Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: drstevej
If the original 113 pages are not identical to the retranslated 113 pages would not Joseph Smith and the LDS faith be discredited?

It would depend on how far apart the differences were, wouldn't it?

But since you don't have the 113 missing pages of the original manuscript that was lost by Martin Harris, all you've got is speculation.

130 posted on 06/19/2002 6:00:37 PM PDT by CubicleGuy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 128 | View Replies ]


To: CubicleGuy; RnMomof7; White Mountain; rdb3; CCWoody; Dr. Eckleburg
***It would depend on how far apart the differences were, wouldn't it?***

In doing a quick google search I was reminded that Joseph after Harris lost the first 116 pages was conveniently directed by god to translate a shorter account.

Joseph Smith was forbidden by the Lord to retranslate that part of the record previously translated because those who had stolen the manuscript planned to publish it in an altered form to discredit his ability to translate accurately (D&C 10:9-13). Instead, he was to translate the Small Plates of Nephi (1 Nephi-Omni) down to that which he had translated (D&C 10:41). Those plates covered approximately the same period as had the lost manuscript, or four centuries from Lehi to Benjamin. Mormon had been so impressed with the choice prophecies and sayings contained in the small plates that he had included them with his own abridgment of Nephite writings when told to by the Spirit for "a wise purpose" known only to the Lord (W of M 1:7).

Source (a LDS site): http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/bom/116_eom.htm

=====

Joseph's god was sure shrewd to avoid the trap of people who might think Joseph was yankin' their crank!

131 posted on 06/19/2002 6:09:43 PM PDT by drstevej
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 130 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson