Et Incarnatus Est: The Imperative for Book of Mormon Historicity

by Stephen O. Smoot

Overview

Abstract: Some have come to insist that the Book of Mormon should be read as inspired fiction, which is to say that readers, including Latter-day Saints, should abandon any belief in the Book of Mormon as an authentic ancient text and instead should see it as an inspired frontier novel written by Joseph Smith that may act as scripture for those who follow his teachings. This paper provides reasoning to reject this proposition as not only logically incoherent but also theologically impotent. It raises the objection that this position fundamentally undercuts the credibility of Joseph Smith. The Prophet's direct claims concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as well as how the Book of Mormon presents itself to the world do not easily permit any leeway for a "middle ground" on this matter.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161602256
Publisher:	Interpreter Foundation
Publication date:	10/24/2018
Series:	Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture , #30
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	950,219
File size:	361 KB

About the Author

Stephen O. Smoot graduated from the University of Toronto with a master’s degree in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations. He previously graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University with bachelor’s degrees in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and German Studies. His areas of academic interest include the Hebrew Bible, ancient Egypt, and Mormon studies. He is an editorial consultant with Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture and blogs on Latter-day Saint topics at www.plonialmonimormon.com.