Posted by:
brianberkeley
(
)
Date: January 01, 2017 08:14PM
Mark Hoffman was a brilliant, self-educated forger and conman who clearly pointed out the General Authorities and scholars from Hugh Nibley, Gordon Hinckley, and Dallin Oaks had as much spiritual discernment as my pet spaniel.
From the Anthon document through the Salamander letter, which purported to cast doubt on early decisions of Joseph Smith about succession of the church, Mark Hoffman bilked the church of a not inconsiderable amount of money.
Dallin Oaks, especially, argued that the salamander could be reconciled with the Angel Moroni's ability to live in fire.
Ultimately, Hoffman was arrested and convicted of murder in pursuit of his forging career.
What was significant to me in 1985, was that while Hoffman may have been a brilliant and talented forger, The GA's were clearly clueless about the entire affair.
Dallin Oaks and Gordon Hinckley clearly had no discernment, and their testicles were clearly flapping in the wind.
I was already separated from the church, but had many great laughs about the stupidity, blindness, and mendacity of the leaders of the Church.
Inspired? If you think so let me tell you about the great pumpkin.
How did the Hoffman affair affect you belief in the church?