Book of Mormon/Early reactions to

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Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

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Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses. Book of Mormon/Early reactions to/Joseph Smith the author

Other early reaction to the Book of Mormon

"Adding to or taking away"

Summary: Bible forbids "adding to or taking away" from God's word

New revelation not necessary

Summary: It is claimed that new revelation is blasphemous or unnecessary

Clumsy or obvious forgery

Summary: It is claimed that the Book of Mormon is a clumsy or obvious forgery

Difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Critics were relieved to have the Spalding theory, since they acknowledged that it was implausible for Joseph Smith to have written the Book of Mormon.

Grammar and spelling errors

Summary: Complaints about grammar, spelling, or style.

Heretical

Summary: Claims that the existence of the Book of Mormon marks members of the Church as Christian heretics

KJV plagiarism?

Summary: Plagiarized from the King James Bible

Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Claims that Sidney Rigdon had major role in authorship

Lazy Smiths?

Summary: Claims that the Smith family was lazy

Spalding theory

All "interested," so not to be trusted

All related, so not to be trusted

Character assaults

Spiritual or literal?

Summary: Did not literally see plates/angel?

Marin Harris and spiritual eyes

"Supernatural"