choice to serve God, worthily made, does not necessarily preclude a home or sufficient money or income, or the things of this world which bring joy and happiness, but it does require that we must not turn away from God and the teachings of Jesus Christ while in the pursuit of our temporal needs.

N. Eldon Tanner - Your study and your devotion and experience have prepared you for real service in the work of the Lord.