I know the mormon church the church of jesus christ of latterday saints really is the restored church on the earth, established by divine authority. The book of mormons witness to its first readers herald. The three witnesses of the book of mormon, part 1 youtube. One of the eight witnesses to the book of mormon, was the second son of peter whitmer, sen.
The book of mormon witnesses are a group of contemporaries of joseph smith who claimed to have seen the golden plates from which smith translated the book of mormon. In this carefully researched, thoughtprovoking book, dr. First, he specifically mention 3 witnesses, then a few, and also as many witnesses as seemeth the lord good. It is confirming evidence of the birth, life, and crucifixion of jesus and of his work as the messiah and the redeemer. Its appeal is as timeless as truth, as universal as mankind. Apr 26, 2010 the bible prescribe at least two or three witnesses for everything. Here are some critics thoughts on that thanks to gary porter and craig criddle for these. 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. Martin harriswitness to the book of mormon fairmormon. This is the first half of an old byu film depicting the story of the three witnesses of the book of mormon. Callister the book of mormon is gods compelling witness of the divinity of jesus christ, the prophetic calling of joseph smith, and the absolute truth of this church.
Witness of the book of mormon much has been said about the book of mormon since its first publication in the 1800s. Smith said he had been directed by the angel moroni to translate this work from reformed egyptian into english. Introductory lesson the book of mormon the red headed. Mar 22, 2017 by june 1829 martin harris, oliver cowdery, and david whitmer had verbalized a desire to be the special three witnesses alluded to in the book of mormon. Witnesses of the book of mormon church of jesus christ. My beloved brethren and sisters, for some years now i have been deeply concerned that we are not using the book of mormon as god intends.
The three witnesses were oliver cowdery, martin harris, and david whitmer, whose joint testimony, in conjunction with a separate statement by eight witnesses, has been printed with every edition of the book of mormon since its first publication in 1830. As the bible is a record of gods dealings with the inhabitants of the eastern hemisphere, the book of mormon tells of a people who were led by god from jerusalem to the western hemisphere 600 years prior to the birth of the savior. He removed with his parents to new york state when a boy, and married elizabeth schott, september 29, 1825. The witnesses of the book of mormon by preston nibley. It is being shared again to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the publication of the book of mormon. Since its publication in 1830, the book of mormon has been accompanied by the testimony of three witnesses claiming to have seen the an angel with the plates and the testimony of eight witnesses. The book of mormon is not only the keystone of our religion, but it can also become the keystone of our testimonies so that when trials or unanswered questions confront us, it can hold our testimonies securely in place.
Welcome to second witness, a companion study guide for the book of mormon. Book of mormon witnesses all later denied its truthfulness. The eight witnesses of the book of mormon lds blogs. This pictoral book depicts a trial in which the veracity of the book of mormon is to be determined. These distinctions appear to reflect the three witnesses who saw the plates and the angels, the eight witnesses who saw and handled the plates. Mary whitmer mary musselman whitmer 17781856, the mother of five witnesses who. Nephi prophesied that there would be multiple groups of people who would see the plates upon which the book of mormon was written. The book of mormon contains two sets of joint statements written by joseph smith for those who claimed to have seen the gold plates. I can personally witness that the book of mormon is true. The book of mormons witness to its first readers on. Some of the most important evidence for the reality and divine nature of the book of mormon comes from detailed scholarship about the witnesses to the book of mormon.
Martin harris may 18, 1783 july 10, 1875 was an early convert to the latter day saint movement who financially guaranteed the first printing of the book of mormon and also served as one of three witnesses who testified that they had seen the golden plates from which joseph smith said the book of mormon had been translated. We can compare the witnesses for the book of mormon to the witnesses of manuscript found. After the witnesses returned to the house the angel again made his appearance to joseph and. The three and eight witnesses to the book of mormon. When joseph smith first obtained the gold plates, he was told to show them to no one. The book of mormon provided multiple official and unofficial witnesses who corroborated aspects of josephs account. The forgotten witness of the book of mormon who refused to deny. Joseph smith the prophet is a sacred oratorio for choir, orchestra, soloists. Witness to the book of mormon 9 july 2018 lds daily. That we, through the grace of god the father, and our lord jesus christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of nephi, and also of the lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. The book of mormon is gods compelling witness of the divinity of jesus christ, the prophetic calling of joseph smith, and the absolute truth of this church.
You will see articles concerning that subject in current issues of the witness. Richard lloyd anderson presents evidence from original sources on each of the eleven witnesses and concludes. Gospel principles are examined and explained through blog posts, vocabulary tips, questions, and fun activities, enjoy. Investigating the book of mormon witnesses richard l. Historical evidence has led many people to question the authenticity of the book of mormon and the credibility of joseph smiths story. Pause for a moment and picture a copy of the book of mormon. The record, written on gold plates, was given to joseph smith and he was given the ability to translate it from the original language, reformed egyptian. The first edition of the book of mormon featured two testimonials. Book of mormon chapter summaries memrise the book of mormon is a record of a people that lived in the americas between bc and ad as well as their origins, lives and religion. I have chosen to speak about the significance of their testimonies and about the life of one of them. Harper, the eleven witnesses, in the coming forth of the book of mormon. It is very comforting to me to know that he has always reached out his hand to protect his righteous followers. Modern mormon spin doctors write all kinds of articles claiming that the witnesses may have denied the mormon church but they never the book of mormon. With a single draft completed in 65 days, joseph smith, an unschooled man of 23, produced a book of over 500 pages with hundreds of unique names and complex story lines.
While joseph smith was translating the book of mormon, the lord revealed that, in addition to the prophets testimony, the world would have the testimony of three. Mary whitmer, 12th witness to the book of mormon deseret news. Lucy mack smith, biographical sketches of joseph smith the prophet, and his progenitors for many generations liverpool, s. I know that joseph smith was a prophet called of god. Three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of god, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered. Urim and thummim places the book of mormon translation on trial, presenting the latest research in one of the most comprehensive treatments of the translation process to date providing encouragement for latterday saints who fear they have been betrayed by the translation history taught by the church for over 190 years. Harmon, made in about 1885, cited in vogel, emd, 2. The book of mormon a witness with the bible in harmony with the biblical law that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established 2 corinthians. Some mormons will agree that all three witnesses denied the book of mormon but came back to deny their denial. We also talk about the testimony of the three witnesses. All continually testified that they believed the book of mormon to be the word of god. The bible and book of mormon teach that god is our heavenly father.
Uncompromising witness of the book of mormon susan easton black, larry c. The testimony of three witnesses, the book of mormon. 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. Those who would defend traditional beliefs about mormon origins often turn to the testimonies of 11 men.
I believe there are many more records which are now lost, though not to god, which testify of jesus christ. Book of mormon central, knowhy david whitmer maintained his testimony of the book of mormon even though he became separated from joseph smith and the church. Five things to know about the seer stone meridian magazine. The church shows joseph smiths seer stone for the first time.
The world was not left with joseph smiths testimony alone. The most significant witnesses are the three witnesses and the eight witnesses, all of whom allowed their names to be used on two separate statements included with the book of mormon. Sep 11, 20 the book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ. Quote if one will take the time to humbly read and ponder the book of mormon, as did my friend, and give ear to the sweet fruits of the. Richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. To read more from larry, visit lds365 the church video compelling witness depicts a mock trial that witnesses of the truthfulness of the book of mormon. For nearly 200 years, skeptics and critics have been trying to explain away what many book of mormon witnesses statedthat they had seen angels and hefted golden metal plates containing ancient inscriptions. Book of mormon foundation book of mormon books, book of. This entry was posted in church history, evidences, faith, stories from church history and tagged book of mormon, book of mormon witnesses, evidence. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi.
These men signed statements declaring the book of mormon was true, and that. Uncompromising witness of the book of mormon reveals the compelling story of a man who struggled to keep his faith in the prophetic calling of joseph smith and the restoration of the gospel of jesus christ. As such, he has prepared a plan of salvation whereby we may be saved through the atonement of jesus christ. Aug 18, 2009 this segment depicts the coming forth of the book of mormon and the testimony to its veracity by the three witnesses. In my personal experience, and as a member of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints sometimes mistakenly called the mormon church, i have heard it described as everything from interesting, false. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints has published many pictures of joseph smith dictating the book of mormon. Sep, 2012 the book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ. Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come. When modern latterday saints think of the witnesses to the book of mormon, its likely that the men whose names most commonly come to.
The prosecution levels a number of charges against the book of mormon these will be familiar to anyone who has discussed this book of scripture with an anti mormon. Book of mormon spiritual and temporal witnesses presentation. Three witnesses oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris declared an angel of god appeared to them and showed them the book of mormon plates and they heard the voice of the lord pronounce that joseph smiths translation had been accomplished. Much has been said about the book of mormon since its first publication in the 1800s. Much confusion surrounds the issue of who actually saw or signed what, where and when. Brigham young said, some of the witnesses of the book of mormon, who handled the plates and conversed with the angels of god, were afterwards left to doubt and to disbelieve that they had ever seen an angel. Quote to be a witness of god at all times and in all places reflects both how we live and how we speak. We also talk about the testimony of the three witnesses, three men who were allowed to see an angel and the physical. This book is an attempt to take the book of mormon seriously. Some often joke derisively, oh if only joseph had thought to actually show someone else those plates instead of keeping them to himself, maybe we mig. Mar, 2008 in studying the history of joseph smith and the the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, referred to as the mormons, we emphasize joseph smiths own testimony of the book of mormon, that book of additional scripture that is another testament of jesus christ. In my personal experience, and as a member of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints sometimes mistakenly called the mormon church, i have heard it described as everything from interesting, false, uplifting, or contrary to the bible. As christians, we always want to use the bible and its timeless truths as our primary tool in witnessing the love of god and salvation through christ.
Oxford university press, 2003, 4142, emphasis added. President nelson grandfathers visit from the other side of the veil and family history work duration. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses book of mormon central. Mary whitmer mary musselman whitmer 17781856, the mother of five witnesses who took.
As a preface to this answer, please see our article on mormonism and what mormons believe. Who are the few who were permitted to see the plates. In studying the history of joseph smith and the the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, referred to as the mormons, we emphasize joseph smiths own testimony of the book of mormon, that book of additional scripture that is another testament of jesus christ. The board of directors at the book of mormon foundation has felt an urge to promote the message of repentance within the book of mormon. Why is david whitmers witness of the book of mormon so compelling. Reasons why the book of mormon is the true word of god.
While translating the book of mormon, joseph learned that the lord would choose witnesses to see the plates. Ten testimonies of jesus christ from the book of mormon. Below is a list of fundamental doctrines taught in the bible for which the book of mormon adds an additional witness. Following those words came one of the most powerful apostolic witnesses of the book of mormon. 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. The book of mormon contains the testimonies of three men who proclaim that they along with joseph smith where shown these plates from which the book of mormon was taken by an angel and that the voice of god declared to them that the book of mormon is true. These illustrations show joseph, carefully examining the gold plates which are in front of him while seated at a table. Answers to questions about the witnesses to the book of mormon. Questions about the witnesses to the reality of the. Witness to the book of mormon 18 may 2018 lds daily. Jan 31, 2008 today, a century and a half after its first publication, the book of mormon is more widely read than at any time in its history. It helps me feel closer to jesus christ and his teachings.
A faith promoting presentation of many correlations between the book of mormon and mesoamerican history. Three witnesses oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris declared an angel of god appeared to them and showed them the book of mormon plates and they heard the voice of the lord pronounce that joseph smith s translation had been accomplished by the gift and power of god. As such, he has prepared a plan of salvation alma 24. Can i get a witness to the book of mormon let us reason. His is a story of fascination with worldly honors, flirtations with apostasy, and pride that nearly cost him the joy of his. Book of mormon the testimony of three witnesses youtube. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the book of mormon was written for the intent that ye may believe the bible. This story was originally published in december 2015. Dec 20, 2011 a discussion of the witnesses of the golden plates of the book of mormon and the implications of their testimony. Three witnesses the three witnesses are david whitmer, oliver cowdery, and martin harris, who mortgaged his farm to finance the first printing of the book of mormon. Can i get a witness to the book of mormon translated. The book of mormon is a witness to the truth of the bible. The historical narrative surrounding the book of mormon witnesses presents a labyrinth of conflicting statements, many provided decades after the fact by those not present during the events. To their dying days, these witnesses defended their testimonies even in the face of cruel mobs, the ridicule of society, and betrayal by.
It is the only book that contains within its covers a promise that by divine power the reader may know with certainty of its truth. Beginning with the first edition of 1830, the book of mormon has generally contained two sets of testimoniesthe testimony of three witnesses and the testimony of eight witnesses. The book of mormon is a convincing witness for jesus christ because its writers freely shared their personal testimonies of him and communicated their individual feelings and thoughts about his attributes and functions. The testimony of three witnesses be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come.
This remarkable statement was in fulfillment of prophecy in the book of mormon itself, given by nephi, the son of lehi. Critics have long tried to dismiss or destroy the witnesses witness. Therefore i desire to testify to all that will come to the knowledge of this address. Books on the book of mormon 19892011 by an authorized editor of byu scholarsarchive. In harmony with the biblical law that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established 2. The complete story, parts 1 and 2 of martin harriss witness to the book of mormon to watch originals from the channel. The american scripture that launched a new world religion new york. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi, who claimed that it had been. Journal of discourses, vol 7, page 164, 1859, brigham young. Statements clearly traced to the witnesses verify the testimonies printed in the book of mormon.
Bofm witnesses presentation provides a spiritual and temporal witness of the realities of the book of mormon. The testimony of the eight witnesses was first published at the end of the 1830 edition of the book of mormon and has been printed in nearly every edition since, although most subsequent editions moved the statement to the front of the book and included minor grammatical corrections. Mar 11, 2018 scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. In this light, niggling criticisms that the testimonies of the book of mormon witnesses dont prove the plates ancient and dont rigorously demonstrate the existence of an ancient nephite. Hedges, john hilton iii, and kerry hull salt lake city and provo, ut. Book of mormon witnesses the encyclopedia of mormonism. All three witnesses were eventually excommunicated from the mormon church. The solemn testimony of these three additional witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon from the beginning. Deseret book and religious studies center, brigham young university, 2015, 1172 amy eastonflake and rachel cope, a multiplicity of witnesses. All three witnesses eventually broke with smith and were excommunicated from the church. The case for the book of mormon wont likely be won in a courtroom or. 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. Witnesses film an interpreter foundation production.
How the book of mormon design has changed over the last 100 years kelsey berteaux editors note. The statement of the 3 witnesses for the book of mormon was a single statement signed by all three men. It is very interesting how the lord decided to have those special witnesses of his work of the last days. This video uses testimonies of several different apostles of jesus christ to discuss the importance of the book of mormon in gods plan to establish his doctrine and kingdom. Callister the book of mormon is gods compelling witness of the divinity of jesus christ, the prophetic calling of joseph smith. This segment depicts the coming forth of the book of mormon and the testimony to its veracity by the three witnesses. The witnesses of the book of mormon the millennial star. The book of mormon is not only the keystone of our religion, but it can also become the keystone of our testimonies so that when trials or unanswered questions confront us, it can hold. Here it was that those 8 witnesses recorded in the book of mormon looked upon the plates and handled them of which they bear witness in the title page of the book of mormon. According to elder holland, preeminent in the lords arsenal to combat the evils of the world is the book of mormon, as the book is infused with the power of christ to counter all troubles in all timesincluding the end of times. That we, through the grace of god the father, and our lord jesus christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of nephi, and also of the lamanites, their brethren, and also of.
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