D&C evidence of inspired fictional "history"?

[Palerider]

Not long ago there was a thread here regarding the pseudonyms given various church leaders in the D&C. For a very insightful look at the reasons behind those names and the justifications/rationalization used for Joseph creating fictitious "history" as a means of influencing the church, look here:

https://www.academia.edu/2357317/The_In ... evelations

[Hagoth]

Fascinating. It's almost a lesson in Joseph's method for making up "ancient" scripture.

Modern terminology not appropriate to an Adamic context was generally replaced with more neutral or ancient vocabulary. Thus, for example, the “firm” became the “order.” “Farms” became“inheritances.” The “Laws of the Land” became the “laws of the Lord.” “Dollars” became “talents.” In one instance the word “business” was replaced with “purpose,” and in another “printing” became “proclaiming.” One reference to “the literary and Mercantile concerns” was supplantedby “the affairs of the poor.” Clearly the intention was for these revelations to sound believably ancient to outsiders.

The most fascinating revisions of all are a few additions to these revelations that do not actually replace any text in the original. One such insertion provided the introductory clause, “The Lord spoke unto Enoch,saying,”—a clause whose sole effect was to create the appearance of antiquity.

[Palerider]

Fascinating. It's almost a lesson in Joseph's method for making up "ancient" scripture.

My thoughts exactly.

And it is all justified by the craving for being connected with the mysticism of the "ancients". Creating a false parallel between people/members of today with the Great Ones of antiquity.

"Look! I'm a modern day Enoch! All of you can be my great and righteous followers having glory heaped upon your heads if you just learn to do what I say and give me all your money!"

[jfro18]

This is a really interesting read -- it's amazing how many areas of 'scripture' you see Joseph Smith effectively retrofitting his present day learning to try and sound more God-like and ancient.

It would be near impossible to get someone to read this that wasn't already interested in going through these kinds of topics, but it's such a detailed takedown of the idea that Joseph Smith got this directly from God, and a perfect insight into how he fluffed up his works to seem more authentic.

[deacon blues]

I can't remember where I read this, but I recall an approximate quote from somewhere: "Joseph used words as much to conceal as to reveal."