Mark Hofmann & the Forging of New Mormon History

by L. Hannah Stoddard, James F. Stoddard

Overview

A faithful retelling of the Hofmann forgeries, and their impact on the progressive rewriting of Latter-Day Saint history. Why did New Mormon Historians insist Hofmann's forgeries were legitimate, even when investigators provided convincing evidence to them of the hoax? How did Bruce R. McConkie know Hofmann's Joseph Smith III Blessing was a fake, despite authentication by document experts and pressure by historians calling him "incompetent" for questioning? Before detection, Mark Hofmann's "discoveries" challenged the testimonies of many Latter-day Saints as science and history seemed to attack the character and integrity of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church. Church leaders endured a great deal of criticism for their inability to detect the deception foisted on them by Hofmann. For progressives, the Hofmann story left behind a black hole and a black eye for the Church. For traditionalists, the Hofmann forgeries can represent a faith-promoting opportunity with diverse lessons for navigating future trials. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781637523469
Publisher:	Joseph Smith Foundation
Publication date:	09/01/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	100
File size:	34 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

L. Hannah Stoddard is the lead author of Faith Crisis, Volume 1: We Were NOT Betrayed!, Faith Crisis, Volume 2: Behind Closed Doors, Joseph Smith's Plural Wives, Volume 1: Helen Mar Kimball, Seer Stone v. Urim & Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial, and A Christ-Centered Home. She is the director of the Joseph Smith Foundation and the producer or director of seven documentary feature films.In addition to directing Joseph Smith Foundation projects for over a decade, she is often invited to speak on various radio and video programs. Beginning at age 16, Hannah helped direct her first documentary film. She has worked as a history and literature teacher, graphic design artist, software developer, videographer, project manager, agriculturist, and research assistant. Her work focuses on Church history and doctrine, answers to Latter-day Saint faith crisis questions, educational philosophy, culture, and defending the Prophet Joseph Smith. Hannah's research supports the writings and teachings of ancient and latter-day prophets.
James F. Stoddard was a film producer, author, entrepreneur, and father of 10 children. James was the executive strategist for the Joseph Smith Foundation. He was a direct descendant of Asael and Mary Duty Smith, the Prophet Joseph Smith's grandparents, and other Latter-day Saint Church history figures. James was the co-author of Faith Crisis, Volume 1: We Were NOT Betrayed!, Faith Crisis, Volume 2: Behind Closed Doors, and Seer Stone v. Urim & Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial and the producer or executive producer of eight documentary films:Nephites in Europe (Episodes 1 & 2, Quest for the Nephite Remnant) (2019)Hidden Bloodlines: The Grail & the Lost Tribes in the Lands of the North (2017)Unlocking the Mystery of the Two Prophets: Revelation 11 (2017)The Prophet Joseph: More than we know (2015)Statesmen & Symbols: Prelude to the Restoration (2014)For Our Day: Divinely Sanctioned Governments (2013)For Our Day: Covenant on the Land (2013)Creation and Evolution: A Witness of Prophets (2007)James worked in private, public, religious, corporate and home education as well as engineering, videography, property development, and natural health. He started and helped operate several family businesses and enjoyed working with his kids. James spent any free moments working on Highland Cathedral Estate, a planned family retreat and learning facility with perennial gardens and walking trails specializing in experimental farming techniques and four-season food production. James worked as a release time Seminary teacher and as an instructor at the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC). His research supports the writings and teachings of ancient and latter-day prophets. James passed away peacefully on September 6, 2021 after a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer.