Topical Guide/Prophets/Latter-day/Joseph Smith/Joseph Smith History

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I've heard that the History of the Church, though credited to Joseph Smith, was not actually authored by him.

Summary: I've heard that the History of the Church, though credited to Joseph Smith, was not actually authored by him. What can you tell me about this, and what does this mean for the History's accuracy?

Has the Church "whitewashed" its history?

Summary: Critics claim that the church has "whitewashed" some of the information about its origins to appear more palatable to members and investigators. Some feel that this is done intentionally to hide negative aspects of church history. Others feel that it is done to focus on the good, but that it causes problems for believing members when they encounter these issues outside of church curriculum.

Is there evidence that the Smith family was in the Palmyra area in 1820?

Summary: Critics claim that there are discrepancies in Joseph's account of his family's early history, which make his 1820 and subsequent revelations impossible. (See related criticism about the 1820 revivals.) Specifically, they insist that there is no evidence that the Smith family was in the Palmyra area in 1820 for the religious excitement and First Vision which Joseph reported.

No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith

Summary: A FairMormon Analysis of: No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith, A work by author: Fawn Brodie