Revelation does not happen in a vacuum, over and over Joseph Smith stated that some of his revelations were originated by his desire to understand thing he had read. Wether or not he had access to early Jewish or Christian writing and "copied" or was inspired to them is immaterial. To me the fact that there are other writings hower fragmentary and full of interpolations proves that Joseph did not draw the story of Enoch from the proverbial hat. I would be way more suspicious if these other manuscripts did not exist. In that case a critic could legitimately call the book of Moses a work of fantasy. Joseph Smith read and was inspired by those readings yes, so What? Writers often adopt themes, ideas and even words and phrases from other writers and that process of creative re-elaboration does not invalidate their authenticity as writers, they just found good material and used it FOR THEIR PURPOSES. The fact that Joseph might have been familiar with ancient writings dies not invalidate the Enoch writings inthe book of Moses. They might have simply provided the framework for the revelations. Ultimately it comes down to wether or not we believe in the prophetic call of Joseph Smith.
Ernest M. ToselandJanuary 27, 2018
Or he and ancient manuscripts could have similarities because they are both about Enoch!!!
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AntonellaJanuary 28, 2018
Revelation does not happen in a vacuum, over and over Joseph Smith stated that some of his revelations were originated by his desire to understand thing he had read. Wether or not he had access to early Jewish or Christian writing and "copied" or was inspired to them is immaterial. To me the fact that there are other writings hower fragmentary and full of interpolations proves that Joseph did not draw the story of Enoch from the proverbial hat. I would be way more suspicious if these other manuscripts did not exist. In that case a critic could legitimately call the book of Moses a work of fantasy. Joseph Smith read and was inspired by those readings yes, so What? Writers often adopt themes, ideas and even words and phrases from other writers and that process of creative re-elaboration does not invalidate their authenticity as writers, they just found good material and used it FOR THEIR PURPOSES. The fact that Joseph might have been familiar with ancient writings dies not invalidate the Enoch writings inthe book of Moses. They might have simply provided the framework for the revelations. Ultimately it comes down to wether or not we believe in the prophetic call of Joseph Smith.
Ernest M. ToselandJanuary 27, 2018
Or he and ancient manuscripts could have similarities because they are both about Enoch!!!
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