BYU Book Review, Joseph Smith’s New York Reputation Reexamined by Rodger I. Anderson, p 72; “Now, most historians, Mormon or not, who work with the sources, accept as fact Joseph Smith’s career as village magician. Too many of his closest friends and family admitted as much, and some of Joseph’s own revelations support the contention.” – Marvin S. Hill, BYU Professor of History
1 Timothy 4:1; “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”.
We’ve listed today’s Mormon reference for two reasons. The subject matter and the person who said it. And I’ll tell you up front this can get a bit confusing so hang tight!
In 1990 Rodger I. Anderson wrote a review on two writings produced by Mormon historians and called his book ‘Joseph Smith’s New York Reputation Reexamined’. He was basically calling out the so-called historians for their one-sided views and the way they presented historical proofs of testimonies from Smith’s neighbors and friends who denounced his activities. http://signaturebookslibrary.org/?p=379
The two writings in question were authored by Mormon historians Hugh Nibley who wrote ‘Myth Makers’ in 1960 and Richard L. Anderson’s writings called ‘Joseph Smith’s New York Reputation Reappraised’ in 1970.
The similar names of authors and books just kill me!
BYU’s book review from where we got our quote by Mr. Hill was typical of the Mormon Church. Leave it to them to review a book that was actually written as a review…
What’s so bothersome is the nonchalant attitude of the majority of Mormon historians. They announce their findings to the public as if they’re talking about the neighbor’s dog. Their reactions seem impervious to their surroundings which tells me they must be quite numb; spiritually and emotionally.
This summation of Smith and his family in our quote above is devastating, and as such the reaction of the Mormons should reflect that. Sadly, you won’t get the impression that anything’s amiss when Mr. Hill starts pointing fingers at the ‘anti-Mormons’ and critiquing the ‘non-scholarly’ work of the author.
Why is Smith’s reputation as a village magician treated with such disregard? Where is the outrage that a supposed man of God whom you believe in was known for practicing witchcraft?
Just as Paul warned the early church there would be those who believe a lie and turn from sound doctrine to the doctrines of demons, we see this today with many Mormons who refuse to accept the truth.
Another example of a non-reaction from an LDS historian is found in BH Roberts summation of Smith and his family –
A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:26; “It may be admitted that some of them believed in fortune telling, in warlocks and witches—though, to their credit be it said, they are not found among those who burned the witches, or who oppressed others for their religious opinions, or for the lack of religious convictions—all this may be admitted.” – B. H. Roberts
For the record – Smith’s family was amongst those who testified against the innocent people who were burned at the stake or hung at the Salem Witch Trials.
Smith and company were also the reason for the majority of turmoil in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Utah.
What was his best trick? I would like to look into this, what evidence do you have that he was a magician?
His best “trick” probably was getting people to believe his nonsense. I don’t know that Joseph Smith considered himself a magician as you say, but he was heavily involved in folk magic and treasure seeking.
A simple internet search should help you find the information you’re seeking. – Melissa Grimes