Creating literary analysis book of mormon

The dust jacket of his the literary message of isaiahquotes david noel freedman, a cogeneral author of the anchor bible, as considering gileadi eminently qualified and far in advance of others in the work of analyzing isaiah, and describes this specific book as a major breakthrough in the investigation of a. A history of the various editions of the book of mormon, starting with the plates to the original and printers manuscript, down through each main edition of the book of mormon put out by the church. If the book of mormons source texts were truly written by a large number of ancient prophets over the course of a 1,000 years, then that would naturally explain why its voice diversity. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. This sixbook set, entitled analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon atv, fulfills the central task of the critical text project, to restore the original text of the book of mormon to the extent possible using scholarly means. Welch, the discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon. The book of mormon, the muchapplauded musical from the creators of south park, officially opened in london last week and like the grinning, clean. Book of mormons literary style most closely matched writing samples from. Conflicting results of computer analyses of the book of mormon. Structural studies have identified an artistic literary form, chiasmus, that appears in rich diversity in both the bible and the book of mormon see book of mormon literature. Miraculous origins theories generally accept joseph smiths own account, that he translated an ancient record compiled and abridged by mormon, a precolumbian resident of the western hemisphere. The most common belief of adherents is that promoted by joseph smith, who said he translated ancient golden plates inscribed by prophets. The dust jacket of his the literary message of isaiahquotes david noel freedman, a cogeneral author of the anchor bible, as considering gileadi eminently qualified and far in advance of others in the work of analyzing isaiah, and describes this specific book as a major breakthrough in the investigation of a book of such. The literary masterpiece called the book of mormon james t.

New approaches to the book of mormon explorations in critical methodology edited by brent lee metcalfe. Apr 22, 2016 careful analysis shows that the book of mormon depends on the kjv itself, rather than independent sources from the brass plates for the old or the words of jesus for the new. There are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. The american scripture that launched a new world religion new york. If the book of mormons source texts were truly written by a large number of ancient prophets over the course of 1,000 years, then that would naturally explain why its voice diversity is.

A literary analysis of the word liahona in the book of mormon. Since the book of mormons publication in 1830, a number of different. Recent research demonstrates that its diversity of styles is unusually high, even greater than the combined. It was alma the younger whose conversion to the lord was so powerful and rich that it affected an entire generation at the time it happened and has since become one of the most inspirational stories recorded in the book of mormon. Joseph smith was literally reading off an already composed englishlanguage text.

Exploration of the hit musical, with analysis of the traditional show structure and layered elements, including homages to classical music styles and songs. Is it possible that a single author wrote the book of mormon. The theology of alexander campbell, rigdons mentor, is sprinkled throughout the book of mormon. But even if the book of mormon is not remarkable in its literary qualities as we. A literary analysis of the word liahona evidences of mormon. In the six books of atv, skousen discusses every substantive change to words or. Textual and theological evidence implicating rigdon. In no way does the use of literary criticism suggest that his gospel is only a story. In the first place, we have demonstrated the extensive existence of chiasmus.

Joseph smith, the book of mormon, and the american. The book of mormon was not an ordinary translation. Statisticians at brigham young university completed a computer analysis of. Evaluating the scriptures from a literary perspective can enhance reading and teaching the scriptures, yet it remains an untapped resource for many religious educators.

This thesis discusses whether literary methods of analysis are applicable to a sacred text, and suggests rules which should govern such a method of analysis. Kent brown the israelite background of moses typology in the book of mormon noel b. Rees, joseph smith, the book of mormon, and us renaissance 3 and their places in this incredibly fertile chapter of american literary history in relation to the mormon prophet and the book with which he. In a particularly pronounced way, the meaning and value of the book of mormon as a religious text are tied to a specific set of historical claims. Why british critics dont get the book of mormon oliver. Forty years later, journal of book of mormon studies 16, no. Deuteroisaiah verses in the book of mormon overview of the deuteroisaiah problem in the book of mormon. David bokovoys work and grant hardys understanding the book of mormon have already been mentioned and both would qualify as efforts that bracket issues of truthfulness to evaluate the literary value. Each book contains between one and thirty chapters, and they are printed in chronological order. Although the book of mormon is composed of such literary elements as stories. Intriguing literary analysis of the book of mormon later on. Joseph and the book of mormon mormon open blog medium. The only bible that joseph smith relied on was the king james version. The interpreter foundation currently hosts digital versions of all six parts of this volume.

Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a work of inspired scripture. It is the sacred text for the 15 millionstrong church of jesus christ of latterday saints. For the first 150 years of mormonisms existence, everyone thought it was a story about a people who left the middle east and came to south or central america, and who fought wars clear up into new york state where. That wedding of the rational and the religious works well for a volume which argues that the literary dimensions of the book of mormon contribute deliberately and dramatically to its religious impact. Critics of the text may question its plausibility or historicity on intellectual grounds, but the book of mormon was never meant to be. In the first place, we have demonstrated the extensive existence of chiasmus in the book of mormon beyond any possible doubt. The book of mormon in the english literary context of 1837 gordon k.

Here is a visual summary of the entire book of mormon generated by applying computational sentiment analysis to every verse and then graphing a moving average of the results. A stylometric analysis of mormon scripture and related texts d. The lds church founder once remarked that his writing suffered from a lack of. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. Jun, 2011 a mormon explanation of the i believe book of mormon musical number from the tonys. Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon book. Its another record of gods dealings with his children. Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon, part one. Royal skousen has singlehandedly brought the textual analysis of the book of mormon to a professional level on par with the finest classical and biblical scholarship. The complicated production of the book of mormon, from its original writing by nephi, mormon, moroni, and others to its most recent editings and printings, is a human process that has been well described. Ive been working on it for a few months when i have had spare time. Modern studies on population size and growth have been done by john kunich and farms writer james smith. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. Wordprint studies of the book of mormon fairmormon.

The book of mormon girl is a story about leaving behind the innocence of childhood belief and embracing the complications and heartbreaks that come to every adult life of faith. As john hilton put the matter, if wordprinting is a valid technique, then this analysis suggests that it is statistically indefensible to claim that joseph, oliver, or solomon spaulding wrote the 30,000 words in the book of mormon attributed to nephi and alma. Careful analysis shows that the book of mormon depends on the kjv itself, rather than independent sources from the brass plates for the old or the words of jesus for the new. The literary book of mormon brigham young university. And yet the book of mormon has excited very little enthusiasm outside of mormonism. Sentiment analysis of the book of mormon here is a visual summary of the entire book of mormon generated by applying computational sentiment analysis to every verse and then graphing a moving average of the results. A central feature of the book of mormon is its account of. Volume 4 of royal skousens book of mormon critical text project contains six parts that detail the textual variants found throughout the text of the book of mormon. May 04, 2016 4 the vocabulary of the earliest book of mormon text appears to derive from the 1500s and 1600s, not from the 1800s. The book of mormon girl book by joanna brooks official.

Lds scholars often point out that smith had received a rudimentary education at best, and did not have access to. Even as eloquent a defender of the book as terryl givensa professor of religion and literature at the university of richmond who has since the 1990s been an emissary of mormon culture and theology to nonmormon intellectualsfelt compelled to admit that searching for literary wonders in the book of mormon is a bit like seeking lyrical. The most significant structural studies of the book of mormon derive from john w. Stylometry is a method of statistical analysis used to determine authorship of. Chiasmus is both a necessary and natural way of understanding book of mormon literature. One argument that mormon apologists frequently employ is the claim that joseph smith was intellectually unequipped to write the book of mormon. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place.

To view any of the parts, click on one of the links below. Unlike virtually all other recent world scriptures, the book of mormon presents itself as an integrated narrative rather than a series of doctrinal expositions, moral injunctions, or devotional hymns. According to smith, the text was originally written in an unknown language called reformed egyptian, engraved on golden plates, and buried in modern day manchester, new york, by moroni, the last prophet to contribute to the work. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi, who claimed that it had been. Joseph smith translated this record written on golden plates, and that translation is what we now have as the book of mormon. The book of mormon is a religious text which, like the bible, may be subjected to various methods of analysis. In 1888, walter sidney rigdon sidney rigdons grandson said that his grandfathers role in fabrication of the book of mormon was a family secret. Two others are by the hand of mormon and the book of mormon. Harrell first gives a brief overview of lds literary criticism, using eugene englands. To latterday saints there can be no objection to the careful and critical study of the scriptures, ancient or modern, provided only that it be an honest studya search for truth. Joseph smith summary literary masterpieces, volume 5. And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our redeemer, who is christ, the son of god. Prior to 2008, no published authorship study results linked sidney rigdon to writing of the book of mormon. Could joseph smith have written the book of mormon.

For the book of mormon, history has not left any clear events where the book of mormon altered the discernible flow of history in either the old or the new world. The book of mormon narrators intervene actively in the text, which creates less ambiguity for the reader. Some have wondered, though, if the book of mormons different styles are in any way unique or impressive. Following these rules, the thesis provides an analysis of specific themes particular to the book of mormon and suggests how. Critics of the book of mormon church of jesus christ. The book of mormon gets the literary treatment religion. The book of mormon as a really interesting, well, piece of. Kunichs analysis agrees with lambs that the book of mormon presents an unrealistic growth rate for the population, but smith disagrees, and says that the growth rate is realistic. Critics of the book of mormon have claimed that a variety of linguistic anachronisms exist in it which cast doubt upon its historical authenticity. To the person who knows only chiasmus and no other form of literary.

Finding doctrine and meaning in book of mormon isaiah. Jan 16, 2018 previous studies have shown that the book of mormon contains multiple distinct writing styles and that those styles are consistent with the authors designated in the text itself. The book of mormon uses both terms throughout the book. Linguistic anachronisms in the book of mormon are words that represent concepts that are not believed to have existed in the americas between 2500 b. This book of mormon is brought to you for free and open access by the all journals at byu scholarsarchive. Smiths achievement went beyond merely creating an entirely new church. Previous studies have shown that the book of mormon contains multiple distinct writing styles and that those styles are consistent with the authors designated in the text itself. There are differing views on the origin of the book of mormon. For the first time, studies of the book of mormons literary qualities were appearing in. Having read the book of mormon several times and teaching it in sunday school, i was looking for a fresh approach. Widtsoe, council of the twelve apostles, in search of truth. Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon book of. Although the book of mormon is composed of such literary elements as stories, poetry, symbolism, letters, archetypes, typology, and allegories, it is not just literature. Review of books on the book of mormon 19892011 volume 11number 1 article 3 1999 the literary book of mormon richard dilworth rust follow this and additional works at.

Analysis of textual variants of the book of mormon, 2nd. I appreciate a scholars view of the book of mormon, and always have since nibley. Because the study of hebrew writing forms in the book of mormon can strengthen. This volume is the culmination of his labors, and it is the most textually significant edition since joseph smiths work was first published in 1830. What was mormons purpose in writing the book of mormon. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from. The literary power of the book of mormon book of mormon. Variations of this theory only include that the text is a divinely inspired narrative, regardless of its. Joannas journey through her faith explores a side of the religion that is rarely put on display. The literary power of the book of mormon religious studies center. Jan 25, 2017 31 thoughts on the book of mormon as a really interesting, well, piece of literature glen danielsen on january 25, 2017 at 7. May 23, 2017 t he book of mormon is a wholly american scripture.

The book of mormon is where the literary and spiritual ambitions of the antebellum age most tenaciously converged. Although we have not called this a chiasmus, for a discussion of chiasmus in the book of mormon, see john w. At least three computer analyses have been completed to date in an effort to determine who wrote the book of mormon, and whether it was a single individual or a group. Feasting on the word is both a heartfelt and a thoughtful book, as clearly reasoned as it is faithful. In illustration 3, the chiastic pattern shown is not necessarily intended to portray a. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. So i watched the tony awards last night, where the book of mormon musical cleaned up. As a missionary, i told people about this story all of the time. The debate between critics and defenders of the book of mormon continues today. Reading this book was a pleasure as i studied the book of mormon from this literary perspective. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. In the book of mormon, there are many chapters of isaiah directly incorporated from the king james version kjv of the bible, complete with translation errors that were obviously not possible to have been recorded on the gold plates since the kjv was not available until thousands of years.

In understanding the book of mormon, hardy offers the first comprehensive analysis of the works narrative structure in its 180 year history. The book of mormon also contains work written by more than one author. Creating a list of standard works on book of mormon. This means that nsc analysis will always deliver positive results for one of.

What the book of mormon does show is its own participation in and influence from the greater trends in the lands where it occurred. Chiasmus in the book of mormon church of jesus christ. History and historicity in the book of mormon fairmormon. This volume features articles that look at literary aspects of the book of mormon, including a lyric reading of nephis psalm, the exodus pattern and moses typology in the book, the literary context that affected its acceptance in england in 1837, a. New approaches to the book of mormon signature books. This is a followup to my article, joseph smith and the american renaissance, published in dialogue. Sondrup the exodus pattern in the book of mormon s. In the vast majority of cases, it uses the terms in an identical manner as the bible, where it does not matter which word is used. This led to new research on the ancient american setting and complex literary structure of the book of mormon. Reynolds the thronetheophany and prophetic commission in 1 nephi. Time now for a few final evaluations of what we have learned about chiasmus in the book of mormon. The literary power of the book of mormon book of mormon central.

For many of you, the initial reaction to this image is probably something like cool. For example, critics of mormonism have shown convincing proof that the book of mormon is a synthesis of earlier works written by other men, of the vivid imaginings of joseph smith, and of plagiarisms from the king james bible. Another famous author of the book of mormon who creatively employed the principles of chiasmus to great advantage was alma the younger. Its the calling card for thousands of missionaries, and part of the inspiration for a tony awardwinning broadway musical. The book of mormon is a sacred text in the latter day saint movement published by joseph smith. One was the drive, in the heady early decades of the republic, to create a uniquely american literature. Slaughter, how we got the book of mormon salt lake city, utah. Saints, a book designed for a course in mormon literature at brigham young. Over the next thirtyfive years, six more anthologies of mormon writing would. What can stylometry tell us about book of mormon authorship. It would not make sense for frodo to carry the ring into mordor, just to identify the ring once he. According to most adherents of the latter day saint movement, the book of mormon is a.