The Spalding-Rigdon Theory of the Book of Mormon Authorship: Examining the Arguments and Evidence

The Spalding-Rigdon theory proposes an alternative explanation for the origins of the Book of Mormon, suggesting that the text originated from the writings of Solomon Spaulding and later adapted by Sidney Rigdon under the influence of Joseph Smith. While this theory has garnered some attention, it faces significant criticism and lacks historical evidence to support it.

Historical Context and Arguments Against the Spalding-Rigdon Theory

The main argument against the Spalding-Rigdon theory is that it is fundamentally incompatible with the historical record. Joseph Smith did not encounter Sidney Rigdon until long after the Book of Mormon's publication, which makes the theory logistically challenging. Additionally, there is no historical evidence supporting the theory, and existing evidence contradicts it.

Moreover, efforts to discredit the Book of Mormon have been based on this theory, though these efforts are rooted in bigotry rather than a genuine desire for truth. The theory attempts to provide a non-divine explanation for the Book of Mormon, allowing skeptics to claim that it was merely a fraud or a con.

Arguments Against the Spalding-Rigdon Theory: Historical and Textual Evidence

The theory has several key cons:

Pros of the Theory

One of the pros of the Spalding-Rigdon theory is that it offers a simple alternative explanation for those who refuse to engage in rigorous examination of the Book of Mormon. It provides a comforting excuse for those who are unwilling to consider the divine origins of the text.

Cons of the Theory

The cons far outweigh the pros of the Spalding-Rigdon theory. Sidney Rigdon, the alleged author, did not even see a copy of the Book of Mormon until after its publication. Parley P. Pratt gave Rigdon a copy in October 1830, more than six months after the book was made available in March 1830.

In 1884, L.L. Rice and James H. Fairchild, along with other scholars, compared the Spaulding manuscript with the Book of Mormon. They found no resemblance between the two in terms of content or detail. This comparison ultimately led them to conclude that the Spaulding manuscript had no connection to the Book of Mormon. The New York Observer published their findings on February 5, 1885, effectively debunking the theory.

The official refutation of the theory, even by the LDS Church, has been criticized for giving it more attention than it deserves. Comprehensive evaluations of the theory reveal that it is inconsistent with historical facts and the content of the Book of Mormon itself.

Manuscript Found and the Spalding-Rigdon Theory

Solomon Spaulding's Manuscript Found has been studied extensively. This work, though containing some historical and geographical elements, is far removed from the content and genre of the Book of Mormon. The theory that Spaulding wrote the Book of Mormon is thus not supported by the evidence.

While proponents of the Spalding-Rigdon theory argue that the Book of Mormon's content could have been derived from the Spaulding manuscript, the profound theological, historical, and geographical differences between the two texts make such a conclusion implausible. Critics of the theory point out that the Book of Mormon contains detailed descriptions of ancient American civilizations, the exact origins of which defy the limitations of Spaulding's work.

Conclusion

Belief in the Spalding-Rigdon theory not only perpetuates ignorance but also detracts from the substantial evidence provided by both Latter-day Saints and non-Latter-day Saints. The theory lacks historical and textual credibility and serves more as a cover for those who wish to avoid rigorous examination of the Book of Mormon's origins.

Key Takeaways

The Spalding-Rigdon theory fails to account for historical facts. Comparison of the Spaulding manuscript with the Book of Mormon has firmly debunked the theory. The theory provides a simple explanation for some, but its flaws make it highly speculative and implausible.

In conclusion, while the Spalding-Rigdon theory remains a topic of interest and debate, the overwhelming evidence and historical context strongly support the divinity of the Book of Mormon's origins.