Fact Check: the author of the Book of Mormon was a convicted conman

The Claim: "The author of the Book of Mormon was a convicted conman"

Introduction

The assertion that Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the author of the Book of Mormon, was a "convicted conman" has been a point of contention in discussions about his life and the legitimacy of his religious claims. This claim suggests that Smith's legal troubles and alleged fraudulent activities reflect on his character and the authenticity of his religious texts. However, the term "convicted conman" requires careful examination, as it implies a legal conviction that may not be substantiated by historical records.

What We Know

1. Legal Troubles: Joseph Smith was indeed involved in numerous legal issues during his lifetime. According to various sources, he faced approximately thirty criminal charges and was arrested at least 42 times across several states, including New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois 12. However, the nature of these charges varied widely, including allegations related to financial misconduct and religious practices.

2. Convictions: While Smith was arrested multiple times, the evidence regarding actual convictions is less clear. A source from Medium states that while Smith's activities raised questions about his character, he was "almost certainly not officially found guilty" of being a conman 3. This suggests that while he was charged, he may not have been convicted in a court of law.

3. Fraud Allegations: Critics often cite Smith's involvement in treasure hunting and the use of "peep stones" as evidence of fraudulent behavior. Some accounts describe him as having testified under oath about his supposed ability to locate treasure, which could be interpreted as fraudulent 67. However, the context of these activities and their legal implications remain debated.

4. Historical Context: The term "conman" implies a level of deceit and intent to defraud, which requires a nuanced understanding of Smith's actions. Some sources label him as a "con artist" based on his treasure-seeking activities and the controversial nature of his religious claims 410. However, these characterizations often reflect the biases of the sources, which may have religious or ideological agendas.

Analysis

The claim that Joseph Smith was a "convicted conman" raises several important questions about the reliability of the sources and the interpretations of his actions:

• Source Credibility: The Wikipedia entry on Joseph Smith provides a broad overview of his legal troubles but lacks detailed citations for specific claims about convictions 12. While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point, it is important to corroborate its claims with primary sources or more authoritative secondary sources.

• Bias and Agenda: Sources like the Medium article 3 and the FAIR organization 8 aim to provide a balanced view but may still reflect biases based on their affiliations with or opposition to the LDS Church. The portrayal of Smith as a conman is often influenced by the ideological stance of the authors, which can affect the objectivity of their analyses.

• Methodological Concerns: The evidence presented in various sources often relies on anecdotal accounts or interpretations of Smith's actions rather than concrete legal documentation. For instance, while some sources assert that Smith was convicted, they do not provide specific court records or legal documents to substantiate these claims 49.

• Need for Additional Information: To fully assess the validity of the claim, it would be beneficial to have access to primary legal documents from Smith's trials, including court records and verdicts. Additionally, a comprehensive historical analysis that includes perspectives from both critics and defenders of Smith would provide a more nuanced understanding of his character and actions.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Joseph Smith was a "convicted conman" is misleading. While he faced numerous legal challenges and was arrested multiple times, the evidence does not support the assertion that he was ever officially convicted of being a conman. Sources indicate that he was "almost certainly not officially found guilty" of such charges, which complicates the characterization of his actions as fraudulent.

It is essential to recognize that the term "conman" carries connotations of deceit and intent to defraud, which require careful consideration of the context and motivations behind Smith's actions. Many sources that label him as such may be influenced by ideological biases, which can skew interpretations of his character.

Moreover, the available evidence is limited, primarily relying on anecdotal accounts and interpretations rather than concrete legal documentation. Access to primary legal records would be necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of Smith's legal history.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing historical claims, particularly those involving complex figures like Joseph Smith.

Sources

1. Joseph Smith and the criminal justice system - Wikipedia. Link
2. Joseph Smith and the criminal justice system - Wikipedia. Link
3. Fact-checking Mormon History: was Joseph Smith a Convicted Con Man. Link
4. Joseph Smith Was A Con-Artist, Impostor, Necromancer. Link
5. Joseph Smith: Nineteenth Century Con Man? - Sidney Rigdon. Link
6. Joseph Smith was a con man - Religions Wiki. Link
7. Joseph Smith and Fraud Allegations. Link
8. Legal Trials of the Prophet: Joseph Smith's Life in Court - FAIR. Link
9. Was Joseph Smith a Convicted Conman? - Saints Unscripted. Link
10. Three Irrefutable Reasons Why Joseph Smith Was a Fraud. Link