Mormon Stories Podcast Book of Mormon: Historical or 19th Century Text? - John Turner Pt. 6 | Ep. 2037
Jul 3, 2025
John Turner, a historian from George Mason University and author of 'Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet', dives into the multifaceted origins of the Book of Mormon. The discussion tackles the authenticity of its witnesses, weighing claims of deception against visionary experiences. Turner also explores the historical credibility of the text, linking it to archaeological evidence and the implications of viewing it as a 19th-century creation. Thought-provoking theological reflections on divine revelation and epistemic humility enrich this critical examination.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Witnesses' Experience Complexity
- The eight witnesses likely had either a physical object or mystical experience to convince them of the plates.
- A long-term scam seems less plausible given their years of commitment and lack of betrayal.
Early Blasphemy Claim Explained
- The Book of Mormon was immediately denounced as fraud and blasphemy by non-believers.
- This reaction was typical given its Bible-like presentation and theological claims.
Consensus on Book of Mormon Historicity
- Non-LDS scholars generally agree the Book of Mormon is a 19th-century creation.
- The burden of proof lies with those asserting its ancient origin, as no archaeological or DNA evidence supports it.