Book of Mormon controversies

This article deals with controversies regarding the authenticity of the Book of Mormon as a translation of an ancient American sacred text. For critical analyses applying to Mormonism in general, see Controversies regarding Mormonism.

The Book of Mormon was published by Joseph Smith, Jr in Palmyra, New York in 1830. Smith claimed that the book was a translation into English of ancient American prophetic writings, conveyed to Smith by the ministering of angels. Critics proffer alternate explanations for the origin of the book. Key points of the controversies over these explanations are organized below.

Table of contents

1 Smith's Explanation for the book's origin

1.1 Source text
1.2 Archaeology
1.3 Linguistics
1.4 DNA

2 Treatment by contemporary Mormons

2.4.1 Changes since first publication
2.4.2 Inconsistent with Mormon doctrine

3 Alternate explanations for the origin of the book

Smith's Explanation for the book's origin

Most of the controversies over the Book of Mormon are attempts to discredit or support Smith's own explanation. These controversies are discussed in this section.

Treatment by contemporary Mormons

One problem critics find with the Book of Mormon is its light treatment by its supposed primary proponent, the LDS Church. They reason that the LDS Church uses the Book of Mormon as a mere bait and switch tool for making converts.

Changes since first publication

See Linguistics and the Book of Mormon

Inconsistent with Mormon doctrine

See Book of Mormon.

Alternate explanations for the origin of the book

See Book of Mormon.