Joseph Smith, Thomas Paine, and Matthew 27:51b–53

Despite its alleged antiquity, jutting back centuries before the Common Era, and predominant setting in Americas, Book of Mormon contains several Matthean Lukan additions to Mark made Greco-Roman Mediterranean. Scholarly consensus biblical studies today is that Gospel was written circa 65 CE, then Matthew Luke were 70s–90s approximately, their anonymous authors both expanded contracted here or there as they reshaped it.1 One these add-ons, 27:51b–53 KJV, describes earthquake, rent rocks, opened graves, resurrection “many bodies saints” who “appeared unto many” aftermath crucifixion Jesus’ own empty tomb. The retelling this same story no accidental anachronism (Helaman 14:21–25; 3 Nephi 8:6–19, 10:9–10, 23:6–14). It reflects way intervened early US debates about reliability Bible.The chronological priority over still assumed throughout most 1800s. But Matthew's added details faced a problem, nevertheless. Commentators had noted verses seemed be missing from well John. What worse, other exegetical observations been hijacked, passage derisively challenged, Thomas Paine's Age Reason; Paine wrote three installments Reason France, but he published third New York City, compendium editions reprinted too into 1820s.2 among numerous passages Bible attacked. Many Christians felt all holy writ under siege. Joseph Smith, scrying treasure-hunter Palmyra, York, on Erie Canal, came rescue, did those more qualified. unlikely apologist not try meet reason with form another learned commentary refutation deist “Mr. Paine.” Instead Smith shored up revealed religion revelation bible, one recorded by Israelite-American prophets apostles, buried ground for hundreds years, finally translated “by gift power God” (Book title page; Testimony Three Witnesses; see also D&C 1:29, 20:8), hence safe any manuscript corruption translation error.3 Smith's solution problem 27:51b-53 prime example how endeavored save Christian scriptures skeptics.On whole, apologetic thrust should obvious (1 13:39–40; 2 3:11–13; 20:11), general thesis, functions text defend Old Testaments against threats such deism, quite widely accepted.4 There longstanding tendency, however, corroboration minimized his text's role new scripture status blasphemy canon (see already 29).5 My contribution builds thesis highlights intricate if gaudy armor hammered out protect Protestant Christianity battering 27:51b-53, contemporaries thought absent gospels—not Matthew—on venerably wrong assumption first evangelist an apostolic eyewitness.6To explicit what I myself am postulating, article connect literary occurrences stretch late 1600s 1800s, namely, (1) writing publication few influential British commentaries, (2) theological works, (3) responses “arch-infidel” England America including Mormon.7 understand have loosely reactionary link, just heuristic connection. Whether directly indirectly, exegetes influenced Paine, turn provoked replies. As business sources doubly fraught since dictated “translation” golden plates could termed altered state consciousness while gazing folk-magic peep stone. may regularly relied memory use Bible, although hefty quotations KJV strongly suggest copy front him now then.8 At rate, interacting vacuum; day. How, exactly, exposed thought, semi-educated farm laborer “money digger,” will remain unknown. Much exposure face-to-face verbal exchanges relatives acquaintances during years leading dictation Mormon. Even familiar very literature cite, it representative, can compared contrasted great value. push familiarity which think unavoidable—whether always aware responding him, given nature religious experience.9Paine's challenge come nowhere. English interrogating pericope defending infidels him. popularized radicalized ongoing discussion debate. In British-American culture (1737–1809) (1805–1844) shared, some commentaries Presbyterian nonconformist Poole (1624–1679), Arminian Daniel Whitby (1638–1726), Henry (1662–1714), Congregationalist Philip Doddrige (1702–1751).10 They mixed bag potential vulnerability antagonism freethought.It openly acknowledged Mark, Luke, John contain accounts resurrected saints at around death. Moreover, spate perplexing interpretive issues discussed without clear resolution, chiefly nameless were, saw them, whether raised dead prior following Jesus, ascended heaven re-entered await eschaton.11The fight off incredulity unique account. described problematic passage: “This matter related so fully our curiosity would wish; intended gratify that; . We raise many inquiries concerning it, we cannot resolve ” sum: “We must covet wise above written. relating briefly, plain intimation us, look confirmation faith.”12 Henry's disapproval covetous wisdom tacit reply probing rationalist critiques dawn Enlightenment, disclosure belief might need confirmed involuntary admission vigor.13 Doddridge, commentary, resort laments. He struck pleased say “a lately travelling through Palestine converted, viewing rocks,” is, rocks 27:51b, “which remains torn asunder, weakest place, cross veins; proof done supernatural manner.”14This stage onto expatriate stepped two parts 1794 1795. challenged second part, turning commentators them length.15 devoted space than almost others Testament. began silence rest evangelists. Confusing ignored earthquake rending rocks; Matthew. More momentous happened after tremor: An possible, natural, proves nothing; opening graves supernatural, point doctrine, cause, apostleship. Had true, filled whole chapters books, chosen theme, chorus writers; instead this, little trivial things, mere prattling conversations of, said she that, are often tediously detailed, important all, passed slovenly manner, single dash pen, writer only, much hinted rest.16Paine satirized surrounding appearance awakened 27:52–53. accused being liar poor that: book told us life again, went city, became afterwards, them; hardy enough himself;—whether naked, natural buff, he-saints she-saints; remained earth, followed former occupations preaching working; died alive, themselves.Strange indeed, army return life, nobody know nor word upon subject, thing tell us! (as told) formerly prophesied deal say. everything, posthumous prophecies, notes first, better least now. Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, David, unconverted Jew Jerusalem. Baptist, times present, every body known out-preached out-famed apostles. pop like Jonah's gourd night, purpose wither morning. Thus part story.17Paine's merged large dose mockery swift indictment lying. main features critique commentaries. First trouble saints, Second limited information Matthew, yielding whom appeared to, where appearance.The skeptic exacerbate well-known however. maintained, jeer, risen identified heroes Testament, options “posthumous prophecies” record pre-Christians. developed earnestly when augmented third, Examination Passages Quoted Old, Called Prophecies Concerning Jesus Christ. City 1807. rejected christological veiling Jewish scripture, fulfillment citations, inadvertently called retro-prophecy events darkness well: concludes saying, Christ expired cross, rent, opened, arose; says land fifth hour until ninth. produce prophesy [sic] this. things facts, proper subject prophesy, because none almighty inspired fore knowledge afterwards fulfilled them. Since, then, , deduction fable falsehood.18Paine's full hinged only lack multiple attestation evangelist's individual claims, solely questions identity forth, fact unlike fulfilment supported Testament prophecy. To sure, believe Jesus. expect anyone compose wanting prognostication either. That happened, though, twenty later, resident prophetic records ancient imagined Israelite-Christian. present partial tripartite problem.19The discussed. Between Mormon, scores defenders replying Paine. vast majority installments, portion sought answer 27: Anglican Richard Watson (1737–1816), Bishop Llandaff, Wales; outwardly inwardly evangelical Scott (1747–1821); Elias Boudinot (1740–1821), politician future head American Society.20 Their valuable contrast provide comparanda.About contention besides Matthew's, “omission” evangelists “does prove, either ignorant disbelieved them.” synoptic writers’ selective 27 explained different audiences purposes. If people themselves alive wrote, subsequently deceased write—no reiterate appearance, then. fourth gospel, intentionally “supplemental.” Furthermore, bishop averred, mendacious Jews witnessed transpire Jerusalem; risked constantly confronted, truth.21 applied similar logic John: “Matthew generally allowed evangelists; therefore credited account miracles attending Christ's death, contradicted it: circumstances extraordinary public nature, escaped detection, false.”22 likewise stated “capable immediate contradiction refutation, true.”23About itself longer, affirmed: You amuse yourself angry having you ; gratified your particular, opinion believed you. subject: durst indulge written, able relative saints; dare touch ark Lord, support authority boldness conjecture.24The shifting ownership taking page overly curious freethinkers. Speculation forth become liability exploited. Accordingly, retreated position asking sinful. cast petulantly brazen, whereas himself satisfied amount apostle rather God, given. suit: “degrading” arch-infidel get cues previous commentators.25 nothing per se, amplified Watson's point. Not faith regardless specificity suspicious Lord too. chastened summoned repent disbelieving scriptural warrants messiah—for instance, “the (to seen day),” parenthetical allusion anecdote converted land. Then stressed pride skepticism hyperbolically: “For man Jerusalem, nay even world, principle advanced Reason, author obliged believe, divine Saviour appear him,” quipped, “as unbelieving Thomas, show hands sides, doubts assent truths Gospel, disciples Jews, refused equal evidence.”26Together, educated elites resorted summersaults intelligence order explain material, contended neither increase effective bottomless skepticism. unlearned commonsensical Watson, Scott, tally. concession skeptic, simply blame forgetting ministry saints. And translator gold bible exhibit scarcely satisfaction canonical verse. Amerindians, sake rhetorical device, alternate reality salvation history, deists vanquished last, grew fantasize.27Paine's biting affected family, Americans. Per Lucy Mack mother Jr., her Universalist father-in-law Asael severely recommended disagreement Methodism, hurled husband, Sr., “angrily bade read it.”28 Smiths living Vermont. indication, hostile source, Sr. acted endorsement gone past hoped. Green Mountain Boys, supposedly knew later frequently “that work priestcraft ., Voltairs writings best extant, Paines age [sic], commentary.”29Whatever affairs Vermont family relocated whatever lasting talks Universalism freethought Jr. adolescence documented topic conversation village. For example, newspaper column “The Effects Infidelity” printed Palmyra Register 1820, religiously anxious minor: eight[een] ago sermon preached Rev. Alphonsus Gunn [1760–1806], Lothbury Church [in London]. “I (observed Mr. Gunn) attend death-bed young Hoxton East On my entering room, found greatest agony mind. Thinking, perhaps, arose deep remorse sometimes attendant death bed sinner, Sinner's friend, glorious promises Gospel. When, agonizing despair, replied, ‘Ah! Sir, Some since, unhappily suited corrupt understanding; imbibed principles; wherever went, lay hold Scriptures contempt; means led fatal snare, proselytes infidelity. rejects me, mercy me.’ offered pray ‘O, no, vain me!’ dismal groan cried out, ‘Paine's has ruined soul,’ instantly expired.”30Long demise 1809, haunting sides Atlantic. Britain distant another, reported concerns metropolitan churchmen farming up-state York. This originated London-based periodical; within year, news.31The tale despairing last press coverage there. 1826, newspaper, Wayne Sentinel, “Letter Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin Payne” draft counselled destroy youth, whose commitment morality endure publicize views religion: advise you,” penned unspecified recipient, “not attempt unchaining tiger, burn piece person.”32 Further newspapers elsewhere imply letter infamous title; prefixed stories asserting Reason.33 William Wisner (1782–1871) enlarged pamphlet, “Don't Unchain Tiger,” amid anti-deist ephemera 1820s ’30s.34Reverend spent half 1800s across western visited Palmyra. memoirs, exchange Universalists, infidels, male female alike, rare atheist, denouncing evils congregations. organized “infidel class” inviting local skeptics supply cases favor aloud dismantle parishioners. attended, kept weekly class going season.35 town, sermonized influence infidelity moral character happiness men world,” demonstrate outlined rise fall. Afterward, ascertained “one heard admirer ‘Age Reason’ adopted sentiments author, home hearing burnt book, taken neglected learn do saved.”36 These vignettes, though packaged consumption literature, nonetheless indicative revivalist atmosphere recalled reverend, Universalists brink spiritual ruin. sum, revivals competitions between style Christianity; battles rural deism skepticism.37Western Yorkers correspondence papers thousands copies Wisner's pamphlet left unaddressed, 1790.38 promoters caught miscalculation decried letter, “fraud” “forgery.”39 likely inconsequential most. alluring Franklin, person sponsored emigration America, repudiate call burning Reason. prophet respond nearly millennia ago.40In 1827, year Franklin's “to acquired fabricated plates, ever existed visionary objects, translate them.41 Amerindian apostles characters Samuel Lamanite. text, Lamanites, named Laman, disobedient son Lehi brother Nephi, iniquitous branch Native Americans “cursed” God “black” “dark” skin, branch, righteous Nephites, keepers, “white,” “fair,” “delightsome,” except interludes racist trope inverted extent 1 12:23, 13:15; 5:21, 30:6–7; Jacob 3:5–9; Enos 1:20; Words 1:8; Alma 3:5–12; 2:15–16; 4 1:10; 5:15–24; Moroni 9:12). close century BCE, preaches backsliding Nephites. His Lamanite standing dark-skinned serves underscore hardheartedness disbelief paler visages.42Samuel prophesies doom repent, predicts signs punctuate incarnation, crucifixion, Jesus—whose dwindling ranks faithful Amerindians awaiting conspicuous detail Nephite ancestors vacated Jerusalem sailed Americas. declares incarnation day night: “And behold, shall star arise, ye never beheld” 14:5; cf. 2:1–12).43 pronounces opposite, doubted.44 ups ante hours gospels (e.g., 27:45) days, saying light vanish expires again 14:20).45 final components unwittingly for: earth shake tremble. face beneath, time solid—or solid mass—shall broken up. Yea, twain seams cracks fragments yea, beneath. tempests. mountains laid low valley. places valleys height thereof great. highways up; cities desolate. yield dead; many. 14:21–25)To bolster prognostication, informs Nephites received God's heavenly messengers: angel me greater these, intent believe—that wonders pass land, cause unbelief children men—and this,” cautions, whosoever saved judgement condemned, bring condemnation” 14:26–29). When sermon, violently apostate, runs away “his country” teaches people” 16:1–7).At era, messianic fulfilled, Samuel's prophecy sign accomplished, believe; not. skeptical plan murder night does happen. does, birth sines convince everyone (3 1:4–23). Thirty once “great doubtings disputations” 8:4). reversal episode, God/Jesus sends catastrophes slay wicked unbelief. lethal quaking lasts hours,