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Difference between revisions of "Mormonism and Wikipedia/Three Witnesses/The Three Witnesses"
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==The Three Witnesses== | ==The Three Witnesses== | ||
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− | | | + | Some modern interpreters of Mormonism have argued, as did some of the witnesses' contemporaries, that the Three Witnesses had a magical worldview. One of these, [[Grant Palmer]], a former director of LDS Institutes of Religion who was disfellowshipped by the LDS Church in 2004 for his book ''[[An Insider's View of Mormon Origins]]'', argued that moderns "tend to read into their testimonies a rationalist perspective rather than a nineteenth-century magical mindset....They shared a common world view, and this is what drew them together in 1829." |
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*Grant H. Palmer, ''An Insider's View of Mormon Origins'' (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 175-76. | *Grant H. Palmer, ''An Insider's View of Mormon Origins'' (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 175-76. | ||
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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− | | | + | Critics of Mormonism have also noted that all three witnesses were closely associated with Joseph Smith and that Martin Harris made a significant financial contribution to the movement. |
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*Harris financed publication of the Book of Mormon. <nowiki>http://www.irr.org/mit/bomwit1.html Institute for Religious Research website</nowiki> | *Harris financed publication of the Book of Mormon. <nowiki>http://www.irr.org/mit/bomwit1.html Institute for Religious Research website</nowiki> | ||
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*{{WikipediaNPOV|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=255395856&oldid=255361140}}Why use an anti-Mormon website as a reference? Latter-day Saint sources have always noted that "all three witnesses were closely associated with Joseph Smith and that Martin Harris made a significant financial contribution to the movement." It is well documented in LDS sources that Martin Harris mortgaged his farm in order to finance the printing of the Book of Mormon. | *{{WikipediaNPOV|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=255395856&oldid=255361140}}Why use an anti-Mormon website as a reference? Latter-day Saint sources have always noted that "all three witnesses were closely associated with Joseph Smith and that Martin Harris made a significant financial contribution to the movement." It is well documented in LDS sources that Martin Harris mortgaged his farm in order to finance the printing of the Book of Mormon. | ||
*The edit summary by John Foxe states that this edit was made to restore "earlier version before elimination of material unapproved by a new editor with blatant Mormon POV." | *The edit summary by John Foxe states that this edit was made to restore "earlier version before elimination of material unapproved by a new editor with blatant Mormon POV." | ||
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=== Oliver Cowdery === | === Oliver Cowdery === | ||
{{BeginWikipediaTable|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Witnesses|section=|article=Three Witnesses}} | {{BeginWikipediaTable|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Witnesses|section=|article=Three Witnesses}} | ||
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− | | | + | [[Oliver Cowdery]] was a school teacher and an early convert to [[Mormonism]] who served as scribe while Joseph Smith dictated what he said was a translation of the [[Book of Mormon]]. Like Smith, who was a distant relative, Cowdery was also a treasure hunter who had used a [[divining rod]] in his youth. Cowdery asked questions of the rod; if it moved, the answer was yes, if not, no. |
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*Barnes Frisbie, ''The History of Middletown, Vermont'' (Rutland: Tuttle and Co., 1867) in ''EMD'', 1: 603-05. | *Barnes Frisbie, ''The History of Middletown, Vermont'' (Rutland: Tuttle and Co., 1867) in ''EMD'', 1: 603-05. | ||
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*{{WikipediaCITE|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=255395856&oldid=255361140}}The wiki editor has abused the source, which does not support the statements in the main text. Barnes Frisbie's account is describing the "Wood Scrape" incident. Frisbie is discussing the leader of a band of rodsmen, a man named Winchell, when he says, "I have been told, was a friend and acquaintance of [William] Cowdery's, but of this I cannot be positive..." The wiki editor has moved far beyond the source in his assertions: | *{{WikipediaCITE|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=255395856&oldid=255361140}}The wiki editor has abused the source, which does not support the statements in the main text. Barnes Frisbie's account is describing the "Wood Scrape" incident. Frisbie is discussing the leader of a band of rodsmen, a man named Winchell, when he says, "I have been told, was a friend and acquaintance of [William] Cowdery's, but of this I cannot be positive..." The wiki editor has moved far beyond the source in his assertions: | ||
**The source says nothing about Cowdery being "a distant relative" of Joseph Smith. Moreover, one questions why the wiki author thinks that this is even relevant. | **The source says nothing about Cowdery being "a distant relative" of Joseph Smith. Moreover, one questions why the wiki author thinks that this is even relevant. | ||
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*It should be noted that in the second volume of the ''Joseph Smith Papers'', that the phrase "working with the rod" was originally "working with the sprout." The word "sprout" was changed to "rod" by Sidney Rigdon. | *It should be noted that in the second volume of the ''Joseph Smith Papers'', that the phrase "working with the rod" was originally "working with the sprout." The word "sprout" was changed to "rod" by Sidney Rigdon. | ||
*{{Detail|Doctrine and Covenants/Oliver Cowdery and the "rod of nature"}} | *{{Detail|Doctrine and Covenants/Oliver Cowdery and the "rod of nature"}} | ||
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− | | | + | Cowdery also told Smith that he had seen the Golden Plates in a vision before the two ever met. |
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*Richard Bushman, ''Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling'' (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005), 73; Palmer, 179. | *Richard Bushman, ''Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling'' (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005), 73; Palmer, 179. | ||
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*{{WikipediaCITE|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=255395856&oldid=255361140}}Bushman says nothing about Oliver seeing the plates in a vision before the two met. | *{{WikipediaCITE|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=255395856&oldid=255361140}}Bushman says nothing about Oliver seeing the plates in a vision before the two met. | ||
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− | | | + | Before Cowdery served as one of the Three Witnesses, he had already experienced two other important visions. Cowdery said that he and Smith had received the [[Aaronic Priesthood]] from [[John the Baptist]] in May 1829 after which they had baptized each other in the [[Susquehanna River]]. |
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*''Messenger and Advocate'' (October 1834), 14-16; Bushman, 74-75. | *''Messenger and Advocate'' (October 1834), 14-16; Bushman, 74-75. | ||
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*From Charles M. Nielsen Letter, 14 November 1988, ''Early Mormon Documents'' 2:476, Oliver Cowdery states: | *From Charles M. Nielsen Letter, 14 November 1988, ''Early Mormon Documents'' 2:476, Oliver Cowdery states: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
Again I testify to you that while I was alone with Joseph the Prophet, in the attitude of prayer, a light descended from heaven, the glory of which far exceeds the noon-day sun, and in the midst of which a personage appeared who told us that his name was John, formerly called John the Baptist. He ordained first Joseph by laying his hands upon his head, and then he ordained me in the same manner to the Aaronic Priesthood. Later, after having baptized each other according to his instructions, we ordained each other... | Again I testify to you that while I was alone with Joseph the Prophet, in the attitude of prayer, a light descended from heaven, the glory of which far exceeds the noon-day sun, and in the midst of which a personage appeared who told us that his name was John, formerly called John the Baptist. He ordained first Joseph by laying his hands upon his head, and then he ordained me in the same manner to the Aaronic Priesthood. Later, after having baptized each other according to his instructions, we ordained each other... | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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− | | | + | Cowdery said that he and Smith had later gone into the forest and prayed "until a glorious light encircled us, and as we arose on account of the light, three persons stood before us dressed in white, their faces beaming with glory." One of the three announced that he was the Apostle Peter and named the others as the Apostles James and John. |
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*Charles M. Nielsen to Heber Grant, February 10, 1898, in Dan Vogel, ed., ''Early Mormon Documents'' (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1998), 2: 476. | *Charles M. Nielsen to Heber Grant, February 10, 1898, in Dan Vogel, ed., ''Early Mormon Documents'' (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1998), 2: 476. | ||
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*{{WikipediaCitationInsufficient|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=94346456&oldid=94310149}} The wiki editor does not include anything from the source regarding ''why'' the visitation occurred. | *{{WikipediaCitationInsufficient|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=94346456&oldid=94310149}} The wiki editor does not include anything from the source regarding ''why'' the visitation occurred. | ||
*From the cited source, | *From the cited source, | ||
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...until a glorious light encircled us, and as we arose on account of the light, three persons stood before us dressed in white, their faces beaming with glory." One of the three announced that he was the Apostle Peter and named the others as the Apostles James and John. The person in the center addressing Joseph and me, said "My name is Peter and (pointing to the others) these are James and John. We have come here according to the command from the Almighty to confer upon you the Apostleship to which we have been ordained." After having made these few remarks, they proceeded to ordain us. | ...until a glorious light encircled us, and as we arose on account of the light, three persons stood before us dressed in white, their faces beaming with glory." One of the three announced that he was the Apostle Peter and named the others as the Apostles James and John. The person in the center addressing Joseph and me, said "My name is Peter and (pointing to the others) these are James and John. We have come here according to the command from the Almighty to confer upon you the Apostleship to which we have been ordained." After having made these few remarks, they proceeded to ordain us. | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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− | | | + | By 1838, Cowdery and Smith had engaged in a number of disagreements that included doctrinal differences about the role of faith and works, |
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*Cowdery and Smith publicly argued about the wording of what is now Doctrine & Covenants Section 20:37. The dispute arose partially in part because as Second Elder in the Church of Christ, Cowdery had received parts of the revelation and was part author of the D&C 20. (see [[Articles of the Church of Christ]]). Cowdery's version of the revelation was worded differently than the version that was prepared for publication in 1835. Smith's version reads: "All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church." Cowdery's version reads: "Now therefore whosoever repenteth & humbleth himself before me & desireth to be baptized in my name shall ye baptize them...if it so be that he repenteth & is baptized in my name then shall ye receive him & shall minister unto him of my flesh & blood but if he repenteth not he shall not be numbered among my people that he may not destroy my people." The discussion of how works and faith are intertwined in the repentance process proved to be a dividing factor between Smith and Cowdery during the printing of the Book of Commandments and later the Doctrine and Covenants. | *Cowdery and Smith publicly argued about the wording of what is now Doctrine & Covenants Section 20:37. The dispute arose partially in part because as Second Elder in the Church of Christ, Cowdery had received parts of the revelation and was part author of the D&C 20. (see [[Articles of the Church of Christ]]). Cowdery's version of the revelation was worded differently than the version that was prepared for publication in 1835. Smith's version reads: "All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church." Cowdery's version reads: "Now therefore whosoever repenteth & humbleth himself before me & desireth to be baptized in my name shall ye baptize them...if it so be that he repenteth & is baptized in my name then shall ye receive him & shall minister unto him of my flesh & blood but if he repenteth not he shall not be numbered among my people that he may not destroy my people." The discussion of how works and faith are intertwined in the repentance process proved to be a dividing factor between Smith and Cowdery during the printing of the Book of Commandments and later the Doctrine and Covenants. | ||
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*{{WikipediaCITE}}The original citation was Bushman, 323, 347-48, but it has been removed, most likely by accident. | *{{WikipediaCITE}}The original citation was Bushman, 323, 347-48, but it has been removed, most likely by accident. | ||
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− | | | + | the [[Kirtland Safety Society]] fiasco, |
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*See excommunication charges against Cowdery in ''History of the Church'', 3: 16 | *See excommunication charges against Cowdery in ''History of the Church'', 3: 16 | ||
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*{{WikipediaNPOV|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=95606799&oldid=95595781}}The Kirtland Safety Society failed during a period of nationwide bank failures. Calling it a "fiasco" is pejorative. | *{{WikipediaNPOV|editor=John Foxe|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Witnesses&diff=95606799&oldid=95595781}}The Kirtland Safety Society failed during a period of nationwide bank failures. Calling it a "fiasco" is pejorative. | ||
*{{Detail|Kirtland Safety Society}} | *{{Detail|Kirtland Safety Society}} | ||
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− | | | + | and what Cowdery called Smith's "dirty, nasty, filthy affair" with [[Fanny Alger]]. |
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*B.H. Roberts, ''New Witnesses for God'', 2: 308-9; ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'' "Book of Mormon Witnesses"; Oliver Cowdery and ''History of the Church'', 3: 14-17 | *B.H. Roberts, ''New Witnesses for God'', 2: 308-9; ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'' "Book of Mormon Witnesses"; Oliver Cowdery and ''History of the Church'', 3: 14-17 | ||
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*{{WikipediaCITE}}The phrase "dirty, nasty, filthy affair" does not appear in ''any'' of the three reference works cited. | *{{WikipediaCITE}}The phrase "dirty, nasty, filthy affair" does not appear in ''any'' of the three reference works cited. | ||
*The citation actually comes from Bushman, ''Rough Stone Rolling'' p. 323, citing Oliver Cowdery to Warren A. Cowdery, Jan. 21, 1838, Cowdery Letter Book. The citation to Bushman was originally added by editor [[John Foxe]], however, it was subsequently removed (likely by accident). | *The citation actually comes from Bushman, ''Rough Stone Rolling'' p. 323, citing Oliver Cowdery to Warren A. Cowdery, Jan. 21, 1838, Cowdery Letter Book. The citation to Bushman was originally added by editor [[John Foxe]], however, it was subsequently removed (likely by accident). | ||
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− | | | + | Smith's growing reliance on [[Sidney Rigdon]] as his first counselor, |
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*Although Rigdon was Smith's counselor in the First Presidency, Cowdery was still an "associate president" or "assistant president" of the Church and had more authority than Rigdon. However, David Whitmer was President of the Church in Zion, and Smith led the [[First Presidency]] and was president of the Church outside of Zion. It is apparent that Cowdery had a difficult time with the rising influence of Rigdon, and authority of Whitmer. ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', "Cowdery, Oliver"; D. Michael Quinn, ''BYU Studies'', 16: 193 | *Although Rigdon was Smith's counselor in the First Presidency, Cowdery was still an "associate president" or "assistant president" of the Church and had more authority than Rigdon. However, David Whitmer was President of the Church in Zion, and Smith led the [[First Presidency]] and was president of the Church outside of Zion. It is apparent that Cowdery had a difficult time with the rising influence of Rigdon, and authority of Whitmer. ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', "Cowdery, Oliver"; D. Michael Quinn, ''BYU Studies'', 16: 193 | ||
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*From the ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': | *From the ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': | ||
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*See: ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Cowdery%2C_Oliver Cowdery, Oliver] | *See: ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Cowdery%2C_Oliver Cowdery, Oliver] | ||
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− | | | + | land purchases and other economic details during the gathering of the Latter-day Saints in Jackson County and Kirtland |
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*''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', "Cowdery, Oliver" | *''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', "Cowdery, Oliver" | ||
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*{{WikipediaCITE}}There is no mention of "land purchases" in the cited source. | *{{WikipediaCITE}}There is no mention of "land purchases" in the cited source. | ||
*From the ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', | *From the ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', | ||
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*See: ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Cowdery%2C_Oliver Cowdery, Oliver] | *See: ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'', [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Cowdery%2C_Oliver Cowdery, Oliver] | ||
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− | | | + | ultimately led to Cowdery's excommunication in April. |
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*''History of the Church'' 3: 16: "Wednesday, April 11, [1838]--Elder Seymour Brunson preferred the following charges against Oliver Cowdery, to the High Council at Far West: To the Bishop and Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I prefer the following charges against President Oliver Cowdery. "First--For persecuting the brethren by urging on vexatious law suits against them, and thus distressing the innocent. Second--For seeking to destroy the character of President Joseph Smith, Jun., by falsely insinuating that he was guilty of adultery. "Third--For treating the Church with contempt by not attending meetings. "Fourth--For virtually denying the faith by declaring that he would not be governed by any ecclesiastical authority or revelations whatever, in his temporal affairs. "Fifth--For selling his lands in Jackson county, contrary to the revelations. "Sixth--For writing and sending an insulting letter to President Thomas B. Marsh, while the latter was on the High Council, attending to the duties of his office as President of the Council, and by insulting the High Council with the contents of said letter. "Seventh--For leaving his calling to which God had appointed him by revelation, for the sake of filthy lucre, and turning to the practice of law. "Eighth--For disgracing the Church by being connected in the bogus business, as common report says. "Ninth--For dishonestly retaining notes after they had been paid; and finally, for leaving and forsaking the cause of God, and returning to the beggarly elements of the world, and neglecting his high and holy calling, according to his profession." | *''History of the Church'' 3: 16: "Wednesday, April 11, [1838]--Elder Seymour Brunson preferred the following charges against Oliver Cowdery, to the High Council at Far West: To the Bishop and Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I prefer the following charges against President Oliver Cowdery. "First--For persecuting the brethren by urging on vexatious law suits against them, and thus distressing the innocent. Second--For seeking to destroy the character of President Joseph Smith, Jun., by falsely insinuating that he was guilty of adultery. "Third--For treating the Church with contempt by not attending meetings. "Fourth--For virtually denying the faith by declaring that he would not be governed by any ecclesiastical authority or revelations whatever, in his temporal affairs. "Fifth--For selling his lands in Jackson county, contrary to the revelations. "Sixth--For writing and sending an insulting letter to President Thomas B. Marsh, while the latter was on the High Council, attending to the duties of his office as President of the Council, and by insulting the High Council with the contents of said letter. "Seventh--For leaving his calling to which God had appointed him by revelation, for the sake of filthy lucre, and turning to the practice of law. "Eighth--For disgracing the Church by being connected in the bogus business, as common report says. "Ninth--For dishonestly retaining notes after they had been paid; and finally, for leaving and forsaking the cause of God, and returning to the beggarly elements of the world, and neglecting his high and holy calling, according to his profession." | ||
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
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− | | | + | Cowdery also refused to obey a high council decision not to sell lands on which he hoped to make a profit, "[D]eclaring that he would not be governed by any ecclesiastical authority nor Revelation whatever in his temporal affairs." |
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*Bushman, 323, 347-48. | *Bushman, 323, 347-48. | ||
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*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
*From the cited source (Bushman, 347-348) | *From the cited source (Bushman, 347-348) | ||
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Perhaps the heart of the matter was stated in a charge of "virtually denying the faith by declaring that he would not be governed by any ecclesiastical authority nor Revelation whatever in his temporal affairs. Cowdery was charged with "selling his lands in Jackson County contrary to the Revelations," a sign he was withdrawing from the economic order of the Church. | Perhaps the heart of the matter was stated in a charge of "virtually denying the faith by declaring that he would not be governed by any ecclesiastical authority nor Revelation whatever in his temporal affairs. Cowdery was charged with "selling his lands in Jackson County contrary to the Revelations," a sign he was withdrawing from the economic order of the Church. | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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− | | | + | After Cowdery's excommunication on April 12, 1838, he taught school, practiced law, and was involved in Ohio political affairs. Until 1848, Cowdery put the Latter Day Saint church behind him. There is even the possibility, though no direct evidence, that he may have briefly denied his testimony regarding the [[Golden Plates]]. |
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*The following verse was published in ''[[Times and Seasons]]'' (1841), [http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n18.htm 2: 482]:"Or does it prove there is no time,/Because some watches will not go?/...Or prove that Christ was not the Lord/Because that Peter cursed and swore?/Or Book of Mormon not His word/Because denied, by Oliver?" | *The following verse was published in ''[[Times and Seasons]]'' (1841), [http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n18.htm 2: 482]:"Or does it prove there is no time,/Because some watches will not go?/...Or prove that Christ was not the Lord/Because that Peter cursed and swore?/Or Book of Mormon not His word/Because denied, by Oliver?" | ||
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*{{WikipediaOR}}The wiki editor is referencing a primary source and adding "[t]here is even the possibility, though no direct evidence..." The use of this poem by critics of the Church to imply that Oliver denied his testimony (despite Oliver's repeated well documented assertions to the contrary) is well known. If the wiki editor wishes to draw this conclusion, per Wikipedia rules, he must find a ''secondary'' source that states it. | *{{WikipediaOR}}The wiki editor is referencing a primary source and adding "[t]here is even the possibility, though no direct evidence..." The use of this poem by critics of the Church to imply that Oliver denied his testimony (despite Oliver's repeated well documented assertions to the contrary) is well known. If the wiki editor wishes to draw this conclusion, per Wikipedia rules, he must find a ''secondary'' source that states it. | ||
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− | | | + | Following his relocation to [[Tiffin, Ohio]] in 1840, Cowdery reaffirmed his role in the establishment of Mormonism even though the confession cost him the editorship of a newspaper. In 1848, after Joseph Smith's assassination, Cowdery reaffirmed his witness to the [[Golden Plates]] and asked to be readmitted to the church. He never held another high office in the church, in part because he died sixteen months after his rebaptism. |
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*Randall Cluff, "Cowdery, Oliver" [http://www.anb.org/articles/08/08-02307.html American National Biography Online Feb. 2000]. | *Randall Cluff, "Cowdery, Oliver" [http://www.anb.org/articles/08/08-02307.html American National Biography Online Feb. 2000]. | ||
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*{{WikipediaNPOV}}Oliver "reaffirmed his witness" is technically correct—he never denied it—however, placing this statement after the preceding statement that Oliver ''may'' have denied his witness is disingenuous on the part of the wiki editor. | *{{WikipediaNPOV}}Oliver "reaffirmed his witness" is technically correct—he never denied it—however, placing this statement after the preceding statement that Oliver ''may'' have denied his witness is disingenuous on the part of the wiki editor. | ||
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==Further reading== | ==Further reading== |
Revision as of 01:33, 7 February 2010
Testimony of the Three Witnesses | A FairMormon Analysis of Wikipedia: Mormonism and Wikipedia/Three Witnesses A work by a collaboration of authors (Link to Wikipedia article here)
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The Three Witnesses
Wikipedia footnotes:
- Grant H. Palmer, An Insider's View of Mormon Origins (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 175-76.
FAIR's analysis:
From the Wikipedia article:
Critics of Mormonism have also noted that all three witnesses were closely associated with Joseph Smith and that Martin Harris made a significant financial contribution to the movement.
Wikipedia footnotes:
- Harris financed publication of the Book of Mormon. http://www.irr.org/mit/bomwit1.html Institute for Religious Research website
FAIR's analysis:
Oliver Cowdery
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From the Wikipedia article:
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FairMormon's approach to Wikipedia articles
FairMormon regularly receives queries about specific LDS-themed Wikipedia articles with requests that we somehow "fix" them. Although some individual members of FAIR may choose to edit Wikipedia articles, FairMormon as an organization does not. Controversial Wikipedia articles require constant maintenance and a significant amount of time. We prefer instead to respond to claims in the FAIR Wiki rather than fight the ongoing battle that LDS Wikipedia articles sometimes invite. From FAIR’s perspective, assertions made in LDS-themed Wikipedia articles are therefore treated just like any other critical (or, if one prefers, "anti-Mormon") work. As those articles are revised and updated, we will periodically update our reviews to match.
Who can edit Wikipedia articles?
Editors who wish to participate in editing LDS-themed Wikipedia articles can access the project page here: Wikipedia:WikiProject Latter Day Saint movement. You are not required to be LDS in order to participate—there are a number of good non-LDS editors who have made valuable contributions to these articles.
Recommendations when editing Wikipedia articles
FAIR does not advocate removing any references from Wikipedia articles. The best approach to editing Wikipedia is to locate solid references to back up your position and add them rather than attempting to remove information. Individuals who intend to edit should be aware that posting information related to the real-world identities of Wikipedia editors will result in their being banned from editing Wikipedia. Attacking editors and attempting to "out" them on Wikipedia is considered very bad form. The best approach is to treat all Wikipedia editors, whether or not you agree or disagree with their approach, with respect and civility. An argumentative approach is not constructive to achieving a positive result, and will simply result in what is called an "edit war." Unfortunately, not all Wikipedia editors exhibit good faith toward other editors (see, for example, the comment above from "Duke53" or comments within these reviews made by John Foxe's sockpuppet "Hi540," both of whom repeatedly mocked LDS beliefs and LDS editors prior to their being banned.)
Do LDS editors control Wikipedia?
Although there exist editors on Wikipedia who openly declare their affiliation with the Church, they do not control Wikipedia. Ironically, some critics of the Church periodically falsely accuse Wikipedia editors of being LDS simply because they do not accept the critics' desired spin on a particular article.
Do "anti-Mormons" control Wikipedia?
Again, the answer is no. The truth is that Wikipedia is generally self-policing. Highly contentious articles do tend to draw the most passionate supporters and critics.
Why do certain LDS articles seem to be so negative?
Although some LDS-related Wikipedia articles may appear to have a negative tone, they are in reality quite a bit more balanced than certain critical works such as One Nation Under Gods. Although many critical editors often accuse LDS-related Wikipedia articles of being "faith promoting" or claim that they are just an extension of the Sunday School manual, this is rarely the case. Few, if any, Latter-day Saints would find Wikipedia articles to be "faith promoting." Generally, the believers think that the articles are too negative and the critics believe that the articles are too positive. LDS Wikipedia articles should be informative without being overtly faith promoting. However, most of the primary sources, including the words of Joseph Smith himself, are "faith promoting." This presents a dilemma for Wikipedia editors who want to remain neutral. The unfortunate consequence is that Joseph's words are rewritten and intermixed with contradictory sources, resulting in boring and confusing prose.
We examine selected Wikipedia articles and examine them on a "claim-by-claim" basis, with links to responses in the FairMormon Answers Wiki. Wikipedia articles are constantly evolving. As a result, the analysis of each article will be updated periodically in order to bring it more into line with the current version of the article. The latest revision date may be viewed at the top of each individual section. The process by which Wikipedia articles are reviewed is the following:
- Update each Wikipedia passage and its associated footnotes.
- Examine the use of sources and determine whether or not the passage accurately represents the source used.
- Provide links to response articles within the FairMormon Answers Wiki.
- If violation of Wikipedia rules is discovered, identify which Wikipedia editor (by pseudonym) made the edit, provide a description of the rule violated and a link to the Wikipedia "diff" showing the actual edit.
- If a violated rule is later corrected in a subsequent revision, the violation is removed and a notation is added that the passage is correct per cited sources. This doesn't mean that FAIR necessarily agrees with the passage—only that it is correct based upon the source used.
Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, "Mormonism and Wikipedia: The Church History That “Anyone Can Edit”"
Roger Nicholson, Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, (2012)The ability to quickly and easily access literature critical of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been made significantly easier through the advent of the Internet. One of the primary sites that dominates search engine results is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that “anyone can edit.” Wikipedia contains a large number of articles related to Mormonism that are edited by believers, critics, and neutral parties. The reliability of information regarding the Church and its history is subject to the biases of the editors who choose to modify those articles. Even if a wiki article is thoroughly sourced, editors sometimes employ source material in a manner that supports their bias. This essay explores the dynamics behind the creation of Wikipedia articles about the Church, the role that believers and critics play in that process, and the reliability of the information produced in the resulting wiki articles.
Click here to view the complete article
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Sites we recommend: |
Martin Harris
- | Wikipedia Main Article: Three Witnesses– | Wikipedia Footnotes: Three Witnesses–Notes | A FAIR Opinion |
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David Whitmer
- | Wikipedia Main Article: Three Witnesses– | Wikipedia Footnotes: Three Witnesses–Notes | A FAIR Opinion |
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