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Contains testimonies of leaders of the LDS church concerning the Book of Mormon as well as other topics. Included are Joseph Smith and his family members and close associates, the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and those involved in the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon.
Comprehensive study on the theories that have been held concerning the provenance of the American Indians from the time of Columbus to 1929.
The relationship of the Book of Mormon to the Bible from the standpoint of literary accuracy is discussed. The author justifies the textual changes in the Book of Mormon by rehearsing a historical trail of changes made in the English Bible.
Ten theology lessons designed to give evidences of the divine origin of the Book of Mormon. Bible passages foretold the Book of Mormon. Tells about the translation and publication of the manuscript, provides the testimonies of the witnesses, explains the objections to the Book of Mormon, Indian traditions, and similarities between the Biblical and Book of Mormon passages.
The six-volume Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints originally began as a series of monthly articles written by B.H. Roberts from 1909 to 1915 for the Americana magazine. The articles were published in in the six-volume masterpiece in 1930 in commemoration of the Church\'s Centennial Celebration. The volumes discuss in detail many of the developments and events throughout the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A history of the Church, including detailed discussions of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Joseph obtaining the plates, Lucy Mack Smith’s description of the Urim and Thummim, the translation, Professor Anthon’s letter, and the loss of the 110 pages of manuscript. Examines the mode of translation as reported by those who were near the prophet. Reports the testimony of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses, discusses anti-Mormon criticism and the excommunication of the Three Witnesses. Reveals details of the publication of the Book of Mormon, the efforts to thwart its publication, and other problems concerning the copyright. Provides an analysis of the purpose and structure of the book. Considers the conflict between Book of Mormon teachings and the revelation given to the Prophet on marriage.
A polemical tract against the Book of Mormon attempting to demonstrate that many of its claims are false and unsupported by archaeological evidence. Author asserts that there is no evidence for the Hebrew origin of the American Indian, pre-columbian iron and steel, transoceanic migration, and Egyptian language in American white Indians. Other alleged anachronisms are noted.
A study guide/lesson plan for the Reorganized church with five parts and twenty-one lessons. Lessons deal with the book’s authenticity, authors, chronology, groups of people, doctrines, and social relations among the different people.
Pages 397-401 contain a brief discussion of Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. Author notes that more recent critics of the Book of Mormon favor the environmentalist explanation over that of the Spaulding theory.
A reprint of Adair’s work with an index, extended notes by the editor of Adair’s original notes, and an introduction giving an account of Adair and the book.
Lambert praises the one hundred-year anniversary of the Book of Mormon, discusses the rarity and value of the first edition and urges all to heed its counsel.
Burgess discusses the different editions of the Book of Mormon, including items about when and where they were printed.
Articles
Perhaps the greatest message of the Book of Mormon is that God speaks to all his children, “on one continent or another, in one land or another,” all will be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Refers to the Book of Mormon as the record of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim that supplies the world with a new witness for Christ and the fullness of the gospel.
A brief bibliography of books and tracts on the Book of Mormon.
Outlines the different groups who came to America as described in the Book of Mormon and shows how the Book of Mormon story agrees consistently with the Bible in history and doctrine.
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.]”
Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Christ. Author tells of the importance and significance of the two.
A poem describing the confiict between the Lamanites and Nephites and the final translation of the plates.
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.
Discusses John 10:14-16 where the Savior speaks of his other sheep. The Book of Mormon reveals that this other “fold” was the branch of Israel in America.
The more evidence there is, the stronger faith will become. The Book of Mormon increases the evidence for supreme religious truths. Bringing forth this book may be said to double the divine evidence for these truths. This book is a new volume of scripture, the voice of the inhabitants of the western continent testifying that they were not neglected by God.
The appearance of the Savior to a group of people in the land Bountiful after his ascension into heaven (3 Nephi) was personal testimony of Christ himself. The people on the American continent were the “other sheep”
Christ is God manifested. If men would know God, all they have to do is hold up a clear vision of the Christ. Christ appeared to the people in Bountiful after his resurrection.
Alma says that after the resurrection there is no dissolution that takes place, but spirit and body become inseparably united into one spiritual personage, spirit predominating, and that is why the revelations say, “Man is spirit”
Refers to Jesus as the “Creator of all things,” as well as “the Father of Heaven and of Earth” This same thought is repeated in the Book of Mormon by Mosiah, Alma, Nephi, and Moroni in connection with the idea that Jesus is “the Creator”
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Jesus came that he might redeem the children of men from the Fall, and because they are redeemed they are free (2 Nephi 2:22-27). Resurrection from the dead is as universal as death—therefore Jesus is referred to as the Redeemer.
“At the end of the work, Nibley writes in long hand: This is unfortunately not the end—I have over one hundred pages that go on
like this. Authorities and sources for all quotations and other exact assertions will be freely revealed on request.“
An overview of the Republic following stream of conscious.
Scriptural passages point out the difference in Christ as a “Redeemer” and Christ as a “Savior” (Alma 22:14; Helaman 15:18). Christ’s work brings universal redemption from physical death through resurrection, and brings salvation from the effects of individual sin through faith and repentance.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Reprinted as “First Christmas on Western Hemisphere” Deseret News Church Section (23 December 1939): 1, 8. Retells the story of Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy to the Nephite people of the signs that would occur at Christ’s birth in the Western Hemisphere.
Presents an anthology of scriptural references from the Book of Mormon that pertain to the various doctrines, including the plan of redemption, baptism, law of Moses, and the coming of Christ.
A historical polemical work against Mormonism. Chapter 8 discusses various alleged anachronisms and absurdities in the Book of Mormon. The author rejects the Spaulding Theory in favor of the psychological environmentalist explanation proposed by Woodbridge Riley for the origin of the Book of Mormon.
A historical examination of the life of Sidney Rigdon that discusses the theories concerning the origin of the Book of Mormon. Concludes that Sidney Rigdon had no contact with Joseph Smith nor the Spaulding Manuscript prior to 1830.
The Church’s role in Abraham’s covenant
This booklet calls attention to the wonder of the Great Pyramid of Egypt and points out that ancient Americans show archaeological similarities to the ancient Egyptians. Smith discusses astronomy and geometry as related to the construction of these ancient structures and explores how Mayan ruins and the legend of Quetzalcoatl relate to the Book of Mormon.
Bearing witness of the Father and of the Son—and especially of the Son—seems to be the major function of the Holy Ghost, Supreme Witness for God (1 Nephi 12:18).
“Men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 11:25-27). The resurrected man can die no more, his spirit and body will never be divided again, and thus will progress through the eternities if he wills it so (Alma 11:45).
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Reprinted from the Kansas City Star, 24 February 1931, wherein Alberto R. Escalona, Mexican archaeologist, is quoted as saying “the Mayas arrived in Yucatan about 275 B.C” The date provided by Escalona coincides approximately with proposed Book of Mormon dates.
Joy comes from experiencing and knowing opposites, and then choosing the better part (2 Nephi 2:25).
The doctrine of free agency is strongly set forth (2 Nephi 2:26-27; Alma 29:4).
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
The Book of Mormon came forth at a time when there was a great need for faith. It is a record of God’s personal dealings with the ancient inhabitants of America and its purpose is to convince the Jew and gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.
Refers to the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite about Christ’s birth and the prophecy’s subsequent fulfillment (3 Nephi 8-11). The Easter event in the western world was “established by ocular and auditory evidence”
This series defends the reality of the natural catastrophes described in 3 Nephi 8-10. It quotes descriptions of more recent hurricanes and earthquakes to show how similar the details are and how accurate the Book of Mormon account is. The account in 3 Nephi 8-10 is so accurate that neither Joseph Smith nor Oliver Cowdery could have had sufficient knowledge of the facts of natural disasters to have invented this description. The first part covers hurricanes.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 3 Nephi
Moroni was a man who was faithful in life, in death, and as a resurrected being. Under the most difficult circumstances during and after the Nephite civil war, he lived as an outcast rather than deny his testimony.
This series defends the reality of the natural catastrophes described in 3 Nephi 8-10. Quotes descriptions of more recent hurricanes and earthquakes to show how similar the details are and how accurate the Book of Mormon account is. The account in 3 Nephi 8-10 is so accurate that neither Joseph Smith nor Oliver Cowdery could have had sufficient knowledge of the facts of natural disasters to have invented this description. The second part covers earthquakes.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 3 Nephi
Articles
Based on the findings of a Jewish archaeologist, Isadore Lhevinne, who affirms that Jews discovered America, this article claims that evidence shows that Jews reached Mexican shores on more than one occasion hundreds of years before Columbus.
Reprinted from the Kansas City Journal, June 5, 1881. A reporter interviews David Whitmer regarding his role as a witness, the gold plates, and his testimony of the Book of Mormon.
The reason Joseph could marry an Egyptian and still have the heirship of Israel placed on his son Ephraim
Old Testament Topics > Joseph and Asenath
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Abraham and Sarah [see also Covenant]
Traditions of the Indians tell of “a book” that their forefathers once possessed. It was taken from them, buried, and promised that it would come forth at a later time. Accounts from letters and journals of early missionaries of the Church as well as scholars of ancient Indians tell of these traditions.
David Whitmer showed his copy of the Book of Mormon manuscript to Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith, who noticed that the signatures of the 11 witnesses were in Oliver Cowdery’s handwriting. The author concludes therefore that this is the printer’s manuscript, and that the original manuscript was placed into the cornerstone of the Nauvoo House.
The Book of Mormon represents only a “fragment of the inspired writings recorded on metallic plates by Israelitish prophets in America” There existed many additional records, which may be revealed in a future day.
Refers to a book by Reverend D. H. Bays who collected views of eminent scholars on the authenticity of Martin Harris’s “characters” Central American scholars Augustus LePlongeon and Ignatius Donnelly identified Mayan inscriptions with elements of Egyptian writing in them.
Retells Joseph Smith’s account of the angel Moroni’s visit, his acquisition of the plates, and the translation. Concludes with the testimony of the Three Witnesses.
Denigrates LDS practices and teachings. Says that missionaries circulate the Book of Mormon but not the Bible. Comments on reactions of Church leaders to an earlier article claiming that LDS teachings were changing.
Contains a photograph and transcription of the patent for the first edition of the Book of Mormon filed by Joseph Smith Jr., 11 June 1829.
A fictional story that tells of a Gadianton spy who falls in love with the daughter of Gidgiddoni and plans the extermination of his own secret band.
The author considers the Book of Mormon to be a “solemn parody of the Bible” (p. 253) and a product of a nineteenth-century New England environment.
An historical look at the anti-Masonic and historical factors present in up-state New York in the late 1820s following the murder of William Morgan. The author asserts that the Book of Mormon incorporates these factors into its discussion of the Gadianton robbers. A summary of the arguments for the “Gadianton-Mason” in the Book of Mormon.
The author of this paper accuses Moroni of not letting competent professionals view the golden plates. Mysteries concerning the ancient Mesoamericans, will forever remain unknown until Moroni descends and reveals to professionals where to find the hidden golden plates. One such mystery, for instance, pertains to whether or not Quetzalcoatl is related to the Asian Buddha.
A missionary tract that describes some of the ruins of Yucatan and Guatemala. Presents an overview of the contents of the Book of Mormon.
Sunday School lessons for youth. Gives an outline of the text covered each week. Integrates teachings of Book of Mormon prophets with examples from daily life.
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a semi-official history of the early Latter Day Saint movement during the lifetime of Joseph Smith. It is largely composed of Smith’s writings and interpretations and editorial comments by Smith’s secretaries, scribes, and after Smith’s death, historians of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The history was written between 1839 and 1856. Parts of it were published in Times and Seasons and other church periodicals. It was later published in its entirety with extensive annotations and edits by B. H. Roberts as part of a seven-volume series beginning in 1902 as History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
First published as The Redeemed Hebrew, 1926. A message to all Jews that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, and that a new witness to these truths has been brought forth. The Book of Mormon brings knowledge of Christ in the New World as it discusses the signs of his birth and death. The divinity of Christ is proclaimed in the Book of Mormon. The testimony of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses is given to prove that Joseph Smith had the ancient American record.
Deals with the historical relations between the Mormons and the Indians, and gives a brief overview of the Book of Mormon, explaining how that and biblical prophecies have influenced relations between the Latter-day Saints and the American Indians.
Also in Deseret News Church Section
On the basis of its involved structure, the author argues that the Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient document and not a modern composition.
A seaman creates a model of a Jaredite barge and explains its different parts.
The use of the term “stick” in Ezekiel 37 does not refer to books as some have suggested, but it has reference to nations, i.e., the stick of Judah is the Jewish nation and the stick of Ephraim is the Ephraimite nation.
The “Book of Mormon is the greatest missionary in all the world” Those who prefer to believe the Spaulding theory should publish the manuscript and make a comparison. There are two tests that must be applied to any man claiming to be a prophet of God: Are the things he prophesied coming true? Are the doctrines he teaches the same as those taught by Jesus Christ? In both instances Joseph Smith passes the test.
The prophet Joseph Smith taught in the Nauvoo House concerning the stick of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Lehi was of the family of Manasseh and Ishmael and his family were of the house of Ephraim. The one hundred sixteen lost pages of the Book of Mormon contained a clear account of Ishmael’s ancestry. That is the reason, the prophet said, that no mention of Ishmael’s genealogy is in the Book of Mormon. Richards discusses the marriage relationships and union of the families. Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters thus combining the two tribes. Richards writes that this fulfills the prophecy in Genesis 48:20 that Ephraim and Manasseh together should become a multitude of nations.
Talks about the role of witnesses. God gave the same commission to the Book of Mormon witnesses in the new dispensation as he did to the ancient witnesses.
Describes several external evidences of the Book of Mormon: an Egyptian Prince declared that he could understand a pure Egyptian dialect spoken in Mesoamerica; compares Egyptian and Mayan alphabet characters and says one borrowed from the other; discusses the theory of Atlantis as a possible land bridge; relates the discovery of the “earliest American date, 6 August 613 B.C”
Archaeological discoveries in Mexico and Central America demonstrate the abundance and frequent use of gold. Spanish conquistadors describe plates and slabs of gold that match Joseph Smith’s description of the gold plates.
Provides a list of references from the Book of Mormon concerning the location of the Hill Cumorah.
The Indian legend concerning the peace pipe is one of great significance to the Book of Mormon. The pipe was a symbol of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The account of Jesus’ visit to the Americas might help to explain this legend more fully.
Pack defends the veracity of the Book of Mormon, dismisses the Spaulding Theory, reminds his listeners that the Three Witnesses never denied their testimonies, and reiterates Moroni’s promise (Moroni 10:4) that all may know the truth of the Book of Mormon through prayer.
The Book of Mormon purports to be a record of the dealings of God with certain people on the American continent. Gives a lengthy overview of the Book of Mormon story.
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.
Human bones found in caves along the Sac River near Osceola, Missouri, date to “pre-Indian” times, which Gunnell suggests may be of interest to readers of the Book of Mormon.
A story about Oliver Cowdery, who never denied his testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Abraham and Sarah [see also Covenant]
Text of an address showing the power that the Book of Mormon exerts on human hearts. Gives conversion stories of early Church leaders, and relates the Book of Mormon teachings to the principles of personal knowledge, righteousness, and service that are the heart of the New Testament.
An excerpt from the pamphlet “Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon” that claims that the stick of Judah refers to the Bible and the stick of Ephraim refers to the Book of Mormon.
A rebuttal to an earlier article (James H. Anderson, 20 February 1932) concerning the meaning of the term stick in Ezekiel 37:15-17. Sperry argues that the stick of Ephraim is the Book of Mormon and the stick of Judah is the Bible.
Reviews the obtaining and the translation of the gold plates by Joseph Smith, the Anthon incident and the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Presenting a brief history of the Mormons in Illinois, the author offers a psychological interpretation of Joseph Smith, considering the Book of Mormon to be “the product of an adolescent mind, and a mind obviously suffering from the characteristic mental disease of adolescence-dementia praecox. The Mormon faith is the result of the reaction of an adolescent nation to that book”
Articles
This article claims that Chihuahua, Mexico was once inhabited by a brilliant civilization. A visit to the ruins shows remarkable skills in masonry, textiles, and pottery, as well as a preoccupation with warfare and ingenious designs for protection. The inhabitants of this civilization may have been the Gadianton robbers.
This article provides information regarding a number of recent paleontological discoveries that shed light on Book of Mormon statements regarding oxen, sheep, and other animals, and the smelting of iron.
This article is a travelogue of visitors to Easter Island. The underlying question is whEther or not certain aspects of the island reflect cultural characteristics of the Nephite voyagers during the time of Hagoth.
This article is a fictional story of Lehi’s family and the Exodus as seen from the eyes of Lemuel’s wife.
Lessons from the Book of Mormon written in story form. Includes questions for study and discussion, problems to solve, and projects.
Central American architecture is similar to ancient Near Eastern architecture as found in Babylon and Egypt. The ruins in Central America fit criteria of architecture of the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Announces The Great Migration, by J. Fitzgerald Lee, which is a scholarly book with the hypothesis that the Hebrew race originated in America and migrated there from Asia. Concludes that this “unwittingly testifies to the truth of the Book of Mormon”
Presents the Book of Mormon as a scripture that originated on the American continent and gives a summary of its contents.
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.
The Urim and Thummim were instruments used in translating the Book of Mormon, were utilized by the brother of Jared, and were prepared by God to bring to light all the works of darkness and secret organizations.
In order to support claims by the Book of Mormon, the author presents archaeological evidence that the wheel existed in ancient America.
Compares Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 13) to the manner in which history unfolded on the American continent. Columbus was inspired, the Pilgrims came out of captivity, the gentiles fought against England, and America became a land of liberty and prosperity as Nephi prophesied.
The United States of America is a choice land. There are two great prophecies in the Book of Mormon: it is a witness of the divinity of Christ, and it gives prophecies concerning the great gentile nation. If the Gentiles sin against the gospel, it shall be taken from among them. But if they will repent, they shall be numbered among his people.
Articles
Book of Mormon gives world new light on ancient history. Archaeology confirms its truth. Quetzalcoatl stems from Christ’s visit. Hagoth’s expeditions possibly settled South Pacific islands. Politics and war are highly developed in Book of Mormon, which is a divine record.
Articles
In Jacob’s sermon on immorality (Jacob 2) polygamy is not forbidden. What is forbidden is the taking of wives and concubines without the sanction of God.
Since Columbus, the world has tried to find out the origin of the American Indian. The author gives several examples of different theories written on this subject. The members of the LDS church have a true history of the American Indian and that history is the Book of Mormon.
An announcement that “all source material pertaining to the introduction and translation of the Book of Mormon is to be made available to members of the Church”
Articles
Describes a time when Indian students visited the Alberta, Canada, Temple. They saw wall paintings that depicted Lehi offering a sacrifice after landing on American soil, and a picture of Christ administering the sacrament to a Lamanite at his coming after his resurrection.
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.
The authenticity of a letter purported to have been written by Emma Smith is called into question. Emma Smith denies the truthfulness of the letter and bears witness that at no time did she ever question Joseph Smith’s divine calling or the divinity of the Book of Mormon that he translated.
Addresses the problems raised by the Isaiah portions contained in the Book of Mormon, including the multiple authorship of Isaiah and resulting conflict in dates, and the similarities and differences between the King James Version wording and Joseph Smith’s translation. Cites the various Hebrew texts to support claims that the Book of Mormon translation is the most accurate.
The traditions of the Maya are recorded in the book known as the Popol Vuh. These traditions include the creation story, the Tower of Babel, and the bearded, white God. These traditions coincide with some Book of Mormon teachings and may aid in its authentication.
Articles
The author claims that a comparison of Quetzalcoatl, the Book of Mormon, and biblical passages reveals many similarities.
Articles
Argues against statements that Joseph Smith produced the Book of Mormon by way of “visionary seizures” The testimony of the Three Witnesses is reprinted, as is a description of David Whitmer’s testimony before he died.
Lord Kingbrough (1830—1848), H. H. Bancroft, D. G. Brinton, Torquemanda, and Angus W. McKay found traditions of the virgin birth in the traditions of Mexico, the Otomies, and Navajo Indians. Other ancient peoples such as the Aztecs and the Indians of Paraguay believed in the virgin birth of their gods. This same belief was taught to ancient Americans in the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Growing amount of evidence shows that Columbus was late in his discovery of America. Ancient manuscripts indicate that the first inhabitants of America came from the East and that they had elephants as reported in the Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, November 4.
Gives a brief background of the Aztecs’ Calendar Stone and of the disappearance of the Mayas between the time a.d. 400 and 500. These evidences support the Book of Mormon.
Believers in the Bible should look forward to further revelation from the Lord. The Book of Mormon restores ancient knowledge that has been lost, such as the plan of salvation. The doctrine of the Atonement is no better explained in all of scripture than in the Book of Mormon. The law of opposites and the concept of Satan is clarified.
Gives a brief history of the translation process of the Book of Mormon and cites cases of ancient peoples like the Nephites who also kept records.
Features 86 brief chapters, each containing a number of verses from the Book of Mormon. Some chapters are introduced with a note from the author.
A correlation of the Book of Mormon and the history of Old Testament events
The LDS church is founded upon the principles of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is not a “Golden Bible” nor does it take the place of the Bible. It is not associated with secret societies, but condemns the same.
Typescript copies of two early upstate New York newspapers that provide comments about the Book of Mormon. Includes Obadiah Dogberry’s well-known satire, The Book of Pukei.
This tract explains briefly the contents, origin, authenticity, witnesses, consistency, archaeological discovery in modern times, and the Bible prophecies concerning the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Catholic missionaries who arrived in America found the natives practicing baptism and were horrified. Some cultures sprinkled while others immersed the infant, but always it was meant to lead the individual toward a better life and salvation in the kingdom of God. These practices are explain by the Book of Mormon text that informs the reader that baptism was introduced early in America’s history. [J.W. M.]
Tells of American Indian traditions that support the Book of Mormon since they are similar to traditions of the Nephite and Lamanite people.
Articles
The calendar developed by the Maya Indians began somewhere between 613 and 580 B.C., though it dates back to 3373 B.C., and was arranged by the deity Quetzalcoatl. The Book of Mormon people reckoned their time from the Savior’s birth. The date when Mayan history began and the correlation with the sign of the birth of deity are evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.
Witnesses of the truth are a very important part of God’s plan. The Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon were respected men who approached the Lord in humble prayer in daylight and open air. Eight other witnesses added their testimonies. The chief human witness was the translator, Joseph Smith.
Argues that some names on the Mayan Calendar are similar enough to Book of Mormon names to clearly confirm the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. God permitted the ecclesiastics in A.D. 1561 to destroy the ancient records of the Indians so that when the Book of Mormon was published there would be no information on the Indians from which Joseph Smith could have been accused of borrowing ideas.
Articles
The Book of Mormon records that Lehi’s colony took brass plates upon which were recorded the record of the Jews and the genealogy of their forefathers. The British Museum has metal plates that are engraved with records of several different cultures.
Discusses various concepts regarding the two manuscripts of the Book of Mormon, including ownership, history, and significance.
Articles
Metal plates prepared by the ancients have been found in several locations in America. There are many historical accounts of metal plates that no longer exist as they were melted down to be used in other ways. Melvin J. Ballard describes plates seen in a museum in Lima, Peru, that were gold sheets, the size of the Book of Mormon plates (Deseret News April 30, 1932).
Articles
Joseph Smith described the gold plates as having “the appearance of gold” The word “appearance” is significant as plates of pure gold would have been in danger of easy destruction. Most likely it was a gold and copper alloy. The Book of Mormon could have been written in Hebrew on just 21 pages or plates; in Phoenician characters about 45 plates would have been necessary, even taking into account the loss of the 116 pages.
Articles
The legal status of the testimony of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon is important. “Their witness stands unimpeached before the world” Despite apostasy, none ever denied his testimony; all were honorable, upstanding men.
Articles
Harris cites evidence that many ancient American cultures used “seer stones” and breastplates that suggest a corrupt form of the Urim and Thummim used with the breastplate. He shows how many Indians from North America to Peru in South America used clear stones or crystals for divination.
This article is a brief testimony of the truthfulness and value of the Book of Mormon, written by a man who is part Scottish and part Blackfoot Indian.
Heber J. Grant writes about reading the Book of Mormon as a boy. Melvin J. Ballard speaks about the book’s purpose of being carried to “all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples.”
A brief testimony of the truthfulness and value of the Book of Mormon, written by a man who is part Scottish and part Blackfoot Indian.
Articles
This article is a listing of Book of Mormon authors, the number of years each composed his writings, and their order of succession. It also includes scriptural references.
Text of an address dealing with the Book of Mormon’s history and prophecies about America. Nephi’s vision of the land of promise and Moroni’s warning to the Gentiles are lessons for us today.
Articles
Harris cites many examples of one language being written with another alphabet—transliteration. This he does to support the claim of the Book of Mormon that Hebrew was written with Reformed Egyptian characters (Mormon 9:32-33; 1 Nephi 1:2). Mentions the discovery by Sir Flinders Petrie of some writings in the Peninsula of Sinai that were in the Hebrew language but written “in Egyptian hieratic characters somewhat changed”
Articles
Explores geographical/historical/archaeological implications of Lehi’s journey out of Jerusalem. Says hostile Arabs prevented a journey through inhabited areas.
Refutes scholarly claims that the Bible was written during the 7th century b.c. by examining the contents of the brass plates that Lehi took to the New World. Since the brass plates contained the Pentateuch, chronicles, and prophecies until the reign of Zedekiah, the Book of Mormon offers evidence that the Bible was written at an earlier date.
This page contains a picture of copies of the Book of Mormon and a very short paragraph on a page of a Book of Mormon owned by Hyrum and Joseph Smith with signatures to their testimony.
Articles
The copy of the Book of Mormon owned by Hyrum Smith at the time of his martyrdom is a cherished heirloom.
Gives evidence and reasons that Joseph Smith did not quote from the Bible in translating the Book of Mormon as many critics suggest.
A non-member read and studied the Book of Mormon for six months and was very impressed by it.
Articles
This article chronicles the final years of Martin Harris’s life and his journey to Utah. Harris spoke to congregations bearing his witness of the Book of Mormon. He died in July 1870 and was buried with a Book of Mormon in one hand and a Doctrine and Covenants in the other.
Notes that Moroni’s sermons about spiritual gifts, the sacrament, and charity resemble Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 13. Suggests that Jesus was actually the originator of Paul’s words, since Paul could have collected records from his contemporaries that were not included in the four gospels. Moroni would have learned from Jesus’ actual words to his disciples in America, which explains the similarities in the teachings of 1 Corinthians and the Book of Mormon.
The author, not a member of the Church, examines the Rigdon-Spaulding theory of the origin of the Book of Mormon. He gives several reasons why the Rigdon-Spaulding theory is false and states that the Book of Mormon was not influenced by the writings of Solomon Spaulding.
Fifteen-part series. Joseph Smith was unshakable in his faith that the Book of Mormon was “the most correct book” The observations of the critics of the Book of Mormon by D. H. Bays, Rev. M. T. Lamb, the Wayne Sentinel, and the Palmyra Reflector show that the book is either true or false. The Book of Mormon is evidence of divine intervention. Reprints articles from the Wayne Sentinel dated September 16, 1829—January 2, 1830, that are infiammatory and derogatory toward the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Contains facts concerning the translation and publication process of the Book of Mormon. Includes Joseph Smith’s own words concerning commencement of the translation with Oliver Cowdery as scribe, the move to Fayette, New York, and publication by E. B. Grandin. Quotes extensively from Lucy Mack Smith concerning Joseph’s reception of the plates, the work of translation, the loss of the 116 pages of manuscript, and Martin Harris’s donation of money for the Book of Mormon. John S. Reed, Esq., a nonmember, delivered testimony before the state convention at Nauvoo in 1844 that Joseph had received the plates. Quotes several authors to prove that it was well-known that Joseph Smith had the plates prior to the publication of the Book of Mormon. Both friend and foe declared Joseph unlearned and devoid of the ability to write the Book of Mormon. Earnest seekers of truth and the knowledge of God acknowledge the Book of Mormon as a divine witness of Jesus Christ.
A non-Mormon scholar states that the Spaulding theory is false and that Joseph Smith is not a fraud, arguing that the Book of Mormon witnesses who left the Church would have exposed the Book of Mormon story if it truly were fraudulent.
Articles
Concentrates on the work of salvation for the dead as introduced when Moroni quoted Malachi to Joseph Smith.
Likens the Gadianton robbers to modern organized crime. Claims that the “author and founder” of the Gadianton robbers is Satan.
Recounts Christ’s visit to the Nephites in the Americas. Refers to external evidences, such as the Mexican calendar stone and Joseph Smith’s witnesses, that help support the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon.
States that many archaeological, historical, and traditional evidences of ancient inhabitants of Mexico and Central America are linked with the Book of Mormon. Many items mentioned in the book have been found such as fine linen, elephants, horses, and temples.