Is there evidence that the Book of Mormon was plagiarized from a *fictional* story by Solomon Spalding?
821585
Have a look at 2 books\n1. The Ossian Chronicles by James MacPherson\n2. Who Relly Wrote the Book of Mormon? by Cowdery Davis and Scales.\n\nThe first book has so many parallels with the BOM that it is not funny.  The author said that he found it in a hill when he was the same age as Joseph and that he translated it.  It was the story of an ancient land and its language.  He recanted in later life and admitted that he didn't find gold plates and that he wrote it off the top of his head.
457979
It is all open to conjecture. Some of the characters or events are actual historical persons/events e.g. Mary Magdalene did exist..whether she was indeed the "wife" of Jesus is open to debate...the Knight's Templar did exist..whether they were privy to "the great secret of Jesus's marriage and blood descendants" is another story...same goes for Leonardo da Vinci. Dan Brown does not make claim that any of these events are in fact true; they are loosely based on historical facts. Archaeology and in deed biblical history/archaeology has a hard time reconciling events in the bible to factual historical accounts. This is because the bible was borne out of oral traditions. There is little that is "eye witness testimony". It is however safe to say that christian beliefs, rituals and practices are an amalgamation of other religious traditions since nothing is born in a vacuum.
873352
>The artist went through different changes on this one, each one he took to the First Presidency and finally with this picture, they said that that is what Jesus Christ looks like.\n\nThis is not true (as you questioned). It's Mormon legend.
716481
None.  But there's plenty that proves that it's NOT:\n\nBOOK OF MORMON PROBLEMS \n\n\nThe Book of Mormon is still the baited hook by which Mormons lure thousands of new converts into their ranks every year. Prospective converts are urged to read it and then pray to ask God if it is true. Only upon reading it do they learn of its threats of eternal condemnation to all who reject it (2 Nephi 33:10-15; 15:11-18; Mormon 8:16-17; 4:21-22).1 \n\nObviously, accepting it would seem safer than rejecting it under those circumstances, and this is undoubtedly one of the reasons for its success. \n\nThe Book of Mormon claims to be superior to the Bible. The first hundred pages are spent laying the groundwork for this position. Its basic presupposition is that the Bible has been altered by unscrupulous clergy in centuries past and no longer contains all the truth which God wants man to have. This, then, creates a need for the Book of Mormon, which claims to restore those "plain and precious things" which are necessary for the salvation of mankind (I Nephi 13:26-40; 3:166-193).2 \n\nIt claims to be a record written on golden plates by prophets of a white race who lived in the Americas for about 1,000 years. This race was exterminated in A.D. 421. The indigenous race inhabiting the Americas when Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492 is portrayed by the Book of Mormon to be the cousins of that white race, cursed with a dark skin for having rejected God (2 Nephi 5:21; 4:33-35). \n\nIt teaches that the American Indians are actually Israelites of the tribes of Judah, Ephraim and Manasseh.3 Their skin curse is to be removed within a few generations after being converted to Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 30:6'versions before 1981; 12:84).4 This change in skin color from black to white has supposedly taken place several times in the past, whenever they turned to the Lord (Alma 23:18; 14:20; 3 Nephi 2:14-16; 1:52-53). \n\nPerhaps its greatest claim is that it is preparing the way for the second coming of Jesus. Christ's second coming is to be preceded by a massive conversion of the American Indians to Christ through the Book of Mormon. These converted Indians will then exterminate those gentiles in the Americas who will not accept it.5 After that, the believing Indians and the Mormons will build the New Jerusalem where Christ will return to live (3 Nephi 16:11-16;7:35-42;3 Nephi 21:24-25;9:98-100). Subsequent revelation by Joseph Smith revealed this site to be in Independence, Missouri.6 Faith in the Book of Mormon thus becomes an added condition for salvation besides faith in Jesus Christ. \n\nIn reality, the Book of Mormon contains very little original information. Rather, Joseph Smith apparently reworked information which he had assimilated and then presented it as a "translation" from the golden plates. This can be demonstrated by comparing the Book of Mormon with other sources which were available to him. Also, he probably had some unpublished manuscripts from Solomon Spaulding which he used. \n\nMaterial in the Book of Mormon will be examined which appears to be plagiarized from The Maccabees, Shakespeare's Hamlet, Josephus' Wars of the Jews, Solomon Spaulding's Manuscript Found, Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews and the King James Version of the Bible. Then other kinds of difficulties with the Book of Mormon will be scrutinized. \n\nThe most common masculine name in the Book of Mormon and the title of four of its fifteen books is "Nephi." Most Mormons are surprised to learn that this name is found in 2 Maccabees 1:36. Here it is a place name, however, and not the name of a person.7 \n\nThe play Hamlet has been popular ever since written by William Shakespeare. In the Book of Mormon, a paraphrase from Shakespeare is considered by many to be evidence of plagiarism.8 Here the Book of Mormon represents Lehi, who supposedly lived about 600 B.C., as saying, "the cold
871245
They never existed.   Its all totally bogus.  Scholars can prove\nthat portions of the Book of Mormon was directly lifted\nfrom the King James Bible, translation mistakes included.\nPlus, I was in SLC one year and went to the musuem\non the Temple grounds  (one of the few places "Gentiles:\ncan go)   One of the exhibits  has  "copies" of the notes\nthat J Smith made from the "golden plates"   and its just\na mess of scribbles......codebreakers  who have lookes\nat that  say that there is no code there to translate.  Its\njust gibberish.\n   Plus  there is no archeological evidence of the so-called\ncivilization  of the 10 lost tribes here in the Americas.....A \ngreat civilization  always leaves some evidence of its\nbeing,  it can never be totally erased.
1003481
that might have been contradicting to the ideas of some other author.  This way you can see how the Bible is tried to be manipulated by some shrewd persons. In that case where remains the authenticity of the Bible, where any body can modify any part of the Bible?
434797
It is neither true or false because, your question cannot be applied to the fictional work -- the "DaVinci Code".  Even though, the story does contain theories taken from historical researches (or as some people claim, by stealing from other authors), as a FICTION the "DaVinci Code" cannot be view as a source of actual historical accounts and mystery source.\n\nBasically, it is just a story made-up by the author.  If shall you be really that interested into the so-called "heretical" legends, I suggest you study nonfictional sources.
1018115
I heard that it is a search for the holy grail, which is supposed to be the cup from the last supper, but the author of the book suggests that it is a box with some manuscripts in it that proves that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and had a daughter named Sarah.  It also says that many gospels were written but some council decided to use the four (Matt. Mark, Luke, and John) because it was the only ones that said Jesus was the son of God.  There is much more to it as well, but those are the ones I remember.\n\nIt is considered fiction but I heard that Dan Brown said that the fiction part is the murder and overlying story of the book, but he said that everything about Jesus was true.  I don't believe it.
151384
Hm attacking the author of a book for his creativity. So the book is fiction. You do realize that there are those that claim your new testament is fiction as well, right? Im might tell you as well not to believe everything you read. Right? I want to know why you think Dan Brown needs professional help, amanochev. What leads you to make such an intolerant and vapid statement? Bred2B, people could say the exact same things about the bible. Pure fantasy. Why is it blasphemous? Its a novel. Dont tell me youre starting to act like someone published a cartoon of sorts...People have freedom of speech and expression. Dan Brown wrote an entertaining book, that millions have enjoyed. Blasphemy? Dont you think thats a wee intolerant...And maybe a little dumb sounding? LIke it could have been said centuries ago? Im just curious. In the meantime, heres a post of mine, I think some of you should read.http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqkU6qiSgh7Cn30xkZZXD8fsy6IX?qid=1006022602143\nBeruch hashem
553568
no, the da vinci code is a fictional book, it is just a theory. no truth to it.
682680
Nice article. Carole Mikita always does a decent job or representing the facts.\n\nThis isn't really a big deal. I mean, people have been writing stories about the Mormons as long as they've been around (see Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's collected tales of Sherlock Holmes, especially one very ridiculous story about the Mormons).\n\nYes, several of the early church leaders had strong ties to Freemasonry. I've never been able to figure out exactly what anyone thinks is wrong with Freemasonry, but I probably just don't delve into conspiracy theories enough. Anyway, I just don't really see the connection as anything particularly shocking or disturbing.\n\nAs far as access to the church archives, I think that is a fairly common practice. I believe that if someone has a legitimate curiosity, they'll let just about anyone in to study and research. None of it is a secret, you know. Even the temple goings-on aren't secret. They are sacred, and as Mormons, we prefer not to make all of it public knowledge, because people can be very cruel when they choose to twist things and take them out of context. Nobody wants the things that are so close to their hearts to be trampled on by non-believers, right?\n\nThe symbols on the temple are outside, for everyone to see. There's nothing secret or shameful about early members' ties to masonry. At face value, which is all I've really seen, freemasonry seems like a nice idea to me. Good people doing good things. Now what could be bad about that? I don't know much about the Knights Templar, other than what I learned by watching National Treasure (my favorite movie) and The Da Vinci Code, so I really can't comment much there.\n\nNo worries. Either way, the Lord's work will roll on. :)
656375
I don't think you can believe it at all. It was all made up by L Ron Hubbard. It is a science fiction story . Unfortunately some people will believe anything.
899759
This comes from the "Bible Code". I saw a documentary or two on it a long time ago so I apologize for any mistakes, but the general gist is that a team of scients applied ciphers to bible passages (I can't remember the details) and came out with interesting, but not too convincing words and phrases grouped together. \n\nI say not too convincing because they did the same tests to Moby Dick with similar, though not as detailed, results.\n\nSorry about the vagueness but if you can catch them the History Channel produced a couple of interesting documentaries that they reply a lot. Search for Bible Code on your TiVo.
345005
How many of you have read the Book of Mormon (I know you dont think you have to to understand that is evil and forged)?\nDoes anyone have anything useful or valid to add to this question?  You know now just blatent statements without evidence?\nI know matter of factly that the LDS religion accpets the teachings of Christ, in fact their church is based on Christs original founded church, with a prophet, and 12 apostles (if you really studied it you would find that it is the closest thing to the church of Christ when he was alive - factually speaking - I am not going into revelations)  Add it up, see the similarities, but then again, how would you know if you never studied their teachings.  \n\nHAVE ANY OF YOU even sat through an LDS church session?  Do you actually know the things they teach and speak of on Sunday?  If not, than how can you say they dont belive in Christ or follow His teachings?  \n\nI hear a lot of claims from people about the LDS church, and I often wonder where you get your material from?  I sincerly doubt that it came from the actaully teachings of the church, because everyone I hear is false, and you would know that if you didnt study literature written by anti-mormons or biased imbittered apostates.  \n\nIF YOU HAVE ANYTHING VALID OR FACTUAL TO SAY, PLEASE DO, OH AND DONT FORGET TO SITE YOUR VALID REFERENCE :)\n\nI HEARD ONE TIME . . . (doesnt count)\n\nIf your going to debate or make claims against a subject, know what you are talking about, do your research, actaully study it.  I am always open to hear someone elses view on any subject, but not if you dont know what your talking about, and vice versa, if I dont know, I most likely wont be able to participate, but I would go study it to find out for myself, if I didnt I would just make myself sound inintelligent, or at the worst ignorant.
1144452
not i dont believe that there are any, but there is a little bit of information on Zepaneth Panea, not completely sure how to spell it. I did research on this about 2 years ago. remember after pharoh died came another phaorh who knew not joseph and etc. that is what the bible says. i dont have the information anymore because my pc was killed in hurricane katrina and all the info was in there. just start a yahoo search and look up the correct spelling of his egyptian name and his wifes name too and i promise you will find some even though it is very little.......
1046330
Hahhaha, I've never heard that, but it wouldn't surprise me.  Mormons ARE NOT Christians, and if they did do something as bizarre as that, that would just further cement the fact that they are some strange cult-ish following.
245284
It's an interesting book of fiction, but it is factually absurd. There is plenty of real evidence of the biblical account of Jesus' life. I suggest also reading the book, "Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. It is very enlightening!