Church History Matters 027 Did Joseph Smith Plagiarize Part of the JST?
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Sep 5, 2023 Joseph Smith's alleged plagiarism in his Bible translation project is examined, specifically the accusation of borrowing from Adam Clarke's Bible commentary without attribution. The controversy is traced back to research by Thomas Wayment and Hailey Wilson-Lemmon. Expert Kent Jackson provides a critique and refutation of their claims. The podcast explores the impact of the Joseph Smith Translation on theology, temple liturgy, and church identity. Joseph Smith's approach to the Bible and his engagement with scholarship are discussed. The controversy surrounding the alleged plagiarism is analyzed, with evidence and explanations provided. The importance of good scholarship and critical thinking is emphasized.
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JST's Impact
- The JST's impact on Latter-day Saint theology and history is often underestimated.
- It significantly shapes their worldview, view of humanity, and views of God and Jesus Christ.
JST's Complexity
- The JST is complex, multifaceted, and unfinished, leading to ongoing controversies.
- Joseph Smith completed a translation round by 1833 but never published it.
Adam Clarke Controversy Origins
- BYU scholars, Thomas Wayment and Hailey Wilson-Lemmon, researched similarities between the JST and Adam Clarke's commentary.
- Initial reactions were positive, aligning with Joseph Smith's openness to truth from any source.