book of mormon origin and translation
Joseph Smith claimed to have found and translated ancient golden plates. Several witnesses observed Smith dictating the text that eventually became the Book of Mormon. Skeptics ask several questions: whether Joseph Smith actually had gold plates; whether the Book of Mormon was divinely inspired; whether it was written by Smith or an associate; and whether the book was based on prior works, such as the View of the Hebrews, the Spalding Manuscript, or the King James Version of the Bible. The church has recently admitted that Joseph used a peep stone buried in his hat to translate the writing, bringing more questions such as if the plates were not used, why were they preserved and given to Joseph, why did the church hide the fact that Joseph didn't use the Urim and Thummim as they earlier claimed. Many members struggled to continue believing in the church once the stories they had long been told and shown in video and artwork were clearly misrepresentations of the translation.
Profiles with book of mormon origin and translation on their "shelf":
Noal DavisBorn & raised in Norther Utah, I quickly learned that my personal value was only connected to my obedience to the Mormon faith. I was, but am no longer, a Mormon
DawnieI live in beautiful Washington state. I am married with six grown children and three grandchildren. I am an educator, artist, curious learner, lover of board games, puzzles, and animals. I WAS a mormon for 30+ years. 
Grace18I was in an LDS splinter group from birth until middle age.
elneneI was a mormon. Enjoy traveling, beach sports.
curtishartleyI enjoy camping, traveling, and playing my banjo. I was a mormon.
windriver32I'm a dad, outdoorsman, conservationist, and and economist. I was a mormon.
Spencer WarnerI enjoy skiing, technology, and skepticism. I was a mormon.
Dianne OrmondI hold an M.Ed. and a cum laude B.S. in Education; both education degrees are from BYU. I co-founded CALM (Community After Leaving Mormonism), and am a former Board Member and Treasurer of The Exmormon Foundation. I was a mormon.
pdbrandtI grew up in a devout LDS family, served a mission, and spent 45 years as a believing member of the church. When my search for truth caused a faith crisis, my conscience demanded that I leave the church. Though the process was difficult and painful, I have found peace and fullfillment as an ex-mormon that I never had while in the church.
Andy WilsonI enjoy photography, meditation, cycling, walking and travel. I am a truth-seeker. I was a mormon.
bennjhI work with dogs, I am a trans man married to a fellow trans man, and I was a mormon.
jacobI'm a lover of geography, tokusatsu, Deadpool, and music (basically every genre). I'm 19, I love traveling and learning about other cultures, and I was a Mormon
TomBorn and raised in the faith, I’m a descendent of pioneers who crossed the plains and settled the Salt Lake Valley. I’m a corporate executive, educator, parent and husband. And… I was a mormon.
b.yousefI was a mormon.
alanI was a mormon.
ashmonster2000I’m a husband, father, Soldier, and secular humanist working on the best version of myself. I was a mormon.
Brooklyn ParksI knew I was ignorant of what Mormonism was. Then I decided it was time to learn.
Jana TapircornI am a nerd with ADHD, who has found a love for critical thinking. I was a mormon.
frankI love books, history, art and I am always learning . I was a mormon.
Larry CampI love my wife, my kids, Hawaii, the outdoors, softball and believe it or not, I was a mormon.
Ian HarwardI am a musician and a friend to many, and I am a Soldier. I am the atheist in the foxhole they claim doesn’t exist. I was a Mormon.
Adam JI'm a software developer who loves learning and can be a bit of a wiki wanderer. I also enjoy playing D&D with friends. I was a mormon.
livandletliveI'm a paramedic and love learning and helping people however I can. I was a mormon.
alissa.swensonI am a wife and mom of 1 baby boy and 2 fur babies. I am a therapist, love the lake and boating, I was a mormon.
graydameI'm an Interior Designer, Influencer, and I was a Mormon.
freidomI am finally free to be happy!
luckyI was a mormon. Now I’m a mom, a teacher, a lesbian, and a human grateful for my freedom. Create an account to share your own story.