Mormonism Unvailed

A Faithful Account of That Singular Imposition and Delusion, from Its Rise to the Present Time

By: E. D. Howe

Narrated by: Josiah Stonehill

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Mormonism Unvailed, authored by Eber D. Howe and published in 1834, presents one of the first published critiques and investigations into the origins and credibility of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church or Mormon Church) and its founder, Joseph Smith. The book elucidates the skepticism and criticism of early Mormonism, disputing its authenticity and alleging fraudulent and deceptive practices within its early formation. Howe uses various affidavits, letters, and testimonies as substantive materials to confront and challenge the emerging faith, providing what he perceived as a startling insight into the veiled aspects of Mormonism.

A significant portion of Mormonism Unvailed hinges upon the testimonies and statements collected from individuals acquainted with Joseph Smith and his family, particularly those residing in Palmyra, New York, and its vicinity. The affidavits, which include assertions from notable figures like Isaac Hale, Smith’s father-in-law, and several of the Smith family's neighbors, predominantly depict Joseph Smith as a man involved in money-digging activities and articulate a general mistrust toward the Smith family. Moreover, the book lays out a substantial argument implying that the Book of Mormon was a fabricated text, not a divinely inspired scripture as purported by Smith and his followers.

Moreover, Howe gives attention to the Spalding theory, which postulates that the Book of Mormon was derived from an unpublished manuscript written by Solomon Spalding, a former clergyman. This theory posits that Sidney Rigdon, an early Mormon leader, had access to Spalding’s writings and conspired with Joseph Smith to develop and present the Book of Mormon as a new scripture. Mormonism Unvailed seeks to shed light on these controversial aspects and present an argument that fundamentally disputes the divine revelations and claims of the burgeoning Mormon faith, offering listeners a deeply critical perspective that stimulates skepticism towards the new religious movement.

©2023 Josiah Stonehill (P)2023 Josiah Stonehill

Interesting information

I loved the content of this book. I wish the narrator would have researched the generally accepted pronunciation of the various names and places in the book.