Nephi-ception

[Limnor]

An effort to continue this line of discussion without derailing:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=161130&start=30

Shulem (and anyone else interested)—I think it’s interesting that the Book of Mormon reuses names. Like Nephi, Alma, Helaman, Moroni, and so on.

Since you’ve indicated you think Joseph “is” Nephi, do you think each Nephi represents Joseph? Or is it restricted to the first Nephi? Do you think Joseph represents the others (like Alma) also? Or are there other real-world people represented in the story? For example, Lehi is probably Joseph Smith Sr., correct?

[Shulem]

Joseph Smith had already formulated in his mind prior to dictating the lost 116 page manuscript that the Book of Mormon would cover a thousand year time span and many of the stories that would unfold were already played out in his mind to some degree. He would then bring the stories to life during dictation and flesh them out as he went along. The loss of the 116 page manuscript nearly killed the Book of Mormon and ended all hope in continuing with the project but Smith came up with the brilliant idea of shifting the first person narrative from Lehi (Joseph Sr) to Nephi (Joseph Jr) and could rework the story as told through the eyes of the son rather than the father. The new version was reworked all the way down to King Benjamin's reign after which new ground and material could continue from that point.

Definitely, Mormon was Joseph Smith in disguise having all kinds of fun playing out his fantasies. I think Smith had fun expressing characters in a multiplicity of ways and was creative and somewhat illusive in doing so. The hard and fast rule of thumb in the structure of the novel is the chronology. He was very tight and precise with that and paid close attention to the timeline by following a preset set of numbers and placing them within the story as he went. The chronology was very difficult to maintain but the stories were simply creative constructions in telling stories.

I like the comments you made on the other thread concerning how Ammon used guile to convert others. That is exactly how Joseph Smith operated in his own ministry, guile and lots of it which he considered was wise and harmless but for the ultimate purpose in glorifying God.

And yes, Joseph Smith was Nephi and Nephi was a Smith. After Nephi (son of Lehi) died the name continued in the kingly line by the name of Nephi in honor of the name Smith. That is a Joseph Smith secret.

[Limnor]

If “Nephi” is effectively a dynastic title standing for the Smith line, why is the final authoritative voice that of Mormon? Why does Joseph stop writing primarily as “Nephi” and begin writing as “Mormon”?

I see it as a shift in authority—Joseph fully embracing the authority he has gained.

Nephi was gradually establishing his right to lead, from obtaining the record and separating from his brothers—by Helaman 9, people are even wondering if he is a god. His guile seems to have matured. Nephi somehow knows the chief judge has been murdered, knows who did it, and knows how to expose the murderer. The text explains it as revelation, but it can be seen as a perfection of Joseph’s use of guile. He goes from catching someone with clever questions to developing a story in which foreknowledge itself becomes the proof of his authority.

He has consolidated power over each of the competing factions, and transitioned into Mormon. As Mormon, he no longer needs to establish anything. He has the records, and decides what stays in and what is edited out. Mormon is Joseph after he has fully come into his own.

[Shulem]

If “Nephi” is effectively a dynastic title standing for the Smith line, why is the final authoritative voice that of Mormon? Why does Joseph stop writing primarily as “Nephi” and begin writing as “Mormon”?

As you know, following the first Nephi there was a concession of kings that continued bearing the dynastic name of Nephi until the judges were established. Nephi (son of Lehi) was essentially the chief prophet and founder of the promised land following his father's death. Later came Nephi, son of Helaman who was also a prophet and chief judge and finally Nephi son of Nephi who was one of the Twelve chosen by Jesus.

And here's the kicker which answers your question:

I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi.

And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father’s name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me.

Nephi, Mormon, and Joseph Smith are one in the same person.

[Shulem]

Nephi, Mormon, and Joseph Smith are one in the same person.

Isn't that right, Don Bradley?

You know damn well!

[Shulem]

I see it as a shift in authority—Joseph fully embracing the authority he has gained.

Nephi was gradually establishing his right to lead, from obtaining the record and separating from his brothers—by Helaman 9, people are even wondering if he is a god. His guile seems to have matured. Nephi somehow knows the chief judge has been murdered, knows who did it, and knows how to expose the murderer. The text explains it as revelation, but it can be seen as a perfection of Joseph’s use of guile. He goes from catching someone with clever questions to developing a story in which foreknowledge itself becomes the proof of his authority.

He has consolidated power over each of the competing factions, and transitioned into Mormon. As Mormon, he no longer needs to establish anything. He has the records, and decides what stays in and what is edited out. Mormon is Joseph after he has fully come into his own.

Very well said, and spot on, Limnor. That was the vision.

Joseph Smith played the characters and finished with Mormon and used his imaginary son (Moroni) to finish the record and end the dynasty. Everything about the Book of Mormon is a faith promoting story -- pure fiction created out of the mind of Joseph Smith.