[delacoert]

This article was mentioned in a previous thread, The Reliability of Mormon History Produced by the LDS Church . It is written by a non-Mormon scholar, and while being more than a little deferencial toward Mormonism, at least enterains the strong possibily that Joseph Smith as a "pious" fraud.

It is very long, but well referenced and very valuable as a research tool.

[dotan]

Why do frauds always have to be pious? What is it about fraudulence and piety? Do they call on the same portion of the brain? the effect of the same hormone?

[RobRoy]

The sheer quantity of ink and data bits wasted discussing the understanding of an obvious fraud never ceases to amaze me.

If it were not so serious it would be high comedy.

But it is so it isn’t.

[delacoert]

Flying Inman ping

The author lays out a framework for considering the reasons for the fraudulent actions of Joseph Smith. Even though her analysis strikes me as being too lenient, it provides rich context.

Notice that it appeared as the first article in the priemere issue of LDS's own journal, Journal of Mormon History.

[humblegunner]

engraving on the plates is "translated" by means of "Urim and Thummim," an instrument which operated on the same principle as the peepstone.

Hey, it's a magic vest with magic glasses.
Everybody has those, you buy 'em on Ebay.

That technology has been around for thousands of years.

[Marysecretary]

I don’t think it was God he found.