Witness to the book of mormon

My kindness shall not depart from thee rob gardner duration. All the whitmers eventually gained testimonies of the work. Attacks against the book of mormon have experienced a kind of mission creep since its publication in 1830. All continually testified that they believed the book of mormon to be the word of god. Jan 27, 2017 the solemn testimony of the three witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon since 1830. The three witnesses is the collective name for three men connected with the early latter day saint movement who stated that an angel had shown them the golden plates from which joseph smith, jr. Facts on the book of mormon witnesses part 2 mormons. The world was not left with joseph smiths testimony alone. Witness to mormons in love is the mormon scrapbookrevised and expanded. As christians, we always want to use the bible and its timeless truths as our primary tool in.

Petersen 190084 of the quorum of the twelve apostles once said, the chief reason we have the book. Second witness references the subtitle of the book of mormon, another testament of jesus christ. Gunnell goes on to quote a letter written in 1844 by phineas young to brigham young, martin harris is a firm believer in shakerism, says his testimony is greater than it was of the book of mormon martin harris witness and benefactor to the book of mormon, wayne c. Book of mormon spiritual and temporal witnesses presentation. The book of mormon adds a second witness to the bible as a testimony of christ. His is a story of fascination with worldly honors, flirtations with apostasy, and pride that nearly cost him the joy of his. Since its publication in 1830, the book of mormon has been accompanied by the testimony of three witnesses claiming to have seen the an angel with the plates and the testimony of eight witnesses.

I can personally witness that the book of mormon is true. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses religious studies. Emma smithwitness of the book of mormon one people. The survivor and the will to bear witness book of mormon. As church membership mushroomed, and it became clear the book of mormon is pretty. This book is very useful for showing the problems between doctrines taught in the bom and other mormon scriptures including the bible. Eight witnesses to gold plates and their testimony is included in the book of mormon. Witnesses of the book of mormon church of jesus christ. His testimony highlights that modern apostolic witnesses have born testimony of the nephite record. An apostles witness of the book of mormon reading this bmc article reminded me how powerful elder hollands talk, safety for the soul was. Many critics of the book of mormon witnesses say that the witnesses of the book of mormon denied their written testimonies in statements to different people over the years. Statements clearly traced to the witnesses verify the testimonies printed in the book of mormon.

The 11 witnesses were all good, honorable men and regarded as upstanding members of the community. Bofm witnesses presentation provides a spiritual and temporal witness of the realities of the book of mormon. The witness statements enhance the plausibility of joseph smith and the book he dictated. Besides, in the greek, thomas literally said, the lord of me and the god of me. Its testimony of the master is clear, undiluted, and full of power. After departing mormonism, he later declared, if you believe my testimony to the book of mormon. Lehi took his family into the wilderness, crossed the sea to a land of promise on the american continent, and a great, albeit relatively small, civilization was established. The final of the three witnesses is oliver cowdery, who served as scribe for 80% of the book of mormon. We have imagined and supposed that god was god from all eternity. Deseret news archives this monument honers the eight witnesses of the book of mormon and was erected in liberty, missouri, on the same day the 100th anniversary of the three witnesses monument in richmond, missouri. A striking new study has been initiated comparing a subtle, recurring pattern in the book of mormon with a particular type of human behavior recently identified in the writings of the survivors of hitlers and stalins death camps. The book of mormon is not only the keystone of our religion, but it can also become the keystone of our testimonies so that when trials or unanswered questions confront us, it.

The complete story, parts 1 and 2 of martin harriss witness to the book of mormon to watch originals from the channel. To their dying days, these witnesses defended their testimonies even in the face of cruel mobs, the ridicule of society, and betrayal by. I was much younger, but i enjoyed the story of joseph and hyrum. The book of mormon is an additional set of sacred prophetic writings adopted by the the church of jesus christ of latterday saints as well as it many offshoots, collectively referred to as the mormonism as both holy scripture and another witness of the divinity of jesus christ an important element to proving the divine authenticity of this scripture is the testimony of latterday witnesses.

We will discuss these methods in more detail, but first lets consider a. Did the book of mormon witnesses really see what they claimed. The first edition of the book of mormon featured two testimonials. She grew up in harmony, pennsylvania, along the banks of the susquehanna river on a acre farm. Jehovahs witnesses will say that thomas was swearing.

Here it was that those 8 witnesses recorded in the book of mormon looked upon the plates and handled them of which they bear witness in the title page of the book of mormon. This site provides a chapter by chapter analysis of true gospel principles explained through blog posts, vocabulary tips, questions, and fun activities, enjoy. The church video compelling witness depicts a mock trial that witnesses of the truthfulness of the book of mormon. Uncompromising witness of the book of mormon reveals the compelling story of a man who struggled to keep his faith in the prophetic calling of joseph smith and the restoration of the gospel of jesus christ. In 1829, oliver cowdery baptized john whitmer, probably in senaca lake in senaca, new york. These men signed statements declaring the book of mormon was true, and that. The testimony of the eight witnesses was first published at the end of the 1830 edition of the book of mormon and has been printed in nearly every edition since, although most subsequent editions moved the statement to the front of the book and included minor grammatical corrections. The three special witnesses saw the angel moroni and the plates. Beginning with the first edition of 1830, the book of mormon has generally contained two sets of testimoniesthe testimony of three witnesses and the testimony of eight witnesses. Whatever one may think of the book of mormon origins, the three witnesses along with the other eight witnesses and the prophet joseph smith himself could accurately be described as being stumbling blocks to the skeptic, critic, and unbeliever.

Martin harris is a firm believer in shakerism, says his testimony is greater than it was for the book of mormon martin harris witness and benefactor of the book of mormon, 1955, p. For more tips on witnessing to mormons or jehovahs witnesses check out. Three witnesses the three witnesses are david whitmer, oliver cowdery, and martin harris, who mortgaged his farm to finance the first printing of the book of mormon. The book of mormon is not only the keystone of our religion, but it can also become the keystone of our testimonies so that when trials or unanswered questions confront us, it can hold.

Petersen 190084 of the quorum of the twelve apostles once said, the chief reason we have the. With a single draft completed in 65 days, joseph smith, an unschooled man of 23, produced a book of over 500 pages with hundreds of. Ask them why jesus didnt rebuke thomas for swearing. The american scripture that launched a new world religion new york. Each of these specific menoliver cowdery, martin harris, and david whitmersacrificed much to help with the translation and publication of the book of mormon, and its likely this is a significant part of why they were chosen as witnesses. Aug 07, 2018 well here is a simple christian vs mormon debate question you ask a mormon about mormonism before you share the gospel. In the front of every edition of the book of mormon are statements from eleven men who testify of the authenticity of the gold plates joseph smith claimed to have received from the angel moroni. Like most mormons i never considered the witnesses and anything more than a nice supporting page for the truthfulness of the book of mormon, not really all that necessary. Historical evidence has led many people to question the authenticity of the book of mormon and the credibility of joseph smiths story. The solemn testimony of the three witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon since 1830. The most significant witnesses are the three witnesses and the eight witnesses, all of whom allowed their names to be used on two separate statements included with the book of mormon. He knew his brother joseph had the plates, for the prophet had shown them to him, and he had handled them and seen the engravings theron.

This segment depicts the coming forth of the book of mormon and the testimony to its veracity by the three witnesses. Why is david whitmers witness of the book of mormon so compelling. Elder samuel smith read the 29th chapter of isaiah at the first meeting and delineated the circumstances of the coming forth of the book of mormon, of which he said he was a witness. An easy way to witness to mormons and jehovahs witnesses. This verse from the book of mormon also agrees with the bibles teachings about gods eternal, unchangeable nature at malachi 3. In every copy of the book of mormon is the signed statement by the witnesses of the bom. Keep in mind that if you take the context of a verse into account, you will see that it does not teach mormon doctrine. In this light, niggling criticisms that the testimonies of the book of mormon witnesses dont prove the plates ancient and dont rigorously demonstrate the existence of an ancient nephite civilization plainly miss the point.

Witnesses are important at first, i was confused why ces letter devoted so much space to the book of mormon witnesses. Investigating the book of mormon witnesses deseret book. I know that joseph smith was a prophet called of god. In many ways, it is easy to see martin positively, but at the same time there are unfavorable aspects of martins character that are not to be concealed. For reasons that are not completely clear, smith and cowderys relationship soured. The three are part of twelve book of mormon witnesses, who also include smith and the eight witnesses. In this light, niggling criticisms that the testimonies of the book of mormon witnesses dont prove the plates ancient and dont rigorously demonstrate the existence of an ancient nephite. The following was originally printed in the septemberoctober 20 edition of mormonism researched. The evidence left by the book of mormon witnesses is rich, varied, and uneven, including the following. So, i believe this teaching in the book of mormon is true. Because so many bible passages are distorted by the teachings of mormonism, we will only be able to look at a few of the more common distortions. Critics have long tried to dismiss or destroy the witnesses witness. Their written testimony of three witnesses has been included in all of the almost 100 million copies of the book of mormon the church has published since 1830.

One of the eight witnesses to the book of mormon was the fifth son of peter whitmer, sen. As christians, we always want to use the bible and its timeless truths as our primary tool in witnessing the love of god and salvation through christ. Cowdery was a third cousin to lucy smith, while joseph smith sr. Witnesses film an interpreter foundation production. The three witnesses, unlike the eight witnesses, were shown the plates by. Five of mary whitmers sons became official witnesses of the book of mormon. The book also delves extensively into the person and life of joseph smith, the founding prophet of mormonism. Uncompromising witness of the book of mormon reveals the compelling story of a man who had seen angels and knew joseph smith was a prophet but who nevertheless struggled to keep his faith in the prophetic calling of joseph smith and the restoration of the gospel of jesus christ.

Smith said he had been directed by the angel moroni to translate this work from reformed egyptian into english. Why were three key witnesses chosen to testify of the book. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses religious studies center. Realize that dna research has revealed that the book of mormon s claims that. Why are there two sets of official book of mormon witnesses. The book of mormon is gods compelling witness of the divinity of jesus christ, the prophetic calling of joseph smith, and the absolute truth of this church. Critics began by labeling the book bungling and stupid, joe smith a perfect ignoramus, and they claimed any blunderhead, with the bible at his side, might have written it. Book of mormon witnesses all later denied its truthfulness. He was excommunicated from the church in 1838 and forced to leave the area. Three witnesses of the book of mormon department of. The names of oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris are familiar to most of us, notably because of their role as witnesses to the reality of the book of mormon. For nearly 200 years, skeptics and critics have been trying to explain away what many book of mormon witnesses statedthat they had seen angels and hefted golden metal plates containing ancient inscriptions.

In this carefully researched, thoughtprovoking book, dr. When joseph smith first obtained the gold plates, he was told to show them to no one. The three men called to serve as special witnesses of the coming forth of the book of mormon by the power of god, are oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin. Throughout their lives, none of the witnesses of the book of mormon ever denied their testimonies. Soon after josephs arrival at fayette from pennsylvania the summer of 1829, peter became a zealous friend of the prophet and an able assistant in the translation of. The book of mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the resurrection. According to anderson, whitmer affirmed his witness of the book of mormon many times, including to a mob in 1833 in independence, missouri, who threatened his life. Oliver cowdery, one of the three witnesses and the principal scribe during its dictation, baptized her into the church of jesus christ of latterday saints in seneca lake on april 18, 1830, when the church was less than two weeks old, and he married her daughter. It is the only one of the four standard works bible, book of mormon, doctrine and covenants, and pearl of great price that is not considered infallible. Harmon, made in about 1885, cited in vogel, emd, 2. Book of mormon central, knowhy david whitmer maintained his testimony of the book of mormon even though he became separated from joseph smith and the church. The book of mormon is not only the keystone of our religion, but it can also become the keystone of our testimonies so that when trials or unanswered questions confront us, it can hold our testimonies securely in place. How to witness to mormons,whitney hopler read more about spiritual life growth, christian living, and faith.

This book is an honest attempt to fully portray martins character and to tell his whole lifes story. Yet, joseph smith contradicted the book of mormon when he taught. Mary whitmer, 12th witness to the book of mormon deseret news. Those who would defend traditional beliefs about mormon origins often turn to the testimonies of 11 men. Oxford university press, 2003, 4142, emphasis added. Cowderys elevated status as second elder and witness to the book of mormon was eventually lost amid accusations of adultery and theft.

The book of mormon is the keystone in our witness of jesus christ, who is himself the cornerstone of everything we do. The author, richard lloyd anderson, gives many historical details about the statements of such critics and the sources and background of their statements. Does joseph smith rightly deserve the title prophet of god or is he an imposter that has deceived millions. The earliest documented statement of the three witnesses oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harrisis their statement in the handwriting of oliver cowdery subsequently published in the 1830 edition of the book of mormon. To read more from larry, visit lds365 the church video compelling witness depicts a mock trial that witnesses of the truthfulness of the book of mormon. Theldslife living life as a latterday saint 18,097 views. The earliest documented statement of the three witnessesoliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harrisis their statement in the handwriting of oliver cowdery subsequently published in the 1830 edition of the book of mormon. Faithpromoting material about the book of mormon witnesses like cowdery claims. Phineas young wrote to his older brother brigham young on december 31, 1841, from kirtland, ohio. After the witnesses returned to the house the angel again made his appearance to joseph and received the plates from his hands. Holland bore powerful testimony of the divine authenticity of the book of mormon during the october 2009 general conference. Some argue that if members accept whitmers witness of the book of mormon, then they must also accept that god wanted david to repudiate the church as false. The book of mormon witnesses are a group of contemporaries of joseph smith who claimed to have seen the golden plates from which smith translated the book of mormon.

All three men eventually broke with smith and the church he organized, although harris and cowdery were eventually rebaptized into the church. Jun 29, 2012 those who frequently witness to mormons seem to gravitate to one of three different approaches. That we, through the grace of god the father, and our lord jesus christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of nephi, and also of the lamanites, their brethren, and also of. With a mormon, you can again mention the reference in the book of mormon 3 nephi 19. The book of mormon provided multiple official and unofficial witnesses who corroborated aspects of josephs account. Following those words came one of the most powerful apostolic witnesses of the book of mormon. Book of mormon witness on september 22, 1827, joseph smith, jr. Aug 18, 2009 a faithful witness to the book of mormon duration. The three men chosen as witnesses of the book of mormon were oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris. The book of mormon contains two sets of joint statements written by joseph smith for those who claimed to have seen the gold plates. Some distort the historical record to make it appear that david whitmer left the church because he was told to, when it fact he was excommunicated prior to claiming any revelation to do so.

Book of mormon witnesses the encyclopedia of mormonism. Shook, the true origin of the book of mormon cincinnati. With a single draft completed in 65 days, joseph smith, an unschooled man of 23, produced a book of over 500 pages with hundreds of unique names and complex story lines. Look in the more section for lesson summaries of book of mormon chapters. Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come. Mary whitmer, 12th witness to the book of mormon deseret. Richard lloyd anderson presents evidence from original sources on each of the eleven witnesses and concludes. In the first pages of the book of mormon, we can receive a witness that the lord watches over those who are faithful to him, and will provide a way for their deliverance. Three witnesses oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris declared an angel of god appeared to them and showed them the book of mormon plates and they heard the voice of the lord pronounce that. Jan 02, 2016 according to elder holland, preeminent in the lords arsenal to combat the evils of the world is the book of mormon, as the book is infused with the power of christ to counter all troubles in all timesincluding the end of times. The joint statement of the three witnessesoliver cowdery, martin harris, and david whitmerhas been printed with a separate statement by the eight witnesses in nearly every edition of the book of mormon since its first publication in 1830.

All three men upheld their testimony of the book of mormon at their deaths. Three witnesses the testimonies of the witnesses printed in the book of mormon offer compelling evidence in favor of its miraculous origin. John served for some time as a scribe for joseph smith, helping to move the work of translation along much more quickly. The eight other witnesses just saw and handled the golden plates. Emma smith witness of the book of mormon home emma smith witness of the book of mormon. The three witnesses, unlike the eight witnesses, were shown the plates by a heavenly messenger, not joseph smith. Three witnesses oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris declared an angel of god appeared to them and showed them the book of mormon plates. The book of mormon witnesses are a group of contemporaries of joseph smith who claimed to have seen the golden plates from which smith translated the. As a preface to this answer, please see our article on mormonism and what mormons believe. Emma hale smith bidamon was born on july 10, 1804, to isaac and elizabeth hale. Gospel principles taught in the book of mormon laid out in an accessible format for the. I know the mormon church the church of jesus christ of latterday saints really is the restored church on the earth, established by divine authority.