The world was not left with joseph smiths testimony alone. In 1833 when missouri vigilantes were harassing the mormons, a mob of about five hundred men put davids testimony to the test. Throughout their lives, none of the witnesses of the book of mormon ever denied their testimonies. Uncompromising witness of the book of mormon, by susan easton black and larry c. Three witnesses of the book of mormon department of. Did the book of mormon witnesses really see what they claimed. Aug 18, 2009 this segment depicts the coming forth of the book of mormon and the testimony to its veracity by the three witnesses. 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 joseph smith s translation had been accomplished by the gift and power of god.
Jan 26, 2017 this monument to the three witnesses of the book of mormon was erected by the lds church in pioneer cemetery in richmond, missouri, where oliver cowdery is buried and is shown here on june 2, 2010. Witness of the book of mormon much has been said about the book of mormon since its first publication in the 1800s. Bofm witnesses presentation provides a spiritual and temporal witness of the realities of the book of mormon. 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. Current mormon doctrine on the nature of god, the priesthood, use of temples, baptism for the dead, and men becoming gods, is nowhere contained in the book of mormon. 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. All the whitmers and smiths aligned with strang, as did at least three apostles and thousands of saints. Welcome to second witness, a companion study guide for the book of mormon. Jan 15, 2020 the church video compelling witness depicts a mock trial that witnesses of the truthfulness of the book of mormon. Martin harris, ensign, may 1999, 35, excerpt book of mormon witnesses there are witnesses of the book of mormon itself. 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. 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. The book of mormon provided multiple official and unofficial witnesses who corroborated. You try spraying, scrubbing, and still were left with so many persons whose testimonies of the physicality of the golden plates, angels, and other artifactsnever wavered.
The testimonies of the three and eight witnesses were published in the first edition of the book of mormon and every edition since. David whitmer david whitmer always maintained a strong testimony about the truthfulness of the book of mormon and the encounter he experienced with the angel who showed him the plates. Journal of discourses, vol 7, page 164, 1859, brigham young. Mar 02, 2018 but, what never seems to go away for book of mormon critics are those pesky witnesses. Below is a list of fundamental doctrines taught in the bible for which the book of mormon adds an additional witness. 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. I can personally witness that the book of mormon is true. How to use the book of mormon to prove the trinity 4witness. 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. Moreover, in the upcoming years, many of the witnesses ended up leaving. How does the spirit witness to me that the book of mormon.
How to witness to mormons,whitney hopler read more about spiritual life growth, christian living, and faith. This segment depicts the coming forth of the book of mormon and the testimony to its veracity by the three witnesses. I ask that my testimony of the book of mormon and all that it implies, given today under my own oath and office, be recorded by men on earth and angels in heaven. He reminded us that the book of mormon is indeed another testament or witness of jesus, adding that this was one of the reasons why we have recently added the words another testament of jesus christ to the title of the book of mormon ensign, november 1986, p. Three witnesses the testimonies of the witnesses printed in the book of mormon offer compelling evidence in favor of its miraculous origin. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. The book of mormon a witness with the bible in harmony with the biblical law that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established 2 corinthians.
Statements clearly traced to the witnesses verify the testimonies printed in the book of mormon. An important episode associated with the translation and coming forth of the book of mormon was the experience of two sets of witnesses eleven totalwho, among other things, claimed to have actually seen the gold plates, which were delivered by the angel moroni to joseph smith. The book of mormon provided multiple official and unofficial witnesses who corroborated aspects of josephs account. A frequent claim is that a book of mormon witnesses said that he only handled the plates while they were covered in a tow frock. Candidly examining all substantial arguments, pro and con, this project will argue powerfully for their credibility. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses religious studies center. 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.
As a preface to this answer, please see our article on mormonism and what mormons believe. Callister 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. The three witnesses of the book of mormon, part 1 youtube. Richard lloyd anderson presents evidence from original sources on each of the eleven witnesses and concludes. Jan 02, 2016 he concluded with a powerful apostolic witness of the truthfulness of the book of mormon that stands in effect today. In fact, william insisted in the same statement that he was convinced joseph was not lying about. Much has been said about the book of mormon since its first publication in the 1800s. 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. The first major biography about one of the most important men of the early church is hot off the press from byu studies. Regardless of what others may say or do, no one can ever take away a witness borne to your heart and mind about what is true revelation for the church, revelation for our lives, ensign or liahona, may 2018, 95. The solemn testimony of the three witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon since 1830. Jun 29, 2012 those who frequently witness to mormons seem to gravitate to one of three different approaches. 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.
Through personal revelation, you can receive your own witness that the book of mormon is the word of god, that joseph smith is a prophet, and that this is the lords church. President nelson grandfathers visit from the other side of the veil and family history work duration. Following those words came one of the most powerful apostolic witnesses 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 our testimonies securely in place. Appropriately, it is now titled another testament of jesus christ. Divide into three groups and give each group one of the scriptures below to read or read or watch the illustrated book of mormon stories enos, alma the younger, antinephi, lehies. The church video compelling witness depicts a mock trial that witnesses of the truthfulness of the book of mormon. Thus, we find every living book of mormon witnesses, except oliver cowdery, accepting strang as their prophet, at least for a time. Why are there two sets of official book of mormon witnesses. 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. This is the first half of an old byu film depicting the story of the three witnesses of the book of mormon.
The prophet nephi foresaw that the gold plates of the book of mormon would be hid from the eyes of the world and that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of god and none other shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of god 2 nephi 27. As such, he has prepared a plan of salvation whereby we may be saved through the atonement of jesus christ. An easy way to witness to mormons and jehovahs witnesses. But, what never seems to go away for book of mormon critics are those pesky witnesses. In the lds church, much emphasis is placed on the witness of three men who said that they saw the gold plates which were translated by joseph smith into the book of mormon, as well as eight additional witnesses who testified of their belief in the book of mormon.
Modern mormon spin doctors write all kinds of articles claiming that the witnesses may have denied the mormon church but they never the book of mormon. Believers in the book of mormon heard the witnesses declare that the plates were real and that the book of mormon was true. Investigating the book of mormon witnesses richard l. As saints, we have not only the privilege to defend the book of mormon but also the opportunity to take the offense. Those who frequently witness to mormons seem to gravitate to one of three different approaches. March 19, 2020 dan peterson patheos explore the worlds faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality. The eight witnesses of the book of mormon lds blogs. I bear my solemn testimony that the book of mormon was translated by the gift and power of god. Critics have long tried to dismiss or destroy the witnesses witness. Martin harris may 18, 1783 july 10, 1875 was an early convert to the latter day saint movement who financially guaranteed the first printing of the book of mormon and also served as one of three witnesses who testified that they had seen the golden plates from which joseph smith said the book of mormon had been translated. The three men chosen as witnesses of the book of mormon were oliver cowdery, david whitmer, and martin harris. In my personal experience, and as a member of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints sometimes mistakenly called the mormon church, i have heard it described as everything from interesting, false.
Beyond the testimony of the holy ghost, the witnesses represent the only evidence for the book of mormon provided by the lord himself. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. 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. David whitmer january 7, 1805 january 25, 1888 was an early adherent of the latter day saint movement who eventually became the most interviewed of the three witnesses to the book of mormon. Investigating the book of mormon witnesses kindle edition by richard lloyd anderson. Some mormons will agree that all three witnesses denied the book of mormon but came back to deny their denial. 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. After the witnesses returned to the house the angel again made his appearance to joseph and. Book of mormon witnesses all later denied its truthfulness. The three are part of twelve book of mormon witnesses. In my personal experience, and as a member of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints sometimes mistakenly called the mormon church, i have heard it described as everything from interesting, false, uplifting, or contrary to the bible.
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. We also talk about the testimony of the three witnesses. We will discuss these methods in more detail, but first lets consider a. The bible and book of mormon teach that god is our heavenly father. Many people that wholeheartedly believe the book of mormon witnesses do so because they have a hard time thinking that these people would either lie or. The question of the book of mormon witnesses is extremely significant. The first edition of the book of mormon featured two testimonials. In studying the history of joseph smith and the the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, referred to as the mormons, we emphasize joseph smiths own testimony of the book of mormon, that book of additional scripture that is another testament of jesus christ. How to witness effectively to mormons breaking the lds authority barrier stepbystep i feel sorry for you. Gospel principles are examined and explained through blog posts, vocabulary tips, questions, and fun activities, enjoy.
Joseph smith the prophet is a sacred oratorio for choir, orchestra, soloists. 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. Witnesses film an interpreter foundation production. Particularly look in the more section for lesson summaries of book of mormon chapters. Callister, emeritus general authority seventy and former sunday school general president. You have some truth, but you dont have the fullness of the gospel like we do. Mary whitmer, 12th witness to the book of mormon deseret news. Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come. 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. Dec 05, 2009 book of mormon the testimony of three witnesses awitness4jesuschrist michael corbett. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading investigating the book of mormon witnesses. 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.
Four books comprise the scriptures of the mormon church. 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 joseph smiths translation had been accomplished. Porter, tells the life story of a man who was instrumental in getting the book of mormon translated, published, and distributed. In this carefully researched, thoughtprovoking book, dr. In june, 1829, the lord called oliver cowdery, martin harris, and myself as the three witnesses, to behold the vision of the angel, as recorded in the fore part of the book of mormon, and to bear testimony to the world that the book of mormon is true.
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. As the director of the church history library, where we hold the churchs official archival. Doug and i have been attending the mormon miracle pageant in manti utah for a number of years so it is like old home week seeing many of the christians that have been coming year after year. It is recorded in the american cyclopedia and the encyclopedia britannica, that i, david whitmer, have denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the divinity of the book of mormon. Martin harris, had a substantial financial stake in the success of the book of mormon. Investigating the book of mormon witnesses deseret book. These witnesses cannot stand the test of examination and no one can we trust their testimony. Book of mormon the testimony of three witnesses youtube. Even if the majority of the witnesses to the book of mormon did not deny their testimony of the book itself, this does little to support mormonism today. Brigham young said, some of the witnesses of the book of mormon, who handled the plates and conversed with the angels of god, were afterwards left to doubt and to disbelieve that they had ever seen an angel. 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. Book of mormon is a second witness of jesus christ. When joseph smith first obtained the gold plates, he was told to show them to no one. 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.
Brand new biography of martin harris now available book of. 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. The book of mormon opens with the prophet lehi seeing a marvelous. However, this report is from william smith, one of josephs brothers who was not a book of mormon witness. 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. The hearsay accounts show that ones faith in the book of mormon witnesses or lack thereof is based not simply on hearing the witnesses testimonies but on how one chooses to receive and understand their testimonies. 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. 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. Many people that wholeheartedly believe the book of mormon witnesses do so because they have a hard time thinking that these people would either lie or could have been deceived. 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. As you read them, you may see that the holy ghost has been speaking to you more than you realize, bearing witness to you that the book of mormon truly is the word of god.
Mar 19, 2020 the witness statements enhance the plausibility of joseph smith and the book he dictated. Realize that dna research has revealed that the book of mormon s claims that. This book is an honest attempt to fully portray martins character and to tell his whole lifes story. Investigating the book of mormon witnesses kindle edition. All three witnesses were eventually excommunicated from the mormon church.
Book of mormon spiritual and temporal witnesses presentation. In many ways, it is easy to see martin positively, but at the same time there are unfavorable aspects of. Should a christian pray about the book of mormon to see if it is true. And eyewitness testimony to the existence of angels and of god himself is scarcely of trivial importance. 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. Book of mormon witnesses the encyclopedia of mormonism. By 1847, not a single one of the surviving eleven witnesses were affiliated with the mormon church. Mar 30, 2020 it could be said that the book of mormon is largely an account of people who changed because of the atonement of jesus christ. The evidence left by the book of mormon witnesses is rich, varied, and uneven, including the following. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses religious studies.