FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Difference between revisions of "Mormonism and Wikipedia/Golden plates/Sealed portion"
(→References: link) |
(format) |
||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
==="Sealed" portion=== | ==="Sealed" portion=== | ||
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*According to Joseph Smith and others, the book of Golden Plates contained a "sealed" portion | *According to Joseph Smith and others, the book of Golden Plates contained a "sealed" portion | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*Smith 1842 p=707 | *Smith 1842 p=707 | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*containing "a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof." | *containing "a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof." | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 27:7. The "sealing" of apocalyptic revelations in a book has precedents in the [[Bible]]. See, for example, Isaiah 29:11, Daniel 12:4, and Revelation 5:1–5. The Book of Mormon states that this vision was originally given to the [[Brother of Jared]], recorded by Ether on a set of 24 plates later found by [[Limhi]], and then "sealed up". Book of Mormon, Ether 1:2. According to this account, [[Moroni (Book of Mormon prophet)|Moroni]] copied the plates of Limhi onto the sealed portion of the Golden Plates. | *Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 27:7. The "sealing" of apocalyptic revelations in a book has precedents in the [[Bible]]. See, for example, Isaiah 29:11, Daniel 12:4, and Revelation 5:1–5. The Book of Mormon states that this vision was originally given to the [[Brother of Jared]], recorded by Ether on a set of 24 plates later found by [[Limhi]], and then "sealed up". Book of Mormon, Ether 1:2. According to this account, [[Moroni (Book of Mormon prophet)|Moroni]] copied the plates of Limhi onto the sealed portion of the Golden Plates. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaOR}} For some reason, the wiki editors want to muddle the fact that witnesses reported that a number of the plates were physically bound together so that they could not be read. Instead, they perform a bit of original research by bringing in various Bible and Book of Mormon verses. Wikipedia requires secondary sources in order to advance ideas such as those presented in the footnote. There are no secondary sources given that make the associations given by the wiki editors. | *{{WikipediaOR}} For some reason, the wiki editors want to muddle the fact that witnesses reported that a number of the plates were physically bound together so that they could not be read. Instead, they perform a bit of original research by bringing in various Bible and Book of Mormon verses. Wikipedia requires secondary sources in order to advance ideas such as those presented in the footnote. There are no secondary sources given that make the associations given by the wiki editors. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*Smith never described the nature of the seal, and the language of the [[Book of Mormon]] may be interpreted to describe a sealing that was spiritual, metaphorical, | *Smith never described the nature of the seal, and the language of the [[Book of Mormon]] may be interpreted to describe a sealing that was spiritual, metaphorical, | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*i.e. that the book was "sealed" in the sense that its contents were hidden or kept from public knowledge | *i.e. that the book was "sealed" in the sense that its contents were hidden or kept from public knowledge | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCITE}} There seems to be some attempt here to obfuscate the nature of the sealed portion by conflating witness descriptions with other types of "sealing" described in the Book of Mormon. | *{{WikipediaCITE}} There seems to be some attempt here to obfuscate the nature of the sealed portion by conflating witness descriptions with other types of "sealing" described in the Book of Mormon. | ||
*From {{Harvtxt|Smith|1842}}. Joseph Smith is describing the physical appearance of the plates: | *From {{Harvtxt|Smith|1842}}. Joseph Smith is describing the physical appearance of the plates: | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
*{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}Note the clear description that a portion of the plates were physically sealed. Joseph is very clearly describing the physical aspects of the plates. To state, as the main wiki text does, that he "never described the nature of the seal" is simply incorrect. For the wiki editor to imply that Joseph needed to be more ''precise'' in his description of a physical seal without providing any supporting citation is original research. | *{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}Note the clear description that a portion of the plates were physically sealed. Joseph is very clearly describing the physical aspects of the plates. To state, as the main wiki text does, that he "never described the nature of the seal" is simply incorrect. For the wiki editor to imply that Joseph needed to be more ''precise'' in his description of a physical seal without providing any supporting citation is original research. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*physical, or a combination of these elements. | *physical, or a combination of these elements. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaOR}} | *{{WikipediaOR}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*The Book of Mormon refers to other documents and plates as being "sealed" by being buried in order to be revealed at some future time. For example, the [[Book of Mormon]] says the entire set of plates was "sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord" | *The Book of Mormon refers to other documents and plates as being "sealed" by being buried in order to be revealed at some future time. For example, the [[Book of Mormon]] says the entire set of plates was "sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord" | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harv|Smith|1830|loc=title page}} | *{{Harv|Smith|1830|loc=title page}} | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}} This is pure original research using the Book of Mormon as a primary source. The Book of Mormon phrase "sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord" has been interpreted directly by the wiki editor to mean that they were "buried." | *{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}} This is pure original research using the Book of Mormon as a primary source. The Book of Mormon phrase "sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord" has been interpreted directly by the wiki editor to mean that they were "buried." | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*and that separate records of [[John the Apostle]] were "sealed up to come forth in their purity" in the [[end times]]. | *and that separate records of [[John the Apostle]] were "sealed up to come forth in their purity" in the [[end times]]. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*''Book of Mormon'', 1 Nephi 14:26 | *''Book of Mormon'', 1 Nephi 14:26 | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}} The phrase "sealed up to come forth in their purity" does not necessarily mean that the record of John the Apostle was "buried," as implied in the preceding paragraph. | *{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}} The phrase "sealed up to come forth in their purity" does not necessarily mean that the record of John the Apostle was "buried," as implied in the preceding paragraph. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*One set of plates to which the Book of Mormon refers was "sealed up" in the sense that they were written in a language that could not be read. | *One set of plates to which the Book of Mormon refers was "sealed up" in the sense that they were written in a language that could not be read. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*Book of Mormon, Ether 3:22. | *Book of Mormon, Ether 3:22. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}} | *{{WikipediaOR|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*Smith may have understood the sealing to be a [[supernatural]] or spiritual sealing "by the power of God" (2 Nephi 27:10), | *Smith may have understood the sealing to be a [[supernatural]] or spiritual sealing "by the power of God" (2 Nephi 27:10), | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=195–196}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1998|pp=195–196}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaSecondaryFact|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}It should be noted that editor COgden originally wrote this as "supernatural or magical." Quinn's interpretation, a minority opinion, is given precedence (i.e. it appears first) in the wiki article over statements of multiple eyewitnesses listed later, who simply stated that a portion of the plates were ''physically sealed''. | *{{WikipediaSecondaryFact|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}It should be noted that editor COgden originally wrote this as "supernatural or magical." Quinn's interpretation, a minority opinion, is given precedence (i.e. it appears first) in the wiki article over statements of multiple eyewitnesses listed later, who simply stated that a portion of the plates were ''physically sealed''. | ||
*From the cited source, Quinn's ''opinion'' is that the seal was "a non-material restriction": | *From the cited source, Quinn's ''opinion'' is that the seal was "a non-material restriction": | ||
| Line 99: | Line 97: | ||
Modern Mormons have often pictured a physical seal, especially when reading about the untranslated portion of the plates. This expectation appears in official LDS magazines as an illustration of a band of metal securing the leaves of the gold plates. Such a view was a parallel to the book described in Revelation 5:1, but the Book of Mormon nowhere describes a physical seal. Instead, the seal was a non-material restriction. "For the book shall be sealed by the power of God" (2 Ne. 27:10) | Modern Mormons have often pictured a physical seal, especially when reading about the untranslated portion of the plates. This expectation appears in official LDS magazines as an illustration of a band of metal securing the leaves of the gold plates. Such a view was a parallel to the book described in Revelation 5:1, but the Book of Mormon nowhere describes a physical seal. Instead, the seal was a non-material restriction. "For the book shall be sealed by the power of God" (2 Ne. 27:10) | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*an idea supported by a reference in the Book of Mormon to the "interpreters" ([[Seer stones and the Latter Day Saint movement|Urim and Thummim]]) with which Smith said they were buried or "sealed." | *an idea supported by a reference in the Book of Mormon to the "interpreters" ([[Seer stones and the Latter Day Saint movement|Urim and Thummim]]) with which Smith said they were buried or "sealed." | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*Book of Mormon, Ether 4:5. According to [[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]], anyone who looked into the "interpreters", "except by the command of God", would "perish" {{Harv|Harris|1859|p=166}}. | *Book of Mormon, Ether 4:5. According to [[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]], anyone who looked into the "interpreters", "except by the command of God", would "perish" {{Harv|Harris|1859|p=166}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaPRIMARY|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}Wikipedia editors are not supposed to directly interpret primary sources. To draw a conclusion and say that something is "supported by a reference" in the Book of Mormon violates this. | *{{WikipediaPRIMARY|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}Wikipedia editors are not supposed to directly interpret primary sources. To draw a conclusion and say that something is "supported by a reference" in the Book of Mormon violates this. | ||
*{{WikipediaCITE|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}Harris' statement is tangential and has nothing whatsoever to do with a portion of the plates being sealed. | *{{WikipediaCITE|editor=COgden|wikipedialink=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_plates&diff=101898151&oldid=101882661}}Harris' statement is tangential and has nothing whatsoever to do with a portion of the plates being sealed. | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Witnesses/Viewing gold plates would result in death}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon/Witnesses/Viewing gold plates would result in death}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*Oliver Cowdery also stated that when Smith visited the hill, he was stricken by a supernatural force because the plates were "sealed by the prayer of faith." | *Oliver Cowdery also stated that when Smith visited the hill, he was stricken by a supernatural force because the plates were "sealed by the prayer of faith." | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Cowdery|1835b|p=198}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Cowdery|1835b|p=198}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaOR}} The wiki authors continue to throw in every use of the word "sealed" that can be found in an attempt to somehow demonstrate confusion on the part of witnesses regarding the sealed portion of the plates. | *{{WikipediaOR}} The wiki authors continue to throw in every use of the word "sealed" that can be found in an attempt to somehow demonstrate confusion on the part of witnesses regarding the sealed portion of the plates. | ||
*From the cited source: | *From the cited source: | ||
| Line 126: | Line 124: | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
*Oliver was clearly not referring to the sealed portion of the plates that was described by witnesses—he was referring to the value of the record contained on the entire set of plates. | *Oliver was clearly not referring to the sealed portion of the plates that was described by witnesses—he was referring to the value of the record contained on the entire set of plates. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*Several witnesses described a physical sealing placed on part of the plates by Mormon or Moroni. [[David Whitmer]] said that when an angel showed him the plates in 1829, "a large portion of the leaves were so securely bound together that it was impossible to separate them," | *Several witnesses described a physical sealing placed on part of the plates by Mormon or Moroni. [[David Whitmer]] said that when an angel showed him the plates in 1829, "a large portion of the leaves were so securely bound together that it was impossible to separate them," | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*David Whitmer interview, Chicago Tribune, 24 January 1888, in David Whitmer Interviews, ed. Cook, 221. Near the end of his life, Whitmer said that one section of the book was "loose, in plates, the other solid". {{Harvtxt|Storey|1881}}. | *David Whitmer interview, Chicago Tribune, 24 January 1888, in David Whitmer Interviews, ed. Cook, 221. Near the end of his life, Whitmer said that one section of the book was "loose, in plates, the other solid". {{Harvtxt|Storey|1881}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*Finally, after all of the various and sundry descriptions of the word "sealed" given above, the wiki editors finally reach the point at which they report what witnesses said—that a number of the plates were bound together in a manner that would not allow them to be read. | *Finally, after all of the various and sundry descriptions of the word "sealed" given above, the wiki editors finally reach the point at which they report what witnesses said—that a number of the plates were bound together in a manner that would not allow them to be read. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*that the "sealed" part of the plates were held together as a solid mass "stationary and immovable," | *that the "sealed" part of the plates were held together as a solid mass "stationary and immovable," | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Cole|1831}} | *{{Harvtxt|Cole|1831}} | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*"as solid to my view as wood," | *"as solid to my view as wood," | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Poulson|1878}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Poulson|1878}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*and that there were "perceptible marks where the plates appeared to be sealed" | *and that there were "perceptible marks where the plates appeared to be sealed" | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Storey|1881}} | *{{Harvtxt|Storey|1881}} | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*with leaves "so securely bound that it was impossible to separate them." | *with leaves "so securely bound that it was impossible to separate them." | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Whitmer|1888}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Whitmer|1888}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*[[Orson Pratt]], who said he had spoken with many witnesses of the plates, | *[[Orson Pratt]], who said he had spoken with many witnesses of the plates, | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harv|Pratt|1859|p=30}}, | *{{Harv|Pratt|1859|p=30}}, | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*assumed that Joseph Smith could "break the seal" if only he had been "permitted" | *assumed that Joseph Smith could "break the seal" if only he had been "permitted" | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harv|Pratt|1877|pp=211–12}}. | *{{Harv|Pratt|1877|pp=211–12}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCitationAbuse}} Orson Pratt did not "assume" anything. The cited source states: | *{{WikipediaCitationAbuse}} Orson Pratt did not "assume" anything. The cited source states: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
| Line 197: | Line 195: | ||
({{JDfairwiki|author=Orson Pratt|vol=19|disc=33|start=212|date=1877}}) | ({{JDfairwiki|author=Orson Pratt|vol=19|disc=33|start=212|date=1877}}) | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*In 1842, [[Lucy Mack Smith]] said that some of the plates were "sealed together" while others were "loose." | *In 1842, [[Lucy Mack Smith]] said that some of the plates were "sealed together" while others were "loose." | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Smith|1842b|p=27}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Smith|1842b|p=27}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*The account of the [[Eight Witnesses]] says they saw the plates in 1829 and handled "as many of the leaves as [Joseph] Smith has translated," implying that they did not examine untranslated parts, such as the sealed portion. | *The account of the [[Eight Witnesses]] says they saw the plates in 1829 and handled "as many of the leaves as [Joseph] Smith has translated," implying that they did not examine untranslated parts, such as the sealed portion. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*Smith 1830 | *Smith 1830 | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*In one interview, David Whitmer said that "about half" the book was unsealed; | *In one interview, David Whitmer said that "about half" the book was unsealed; | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Cole|1831}}; {{Harvtxt|Poulson|1878}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Cole|1831}}; {{Harvtxt|Poulson|1878}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*in 1881, he said "about one-third" was unsealed. | *in 1881, he said "about one-third" was unsealed. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*Storey 1881 | *Storey 1881 | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaNPOV}}The wiki editors deliberately juxtapose two accounts given 50 years apart in order to make a point that David Whitmer is inconsistent in his story. | *{{WikipediaNPOV}}The wiki editors deliberately juxtapose two accounts given 50 years apart in order to make a point that David Whitmer is inconsistent in his story. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*Whitmer's 1881 statement is consistent with an 1856 statement by [[Orson Pratt]], an associate of Smith's who never saw the plates himself but who had spoken with witnesses, | *Whitmer's 1881 statement is consistent with an 1856 statement by [[Orson Pratt]], an associate of Smith's who never saw the plates himself but who had spoken with witnesses, | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Pratt|1859|p=30}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Pratt|1859|p=30}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*{{WikipediaCorrect}} | *{{WikipediaCorrect}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
===== ===== | ===== ===== | ||
| − | | | + | {{WikipediaPassage |
| + | |claim= | ||
*that "about two-thirds" of the plates were "sealed up". | *that "about two-thirds" of the plates were "sealed up". | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{Harvtxt|Pratt|1856|p=347}}. | *{{Harvtxt|Pratt|1856|p=347}}. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
*Orson Pratt said: | *Orson Pratt said: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
| Line 259: | Line 257: | ||
({{JDfairwiki|author=Orson Pratt|vol=3|disc=49|start=347|date=1856}}) | ({{JDfairwiki|author=Orson Pratt|vol=3|disc=49|start=347|date=1856}}) | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
==Archive== | ==Archive== | ||
Revision as of 16:01, 13 March 2010
| Described composition and weight | A FairMormon Analysis of Wikipedia: Mormonism and Wikipedia/Golden plates A work by a collaboration of authors (Link to Wikipedia article here)
|
Claimed engravings |
| The name Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.. Wikipedia content is copied and made available under the GNU Free Documentation License. |
An analysis of the Wikipedia article "Golden plates" (Version December 10, 2009)
"Sealed" portion
From the Wikipedia article:
- According to Joseph Smith and others, the book of Golden Plates contained a "sealed" portion
Wikipedia footnotes: - Smith 1842 p=707
From the Wikipedia article:
- containing "a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof."
Wikipedia footnotes: - Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 27:7. The "sealing" of apocalyptic revelations in a book has precedents in the Bible. See, for example, Isaiah 29:11, Daniel 12:4, and Revelation 5:1–5. The Book of Mormon states that this vision was originally given to the Brother of Jared, recorded by Ether on a set of 24 plates later found by Limhi, and then "sealed up". Book of Mormon, Ether 1:2. According to this account, Moroni copied the plates of Limhi onto the sealed portion of the Golden Plates.
From the Wikipedia article:
- Smith never described the nature of the seal, and the language of the Book of Mormon may be interpreted to describe a sealing that was spiritual, metaphorical,
Wikipedia footnotes: - i.e. that the book was "sealed" in the sense that its contents were hidden or kept from public knowledge
From the Wikipedia article:
- physical, or a combination of these elements.
FAIR's analysis:From the Wikipedia article:
- The Book of Mormon refers to other documents and plates as being "sealed" by being buried in order to be revealed at some future time. For example, the Book of Mormon says the entire set of plates was "sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord"
Wikipedia footnotes: - Smith (1830)
From the Wikipedia article:
- and that separate records of John the Apostle were "sealed up to come forth in their purity" in the end times.
Wikipedia footnotes: - Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 14:26
From the Wikipedia article:
- One set of plates to which the Book of Mormon refers was "sealed up" in the sense that they were written in a language that could not be read.
Wikipedia footnotes: - Book of Mormon, Ether 3:22.
From the Wikipedia article:
- Smith may have understood the sealing to be a supernatural or spiritual sealing "by the power of God" (2 Nephi 27:10),
Wikipedia footnotes: - Quinn (1998) , pp. 195–196.
From the Wikipedia article:
- an idea supported by a reference in the Book of Mormon to the "interpreters" (Urim and Thummim) with which Smith said they were buried or "sealed."
Wikipedia footnotes: - Book of Mormon, Ether 4:5. According to Martin Harris, anyone who looked into the "interpreters", "except by the command of God", would "perish" Harris (1859) , p. 166.
From the Wikipedia article:
- Oliver Cowdery also stated that when Smith visited the hill, he was stricken by a supernatural force because the plates were "sealed by the prayer of faith."
Wikipedia footnotes: - Cowdery (1835b) , p. 198.
From the Wikipedia article:
- Several witnesses described a physical sealing placed on part of the plates by Mormon or Moroni. David Whitmer said that when an angel showed him the plates in 1829, "a large portion of the leaves were so securely bound together that it was impossible to separate them,"
Wikipedia footnotes: - David Whitmer interview, Chicago Tribune, 24 January 1888, in David Whitmer Interviews, ed. Cook, 221. Near the end of his life, Whitmer said that one section of the book was "loose, in plates, the other solid". Storey (1881) .
From the Wikipedia article:
- that the "sealed" part of the plates were held together as a solid mass "stationary and immovable,"
Wikipedia footnotes: - Cole (1831)
From the Wikipedia article:
- "as solid to my view as wood,"
Wikipedia footnotes: - Poulson (1878) .
From the Wikipedia article:
- and that there were "perceptible marks where the plates appeared to be sealed"
Wikipedia footnotes: - Storey (1881)
From the Wikipedia article:
- with leaves "so securely bound that it was impossible to separate them."
Wikipedia footnotes: - Whitmer (1888) .
From the Wikipedia article:
- Orson Pratt, who said he had spoken with many witnesses of the plates,
Wikipedia footnotes: - Pratt (1859) , p. 30,
From the Wikipedia article:
- assumed that Joseph Smith could "break the seal" if only he had been "permitted"
Wikipedia footnotes: - Pratt (1877) , pp. 211–12.
From the Wikipedia article:
- In 1842, Lucy Mack Smith said that some of the plates were "sealed together" while others were "loose."
Wikipedia footnotes: - Smith (1842b) , p. 27.
From the Wikipedia article:
- The account of the Eight Witnesses says they saw the plates in 1829 and handled "as many of the leaves as [Joseph] Smith has translated," implying that they did not examine untranslated parts, such as the sealed portion.
Wikipedia footnotes: - Smith 1830
From the Wikipedia article:
- In one interview, David Whitmer said that "about half" the book was unsealed;
Wikipedia footnotes: - Cole (1831) ; Poulson (1878) .
From the Wikipedia article:
- in 1881, he said "about one-third" was unsealed.
Wikipedia footnotes: - Storey 1881
From the Wikipedia article:
- Whitmer's 1881 statement is consistent with an 1856 statement by Orson Pratt, an associate of Smith's who never saw the plates himself but who had spoken with witnesses,
Wikipedia footnotes: - Pratt (1859) , p. 30.
From the Wikipedia article:
- that "about two-thirds" of the plates were "sealed up".
Wikipedia footnotes: - Pratt (1856) , p. 347.
Archive
References
| Wikipedia references for "Golden Plates" |
- Anthon, Charles, Howe, Eber Dudley (editor) Mormonism Unvailed: or, A Faithful Account of That Singular Imposition and Delusion, from Its Rise to the Present Time , Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Bennett, James Gordon, Jr., Mormon Leaders at Their Mecca off-site .
- Bennett, James Gordon, Sr., Arrington, Leonard J. (editor) (1831), James Gordon Bennett's 1831 Report on 'The Mormonites' off-site .
- Benton, Abram W., Vogel, Dan (editor) Early Mormon Documents Signature Books .
- Bidamon, Emma Smith, Early Mormon Documents Signature Books .
- Burnett, David S., Something New.—Golden Bible off-site .
- Burnett, Stephen, Vogel, Dan (editor) (1838), Early Mormon Documents Signature Books .
- Bushman, Richard Lyman, (2005), Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling , New York: Knopf .
- Chase, Willard, Howe, Eber Dudley (editor) (1833), Mormonism Unvailed , Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Clark, John A., (1842), Gleanings by the Way , Philadelphia: W.J. & J.K. Simmon off-site .
- Cobb, James T., The Hill Cumorah, And The Book Of Mormon. The Smith Family, Cowdery, Harris, and Other Old Neighbors—What They Know off-site .
- Cole, Abner, Gold Bible, No. 6 off-site .
- Cook, Lyndon W., (1991), David Whitmer Interviews: A Restoration Witness Grandin .
- Cowdery, Oliver, (1834), Letter [I] off-site .
- Cowdery, Oliver, (1834b), Letter III off-site .
- Cowdery, Oliver, (1835a), Letter IV off-site .
- Cowdery, Oliver, (1835b), Letter VIII off-site .
- Crystal, David, (1997), The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language Cambridge University Press .
- (1996), The World's Writing Systems Oxford University Press .
- Gilbert, John H., (1892), Recollections of John H. Gilbert , Palmyra, New York: typescript located in Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University off-site .
- Givens, Terryl L., (2003), By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture that Launched a New World Religion Oxford University Press .
- Grandin, E.B., Editor's note off-site .
- Hadley, Jonathan A., Golden Bible off-site .
- Hale, Isaac, Howe, Eber Dudley (editor) (1834), Mormonism Unvailed , Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Hamblin, William J., (2007), Sacred Writing on Metal Plates in the Ancient Mediterranean off-site .
- Harris, Abigail, Howe, Eber Dudley (editor) (1833), Mormonism Unvailed , Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Harris, Henry, Howe, Eber Dudley (editor) (1833), Mormonism Unvailed , Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Harris, Martin, (1859), Mormonism, No. II off-site .
- Howe, Eber Dudley, (1834), Mormonism Unvailed Painesville, Ohio: Telegraph Press off-site .
- Knight, Joseph, Sr., Jessee, Dean (editor) (1833), Joseph Knight's Recollection of Early Mormon History off-site .
- Lapham, [La]Fayette, (1870), Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, Forty years Ago. His Account of the Finding of the Sacred Plates off-site .
- Mormon History off-site .
- Mather, Frederic G., (1880), Early Days of Mormonism off-site .
- Metcalfe, Brent Lee, (1993), Apologetic and Critical Assumptions about Book of Mormon Historicity off-site .
- Packer, J. Cameron, (2004), Cumorah's Cave Maxwell Institute off-site .
- Palmer, Grant H., (2002), An Insider's View of Mormon Origins Signature Books .
- Parrish, Warren, (1838), Letter from W. Parrish, Kirtland The Evangelist off-site , republished in Vogel, Dan (editor) (1999), Early Mormon Documents , Salt Lake City: Signature Books .
- Phelps, , (1833), A Book of Commandments, for the Government of the Church of Christ Zion: William Wines Phelps & Co. off-site .
- Poulson, P. Wilhelm, Letter to the editor. .
- Pratt, Orson, (1856), The Faith and Visions of the Ancient Saints—The Same Great Blessing to be Enjoyed by the Latter-day Saints off-site .
- Pratt, Orson, (1859), Evidences of the Bible and Book of Mormon Compared off-site .
- Pratt, Orson, (1877), King Limhi's Enquiry, from the Book of Mormon' off-site .
- Putnam, Read H., Were the Golden Plates Made of Tumbaga? off-site .
- Quinn, D. Michael, (1998), Early Mormonism and the Magic World View , Salt Lake City: Signature Books .
- Riley, I. Woodbridge, (1903), The Founder of Mormonism: A Psychological Study of Joseph Smith, Jr. , New York: Dodd, Mead & Co. off-site
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1902), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1905), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Roberts, B. H. (editor) (1908), History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Salt Lake City: Deseret News off-site .
- Robinson, Andrew, (2002), Lost Languages: The Enigma of the World's Undeciphered Scripts McGraw Hill .
- Salisbury, Katharine Smith, Walker, Kyle R. (editor) Katharine Smith Salisbury's Recollections of Joseph's Meetings with Moroni off-site .
- Saunders, Benjamin, Vogel, Dan (editor) (1884a), Early Mormon Documents , Salt Lake City: Signature Books .
- Saunders, Lorenzo, Vogel, Dan (editor) (1884b), Early Mormon Documents , Salt Lake City: Signature Books .
- Saunders, Orson, Bennett, James Gordon, Jr. (editor) Mormon Leaders at Their Mecca off-site .
- Smith, Joseph III, last Testimony of Sister Emma off-site .
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., (1830), The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi , Palmyra, New York: E. B. Grandin off-site .
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., Jessee, Dean C (editor) (1832), Personal Writings of Joseph Smith , Salt Lake City: Deseret Book off-site .
- (1835), Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God , Kirtland, Ohio: F. G. Williams & Co off-site .
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., (1838a), History of the Church , copied to Jessee, Dean C (editor) (1839–1843), Personal Writings of Joseph Smith Deseret Book .
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., (1838b), Editor's note off-site .
- Smith, Joseph, Jr., Church History [Wentworth Letter] , Nauvoo, Illinois: off-site .
- Smith, Joseph, Sr., To the Public off-site .
- Smith, Lucy Mack, Casawall, Henry (editor) (1842b), The City of the Mormons; or, Three Days at Nauvoo, in 1842 , London: J.G.F. & J. Rivington off-site .
- Smith, Lucy Mack, (1853), Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations Liverpool: S.W. Richards off-site .
- Smith, William, (1883), William Smith on Mormonism: A True Account of the Origin of the Book of Mormon' Lamoni, Iowa: RLDS Church off-site .
- Smith, William, (1884), The Old Soldier's Testimony off-site .
- Stevenson, Edward, (1882), One of the Three Witnesses: Incidents in the Life of Martin Harris off-site .
- Storey, Wilbur F., Interview with David Whitmer off-site .
- Tvedtnes, John A, (1990), Review of Little Known Evidences of the Book of Mormon by Brenton G. Yorgason Maxwell Institute off-site .
- Tucker, Pomeroy, (1867), Origin, Rise and Progress of Mormonism , New York: D. Appleton off-site .
- Turner, Orasmus, (1851), History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, and Morris' Reserve , Rochester, New York: William Alling off-site .
- Wade, B., An Interesting Document off-site .
- {{{title}}} .
- Walker, Ronald W., (1986), Martin Harris: Mormonism's Early Convert off-site .
- Whitmer, , The Golden Tables off-site .
- Whitmer, David, (1887), An Address to All Believers in Christ By A Witness to the Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon' , Richmond, Missouri: David Whitmer off-site .
- Whitmer, David, An Old Mormon's Closing Hours: David Whitmer, One of the Pioneers of That Faith, Passing Away off-site .
- Williams, Stephen, (1991), Fantastic Archaeology: The Wild Side of North American Prehistory University of Pennsylvania Press .
- Woodard, Roger D. (editor) (2004), The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the World's Ancient Languages Cambridge University Press .
- Young, Brigham, Watt, G.D. (editor) Journal of Discourses by Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, His Two Counsellors, the Twelve Apostles, and Others , Liverpool: F.D. & S.W. Richards off-site .
- Young, Brigham, Journal of Discourses by Brigham Young, His Two Counselors, and the Twelve Apostles , Liverpool: William Budge .
Further reading
Mormonism and Wikipedia
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
</noinclude>
Copyright © 2005–2024 FAIR. This is not an official Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The content of this page may not be copied, published, or redistributed without the prior written consent of FAIR.
| We welcome your suggestions for improving the content of this FAIR Wiki article. |
Sites we recommend: |