Mormon author disfellowshiped for book on Mormon history

Marcia · Dec 14, 2004

I've been following this story and have read about 4 articles on it in the last few days, including in the Washington Post. A Brigham Young U. professor of history, Grant Palmer, wrote a book saying that Joseph Smith got the Book of Mormon from his own ideas and from the King James Bible.

From
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=519&e=21&u=/ap/20041212/ap_on_re_us/heresy_trial

Mormon Church Disciplines Author for Book

Sun Dec 12, 6:48 PM ET

By TRAVIS REED, Associated Press Writer
SANDY, Utah - A retired Mormon educator who wrote a book questioning whether the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints misrepresented his authority as a prophet was suspended from the church Sunday.

Grant Palmer, 64, who wrote "An Insider's View of Mormon Origins," could have been excommunicated. Instead, he said the church "disfellowshipped" him at a hearing, which means he will retain his membership but lose certain privileges, such as being able to go into temples or serve in an official church capacity.

. . .The fourth-generation Mormon said he was pleased with the decision, still loves the church and wants to remain a member because he believes in its fundamental message.

. . . Palmer, who served as a church director and educator for 34 years and has a master's degree in history from Brigham Young University, said his research stemmed from a growing inability to reconcile discrepancies between history and his church service.

In the book, Palmer suggests that church founder Joseph Smith revised church scripture to his advantage.

The book says Smith didn't actually translate the Book of Mormon "by the gift and power of God" from an ancient set of golden plates, as the church's followers believe. Palmer suggested Smith wrote it himself, leaning heavily on the King James Bible and personal experiences.

Mormon scholars said Palmer's work was more damaging than other similar books because of his long history as a church member and educator. Others questioned how Palmer could still be a true believer, as he professed, if he had so many doubts. . .
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It is interesting he wants to remain Mormon. Wonder if that will last.

tamborine lady · Dec 14, 2004

That is interesting, since he finally learned the truth and still wants to remain Morman?

We need to pray that Gos will begin to speak to him and lead him the rest of the way out.

Working for Jesus,

Tam

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