The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

The Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship

Template loop detected: Question: What is the Spalding Theory of Book of Mormon authorship? Template loop detected: Question: Is the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon authorship credible? Template loop detected: Question: What do most critics think of the Spalding theory of Book of Mormon origin? Template loop detected: Source:Plowman:Christianity Today:1977:Mormon archivists have assembled a large amount of evidence -- some of it impressive -- to rebut the Spalding theory Template loop detected: Source:Gospel Topics:Spaulding Manuscript:Similarities between his manuscript and the Book of Mormon are general and superficial Template loop detected: Source:Rigdon:Manuscript found:in all of my intimacy with Joseph Smith he never told me but one story Template loop detected: Question: Did Solomon Spaulding's doctor state that Spaulding talked to him about the Nephites in his manuscript? Template loop detected: Source:Howe:Spalding theory:I could better believe that Spaulding wrote it than that Joe Smith saw an angel Template loop detected: Source:William Smith:The Old Soldier's Testimony:1884:It was not written from the Spaulding Romance. That story is false Template loop detected: Source:Roper:The Mythical "Manuscript Found":Subsequent variants of this hypothesis have been published from time to time

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?

</onlyinclude> To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims

For further information related to this topic


Sidney Rigdon as Book of Mormon author/co-conspirator

Summary: Some claim that Sidney Rigdon authored the Book of Mormon, and conspired with Joseph Smith well ahead of time to compose it and start a religion.

Critics found it difficult to explain Book of Mormon before Spalding theory

Summary: Initial critics of the Book of Mormon tended to take one of two stances—either: 1) The Book of Mormon was a clumsy, obvious forgery upon which no intelligent person would waste time; and/or 2) Joseph Smith was the Book of Mormon's obvious author. Ironically, with the appearance of the Spalding theory, critics quickly began to claim that Joseph Smith could not have written the Book of Mormon, and attributed the Book of Mormon's writing to Spalding and (usually) Sidney Rigdon.

Relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

Summary: Despite clear evidence that Joseph met Sidney after the publication of the Book of Mormon, some claim that evidence will eventually appear which proves that Joseph and Sidney met prior to late 1830. It is claimed that attempts to argue that conspiracy between Joseph and Sidney is implausible have failed, and that attempts to paint Sidney Rigdon as a "saint" have failed.

Rejection of the Spalding theory by critics of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Many critics of the Book of Mormon reject the Spalding theory as unworkable. If Mormonism's most prominent critics find the Spalding theory unworkable, then what motivates those who tenuously hold to this theory and continue to pursue it?

Early reactions to the Book of Mormon

Summary: The Book of Mormon was met by a storm of criticism from early critics. This page archives examples of these early responses.

Parallels between the Spalding manuscript and the Book of Mormon

Summary: It is claimed that there are significant parallels between the extant, unfinished Spalding manuscript titled Manuscript Story and the Book of Mormon.

The Hurlbut Spalding affidavits

Summary: Joseph's neighbors claimed that Joseph had copied the Spalding manuscript

Vernal Holley map—Book of Mormon place names from North America?

Summary: Common place names in the region around New York used as Book of Mormon names?


To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes



Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims