The Many Bibles of Joseph Smith: Textual, Prophetic, and Scholarly Authority in Early-National Bible Culture
Author(s): Perry, Seth
DownloadTo refer to this page use:
http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/pr1xd0qx22
Abstract: | This article examines Joseph Smith's early Bible usage, pursuing three interconnected arguments. First, I argue that Smith's texts “signify on” the Bible as a means of establishing their own scriptural authority, and that early-national print-Bible culture made this possible. Smith's ability to synthesize, compile, rearrange, reference, and play with biblical texts was the product of his access to the formats, paratextual apparatus, and translational variety of early-national bibles. Second, I argue that a central preoccupation of early-national Bible culture—the materiality of scripture—is also a central concern of the Book of Mormon. Like contemporary bibles, Smith's texts display concern for their own material reliability and address that concern through a multiplicity of authorial and editorial voices. Last, acknowledging the questions implied by a focus on Smith's Bible usage, I argue that scholars must take seriously the fact that he spoke and acted in the interest of his prophetic reputation. |
Publication Date: | Oct-2015 |
Electronic Publication Date: | Sep-2016 |
Citation: | Perry, Seth. "The Many Bibles of Joseph Smith: Textual, Prophetic, and Scholarly Authority in Early-National Bible Culture." Journal of the American Academy of Religion 84, no. 3 (2016): 750-775. doi:10.1093/jaarel/lfv078. |
DOI: | 10.1093/jaarel/lfv078 |
ISSN: | 0002-7189 |
Pages: | 750 - 775 |
Language: | English |
Type of Material: | Journal Article |
Journal/Proceeding Title: | Journal of the American Academy of Religion |
Version: | Final published version. This is an open access article. |
Items in OAR@Princeton are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.