The book of mormon, the pearl of great price, and the doctrine and covenants are accepted as scripture without any qualifications whatsoever. Changes in the book of mormon introduction juvenile. The book of mormon itself is the best source for understanding the geographical locations contained therein. The change brings the introduction more into line with prevailing scientific. It carried a small story on a change to a single word in the introduction of the book of mormon in the recent doubleday edition.
Jun 11, 2009 a recent word change to the introduction of the book of mormon has once again brought attention to the question regarding the historical reliability of one of mormonisms most sacred texts. This changed in the 1980s when efforts were made to reemphasize the book of. Since its first publication in 1830, the book of moron has undergone thousands of changes. New changes in the book of mormon introduction main street. Jan 17, 2008 the change could suggest that more recent scientific data contradict mormon teachings. Readers of the book of mormon, however, will see light at the end of this dark historical tunnel and a silver lining around these dark clouds of destruction. Book of mormon word change sparks debate news, sports. December 30 january 5 introductory pages of the book of mormon this printable kit for all ages will help you study and teach the introductory pages to the book of mormon. A recently announced change in the book of mormons introduction, however, allows for a greater diversity of ancestry of. New changes in the book of mormon introduction main. Clearly the book of mormon revises this passage, but it retains that part of the kjv which has been questioned by modern scholarship. This change makes the book of mormon introduction compatible with current.
Explorations in critical methodology, edited by brent lee metcalf. This change appears problematic, as the book of mormon itself clarifies the new world lands to be uninhabited except for. Why did the church modify the introduction to the book of mormon. Intro change in book of mormon spurs discussion deseret news. Debate renewed with change in book of mormon introduction. Internal book of mormon geography focuses on the relationships between lands and other geographic features, independent of where they might be physically located on todays maps. The change will be included in the next edition of the book of mormon printed by the church. The church made the change in wording to the introduction to the book of mormon to remove the assumption, which inserted into the book of mormon introduction in the 1920s and not part of the original text, that all of the inhabitants of the americas were exclusive descendants of lehi. In making this study we obtained photocopies of an original 1830 edition of the book of mormon from the university of utah library. Textual changes to the book of mormon in 1837 and 1840 by stan larson, sunstone, fall 1976, pp. I told the brethren 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. 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. Mar 17, 20 mormons change references to blacks, polygamy the changes are the first since 1981, and deal specifically with the churchs original ban on black priesthood ordination and polygamy.
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. Mormons believe the founder of the church, joseph smith, translated the book from a set of engraved golden plates buried on cumorah hill in manchester, n. Proposed book of mormon geographical setting wikipedia. The importance of the book of mormon was a focus of ezra taft benson, the churchs thirteenth president. As part of this effort, a new edition was printed with the added subtitle. Changes in the lds scriptures 20 at the end of february, 20, the deseret news featured an amazing article. Mormon temple ritual changes watchman fellowship, inc. Much like lamoni calls approach in the 1890s, jerald tanner sat down eighty years later with an 1830 edition and a 1964 edition of the book of mormon and annotated all changes he could identify. Some of the revelations that appear in the doctrine and covenants have had hundreds of words added to them. The book 3,9 changes in the book of mormon is a reproduction of an original book of mormon with the changes marked, and is available through us. Another change affirms the teaching that the book of mormon alone contains the fullness of the gospel. Recent media attention has verified last months expositor report of significant changes in the mormon temple ritual news of the changes in the ceremony was pick up by wire services and received nationwide coverage including a front page story in the new york times, comments by paul harvey, and a report in time magazine.
The primary research for this information was taken from the book 39 changes in the book of mormon by jerald and sandra tanner. Joseph fielding smith, the tenth president of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, proclaimed. Before the actual chapters of the book of mormon begin, there are several items which have been added by way of introduction and testimony. New mormon scriptures tweak race, polygamy references.
The first and second rlds editions 1874, plano, illinois. Dingers book begins with a foreword by stan larson that provides some historical background to larsons own earlier work on the book of mormon text, plus a list of significant textual changes that come, for the most part, from the current book of mormon critical text project. The introduction to the book of mormon was not a part of the original plates. Lets study the introductory pages of the book of mormon. The trailer for the book of mormon videos was released thursday, sept.
I would also inform you that the plates of which hath been spoken, were found in the township of manchester, ontario county, new york. In what way is the book of mormon the most correct book. Mcconkie wrote the introduction in 1981 for the then new edition of the book of mormon and it contained this statement. 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. 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. Changing critics criticisms of book of mormon changes. Introduction to 3,9 changes in the book of mormon introduction covers how and why changes were made to the book of mormon after its first printing. The title page the introduction the testimonies of the three and eight witnesses the testimony of the prophet joseph smith with this kit you andor your children will learn all about the purpose and power. That change takes into account details of book of mormon demography which are not. Book of mormon introduction change may reflect new. A oneword change was made to the introduction in the latest edition of the book of mormon published by doubleday. Lds sunday school 2020, the introductory pages to the book.
It has been suggested by many that the announced change in the book of mormon introduction has everything to do with the dna challenge that the church has been facing for the past few years. Prior to 1874, the rlds used an edition of the book of mormon published by james o. Single word change in book of mormon speaks volumes the salt. The new theory proposed by roberts, and still popular today, is that god only gave joseph the ideas and concepts for the book of mormon. As you can see, the book of mormon is a changing document. Royal skousen, a professor of linguistics at byu and a recognized expert of the textual history of the book of mormon, has identified 5,280 variations in all editions of the book of mormon. Changes to latterday scripture lds leaders have made. 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. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the.
Understanding textual changes in the book of mormon. The first gathering of the book of mormon, including this preface, was likely printed by mid. The book of mormon videos youtube channel is a collection of videos based on accounts from the book of mormon. I told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth joseph smith, jr. Mormon doctrines changed in my lifetime jonathan ellis medium. Instead of being the principal ancestors of american indians, lamanites are nowamong the ancestors of the american indians. Book of mormon introduction change may reflect new thinking. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints 165,852 views. A photoreprint of the original 1830 edition of the book of mormon with all changes marked compared to a 1964 edition. That the book of mormon replaces the corresponding matthean passage is shown by the fact that the verses immediately before and after this section in the book of mormon correspond to the verses in the kjv before and after matthew 5. The earliest text, the definitive scholarly edition of the book of mormon, published in 2009 by yale university press. Comparing the 1981, 2004, and 2006 book of mormon introductions. Jul 01, 2011 however, there are numerous other changes which affect the doctrinal teachings of the book of mormon.
A recent word change to the introduction of the book of mormon has once again brought attention to the question regarding the historical reliability of one of mormonisms most sacred texts. The preceding has been completely deleted the following originally appeared at the end of the book of mormon the testimony of. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints iffer mitchell is an assistant costume designer for the project. Additionally, the new doubleday edition still lists itself as a first edition. Changing critics criticisms of book of mormon changes the. We invite all men everywhere to read the book of mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask god, the eternal father, in the name of christ if the book is true.
One word can speak volumes says this mornings salt lake tribune. Critical texts have previously been prepared for important historical and literary works but until fairly. The following pages are commentaries on those items. Book of mormon introduction salt lake tribune article. Summary of approved adjustments for the 20 edition of the. Mormonism must stand or fall on the story of joseph smith. Once we finally finish reading the small plates, we get a brief editorial note from mormon explaining what these small plates are and why he included this material with the rest of his record words of mormon 1. Point out that in each new edition of the book of mormon since the first, the church has included corrections of spelling and typesetting errors. These joseph recorded in his own grammatically poor language and style. There also have been many important changes in the pearl of great price. A new introduction included in doctrine and covenants, givens says.
Hales, changing critics criticisms of book of mormon changes, interpreter. This new section will include a brief overview of what key events or doctrine we are focusing on each week. Distinctly nineteenthcentury new england grammar patterns have. Video segments will retell book of mormon events, teachings and doctrine from the time of king benjamin through alma the younger and his missionary entourage encountering the zoramites and their rameumptom.
Understanding the nature of the thousands of small changes in the book of mormon may be helpful and interesting. The book of mormon introduction, chapter headings, footnotes, modern year correspondences, supplementary materials, and the division into chapters and verses were added in the second half of the 19th century and in the 20th century, and those portions are not considered part of the revealed text of the book of mormon. 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. Book of mormon changes the fall of mormonism rich kelsey.
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. My introduction to the book of mormon or the book of mormon evidences page could also be consulted. Then i would like to turn to the issue of changes in the text to the book of mormon. A valuable new analysis of the many types of changes in the text of the book of mormon is brian c. Yesterday while reading some interesting news stories on byus online newspaper, i came across an article they posted a few years back about changes made to the introduction in the book of mormon. 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. Box 1884 salt lake city, utah 84110 or visit their website. Another testament of jesus christ we hope that these lds sunday school discussion questions over the introduction pages of the book of mormon enrich your come, follow me study and increase your testimony of the savior. To obtain copies of their work please write to utah lighthouse ministry p. Book of mormon editions 18301981 the encyclopedia of. To understand this world, historians strive to identify significant changes that occurred at that time. Much like lamoni calls approach in the 1890s, jerald tanner sat down eighty years later with an 1830 edition and a 1964 edition of the book of mormon and annotated all changes.
It introduces the book of mormon to the modern reader by providing background information and a description of the book. Here are four things you should know about this sacred book. Wright 1858, new york, basically a reprinting of the 1840 nauvoo edition. When attempting to reconcile things, one popular defender of the book of mormons antiquity merely compounds the problem by suggesting. The changes made to the preface of the book of mormon. The book of mormon is an ancient record that teaches about jesus. In 1981 the lds church published a new edition of the book of mormon, making a number of additional changes in the text. The original 1830 edition, book of mormon had s of errors. Use them individually, in your family study, and in your sunday school classes to dive deeper into the doctrines presented in the book of mormon. Changes in the book of mormon introduction juvenile instructor. I often overlook these introductory pages of the book of mormon then when i stop and study them again im always amazed at what i learn.
Joseph originally taught that jesus and the father were the same. Im first going to describe the critical text project, some of its major findings. With this new theory, lds leaders justified themselves in making thousands of word changes designed to. The introduction to the 2006 edition of the book of mormon has a new word. 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. The book of mormon is an account of the former inhabitants of this continent that contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.
Church leaders, cast and crew express excitement for upcoming. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Large and small doubleday editions of the book of mormon. It sounds trivial, but to some it represents a huge change to teachings that have been passed on. This is followed by the editors introduction in which dinger describes the major.
Mormons change references to blacks, polygamy the changes are the first since 1981, and deal specifically with the churchs original ban on black priesthood ordination and. The annotated edition of the book of mormon has been formatted to enlarge our understanding of and give reverence to this unique and sacred volume of scripture. Utah was buzzing with people trying to determine what had been changed and why. Preface to book of mormon, circa august 1829, page iii. Apr 16, 2016 mormon doctrines changed in my lifetime. The preceding has been completely deleted the following originally appeared at the end of the book of mormon the testimony of three witnesses. As part of this effort, a new edition was printed with the added subtitle another testament of jesus christ. Changes in the book of mormon introductionin book of mormon. Introductory pages of the book of mormon part 1 come. The bible, the book of mormon, and continuing revelation duration. The change could suggest that more recent scientific data contradict mormon teachings. In making this study we obtained photocopies of an original 1830 edition of the book of mormon. This changed in the 1980s when efforts were made to reemphasize the book of mormon.
Book of mormon word change christian research institute. Read the prophet joseph smiths keystone statement from the sixth paragraph of the introduction to the book of mormon. The book of mormon is the reference book for the church, like the bible. A trailer featuring eight upcoming book of mormon videos episodes and their scheduled dates for viewing were released friday, march 6. The reader will immediately note that the text is structured and formatted differently from the versions currently in print. The book of mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. What now seems bad grammar was once entirely acceptable english editing out the bad grammar in the book of mormon, dan peterson. Although there have been thousands of changes made in the book of mormon, the changes made in some of the other mormon books are of a more serious nature. Carole mikita and andrew adams reporting new copies of the book of mormon will have a word change in the introduction.
Jerald and sandra tanners 1965 publication, 3,9 changes in the book of mormon, has probably had a greater influence. Contains a 16page introduction by jerald and sandra tanner which shows that the changes are not in harmony with the original text. Finally, the mormon church leaders became so embarrassed about the grammar that they decided to abandon the idea that god gave joseph smith the english that is found in the book of mormon. Well, he challenged, anyone who has read the new testament knows that jesus was not born in the city of jerusalem, as alma 7. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to. The original 1830 edition, book of mormon had s of. Introductory lesson the book of mormon the red headed. Book of mormon introduction change may reflect new thinking about an ancient people. Hales reminds us that the tanners and others have been deceptive in their treatment of the minor changes and corrections that have been made, creating the. The men, women, and families in the book of mormon struggled with lifes challenges, just like we do. Jon and jay explore the introductory pages of the book of mormon.