Almanacs—the Secularized Bible

Almanacs have always been a big part of the Church. As early as the 1850’s the Church has had a variety of Almanacs and continues to do so today. People don’t place the same importance in them anymore, at least not the way they used to. The way we “Google” for information today is the same function that Almanacs were used in pioneer times. Anything from recipes to planting times to medicinal remedies. In fact, it is said that Almanacs sold more than what in 17^th century England?

     a.      The Bible

     b.      Shakespearean plays

     c.       English tea

     d.      The King’s newsletters

Yesterday’s answer:

B.   The Indians originated in the Holy Land

Some anti-Mormon writers have suggested that a book published in 1823 and 1825 by the Reverend Ethan Smith titled “View of the Hebrews,” as a possible source to the Book of Mormon. Critics state that Joseph Smith’s idea that the American Indian originates in the Holy Land comes from Ethan Smith’s writings. A review of the View of the Hebrews teaches that the American Indian crossed a land bridge at the Bering Sea, whereas Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon states that Lehi and his family crossed the ocean in a boat. The manuscript had been out of print for more than 170 years when Brigham Young University reprinted it so that people could judge the few similarities, but also the major differences.

Ethan Smith, View of the Hebrews 2d ed. 1825. Edited by Charles D. Tate Jr. Provo, Utah: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996.