Why This FBI Investigation May Prove Joseph Smith didn’t WRITE the Book of Mormon | John Hilton III
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- Опубликовано: 17 авг 2024
- On E0016 of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, I sit down with John Hilton III and discuss the FBI investigation that may prove Joseph Smith DIDN'T write the Book of Mormon.
Note-some editing was done in the discussion around the FBI and the Unabomber. For the record, here’s what John says about his grandfather’s involvement:
“I first heard about wordprints in my teen years; I learned about them in connection with the “Unabomber”-a twentieth-century terrorist who planted sixteen bombs that killed three people and injured nearly two dozen others. From 1978 to 1995 the Unabomber was one of the most wanted criminals in the United States but managed to evade local and state police-even the FBI. In 1995 the Unabomber demanded that a paper he had written about the dangers of technology be published in major newspapers. The New York Times and the Washington Post agreed to publish it, hoping that somebody could identify his writing style, and that’s exactly what happened. The Unabomber’s brother recognized the style of prose and tipped off the FBI; on April 3, 1996, the Unabomber was arrested.
Just before the Unabomber’s brother contacted the FBI, the FBI had begun working with a BYU statistics professor who specialized in wordprints. They wanted him to do a stylometric analysis on the Unabomber’s essay and compare it with their list of suspects. The professor they contacted was John Hilton (the first)-my grandfather! I remember the excitement I felt when I learned that my grandfather’s work was contributing to fighting crime.
As fascinated as I was with the work my grandfather did with the FBI, I was even more intrigued when I learned of the work he and others were doing on wordprints and the Book of Mormon. Their initial studies on wordprints in the Book of Mormon looked at sample sizes of at least five thousand words and examined “the use of the small, function words, i.e., the, and, but, of, etc.,” in an effort to determine whether “different authors did indeed write the various strands within the Book of Mormon.” They found that it was statistically indefensible to claim that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon.”
From this episode, you will learn how stylometry, unveils the complex tapestry of voices within the BOM, suggesting a divine collaboration beyond Joseph Smith's capacity. You will learn of Joseph Smith's translation process, highlighting his divine gift and the remarkable efficiency with which the BOM was translated, reinforcing our appreciation for this sacred text.
John Hilton III is a professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU. Together, we explore the Book of Mormon (BOM) through the lens of stylometry and faith. With a Master's degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. from BYU in Education, John brings a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual insight to the study of the BOM, as showcased in his work, "Voices in the Book of Mormon."
Hilton shares personal reflections and insights from applying his grandfather's research, enhancing his faith and understanding of the BOM's spiritual messages.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - "He statically proved Joseph Smith Oliver Cowdrey, did not write The Book of Mormon"
01:49 - What is the Stylometry?
To learn more about stylometry here:
- Is It Possible That a Single Author Wrote the Book of Mormon? (Knowhy #399)
- • Is It Possible That a ...
04:12 - What would be the likelihood that Joseph Smith could pull this off?
11:35 - "When I was confronted with new facts . . . it was helpful to have an intellectual backdrop."
18:33 - "Scholars have found that word prints are detectable even through translation."
19:18 - Different Voice Distinctions | "My son discovered this distinction when he was 11 years old."
24:45 - Samual The Lamanite's Voice
39:02 - Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's Voice in the Book of Mormon
49:03 - "Some people say, 'I feel really close to Heavenly Father, but I don't feel close to Jesus Christ.'"
52:43 - "How do all of the voices harmonize in the Book of Mormon?"
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Disclaimer:
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
I rarely comment on RUclips. But this one HIT ME. I have a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon, both intellectually and spiritually. But without fail, The more I learn The more I believe.
Thank you SO MUCH for making this channel and having these interviews. It has strengthened my faith and resolve.
Its a new Bible. Which is very evil and blasphemous thing to do. Joseph Smith also hated Blacks, and practiced pologamy. Talk about that
@@whathappened246 sorry, but you need to do more research. Joseph Smith ran for President and emancipation was a big thing for him. his views were very forward thinking for the time.
Do you believe in God answering prayers? Do you believe he is the same yesterday today and forever?
The Bible tells us those things are true. David and Solomon practiced polygamy too… it has its place but I’m glad I don’t have to practice it!
God bless you on your spiritual journey! ❤
@@nickhoward3040 You're putting Smith on the same level as King David and Solomon? They had a special blessing by YHWH, they were apart of his covenant/blessing directly, and his divine plan. The Bible says David was ''after HIS own heart'' referring to him being close to the literal heart of our Creator/Father. Joseph Smith isn't David. David was loved so much, the Messiah was born of his family tree[Yes, I know, Jesus wasn't born by blood, so technically he probably isn't biologically related to King David that we know of, but he was still born in his family tree by being the son of Joseph]
As for Solomon, The Bible literally makes it a focal point, that he had way too many kids, and Isreal literally had civil wars/chaos due to his children warring/beefing amongst each other. And even with all that, Solomon is much greater and closer to GOD than Smith could ever hope to be.
Also what about Smith marrying underage women, and daughter/mother pairs? That makes him a pedo, and forced women to have incest with each other, incest is a sin against GOD, said in The Bible.
Also some of the traditions in the Old Testament should not and cannot be practiced in today's world. If so, slavery would still be fine, animal sacrifice, stoning people to death, anything relating to the Great Temple since there is no major central temple in Isreal anymore etc.
Seems like you're the one who needs to do research.
If you think Smith could practice polygamy, then so should every Christian, including women, what would you say to that? What about The Bible saying fornication is wrong, and polygamy being illegal. Please give me your thoughts.
Also yes, over time, Smith probably became nicer towards Blacks, that doesn't change the fact hes the same guy who said Blacks were cursed...for being a black person. This guy created his own logic that was never actually in The Bible.
@@whathappened246if you received clear communication from YHWH that He called Joseph Smith to restore His church on the Earth, would you believe HIM?
No sir. He did not hate blacks. One of his best friends was an escaped slave, who also joined the church. Many blacks joined the church. Joseph Smith hated slavery. And told many even during the 1830s that there was going to be a civil war because of slavery. This is all recorded history.@@whathappened246
This is what we need in social media as members of the church. This is genuine, spiritual strengthening, and very well put together.
Incredible quality, at first I thought this video was from a large podcast of non-members from the intro.
Doesn't many voices scream not inspired, no harmony of scripture. The Real Holy Bible has one voice inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT in perfect harmony with a supernatural cohesion between the 66 books. The BoM has none of these inspired qualities. Having gone through 5000 + changes and corrections one can hardly call it an Inspired work guided by the HOLY SPIRIT.
✝💟
@@rickhuntling7338 First, the Bible is nothing like that. The different books were written by hundreds of different people who spoke different languages and lived centuries apart. And they're not particularly cohesive either.
The Book of Mormon also has many different authors with different languages and writing styles, but it is cohesive because it's compiled by a singular prophetic author that is composing a particular grand narrative.
And it has not undergone 5.000 changes. Those changes are all grammatical. They're putting in commas and periods.
@@KnuttyEntertainment not my Bible. My HOLY BIBLE is exactly as I described with one voice of YHWH. You're reading fairytales with names and places robbed from Joseph Smiths copy of his Captain Kidd novel. Why do you think Joseph was a treasure digger if not for his reading Captain Kidd as a young boy. Moroni was an Island in the popular novel with the same exact spelling.
My bible tells of places and events that are tangible, I can go to Jerico and see the walls were they fell in 1406 BC, you have no physical evidence of cities with millions of people nor giant battle fields which are in 600 BC supposedly.
Not all the changes were grammatical your lying to me and worse to yourself.
I agree!
As a reader of the Book of Mormon, I could always tell that there are different people writing but obviously this science backs it up.
Amen!
I agree. I love how John kept emphasizing, “They are real people.” Thank you for your input.
CLICKBAIT FALSEHOOD ALERT: For sure - he borrowed from TONS of sources - it could have only come from sources and ideas available the 19th century - nobody else could have had access to all the ideas and idioms and only those. Also - D&C “hebraisms” anybody?
As a reader you should know Smith translated the records he didn’t write it. DUH!
@paulhallett1452 borrowing and writing are two entirely different things. If he were borrowing, his own overarching style would still be prevalent (Having seen some of his letters, I would say his style is nonexistent in the Book of Mormon.)
I am not lds, AND i love the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith:) i really appreciated John Hilton and his take. He appears to me to be a sincere man.
The Book of Mormon, was analyzed by AI. AI reported the book to be genuine, and that Joseph wasn't the author, that there were many authors in the BoM.
If you are looking into the church, evidence of the BoM, has been found that is quite interesting. Not 100% because the authors of the book can't testify today. A city of Lehi has been found. His name engraved in stone. It is in the exact area referenced in the book. There are 10s of Thousands of Mounds in the USA referenced in the BoM. A whole city, south of the border, has been recently discovered that was flooded as described in the BoM. The Bom has Quatrains which are a Jewish way of writing poetry. Quatrains were not discovered until the 1930's. The BoM has Chiasmus in it. A specific Jewish way of writing then repeating backwards. Again, only discovered in the last 40 or so years. If you are sincere, pray and ask, you can receive a Testimony directly from Our Father and Son. They are not easy to come by, but priceless if received. I didn't ask for my testimony. What I received, wasn't what I wanted, but what I needed. Since that experience and much study, that procedure seems to be consistent throughout all the scriptures.
@@madogg152 Total bs. If what you claimed is true, why doesn't anyone else know about it? Any lying LDS is perfectly willing and able to carve up stones. Joseph the conman called it "lying for the lord" and we know what lord he served.
LOL, your forgers forgot that supposedly Moroni's vanishing plates were in reformed Egyptian.
Joseph Smith practiced pologamy and hated Black People. Encouraged Slavery as well. Also created his own Bibles.
Yeah what a great guy
Joseph Smith is a false prophet. He wrote his own Bible. You can love it, all you want, its irrelevant and not canon. He was a demon, hahhahaha
That's awesome! You're the first person I've ever heard of who is not LDS who shows love 💯 thank you!
The Book of Mormon only gets better with time and science/discovery. Scams ALWAYS age bad. The BoM started with about 229 anachronisms and currently there are 168 confirmed and about 61 partially or unconfirmed. This book is my modern day survival guide.
😅
Why did he chose king james english style
Science is constantly contradicting Peepstone Joe's novel even BYU scientists know this
@@richarner3856 Triggered much? Name calling?...lol. "BYU scientists know this."? Pretty large blanket statement and obvious hyperbole. What about the scientists is this podcast...are you disproving them?
I love that his 11 year old son figured out the use of certain words.
People need to understand that “fire and brimstone” is not literal.
I served a mission with (then Elder) Hilton back in the CDNM from 1996 to 1998. He’s the real deal.
I love the Book of Mormon! I joined the church about two years ago when I first met some missionaries and started to read it! I couldn’t deny the truth and I had to swallow my pride as I had been taught differently and realized most people don’t understand because they don’t ask God and listen to the words that were spoken and taught by Jesus in America! Is God so small that he could only be in Israel???? I believe also that the Torah is the true numeric language of God and neither Christian or Islam will or could exist without it! Learn Hebrew and interpret the Book of Mormon to Israel! They are forbidden to read the New Testament but we as Christian’s can still share The Book of Mormon that is the most perfect book ever written found on the American continent!
The Book of Mormon has to be the most analyzed, studied, picked apart book ever. Except maybe the Bible. I love the Book of Mormon!❤❤❤
And it has been proven FALSE beyond doubt, factually you cant deny it, if you "feel" its true that's nothing!!
Which verses are false?
@@jacobdevitry1570
Mark 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
@jacobdevitry1570 Good luck believing in nothing. Dying believing nothing exists beyond, no God cares about us to let us know more info. Sends his son and leaves us in the dark forever? That makes no sense. If God doesnt exist, your life is meaningless, other than hedonism. That's a fun prospect. Enjoy your nihilism. Meanwhile my NDE after my attempted suicide shows me heaven is real. But youve made your choice.
@brucenorth5337 buy some Rolaids
Having translated the Book of Mormon into Irish, I can testify to the accuracy of the word print studies. Even though Nephi and Jacob are brothers, they have completely different ways of speaking, not just in words used but in grammar, sentence structure, etc. It's clear in some places that even though the author is ostensibly writing (like Mormon, Nephi, Alma), it's clear during the translation process that they're quoting from another source, the language they're using is completely different in tone, grammar, and/or vocabulary.
Irish?
Thank you so much for doing this video with John Hilton! He’s my third cousin, by the way.
My Grandpa wrote "The Book of Mormon Key to Conversion".
He was a professor of religion at BYU for years and a religion and history scholar.
He wrote and co-wrote Church missionary discussions, church & institute literature and manuals, and several talks for the Apostles including for President Benson. He wrote his two most well-known talks. One about Pride and one about The Book of Mormon.
I learned so much from him!
He has hundreds of essays.
The church has a lot of his works and Deseret Book owns some of it as well.
Look up Glenn L. Pearson.
Call me ignorant, but I thought the prophets wrote their own talks through talking to God, or at least heavy inspiration.
Yes I’m confused too? Did he write the whole talks or did the apostles give him their talks and he proof read them????
I've got your gramps book. It's a little gem in the gospel library. Thank you.
@@UtahKent thank you. That's very nice of you! 💜
@@haloblokbuster7991 All of the Apostles and Prophets have ghostwriters who help write their talks. They give a theme and they're very trusted and are very knowledgeable about the doctrine and principals of the Gospel and more.
The leaders then change, adjust, edit, alter, or whatever they want to do to the talk before they give it. It takes a while to do this.
And yes, all directed by the Holy Ghost. The ghostwriters are given special blessings for this and strictly follow promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Just realize that this does not change the validity of the Brethren's addresses to the Church. Nothing is shared or given without the approval of the leaders.
A lot goes into General Conference, for example, like practicing the talks, getting feedback and coaching, sound and diction and vocality. All the things.
I just started the episode and will watch to the end. But I definitely have to agree with the style of writing. If people would actually read the book before judging it they would see every writer has a different style. It's one thing that makes it so fascinating.
John Hilton is one of our favorite speakers/teachers
Thank you!
I agree. I love how genuinely curious John is. I could feel that throughout the conversation. I believe the best teachers are the very learners.
I have never thought of considering that there were many different voices in The Book of Mormon. This is so interesting. My family were very active in the Methodist church when I was a child. We joined when I was 11 yrs.old. I remember the minister pounding his fist on the pulpit and shouting “hell, fire and brimstone”. I asked my mother why he was so angry at us. She always answered “he just cares about our souls and wants us to live with Jesus.” I was about 5 or 6yrs.old.
I’m about to board a plane ✈️ and I’ve got the podcast downloaded. Life is good and I’m happy to listen.
Fabulous episode. I really learned so much. Thank you so much.
Alma LITERALLY MEANS SOUL in Spanish. And means 'virgin' in Hebrew, which might roots related to purity or soul. Alma is a common name in both spanish and hebrew.
Maybe joseph smith learned spanish in that school he never attended? Or maybe... a prophet?
This interview is a treasure trove!
This is one of the most PROFOUND podcasts I have ever listened to. On so many levels. I feel like my brain is connecting on so many levels. JUST WOW.. It is everything I believe and so much of what I have noticed or pondered.. especially at the end as you spoke of using the holy name of Jesus Christ more often and in holy ways. I work in the Manti temple. As I speak the ordinances, I have many times pondered the holy words of these ordinances. It has been impressed upon my name how very HOLY the names of God and Jesus Christ are as I repeat these ordinances. As I speak them, I say them with deep reverence. We are so blessed to be able to call upon our Father in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for all you have shared. I will be looking for your book. thank you so very much.
I looked up "verily" for understanding as to why the Savior used it so much. Apparently, when initiating a remark with "verily" it's like saying "amen" at the beginning. In essence, he's saying, "Look, what I'm about to tell you is fundamentally true, and I don't need you to agree with me, or garner your consensus about the truth of what I'm about to tell you."
Long winded on my part, but I think it underscores the emphasis the Lord is placing on His remarks and doctrines.
This is the first video I’ve seen from your channel. All I can say is WOW! How beautiful, inspiring, and testimony building. Thank you! And yes, I love the Book of Mormon!!!
This is such a wonderful discussion to be able to watch and listen to. Thank you so much for this! I have a spiritual witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, so this doesn't change anything for me, but it's so wonderful to see so much coming forward in these days that supports the Book of Mormon. It is truly a marvelous work and a wonder! Think of it ... if the Book of Mormon is what it purports to be, Joseph Smith has to be what he says he was! One of the first things said to young Joseph Smith in his earliest meetings with the Angel Moroni is that his name would be had for both good and evil throughout the world in the latter days. How true is that prophecy??!! Amazing ... the mocking words and lies of his detractors could not be louder or easier to find these days, yet there is now so much overwhelming evidence that Joseph Smith is either what he says he was, or he is the single greatest genius conman in the history of the world😂 And it's just not reasonable to believe that he made up and wrote this incredible, life-changing book, that has drawn millions of people closer to their Savior, and which has withstood the test of time and scientific analysis for the past 200 years. That he did this in just 65 days without any rewrites or significant changes, with so much incredible intricate detail and accuracy (like over 200 anachronisms as identified in his day, of which all but 17 have been proven accurate up to this day) is nothing short of a miracle. I have heard people over the years who are so convinced that Joseph Smith is a con, that the Book of Mormon is a fraud, i just wish that everyone everywhere would give this incredible book of scripture a real chance. Maybe it's well-thought-out conversations like this video that might help some of the critics rethink their positions and give it a chance. Thanks for all you're doing, this is great!
This is an amazing interview. Thank you for doing . I needed to see this in this time in my life. Thank you
Thank you for this video, brothers! The insights you've shared makes me excited to read the Book of Mormon again from a different perspective (continuing through Helaman where I am and then restarting over again after reaching the end).
I love your show! Always a good conversation, and I learn so much. This is an excellent, testimony-building episode. Thank you!
I heard about this decades ago, and I’ve always figured it was one reason Joseph Smith couldn’t have written the Book of Mormon (unless a bunch of genius writers/theologians were all working together). At the beginning of my current read-through of the BOM, I decided I would see for myself, and I can totally see the different voices in the BOM. A lot of things you brought up, I have noticed myself. There are others things I didn’t know. This whole discussion was fascinating.
It's interesting that John mentions how Mormon talks about baptism unto repentance before 3rd Nephi but then after calls it baptism in the name of Christ. Could it also be that before Christ completed his mission the baptism was unto repentance but after his mission was complete then the baptism was unto him? Also I believe that the people were re-baptized into the new church which he formed.
I wondered this point myself many times.
As an author I know it's a challenge to portray different styles of speaking in different characters, a process that needs several revisions.
Musicians have distinguishing characteristics too: favorite licks and the like.
In the original manuscript, the verb "counsel" is used in two senses: our more modern sense of "to give advice" and the archaic sense of "to take advice." It's in Mormon's abridgement that the verb is used in its archaic sense (Alma 37 and 39), while it's in the Small Plates that it's used in its modern sense (Jacob 4 and 5). I believe this is a deliberate portrayal by the translator of the language change.
I really enjoyed listening to this podcast! It reminded me of a personal discussion I had with John Hilton after my mission in 1987, when John explained these concepts to me. I was and still am truly fascinated by the research! Thank you for continuing the work! Hopefully someday I can meet and talk with you about your work. LaMar.
Thanks for listening my friend. More to come. Let me know if you have any topics you feel will help you or someone you love.
I had Brother Hilton as my religion teacher years ago at BYU, I believe it was for a Book of Mormon class as well, and he had such a good approach to teaching, and had such insight, it's really cool to hear him again and open us up so much to this deep textual analysis. This was a really powerful episode, and it's really made me consider the Book of Mormon so much deeper! This is awesome.
This was incredible! Thank you!
It's amazing the positive difference between videos like this compared to videos that are designed only to cast aspersion.
What had Joseph Smith have to gain that would want to do this. Why so long? All he had was heartache sorrow and even down to death. If it was made up , he would have hollowed uncle long before his life was taken. Carol
I learned recently that Joseph Smith was killed in Kirkland when they used tar and poison. He had an out of body experience then came back to life. No wonder the mob left. They did their work, or so they thought. The surprise when he preached the next day was not that he was recovered enough, but that he survived.
Absolutely fascinating discussion! So much good information and detailing by John to break down how to see the separate voices and writers of the B of M. This validates what the Spirit has already born witness to for me, not that I feel a need to validate the Holy Ghost. He is the ultimate validator. Thanks so much for sharing this. Very enjoyable.
I agree with you. John has a gift of taking complex topics and helping others understand.
Amen, the Holy Ghost is the ultimate validator!
@@LetsGetRealSJwhere are the ancient artifacts of the book of Mormon where is Zarahemia where bountiful where are the Gold Plates, Where is that Temple in DC 84:1-5, Alma 7:10 is also a lie Jesus wasn't born in Jerusalem, Joseph Smith restored the Gospel that's a lie
@@james8996....swing and a miss.... you're not paying attention.
@@james8996If you read Alma 7:10 carefully you will see it says "at Jerusalem ". The word at means in, on, or near. Alma is on the American continent. Jerusalem is only six miles from Bethlehem. From Alma's perspective Jesus is born at Jerusalem.
John, just ordered your book! I have 2 grandsons at BYU. I hope they get a chance to meet you.
again, a noted scholar shows that the Book of Mormon is worthy of serious academic study.
That opening editing was off the hook, bro.
Glad you liked it!
“I need to think more about my own baptism” - because it probably is not yet complete.
Have you received the baptism of “Fire and the Holy Ghost”?
3 Ne 9
20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.
I see a steven jones video, I click and watch, very simple
Yep! 10/10
And the videos never ever disappoint
I'm so glad you're enjoying these. Which has helped the most so far? Any topic suggestions?
I hope you feel the Holy Ghost and God's inspiration when you watch these. I sure do as we film them. I'm thankful for people like John, who willingly share their work in a way that is simple to understand.
💯
Alma - repeatedly said “as much as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.” I noticed few things regarding each authors. Alma the younger ❤❤❤thank you for helpful insights. The Book of Mormon is true and correctly translated by Joseph Smith Jr.
Where is the magical hat 🤠 and the stone magic 🪨?
@@EverythingPlus.101
Jude 1:17-18
This was a great interview!
Thank you!
33:00 if we’re picking favorites…. Nephi, son of Helaman, he’s my hero. Gets thrown in prison, he and his brother are on fire but don’t die, then he tells everyone who killed the chief judge, they blame him but he reveals the real perpetrator, and then God tells him, “I’ll give you whatever you ask for because I trust you.” And he asks for a famine! Because he believes it will help the arrogant rich people humble themselves. And then in 3 Nephi, it is suggested that he was translated into heaven.
He totally is an underrated prophet!
Just to be fair, Nephi asked for a famine to end a bloody war.
Isn't this Nephi who k.illed a drunk guy, so he could steal the " special plates??
@@EverythingPlus.101 no, that's a different Nephi
@@EverythingPlus.101 Nope! Read scriptures so you can get the truth.
Amazing stuff! Thanks Stephen!!!
Ugh! The "stone in the hat" ... that's NOT how Joseph said the plates were translated.
are you sure Kristine?
Think of all the people who have wasted their lives trying to prove that Joseph Smith was not a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon is not Scripture. No one has ever been successful. It drives them absolutely insane that Joseph Smith is indeed a Prophet of God and the Book of Mormon is indeed Sacred Scripture. Keep trying fools, keep wasting your lives.
This is your second best upload since that Santa Claus skit. Keep it up!
Great job! Loved the interview.
I knew Stephen Jones back in the Tallahassee Singles Ward days. Good, charismatic guy! He brought the party to those Halloween dances! So glad he is putting out content that help keep people members in Church. What about the times that the evidence proves otherwise? In short if I am believing something that us not true, would I really want to know? Or do I only pick and choose when to rely on evidence?
Just a thought here. There is enough "evidence" to support faith, even if someone hasn't had it spiritually confirmed yet. There is never going to be 100% "proof" of anything until Jesus himself comes down and tells the world that the Book of Mormon is true. To do so would take away the opportunity to grow faith. Faith is a principle of the gospel. Jesus said if we have faith, even as much as a mustard seed, we can do amazing things. (Paraphrasing) He didn't say we need "proof", but faith.
Also, 100% proof would negate agency. Right now, we can choose to believe, and then receive confirmation through prayer that it is correct. If you don't know that you know, keep praying. Until then, keep your faith. Answers come, sometimes when you least expect them. God bless.
This was such an interesting and informative proof of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon!
It is possible to do the same thing with D&C?
As always, I've learned a lot from John III.
A talk John Hilton Jr gave in sacrament meeting about the current bush was very inspiring. The whole Hilton family has always been strong in the gospel. Even Pappy Hilton (a whistler) gave a great fireside.
His scaffolding analogy is a good one.
Thank you!
@@johnhiltoniii Thank you for sharing it 🙂
In balance, I think this is a great presentation. But I make exception to this small small detail.
I am not a Structural Engineer but I have worked with them. Scaffolding supports the Craftsmen while they work. It does not support the building. The primary structure must already be in place before the scaffolding can be put on.
So...when the church was condemned, and the name of Jesus Christ was removed from the Church, this had a HUGE meaning! The Church apostatized at that time because the Church was taking the Book of Mormon lightly, and the Church never came out of that condemnation. Jesus taught in the Book of Mormon his gospel of: Faith, Repentance, BAPTISM by immersion, BAPTISM by fire, BAPTISM by the Holy Ghost! BAPTISM WAS/IS SO VERY IMPORTANT! The church is not teaching these three baptisms as they are taught by Jesus Christ! They are still in apostasy!
3 Nephi 40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
Your production value is over the top! So well done.
Well bless your heart. Thank you kindly. The production is the icing but the truth is where the power is. Glad you like it. More to come.
I have to make sure every video I watch is NOT anti gospel point of view. I just detest those and I try to steer them away from my feed! Looks like this one is ok. Will watch. Thanks
Brilliant!!! Thanks guys🤯🤗❤️
I loved most of this, big time and thanks! BUT, could John Hilton III please direct me to the specific statement where Joseph Smith mentioned using a "stone in a hat" for the translation of the plates?
As per Joseph Smith's narratives, he indicated that the Urim and Thummim, provided with the golden plates, were utilized to translate the ancient text inscribed on them. In questioning this, I wonder why there was a last-minute shift from interpreters to a “stone in a hat” by the Lord? It's worth noting that Joseph himself never asserted such a change.
I would appreciate avoiding references to the Joseph Smith III interview with his mother in 1879, as there were inaccuracies in his claims about his mother's statements. The notion of a "stone in the hat" appears to be based on hearsay, and accounts attributed to Emma Smith or others are challenging to verify precisely. It's crucial to rely on primary sources for historical accuracy rather than accounts that may be less reliable.
It's noteworthy that claims about Joseph Smith using a "stone in a hat" for translation primarily also comes from individuals like Martin Harris, David Whitmer, and Reuben Hale, but these accounts were made 40 to 50 years after the events in question and they were no longer in the Church. Additionally, some sources suggest that John Whitmer stated Joseph used the Urim and Thummim in a hat.
The shift in emphasis from the Urim and Thummim to the “stone in a hat” in historical discussions raises questions as to why. We believe their accounts over Joseph Smiths?
Stone in the hat is illustrated on the LDS Church website as a known fact versus heresay
@@michaelvaughan5423 Thanks for your reply. I did read this Deseret News article (not an official Church web site) years ago. It kind of addressed the "stone in the hat" claims about light, eyes, hat and other silly things that are hearsay and anything but history.
Joseph often stated it was done "by the gift and power of God." So to me regardless of the tools, I cherish The Book of Mormon!
BUT WHY are some members seemingly replacing the Urim & Thummim with the "stone in the hat," altering Joseph's account. Why are we, John Hilton III, rewriting what Joseph account originally conveyed?
@@user-sp9yy6xu4xSo the “stone in the hat” was not instead of the Urim & Thummim. It was in addition to. The seer stone was not just used for translations either. He used it to receive revelation, as well as find things. He did not use them at the same time. They were both used for the purposes of translation.
I've been listening to this. It's refreshing to hear something besides all these negative anti-LDS podcasts and channels. Interesting patterns in the BOM.
So interesting! Loved this so much!
Love your content! So strengthening! ☀️
Intro almost gave me a heart attack.
I really love the discussion in the last twenty five minutes, that emphasis, especially on what the Savior considered important to share, makes me so much more appreciate of the words of Jesus and what is really important.
I love that part, too. One of the Holy Ghost’s biggest jobs is to witness of Jesus Christ. I think that is why that part is so powerful. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
Okay, now I want to see an analysis of the voice of Jesus in the BoM and how that matches with NT, OT, and D&C.
That would be fascinating
Stephen, this is great. It reminds me of a fireside I attended with Judy Brummer who translated the book of Mormon into Xhosa. I think an interview with her would make a great podcast...
I'll defiantly look into that. I always love getting suggestions people recommend.
Is Judy related to pres. Bummer. Or Bishop? It has been a long time ago since I was there.
Maybe it could be that Jacob had anxiety from all he went through
Great interview, and a fascinating subject. While I've known about this for a long time, this interview has helped me start to pay attention to it more.
Your quote from Presidente Nelson is in his talk to the youth "Hope of Israel" about stewardship! Thank you for this great content i now follow you
One of the men in the intro was my mission president lol
What about the 19 chapters copied from Isaiah into the BOM from the 1769 KJV Bible?? What about not being able to locate a single site mentioned in the BOM. What about Joseph Smith saying that Cummorah was the location of the last great battle of the Book of Mormon with 460,000 people on that hill and its too small to hold them all. What about no pre-Columbian peoples found there at all in that area. What about Mormon professor Bushman calling it allegorical after 60 years of study? What about "Man is that he might have joy" as the purpose of life when the purpose of life is to glorify God according to the 66 books in the Bible. What about where it says they lived the law of Moses and then says that swine is good for food... Then you have to doctrines that are not supported biblically that lead you away from the one true God. Mentioning Christ a lot doesn't mean much if you teach doctrines that are contrary to his word. I spent decades teaching the Book of Mormon and its just nothing more than an allegory.
Fascinating discussion!! Loved the comment about personality profiling the writers/speakers in the BOM, would love to see someone delve into doing more research on this
Man, John is so good it’s like he should be a professor and have his own podcast or something
😂
I’ll look into that! 😂
I agree.
Since you can theoretically see that translations keep their distinct voice, is there any correlation between Christ speaking in the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament Lord? And between the risen Christ in 3 Nephi and the New Testament? That would be cool if so!
Other than when he’s quoting himself of course
Great question!!! Thanks
This is what I was going to ask too! I would love to see the comparison of Christ’s voice Old Testament to pre 3 Nephi and then 3 Nephi to New Testament Christ
14:00 You’re exactly right. I’m nearly 60, I grew up with being told that so many things were “anti Mormon lies” (like looking in a hat, or JS had more than 1 wife, etc), then suddenly the church has the Gospel Topic Essay saying these things are all true. It pulls the rug out from under you.
My brother had access to the locked LDS Salt Lake City library in the 1990s while he was doing his PhD, and he read Pioneer journals. He confronted three different apostles about how it contradicted the mainstream historical narrative. He was told to stop asking questions or he’d be excommunicated.
It was a “thing” for 100 years to cover the truth up, and now, when we hear that what we were told was anti-Mormon lies, is really the truth. It makes one not trust what the church says now.
What’s the truth?
I'm guessing you didn't actually listen to this video. They didn't say anything about what you just stated as being lies.
Also it has been known forever that Joseph Smith used a hat. You just haven't paid attention.
You said your brother asked an apostle about it. Well I don't believe he did due to the fact that multiple apostles have stated other than what you have claimed.
I'm 42 myself and I have never heard any apostle say don't ask questions or you will be excommunicated. I have read multiple past transcripts and found the same.
The truth is: God is our Father, Jesus is the Christ and the Holy Ghost with the other two make up the Godhead. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and he used the instrument that God provided called the urrim and thummim. Joseph never practiced polygamy and fought it to the day he died. Brigham Young and his cohorts hijacked the church and caused terrible damage that only Christ can and will heal. I believe that we have church leaders but no prophets since Joseph. I am finally finding some peace after suffering for ten years with all the cover ups, half truths and outright lies. God be with you and help you to find peace.
@@icecreamladydriver1606 what you are describing is baseless and an anti-truth. you should be ashamed of yourself. just as good as a flat earther or a heartlander.
@@elijiahburgess5506I said nothing that was baseless. Do a little research and I am not saying to go read the books of Saints. I have only spoken truth but most people are scared of truth and won't dig.
@@icecreamladydriver1606 no you need to provide evidence or sources to an alternative claim because you just sound like a schizophrenic person. There is zero evidence Joseph smith fought plural marriage. There is zero evidence Brigham young stole anything. You are only looking at loosely related data and stringing it together so you feel better about being a gentile. Theologically speaking why isn’t the reorganized church doing that well? And yet the Brighamite church is flourishing? Hmm pray harder.
Listened to this round 2 and it was even better haha
This was really fantastic...didn't hear much about the fbi...would be interested in another episode about ways the book of mormon has withstood scrutiny 💙
Love your podcasts. You're doing an important work. Keep it up in the face of all opposition. Yes. The Book of Mormon was translated through the gift and power of God. It stands as a second witness of Jesus Christ and his atonement. Joseph Smith was the instrument The Lord used to bring that book to us in these days. Brother Joseph did not compose it; he could NOT have generated it; but he was used as the servant through whom it came to us, for us, to show us that Jesus, the Christ, the Name, the Savior and Redeemer, makes all things make sense. This is my witness, in HIS HOLY NAME, Amen.
Great. Thank you brother. Now can you do an analysis on D&C 132? Whose voice, style of writing is that section?
@titucusi….
What do you believe in my good brother.😊
You can do the analysis yourself on the website he mentioned in the video.
This was great! Thankyou!
“In 2003 a computer scientist was able to demonstrate that by calculating the frequency with which Madison and Hamilton used just three words-to, upon, and would-it can be established, to a mathematical certainty, that Madison was the author of the disputed Federalist essays.”
-Liberty’s Blueprint, Introduction
Was that your grandfather??
I wonder how difficult it would be to write a book similar to the Book of Mormon but about ancient China. Whoever would do this can't have access to the internet or a library. Plus, it needs to be scrutinized every word and be found more true as time goes on.
We believe the Book of Mormon is inspired. If the books are inspired, of course the books are the words of different authors of the various books. Just like the Holy Bible.
Love ElderHinton. I always learn so much
Exmormons aren’t gonna like this episode….
It appears they don’t. There are a lot of them crawling around on the comment section.
We now have big data analysis with books written around Joseph Smith’s time, which he would have had access to, and it’s not favorable to him at all. Words, phrases, and other similarities with other books like the “Late War, Between The United States And Great Britain” proves with statistical significance that Joseph Smith pulled from various sources.
There should only be two voices in the BoM. One is Mormon, who abridged other authors' work, and Nephi, who wrote in first person on the small plates.
Umm, no. Sorry!
@@GadiantonsRobber I forgot Jacob and Moroni.
This would be the case if Mormon only abridged using his wording, which he did at times, but he also quoted sections.
What about king Benjamin? Haha.
@racealexander1660 Oh right, King Benjamin! Isn't he the one who commanded all his words to be written down and passed among the people? It doesn't say, but did the Nephites have paper?
This is literally how Muslims argue for the Quran being true, there is literally no difference
Your point is?
My point is the Book of Mormon being proven “true” is no less different than how Muslims argue that “MuHamaD cOuLd nOt haVe wRitTen thE QuRaN”
@@nathanaronsohn8665the difference is that we have first hand eyewitness accounts of the scribes who assisted with the translation and the 11 witnesses who physically saw the plates. For Muhammad no such witnesses exist.
When we compare Jesus in the Bible and Jesus in the Book of Mormon, how do the word counts compare?
Gonna assume they didn’t test against the first editions of “translation”, with all the original typos, colloquialisms, and mistakes lifted directly out of specific editions of the KJV 😂
So glad I just found your channel. I love the great spirit of Bro. Hilton. So much information. His love for his Savior is enlightening.
Thanks and welcome
Yes Brethren, the Book of Mormon is, (true.) Please keep up your Podcast, the Human Race needs it.
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This is great!
Great Job! It really has given me food for thought. It makes my testimony stronger of the Book of Mormon.
Is there a way to get the study?
They had me at “The Sear Stone & Hat;” DIVINATION . . . NO. Prophecy of “The Temple” to be built in Missouri . . . NO. FALSE PROPHET, FALSE CHURCH, PERIOD!!!!!!!
You are referring to the statement of the Lord that the temple in New Jerusalem would be built in "this generation (D&C 84:4)."
What about Jesus telling His disciples that the calamities of the end of the world will happen in "this generation?"
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
You do not understand the scriptures. You cannot call Joseph Smith a false prophet without also calling Jesus Christ a false prophet for the same exact "false prophecy." Maybe you should learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ.
This was great! Loved all the insights!
Love John Hilton!!! He’s amazing!
Amazing episode. Great job
Glad you liked it. Any particular section that you are feel was most helpful?
It is impossible that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon. He did translate it from ancient records by the gift and power of God.
3 Nephi 9, The Book of Mormon
God bless, great conversation
Thank you.
Since Joseph Smith was looking into a dark hat, he wouldn’t have been able to see any notes because it would have been so dark. The fact that he had to look into a hat is more evidence that he was a prophet of God. He needed to look into something dark to see the light of the words on the seer stone. This is the same concept of when we have to find shade or cover up our cell phone to see what’s on it when out in the sunlight.
I never made that connection! That makes so much sense
This is the most click-bait title ever! But, also, an awesome conversation about the truth of the Book of Mormon!
It's true 🤣 I was waiting for the full fbi investigation!! Haha
How is it clickbait