As we touched on above, the prophet joseph smith translated the ancient book. Folk magic and occult beliefs were a part of early american and mormon culture, affecting practice and doctrine in profound ways. It is the premiere book in mormon works but it should not be considered specifically as mormon fantasy fiction, since it is, in fact, a work of nonfiction. First, let me state the obvious, that mormons are not witches, and most mormons probably dont think much about witchcraft. Like the plates, they were a sacred object that only joseph was. Reading 2 nephi 28 is a great way to plan a defense against satan and his minions. Shortly after hinckleys sermon, salt lake citys signature books published a new volume on joseph smith, early mormonism and the magic world view, by d. Joseph smiths use of such stones needs to be situated in its historical and theological context. There are specific quotes in the book of mormon that are found in the king james bible and other modern works that joseph smith had access to. It is claimed that the revelation was published in the book of commandments in its original form, then subsequently modified in the doctrine and covenants in order to hide the reference to. To outsiders, these sacred mormon objects may seem odd, but. Do this fun cup object lesson to discuss how we can receive revelation.
A number of other smith family biographical facts were used by joseph in the book of mormon. Mormons, in addition to recognizing the male christian father, also recognize a heavenly mother. Sep 01, 2008 even the book of mormon identifies magic and sorceries with the work of the evil one mormon 1. Joseph smiths activity in bringing forth the book of mormon can be viewed as a project of alchemy, which was influenced by his affiliation with treasure digging, the folk magic worldview, the hermetic tradition,1 as well as his many mystical spiritual experiences. How do they deal with someone who brings out devastating information concerning magic in the early church and yet professes a belief in the prophet. The connection between magic and mormonism can be traced to the very beginnings of this nineteenthcentury american religion. Quinn discovers that smiths world was inhabited by supernatural creatures whose existence could be both symbolic and real. Did a magic world view influence joseph smith and the coming forth of. The book of mormon has many miracles and wonders listed in its pages. I am also pleased that this is a question that has been explored by numerous mormon historians. Its so much easier to resist temptation when you can recognize it and have a plan in place. Joseph smiths magic seer stonedefinition of seer stone. For example, the parting of the red sea was not something the children of israel could have foreseen as they ran from the approaching egyptian army. Joseph smithoccultism and magicspiritual experiences.
Demonic and ungodly names in the book of mormon 1 life. The translation of the book of mormon was a miraculous process, and could have only been accomplished by someone with unusual faith. The plain doctrine of jesus christ is taught in the book of mormon, and by following this doctrine, one receives the fruit of peace, joy, light, knowledge, and truth. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Joseph smith and the book of mormon in the light of his disclosures concerning magic may be difficult for many of us to understand, it presents an even greater dilemma for the mormon leaders.
Early mormonism and the magic world view signature books. Dear brother anderson, this is going to be discourse without footnotes. Reuben clark, the twovolume mormon hierarchy series origins of power, extensions of power, and samesex dynamics among nineteenthcentury americans. Translating the book of mormon religious studies center. Top 10 embarrassments of the mormon religion listverse. In the introduction of the book of mormon, smith states that it is the record of gods dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the americas, which also contains the fullness of the everlasting. Smith believed these objects could harness the powers of the supernatural, whether to benefit himself through moneydigging or to further gods work. Book of mormon the book of mormon is more correct than the bible, history of the church, vol. Everyone will need their own set of scriptures for this activity. Smith said that after translating the book of mormon, he returned the plates and the urim and thummim to the angel, whom he identified as the resurrected moroni. Michael quinn early mormonism and the magic world view revised and expanded edition message dealing with the revised edition from ldsbookshelf. Michael quinns early mormonism and the magic world view a highly questionable collection of theses, and dan vogel. Michael quinns book early mormonism and the magic world view for the first time when i was in high school.
The last days, then and now book of mormon central. They represent my ideas and insights and do not reflect the official position of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Joseph smiths magic glasses and other bizarre objects. Analytical and contextual commentary on the book of mormon and the gift and power. Joseph smith translated the book of mormon with spectacles and a seer. Michael quinn masterfully reconstructs an earlier age, finding ample evidence for folk magic in nineteenthcentury new england, as he does in mormon founder joseph smiths upbringing. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading early mormonism and the magic world view. Doctrine and covenantsoliver cowdery and the rod of nature. It is also a fun way to learn about joseph smith history, in the back of the scriptures.
A history, not the history is certainly accurate of the text, as his core assumptionthat mormonism is not truesets the tone for abanes research. Smith reportedly told orson pratt that the lord gave him the urim and thummim when he was an inexperienced translator but that as. But the theological similarities between mormonism and witchcraft are rather superficial. To outsiders, these sacred mormon objects may seem odd, but to true believers, theyre an accepted part of the faith. The book of mormon came into the world through a series of miraculous events. According to these scholars, the coming forth of the book of mormon can be. For a complete analysis of the smith familys magical thinking and belief in the occult, see d. Come look at our secret stone tell harry potter as part of its reluctant campaign to be more transparent about mormon teaching, the. There is a similar scripture in the bible to the one you quote, which says that the. It also sponsors book of mormon research and distributes a wide variety of reprints and new reports on book of mormon research. Brigham young university religious studies center, 1978.
Mormonism is a religion less than two centuries old, but in this short time it has managed to accrue a long list of embarrassments which the church leaders would prefer were kept. Hugh nibley, teachings of the book of mormon the liahona was a gift from god. Joseph smith, magic, masonry and the occult life after ministry. Occult, supernatural, magical thinking mormonthink. It seems to me that mormons have an incredible amount of holy objects temple clothing and ten or so pairs of garments per person is a lot of material, but tend to ignore or deemphasize the traditional christian holy objects holy water, eucharist, incense burners. There were, further, two magic stones, set in the twin breastplates urim and thummim of the old testament, that would enable smith himself to translate the aforesaid book. Thus, both traditions recognize male and female deities. To persuade and convert outsidersa priority for mormonshe sought objects mentioned in the book of mormon that archaeologists hadnt found in mesoamerica.
Why was a stone used as an aid in translating the book of mormon. This overview showcases some of the weird and wonderful objects. As the most sacred holiday for witches is upon us, i thought i would write a little of what i know about the intersection between mormonism and witchcraft. No virgin birth one of the most controversial mormon beliefs. According to latter day saint belief, the golden plates also called the gold plates or in some 19thcentury literature, the golden bible are the source from which joseph smith claimed to have translated the book of mormon, a sacred text of the faith. I was amazed that the event has been right in front of me all these. The book of mormon is essentially the narration of a group of israelites who migrate to the new world around 600 b. He did, however, state his belief that the involvement of the smith family in ritual magic is clear, but that there is insufficient evidence to permit any certainty as to the degree of that involvement. I alone am responsible for the content of these videos and this website. The following essay is the official lds released essay entitled book of mormon translation. I notice that practically all of your sources for this are from d. Obviously, the book of mormon witnesses consented to the witness statement and agreed with it. Video it is a known fact that josephs family believed in folk magic, and that joseph himself used several different seer stones in order to locate lost objects. The witness testimonies are some of the best secular evidences for the book of mormon s truth.
Magic, mysticism, and the origins of the book of mormon. Until after the translation of the book of mormon, the urim and thummim belonged to the bible and the bible only. The book of abraham is traditionally held by several latter day saint denominations as having been translated from an egyptian papyrus scroll by joseph smith, the founder of the latter day saint movement. I recently found one that i have never heard anyone talk about. Aug 09, 2015 magical artifacts and book of mormon translation 44 comments seth r. He saw the world through a magical, literal lens and that language was familiar to his soul. Nonmormons may not know this, but early mormonism is surprisingly full of magical mormon objects, such as the prophet joseph smiths magic glasses, used to translate divine golden plates into the book of mormon.
The book of mormon is the second sacred text of mormons. Oct 31, 2019 did a magic world view influence joseph smith and the coming forth of the book of mormon. According to latter day saint belief, the golden plates are the source from which joseph smith said he translated the book of mormon. His major works include early mormonism and the magic world view, elder statesman. Mormon origins discussed at sunstone meet, mormon history association newsletter, v. Joseph smith, magic, masonry and the occult life after. Therefore, book of mormon scholars look for evidence of the book of mormon s ancient hebrew origins by identifying phrases or expressions which are not typical for an english speaker of joseph smiths day which may reflect a direct translation of the underlying semiticstyle language of the book of mormon. Mormon is allegedly a prophethistorian who was the native american believed by mormons to have written the book of mormon the main religious text of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints mormonism. May 30, 2018 nonmormons may not know this, but early mormonism is surprisingly full of magical mormon objects, such as the prophet joseph smiths magic glasses, used to translate divine golden plates into the book of mormon. Early mormonism and the magic world view kindle edition by quinn, d. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient evidence. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Michael quinns early mormonism and the magic world view, signature books 1987.
The devil the devil was born as a spirit after jesus in the morning of preexistence, mormon doctrine, p. Smith reportedly told orson pratt that the lord gave him the urim and thummim when he was an inexperienced translator but that as he grew in experience. Josephs legacy is not manifest in some bizarre and nonexistent lds quest for miraculous objects, but in our quest for continual enlightenment. Translating the book of mormon, we discuss most of the major issues with the book of mormon including. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of christian belief is the concept of the virgin mary giving birth to jesus. Jul 23, 2018 joseph smiths use of such stones needs to be situated in its historical and theological context. Jesus and satan are spirit brothers and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both. The book of mormon can be true without being historical. While this may be the core of past and modern day christianity, it is disavowed by the mormon doctrine. He returned home with a heavy object wrapped in a frock, which he then put in a box. Why was a stone used as an aid in translating the book of. An allegory uses symbolic characters, objects, and actions to teach truths.
Ideas to help you teach come, follow me 2 nephi 2630 a. The influence of magic and masonry joseph smith learned magic from his parents the faculty of abrac seer stones the rod of aaron joseph smiths magic circles blood sacrifices for the demons the providential murder of harper slipping treasures and the book of mormon the guardian of the treasure forged mormon documents gold plates in magic. Eliason the 2015 publication of an ensign article on, and especially photos of, one of joseph smiths seer stones still owned by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints caused quite a sensation in the blogosphere. Make studying fun and effective with diagrams, doodles, and insights. Joseph smiths use of folk magic, the book of mormon translation process including the peep stone in the hat, book of mormon anachronisms. Smiths magic glasses, used to translate divine golden plates into the book of mormon.
The book of mormon can serve as josephs canvas, inspiring us to greater communion with god. Many of the events pertaining to the book of mormon, were taken from the masonic legend of enoch. Oct 31, 2012 most practitioners of witchcraft recognize at least two gods, the moon goddess and the horned god. According to this work, kolob is the heavenly body nearest to the throne of god. Joseph smith and folk magic anyone who regularly interacts with mormons over mormon history knows that most members of the lds church in the twentyfirst century know nothing of josephs magical practicesfn scrying for the lord. Joseph smith told conflicting stories on how he found the plates. Mormon prophets who lived from 600 bc to ad 400 wrote the book.
This trivia game is a great way for your family to learn about joseph smith, the first vision and moronis visit. As several historians and scholars have discussed, joseph used both the nephite interpreters later called the urim and thummim that were discovered with the plates and his individual seer stone in the translation of the book of mormon. Look for the new updates on the day of posting and be sure to share these with the mormon you know. But he went on to say that efforts to explain the origins of the book of mormon and the church in terms of folk magic are just another anti mormon fad that will fade. Founder joseph smith himself recounted that he had translated the book of mormon from golden plates with the aid of two stones in silver bows. Smith once called the book of mormon the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion smith, 1902, 4.
Seer stones, salamanders, and early mormon folk magic in. Apr 22, 2005 it seems to me that mormons have an incredible amount of holy objects temple clothing and ten or so pairs of garments per person is a lot of material, but tend to ignore or deemphasize the traditional christian holy objects holy water, eucharist, incense burners. This book of mormon world can be a lead in to the lost tribes of israel located in the middle of the earth. They are central to understanding how the book of mormon came to be. Did a magic world view influence the coming forth of the. As students study the allegory in jacob 5 today, invite them to search for important lessons about jesus christs willingness to help those who have turned away from him. Book of mormon journal 1 nephi 1622 prepare the way. Mormonisms magical items issues facing the mormon church. I actually agree with a lot of what brandon has highlighted in his blog post. Despite the scientific enlightenment movement that swept across europe, americans of diverse social classes and education levels inherited superstitions and supernatural beliefs from the colonial period. How is the book of mormon part of the marvelous work and a wonder. Joseph smiths magic glasses and other bizarre objects from. The worship of god through study and faith is a foundational concept of mormonism. Over the past month ive received numerous requests asking when, or if, wed ever talk about our series, demonic names in the book of mormon so here it is.
Seer stones, salamanders, and early mormon folk magic in the light of folklore studies and bible scholarship author eric a. To clarify for those unfamiliar with the lds faith, mormons across the world believe in the book of mormon, not as fantasy, but as factual holy writ. It was released by the church to help explain how the book of mormon was translated, and to explain why the true story of the translation differs so greatly from the official church narrative taught since its founding. According to latter day saint theology, seer stones were believed to have been used by joseph smith, as well as ancient prophets, to receive revelations from god. The prophet never denied having once participated in folk practices during his youth, but, as this knowhy explores, claims that he was fundamentally influenced by magical beliefs is a misleadingly simplistic approach to a very complex topic. Third, it only worked in response to faith, diligence, and the heed of those who followed it. How am i to understand that joseph smith was a true prophet of god and not one of the false prophets jesus warned us would come matthew 24. Now, most historians, mormon or not, who work with the sources, accept as fact joseph smiths career as village magician.
We need not be literalists like joseph in order for the book of mormon s message to move us closer to god or improve our life. Joseph smith and folk magic mormonism research ministry. Seer stones, salamanders, and early mormon folk magic in the. Dec 28, 2011 in our 5part conversation with brant gardner about his new book entitled the gift and power. Another good collection of articles written by hugh nibley is nibley on the timely and the timeless. Lucy mack smith confirms that the family discussed joseph sr. Eyewitness testimony confirms that joseph smith translated the book of mormon in the same manner that he once hunted for buried treasure. Bibles and other scriptures are sacred books, placed prominently on the. Gardner earned a masters degree in anthropology and mesoamerican ethnohistory from the state university of new york at albany. Biblical christianity was the overwhelming influence in the book of mormon and the doctrine and covenants. Fourth, there was something ordinary and familiar about it. The book of mormon just makes up things or copies things, just like the bible. Kolob is a star or planet described in the book of abraham, a sacred text of the latter day saint movement. Much of the book of mormon was translated in the home of his father, peter whitmer, as he hosted the smiths.
In joseph smiths own day socalled folk magic was practiced in rural parts of the united states. It is very rare that an object is consider magical or powerful in and of. The mormon masonic connection by peter farley the link between mormonism and freemasonry is key to understanding the two sides of the new world order, for always there has been a religious and a political aspect to the hydraheaded nature of this monster. David whitmer was one of six original members of the church of christ that joseph smith organized in 1830.
I have always had a suppressed desire to risk such an indiscretion, and people have asked why i cannot write anything without timidly quoting chapter and verse from some german professor. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Early mormonism and the magic world view kindle edition by. Objects or rituals mormonism currently believes and practices that demonstrates belief in the supernatural and magical thinking. It is claimed that a revelation received by joseph praised oliver cowderys gift of using divining talents. Folk magic was in the mix but was not the basic ingredient. Sep 06, 2016 miracles are events that surprise and amaze. Richard abanes, one nation under godsa history of the mormon churchprovides readers a critical, yet persuasive glance back across key events in mormon history. See more ideas about book of mormon, object lessons and primary lessons.
Next to the bible, the lds church believes in the book of mormon. To translate the book of mormon and book of abraham, he used the same peep stones used as a moneydigger and palm reader. The doctrines and teachings of the book of mormon have brought and continue to bring millions of people closer to god. Diagrams, doodles, and insights the red headed hostess this book of mormon study guide will deepen your love for the scriptures. Did a magic world view influence the coming forth of the book of mormon. Joseph smithseer stonesrock in hat used for book of. This included the use of stones, rods, and other instruments to communicate with spirits, find hidden treasures protected by supernatural guardians, look for lost objects, or even discover. Smith plagiarized 478 verses from the book of isaiah, and 201 are identical to the king james bible. This need for caution is illustrated in discussions of the use of seer stones in the translation of the book of mormon.
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