View of the Hebrews and the Book of Mormon - w/ Radio Free Mormon | Ep. 1404

Introduction

The intersection of obscure 19th-century texts and foundational Mormon scripture is a complex topic, yet one that captivates believers and skeptics alike. One such intersection involves the "View of the Hebrews," a little-known book published by Ethan Smith in 1823, and the Book of Mormon. This juxtaposition raises questions about the origins and authenticity of the Book of Mormon, which Joseph Smith proclaimed to be a divinely inspired work. But how do these two texts relate, and what might this tell us about the creation of Mormon doctrine?

Background: Historic Context and Common Threads

In the early 1820s, the concept that Native Americans might be descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel was quite popular. Ethan Smith, a clergyman from Vermont, authored "View of the Hebrews" to argue that Native Americans were indeed remnants of these Lost Tribes. Published only a few years before the Book of Mormon, the book speculated on the origins of Native Americans, interpreting their existence as part of a biblical prophecy.

Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon, published in 1830, shares a striking narrative resemblance with "View of the Hebrews." Both works suggest a trans-Atlantic migration and a Native American connection to ancient Hebrew tribes. This similarity has brought the Book of Mormon under scrutiny, raising questions about possible influences and inspirations Joseph Smith might have drawn from Ethan Smith's earlier work.

Key Claims and Evidence: Parallels and Differences