Joseph Smith claimed that the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830, was “the most correct of any book on earth” and that it was translated by the “gift and power of God” from Reformed Egyptian text engraved on gold plates, which he supposedly unearthed in upstate New York. According to his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, the translation involved Joseph Smith placing a seer stone in a hat, then dictating the words that appeared on the stone — a method presented as divinely guided.
Yet, when we compare the handwritten manuscript, the printer’s manuscript, and the 1830 Book of Mormon with modern editions, we see significant changes, including corrections to character names and even references to Jesus Christ. If this translation process were truly inspired and flawless, how could such fundamental details need revision?
The Bible warns about false prophets and those who claim divine authority but mislead others: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1) and “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13).
Furthermore, Scripture affirms that God’s Word is preserved and reliable: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8) and “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). In contrast, the changing texts of the Book of Mormon raise serious questions about the claim that it is the “most correct” book on earth.
Christians are called to measure every teaching by the truth of God’s Word: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). By carefully examining these historical and textual inconsistencies, believers can lovingly guide others to consider whether Joseph Smith’s claims truly reflect God’s Word.
