Book Quote by B. H. Roberts
“Did Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews furnish structural material for Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon? It has been pointed out in these pages that there are many things in the former book that might well have suggested many major things in the other.Not a few things merely, one or two, or half dozen, but many; and it is this fact of many things of similarity and the cumulative force of them that makes them so serious a menace to Joseph Smith's story of the Book of Mormon's origin”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, 1830
The quote questions possible influence of Ethan Smith’s 19th‑century work on Joseph Smith’s scripture, noting many similarities that challenge the latter’s claim of divine origin.
In simple terms: It suggests the Book of Mormon may have borrowed ideas from an earlier book.
Key Takeaway
Consider the evidence of literary borrowing.
Themes
religion
history
literary influence
authenticity
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
analytical
Type
critical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- faith debates
- textual analysis
- comparative religion
- public discourse
Key Concepts
intertextuality
cultural transmission
historical criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria determine genuine inspiration versus plagiarism?
- How do we assess historical influence on religious texts?
A Different Perspective
The argument depends on subjective similarity judgments and may overlook independent revelation claims.
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