This FBI Investigation May Prove Joseph Smith didn’t WRITE the Book of Mormon | John Hilton III
TLDRThe video script explores the unique writing styles and voices within the Book of Mormon, highlighting the application of stylometry to authenticate its authorship. It delves into the work of the user's grandfather, who utilized statistical analysis to differentiate the writing styles of various Book of Mormon authors, such as Alma, Nephi, and Mormon, and demonstrated that these styles remained consistent even when translated into English. The discussion also touches on the translation process and the experiences of early witnesses like David Whitmer. The script challenges the assumption that Joseph Smith authored the book, suggesting instead that it was a multi-authored work. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual and spiritual understanding of the Book of Mormon and encourages viewers to seek their own personal witness of its truth.
Takeaways
- 📜 The unique writing styles, or "word prints," of different authors in the Book of Mormon contribute to the academic and criminal literature, helping to identify authors and understand the multi-authored nature of the text.
- 🔍 Stylometry, the statistical analysis of writing styles, was used to differentiate between the voices of Joseph Smith and the various speakers in the Book of Mormon, such as Nephi, Alma, and Mormon.
- 🎓 The research of the speaker's grandfather, a professor in religious education, played a significant role in the FBI's identification of the Unabomber through similar techniques, highlighting the practical applications of stylometry.
- 📈 Small, common words like 'the' and 'and' were found to have a coherence that can be used to create a unique fingerprint of an individual's writing style, which was a key method in the stylometric analysis.
- 👴 The speaker's grandfather used 3D models to visually represent the distinct word prints of different Book of Mormon characters, providing a conceptual framework for understanding the differences.
- 📚 The Book of Mormon is considered a multi-authored work, with each character having a distinct voice, which is an important finding in the study of its authorship.
- 🕵️♂️ Statistical analysis has shown that the difference in writing styles between Book of Mormon characters is greater than that found between characters created by authors like Jane Austen, suggesting a high level of distinction in voice.
- ✍️ Joseph Smith's ability to translate the Book of Mormon with little formal education and in a short period, while producing text with complex literary structures, is seen as unlikely if he had authored it himself.
- 📖 The translation process of the Book of Mormon, as witnessed by those close to Joseph Smith, involved no prepared text and was characterized by an immediate continuation of translation after breaks, which supports the claim of divine translation.
- 👥 The speaker's research also focused on unique phrases and topics that individual characters gravitate towards, such as Nephi's use of "my soul delighteth," providing further evidence of distinct authorial voices.
- 🧐 The speaker emphasizes the importance of intellectual understanding in supporting spiritual testimony, suggesting that a combination of both is beneficial for a well-rounded faith.
Q & A
What was the significance of the essay that the FBI received from the 'Unabomber'?
-The essay was significant because the 'Unabomber' threatened to stop his bombing spree if it was published. This led to the involvement of the speaker's grandfather, who used stylometric techniques to help identify the author of the manifesto, eventually leading to the arrest of the 'Unabomber'.
How did the speaker's grandfather contribute to the understanding of the Book of Mormon in terms of authorship?
-The speaker's grandfather used stylometry to analyze the writing styles within the Book of Mormon, proving statistically that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery did not write the book. He also identified distinct wordprints for different speakers in the text, suggesting multiple authors.
What is stylometry and how does it work?
-Stylometry is a branch of linguistics and a type of forensic linguistics that is used to identify authors by analyzing their writing style. It looks at small words (function words) and how frequently they are used, the order in which they appear, and the individual coherence of each author's wordprint or fingerprint.
How did the speaker's grandfather visualize the distinct voices in the Book of Mormon?
-The speaker's grandfather visualized the distinct voices by creating 3D models that represented the different zones of speech for each character, such as Nephi, Alma, and Mormon, in a three-dimensional space.
What is the importance of recognizing the different voices in the Book of Mormon?
-Recognizing the different voices in the Book of Mormon supports the idea that it is a multiauthored work, which aligns with the belief that it is a record of ancient prophets and not a single author's creation.
How did the statistical analysis of the Book of Mormon compare the distinct voices to those of other authors?
-Researchers conducted a statistical analysis comparing the distinct voices in the Book of Mormon to those of authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. They found that the difference in voices within the Book of Mormon was greater than the difference between characters created by these classic authors.
What was the translation process of the Book of Mormon like according to Emma Smith?
-According to Emma Smith, Joseph Smith would translate without notes, with his face in a hat, reading words that appeared on a searstone. She stated that he couldn't dictate a coherent letter, indicating his limited formal education and writing ability.
How long did it take Joseph Smith to translate the Book of Mormon?
-The translation process, from when Oliver Cowdery arrived until the completion of the Book of Mormon, took less than three months, with scholars estimating about 65 working days.
What is the significance of the phrase 'my soul delighteth' in the Book of Mormon?
-The phrase 'my soul delighteth' is a unique phrase used 11 times in the Book of Mormon, exclusively by Nephi. It serves as a signature phrase that helps identify the distinct voice of Nephi.
How did the speaker's son contribute to the understanding of the Book of Mormon?
-The speaker's son, at the age of 11, created a spreadsheet to track references to Jesus Christ, including the various titles used for Christ. His findings helped identify that Jacob used the word 'God' more frequently than 'Lord', while Nephi did the opposite, providing further evidence of distinct authorship.
What is the importance of understanding the individual voices in the Book of Mormon?
-Understanding the individual voices in the Book of Mormon helps readers to slow down and consider the personal experiences and messages of each author. It also provides a deeper appreciation for the distinct teachings and personalities of the prophets and authors within the text.
Outlines
😀 Understanding the Unique Literary Style of the Book of Mormon
This paragraph discusses the application of stylometry, a method for identifying authors through their unique writing style, to the Book of Mormon. It highlights how John Hilton used this technique to prove that Joseph Smith and his contemporaries did not write the book. The paragraph also touches on how this method has been used to identify multiple authors within the Book of Mormon, supporting its authenticity as a multiauthored work.
🤔 The Challenge of Authorship for the Book of Mormon
The second paragraph explores the improbability of Joseph Smith, a young man with limited formal education, creating the Book of Mormon with its complex and distinct voices. It details the translation process, the short time frame within which the book was translated, and the various activities Smith was engaged in during that period. It also discusses the witness accounts that support the translation process and the intellectual evidence supporting the Book of Mormon's authenticity.
📚 Analyzing Word Usage to Distinguish Authors in the Book of Mormon
The third paragraph delves into the specific words and phrases unique to certain authors within the Book of Mormon, such as Nephi's use of 'my soul delighteth.' It discusses the process of analyzing the text for unique word prints and phrases that can be attributed to individual authors, providing insights into their distinctive voices and personalities.
🔍 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Authorial Voice
This paragraph examines how personal experiences shape the voice of an author, using Jacob from the Book of Mormon as an example. It discusses the psychological impact of his life experiences and how they are reflected in his unique use of language. The paragraph also explores the importance of considering the historical and personal context when studying the text.
🎓 The Role of Education and Experience in Literary Analysis
The fourth paragraph discusses the research conducted in 2011 to analyze the distinct voices in the Book of Mormon. It describes the process of using software to create a database that allows for the study of word usage patterns across different speakers in the text. The paragraph also shares personal anecdotes and insights from the speaker's son about the frequency of certain titles for Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon.
🌐 The Influence of Translation on Authorial Voice
The fifth paragraph explores the idea that an author's unique voice can be detected even through translation. It discusses the research that suggests stylometry can be visible through translated texts, which has implications for the Book of Mormon's translation from an unknown original language into English.
📖 The Power of Personal Witness in the Book of Mormon
The sixth paragraph emphasizes the importance of personal witness in the Book of Mormon. It discusses the experiences of Samuel the Lamanite and Alma the Younger as they quote from earlier prophets and adapt their messages for their contemporary audience. The paragraph also highlights the value of studying individual voices to gain a deeper understanding of the text.
💬 The Teaching Style of Questioning in the Book of Mormon
The seventh paragraph focuses on the teaching method of Alma, who frequently uses questions to instruct. It discusses the percentage of questions asked by Alma in the Book of Mormon and reflects on the personality traits that can be inferred from his use of language, suggesting a teaching style that invites reflection and engagement.
🌟 The Unique Voice of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
The eighth paragraph examines the distinctive voice of Jesus Christ as found in the Book of Mormon. It notes the specific phrases and words used by Jesus, such as 'verily,' and how they set his voice apart from other speakers in the text. The paragraph also reflects on the significance of Jesus' language in understanding his teachings and personality.
📜 The Book of Mormon Witnesses and their Testimonies
The ninth paragraph discusses the testimonies of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, including the three and eight witnesses. It shares the story of David Whitmer, one of the witnesses, who affirmed the truth of the Book of Mormon at the risk of his life. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of personal investigation and testimony of the book's truth.
🎼 The Harmonious Voices of the Book of Mormon Authors
The tenth paragraph explores the harmony of voices in the Book of Mormon, particularly how later prophets, such as Moroni, combine their voices with those of earlier prophets. It highlights the curtain call analogy, where Moroni quotes the last words of other authors in his final chapter, creating a beautiful chorus of witness to Jesus Christ.
📝 The Importance of Studying Jesus Christ's Words
The eleventh paragraph emphasizes the importance of studying the words of Jesus Christ to deepen one's understanding and love for him. It discusses how increased knowledge of Jesus Christ can lead to a stronger desire to follow his teachings and commandments, and how the Book of Mormon authors provide unique perspectives on Jesus.
🕊 The Unity and Covenant in the Book of Mormon
The twelfth and final paragraph discusses the unity and covenantal themes present in the Book of Mormon. It reflects on how Jesus Christ's emphasis on his name and his connection with God the Father can help individuals feel closer to both. The paragraph concludes by encouraging readers to seek personal witnesses of the Book of Mormon's truth.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Stylometry
💡Book of Mormon
💡Word Print
💡Unibomber
💡Joseph Smith
💡Translation Process
💡Three Witnesses
💡Authorship
💡Spiritual Witness
💡Intellectual Scaffolding
💡Covenant
Highlights
The use of stylometry to analyze the unique writing styles within the Book of Mormon, suggesting multiple authors rather than a single composer.
The role of John Hilton III's grandfather in assisting the FBI with the 'Unabomber' case by identifying the author through writing style.
The application of stylometric techniques to prove that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery did not write the Book of Mormon, based on word print differences.
The discovery of distinct 'word prints' within the Book of Mormon, supporting the idea of a multiauthored work.
The use of 3D models to visually represent the different speaking styles of Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and Joseph Smith.
The statistical analysis of small, common words (function words) to detect individual writing patterns.
The finding that the voice differences in the Book of Mormon are greater than those found in the works of Jane Austen's characters.
The translation of complex scriptural language, such as the Psalm of Nephi, in a short time frame, suggesting a divine process.
The detailed record of Joseph Smith's translation process, including the rapidity and coherence of the translation.
The account of Emma Smith, Joseph's wife, who testified that he could not dictate a coherent letter, yet translated the Book of Mormon seamlessly.
The intellectual evidence supporting the Book of Mormon that can help believers assimilate new information without losing faith.
The importance of recognizing the individual voices of Book of Mormon authors to deepen understanding and appreciation of their messages.
The detailed analysis of how Samuel the Lamanite uses the words of earlier prophets to convey contemporary messages.
The observation that Jesus Christ's voice in the Book of Mormon is distinct, emphasizing words like 'baptize', 'name', and 'father'.
The impact of studying the words of Jesus Christ on deepening one's love and understanding of him.
Moroni's use of quotes from earlier prophets in his final words, creating a harmonious chorus of testimonies of Jesus Christ.
David Whitmer's testimony of the Book of Mormon under threat of death, reflecting the witnesses' conviction in the book's divine origin.
Transcripts
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