Testimony of the 8 witnesses - corrupted?

[_jon]

In the original statement published in the first copies of the Book of Mormon the eight witnesses affirm Joseph Smith as the 'author & proprietor' of the Book of Mormon.

In later additions this was amended to read 'translator'.

Hmmm...

There is no evidence that the eight witnesses knew, or authorised, the change to their statement.
Does this corruption to the witnesses testimony ever get discussed?

[_stemelbow]

In the original statement published in the first copies of the Book of Mormon the eight witnesses affirm Joseph Smith as the 'author & proprietor' of the Book of Mormon.

In later additions this was amended to read 'translator'.

Hmmm...

There is no evidence that the eight witnesses knew, or authorised, the change to their statement.
Does this corruption to the witnesses testimony ever get discussed?

Why would it get discussed? What does it really mean to you? That the 8 witnesses really didn't think Joseph Smith translated the plates thus creating the Book of Mormon?

[_jon]

In the original statement published in the first copies of the Book of Mormon the eight witnesses affirm Joseph Smith as the 'author & proprietor' of the Book of Mormon.

In later additions this was amended to read 'translator'.

Hmmm...

There is no evidence that the eight witnesses knew, or authorised, the change to their statement.
Does this corruption to the witnesses testimony ever get discussed?

Why would it get discussed? What does it really mean to you? That the 8 witnesses really didn't think Joseph Smith translated the plates thus creating the Book of Mormon?

I think the challenge is that the eight witnesses signed up to Joseph being AUTHOR & PROPRIETOR. It was at a later date and without their consent (speculation) that it was changed to TRANSLATOR.

I think there is a significant difference to believing someone is an author and a proprietor to believing they are a translator. I'm guessing you don't?

[_stemelbow]

I think the challenge is that the eight witnesses signed up to Joseph being AUTHOR & PROPRIETOR. It was at a later date and without their consent (speculation) that it was changed to TRANSLATOR.

I think there is a significant difference to believing someone is an author and a proprietor to believing they are a translator. I'm guessing you don't?

Still, I don't' see how you answered my questions. Do you think the 8 did not think Joseph Smith was the translator? Do you think they believed he made up the Book of Mormon?

[_jon]

I think the challenge is that the eight witnesses signed up to Joseph being AUTHOR & PROPRIETOR. It was at a later date and without their consent (speculation) that it was changed to TRANSLATOR.

I think there is a significant difference to believing someone is an author and a proprietor to believing they are a translator. I'm guessing you don't?

Still, I don't' see how you answered my questions. Do you think the 8 did not think Joseph Smith was the translator? Do you think they believed he made up the Book of Mormon?

The facts would suggest that they believed he was the author and proprietor and as such (plus they were connected with Joseph rather than being independant) would stand to gain something from signing a statement that gave the Book some perceived credibility in the community.

What do you believe on the same subject?