Bushman or Vogel- You make the call!

[_Craig Paxton]

It was written from the assumption that the Book of Mormon is not real history. I wasn't trying to prove Joseph Smith wrote it, but attempting to penetrate the façade of deception and uncover his motives, beliefs, dilemmas, etc. Conventional historians don't like to mix psychology or sociology or other disciplines. They prefer to write from a neutral position and not make conclusions about truth claims and simply repeat Joseph Smith's narrative. I decided not to play it safe and bore everyone, but to challenge and shakeup the mainstream. So it is an interpretive biography and hence as controversial as Joseph Smith was.

Well...for what its worth... I loved your book Dan....

[_grindael]

Having actually read both biographies, I find Dan's approach to be far superior. It takes into account all of the evidence. As for the moronic claim that Dan is a "modern version" of Howe, it shows that this person speaks out of his backside (as usual) and hasn't read Dan's book.

For example, I see the evidence of Smith's first vision as a later fabrication, while Dan sees it as a "personal epiphany" or conversion experience that was like many of that time, (pg 30) which Joseph then went on to expand in later years to encompass his changing theology.

This is hardly a person who is claiming that Joseph "made it all up". But then, when you believe that space aliens are god, you are probably prone to making statements based on anything but reality.

[_grindael]

And I'm not getting down on Howe, his book is still one of the best out there. :)

[_Dan Vogel]

Any plans to add further volumes, Dan?

Yes. I keep trying to get to Joseph Smith's Kirtland/Missouri period but other things get in the way. If I live long enough, I will do it. It will deal with the loss of charisma and trace the development from charismatic origins to institution building, much like my videos on priesthood.

[_Tator]

Any plans to add further volumes, Dan?

Yes. I keep trying to get to Joseph Smith's Kirtland/Missouri period but other things get in the way. If I live long enough, I will do it. It will deal with the loss of charisma and trace the development from charismatic origins to institution building, much like my videos on priesthood.

It is good to have something to look forward to. I have enjoyed your work and Bushman's but I hope you take some time to play.....you know all work and no play makes........

[_grindael]

Any plans to add further volumes, Dan?

Yes. I keep trying to get to Joseph Smith's Kirtland/Missouri period but other things get in the way. If I live long enough, I will do it. It will deal with the loss of charisma and trace the development from charismatic origins to institution building, much like my videos on priesthood.

This is what I meant by "all of the evidence". It would take multiple volumes to really deal with it all. Bushman's book is an adequate biography, but it doesn't address many things, and it being one volume works against it in some ways.