Changes from original book of mormon

The original title page of the book of mormon differed in one important concept from the one that we have today. Over the years, changes in how the book of mormon has been formatted have resulted in several editions being published. Reasons for textual changes made to the book of mormon over the years after it was first published. Almost 4,000 editing corrections have been made to the book of mormon since the first publication in 1830. Why would the mormon church continue to change the work even after joseph. Joseph originally taught that jesus and the father were the same person and that god had always been god, but later developed the idea that the father and son were separate gods, each with a tangible body. Parker and stone were best known for creating the animated comedy south park. Jul 14, 2019 this video discusses the 5 types of changes that have occurred with the text of the original book of mormon translation and why they should not be of any concern. Joseph smith dictated the book with his face in a hat.

In making this study we obtained photocopies of an original 1830 edition of the book of mormon. An original first edition book of mormon has been photographed and is available for viewing at. The arguments are rather weak but need to be dealt with. The first critical text of the book of mormon was published by the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, or farms, in 198486. At the conclusion of the original article, i provide some specific numbers for the different types of changes in the history of the book of mormon text, including the number of changes introduced in the book of mormon. Significant changes in lds doctrine and covenants 4mormon.

The next one, to have hope, the book of mormon in the original text has the main verb have followed by the direct object hope18 to 0, there is one occasion where this is actually due to editing by joseph smith, he changed it to to have hoped he made the have into what we call an auxiliary verb, the perfect, and he. Initial work concentrated on studying the two manuscripts of the book of mormon, namely the original manuscript and the printers manuscript. The book of mormon is indeed a gift intended to bring us, gods children, to a knowledge of the true gospel of jesus christ. For information about the more recent discovery of several fragments of the original manuscript. Dingers significant textual changes in the book of mormon.

Third and most importantly, changes in the text from the 1830 book of mormon show only that there was human error, and in no way influences the fact that the book. Church removes racial references in book of mormon. Therefore, the text is an exact photographic reproduction of the first. That first version, although preliminary helped to establish criteria for the current project, especially the need for direct access to the original and printers manuscripts as well as the clearest. In making this study we obtained photocopies of an original 1830 edition of the book of mormon, which was donated to the university of utah library by the lds apostle john a. Godhead changes were made to the book of mormon after joseph smith. Where today it lists joseph smith as the translator, the first title page had joseph smith as the author and proprietor. While there have been some changes from the first edition of the book of mormon, most of the edits were corrections to spelling and other single word changes. Joseph originally taught that jesus and the father were the same. Nov 06, 2017 this page shows the original text and the changes that were made by joseph smith and others for later editions of the book of mormon. Why is this so if the book of mormon was translated accurately by the hand of god. The most significant type of grammatical change in the book of mormon has been to remove the early modern english that is characteristic of the king james bible. On july 11, 20, i was surprised to get an email from a community of christ colleague informing me that the smithpettit foundation was publishing john s. Book of mormon changes do not represent revising or rewriting.

Doctrinal changes godhead changes were made to the book of mormon after joseph smith changed his doctrine from monotheism. Mormons would make a motion with their right hand and with the palm facing the floor to slash their own throat or to cut open their bowels if they were to ever reveal the secrets in the temple. He basically broke up the originally much longer chapters, so. Understanding the nature of the thousands of small changes in the book of mormon may be helpful and interesting. One derived from a single family who fled jerusalem in 600 b. After comparing the first edition of the book of mormon with the 1964 edition we marked the changes on the photocopies of the 1830 edition. Utah was buzzing with people trying to determine what had been changed and why. Book of mormon changes the fall of mormonism rich kelsey. Jul 01, 2011 however, there are numerous other changes which affect the doctrinal teachings of the book of mormon. Changes to latterday scripture lds leaders have made. Joseph smith said that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book, history of the church, vol.

What are some major differences between the 1830 book of. Book of mormon changes almost all spelling, grammar, and. We outline all the book of mormon changes since the original publication. Many of the original revelations of the mormon doctrine and covenants scripture were published in the 1833 book of commandments.

The prophet joseph smith, the first president of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, was called by god to restore the gospel of jesus christ on the earth and to translate the ancient record on gold plates that became the book of mormon. A popular charge of antimormons is that the church is guilty of fraud because of changes in the book of mormon, or that the book of mormon cant be true and divine because corrections have been made. Yet, later edits of the book of mormon include numerous wording changes. The original 1830 edition, book of mormon had s of. The earliest editions of the book of mormon did not have the same chapter divisions as our modern editions. Book of mormon changes since 1830 book of mormon facts. In this study we will show that there have been at least 3,9 changes made in the book of mormon from the time it was first published in 1830. Alterable decrees the evolving doctrines of the church necessitated. Part of thehistory commons, mormon studies commons, and thereligious thought, theology and philosophy of religion commons.

In reality, though, the kind of stylistic accuracy achieved by these changes has little to do with what joseph meant when he called the book of mormon the most correct of any book on earth. Key passages on deity in the original 1830 text of the book of mormon were changed in the 1837 edition to reflect. Instead of being the principal ancestors of american indians, lamanites are nowamong the ancestors of the american indians. According to joseph smith, the book of mormon is more correct than the bible history of. All recommendations and any subsequent changes are approved by the council of the first presidency and quorum of the twelve apostles, the highest governing body of the church. As discussed above, the changes identified by skousen and carmack do not refer to major modifications or corrections to sections of the book of mormon s original wording. All the text changes look like he pulled the bom out of a hatpun intended.

Changes were made to the book of mormon after joseph smith changed his doctrine from monotheism to polytheism. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to adherents, contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. Interestingly, the spelling problems in the book of mormon paralleled earlier kinds of spelling changes in the english bible. Smith is full of bluff and bluster, and is a fraud. Types of changes in the book of mormon text the following statistics are derived from my computerized collation of the two manuscripts of the book of mormon the original and the printers manuscripts and 20 standard page 173 editions of the book of mormon fifteen lds editions, from 1830 to 1981, the 1858 wright edition, and four rlds.

The first printed edition compared to the manuscripts and to the subsequent major lds english printed editions and that there was to be. Be the first to ask a question about 3,9 changes in the book of mormon lists with this book. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. The original text betrays its new england origin in many ways, from inconsistent spelling to incorrect use of tenses and number, as well as incorrect usage of jacobean english. Despite the faith of believers that the book of mormon is the most correct of any book, ever since smith dictated the text to scribes in 1827, there have been significant modifications with each printing. The original book of mormon transcript the book of mormon. Benjamin was changed to mosiah in later editions of the book of mormon. In making this study we obtained photocopies of an original 1830 edition of the book of mormon from the university of utah library. An exact facsimile reproduction of the first edition of the book of mormon, providing the authentic size, look and feel, and format of the original. At the end of february, 20, the deseret news featured an amazing article. The book of mormon is the scripture embraced by followers of joseph smith in his 1830s latterday saint movement. Jerald and sandra tanner of the utah lighthouse ministry have identified nearly 4,000 changes when comparing the original 1830 edition to the 1964 edition. Top 40 inspirational book of mormon scriptures the lifey app.

There is considerable evidence that these original chapter breaks were written on the gold plates by the original authors. Changing critics criticisms of book of mormon changes the. I think it is important that we remember how the book of mormon was produced. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Understanding textual changes in the book of mormon. This changed in the 1980s when efforts were made to reemphasize the book of mormon.

Two major goals of each published edition of the book of mormon have been 1 to faithfully reproduce the text. Examples of later verses in which the trinitarian image of gods was retained, are mosiah 16. Key passages on deity in the original 1830 text of the book of mormon were changed in the 1837 edition to reflect joseph smiths changing doctrine of deity. The most prominent of these changes has been to replace which with who or whom or that when it refers to people. Second, the changes to the book of mormon that critics point to are defined almost entirely by eversoslight punctuation or grammatical changes to correct for these mistakes. However, there are numerous other changes which affect the doctrinal teachings of the book of mormon. Behold the lamb of god, yea, even the eternal father first book of nephi p 25. For example, in the 1830 edition, the first chapter of 1 nephi included all of what is now labeled 1 nephi 15 the entire episode of obtaining the brass plates. Why has the church found it necessary to make changes any. Major changes in the format of the text included division of the long chapters in the original text, a true versification system which has been followed in all subsequent lds editions, and footnotes mostly scriptural references.

An analysis of selected changes in major editions of the book of mormon 18301920 jeffrey r. Significant textual changes in the book of mormon signature. An analysis of selected changes in major editions of the. Historian dan vogel acknowledged, smiths method of dictation did not allow for rewriting. As discussed above, the changes identified by skousen and carmack do not refer to major modifications or corrections to sections of the book of mormons original wording. White and delightsome changed to pure and delightsome. Lds critic historian dan vogel acknowledged, smiths method of dictation did not allow for rewriting. The book of mormon has a number of original and distinctive doctrinal discussions on subjects such as the fall of adam and eve, the. Our heavenly father wrote letters through the prophets, giving counsel, comfort, and guidance for our good and blessing us at all times. Book of mormon printers manuscript is now online church. There have been over 3,900 changes to the original text of the book of mormon. The goal of textual accuracy has led later editors to earlier editions and, when available, to the original and printers manuscripts see book of mormon manuscripts. The earliest text, attempts to sift through changes in the manuscript to bring the reader back to the best approximation of what the original text of the book of mormon would have said.

The original text betrays its new england origin in many ways, from inconsistent spelling to incorrect use of tenses. For some thoughtprovoking analysis and evidence, see hugh nibleys essay. Changes in the book of mormon book of mormon central. Each change is color coded and identifies the person making the change. The original text betrays its new england origin in many ways, from inconsistent spelling to incorrect use of tenses and number. The book of mormon is perhaps the most corrected book in the world. The article noted that the changes included revisions to study aids, new photos, updated maps, making historical and contextual adjustments to the section headings of 76 sections of. The claim is often heard that there are more than 4000 changes to the book of mormon text. For some of the best scholarship on the changes in the book of mormon, see the writings of royal skousen, such as his 2014 article, changes in the book of mormon in interpreter.

According to joseph smith, the book of mormon is more correct than the bible history of the church, vol. May 21, 2018 book of mormon changes do not represent revising or rewriting. Today, the lds church is most prevalent in the united states, latin america, canada, europe, the. Two years later, when these revelations were republished in the first edition of doctrine and covenants, significant changes became apparent. Understanding the process of publishing the book of mormon. In addition, at the front of the book of mormon, in the section titled. The account, known as the book of mormon, first published in 1830, primarily tells the story of gods dealings with two israelite civilizations living in the new world. Changes to the bible in comparison most scholars agree that there are about 24,000 changes between 1611 version and the 1769 version of the kjv bible. Translating the book of mormon religious studies center. Technically he didnt write the book but he did orally produce it while a scribe wrote what he orated.

I have a copy of the original book of mormon and all the changes in it next to it. Doctrinal changes a selection of doctrinal changes in the book of mormon. The original phrase and the changes are noted in red and bold for emphasis in the introduction to the book of mormon the second paragraph reads. For the latest detailed report, see royal skousen, towards a critical edition of the book of mormon, byu studies 30 winter 1990. These changes have only been applied to the first part of the book of mormon. From the 1830 book of mormon behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of god, after the manner of the flesh behold the lamb of god, even the eternal father the lamb of god. By far the majority of changes between the 1830 and subsequent versions of the book of mormon are spelling or grammar corrections. Book of mormon editions 18301981 the encyclopedia of. The original 1830 edition of the book of mormon contained numerous passages that demonstrate distinctly nineteenthcentury new england grammar.

An analysis of selected changes in major editions of the book. Few mormons are aware of the thousands of word changes and nature of the changes that have been made in the book of mormon, doctrine and covenants, and the pearl of great price since the first editions. The earliest text, the definitive scholarly edition of the book of mormon, published in 2009 by yale university press. Feb 27, 2020 the church of jesus christ of latterday saints has stewardship over the book of mormon and will do everything in its power to put a copy of the book into your hands in your own language.

Enrique serpa bustamante, a member from lima, peru, thinks of the book of mormon as letters from a loving parent. To view the pages of the original manuscript that are still remaining is to be reassured that it is a. Some are mere spelling corrections, but others are significant changes. Then, between the initial printed version of 1830, to the 1964 edition, the book of mormon went through 3,9x more changes, which were mostly related to the correction of grammatical and spelling errors. Key passages on deity in the original 1830 text of the book of mormon were changed in the 1837 edition to reflect joseph smiths changing. Joseph originally taught that jesus and the father were the same person and that god had always been god. He said the introduction page in current ldsproduced books was not part of the original text translated by joseph smith jr.

The book of mormon, the pearl of great price, and the doctrine and covenants are accepted as scripture without any qualifications whatsoever. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. The book of mormon is a musical comedy with music, lyrics and book by trey parker, robert lopez, and matt stone first staged in 2011, the play is a satirical examination of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints beliefs and practices that ultimately endorses the positive power of love and service. The original phrase and the changes are noted in red and bold for emphasisin the introduction to the book of mormon the second paragraph reads. This is a great way to renew your interest in the men and. The mormon religion was officially founded in 1830 when the book of mormon was published. How many changed has the book of mormon been changed. Some of the many changes in the book of mormon by matt slick joseph smith said that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book, history of the church, vol. There were 5,000 original book of mormon copies published in 1830 in palmyra, new york. Major changes in the format of the text included division of the long chapters in the original text, a true versification system which has been. The book of mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. In 1990 the mormon church radically changed its secret temple ceremony by removing the motions of slashing ones throat and stomach.

It is a record of gods dealings with ancient inhabitants of the americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Thus the book of mormon was translated by the gift and power of god and not by the power of man address to all believers in christ, richmond, missouri, 1887, p. For example, consider the word sins, which had been spelled synnes and became sinnes in the 1611 king james version. A oneword change in the introduction to a 2006 edition of the book of mormon has reignited discussion among some latterday saints about the book s historicity, geography and the descendants of those chronicled within its pages.

Regarding this book, joseph smith said, the book of mormon is the most correct of any book on. The original 1830 edition, book of mormon had s of errors. To ask other readers questions about 3,9 changes in the book of mormon, please sign up. Racism the church made changes to the book of mormon to soften its racism. The book of mormon has a number of original and distinctive doctrinal discussions on subjects such as the fall of adam and eve, the nature of the christian atonement, eschatology, redemption from physical and spiritual death, and the organization of the latterday church.

Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon, 2nd. Currently, the book of mormon has been divided into chapters and verses, and many key words have been marked for crossreferencing, with the original punctuation marks inserted by mr. Reasons for textual changes made to the book of mormon over the years after it was first published god changed to son of god in the book of mormon white and delightsome changed to pure and delightsome benjamin was changed to mosiah in later editions of the book of mormon. Book of mormon changes text files to compare it yourself. Debate renewed with change in book of mormon introduction. The 1830 book of mormon summary of changes by far the majority of changes between the 1830 and subsequent versions of the book of mormon are spelling or grammar corrections. Holland brigham young university provo follow this and additional works at. In the 1879 lds edition, however, orson pratt changed the original chapter system. This video discusses the 5 types of changes that have occurred with the text of the original book of mormon translation and why they should not be. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to.