KJV & JST – The Devaluing of Mormon Scripture and Translation: ML: 135

Join us as we explore the intriguing viewpoints of Professor Thomas Wayment and podcaster Rick Bennett, who present perspectives that deviate from past LDS theology regarding the King James Bible (KJV) and the Joseph Smith Translation (JST). We analyze their claims, examining the ways in which their perspectives challenge traditional understandings of these revered texts within the context of Latter-Day Saint belief. Through this exploration, we uncover the complex interplay between scholarship, personal interpretations, and the evolving landscape of Mormon theology.Synopsis of the JST IssueThe Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible has held a significant place within the beliefs and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Until the present moment, the JST was commonly understood as an effort by Joseph Smith to restore the Bible to its original form, with the belief that Smith received divine guidance and inspiration during the translation process.

In recent years, there have been discussions among scholars and within some segments of the LDS community regarding the nature and purpose of the JST. Most scholars and critics have argued that the JST does not align with modern biblical scholarship or textual criticism, challenging the notion of it being a restoration of the original Bible.

As a result of these scholarly discussions and changing perspectives, Scholars and even unofficial LDS Church Channels are shifting their perspective to downplaying and reducing the JST to a flawed Bible commentary rather than a true restoration to its ancient form via revelation.

Quotes that Show how the JST was previously defined

Book Of Mormon 1st Nephi 13: 26-36“26 And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. 27 And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. 28 Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. 29 And after these plain and precious things were taken away it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest—because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God—because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them. 30 Nevertheless, thou beholdest that the Gentiles who have gone forth out of captivity, and have been lifted up by the power of God above all other nations, upon the face of the land which is choice above all other lands, which is the land that the Lord God hath covenanted with thy father that his seed should have for the land of their inheritance; wherefore, thou seest that the Lord God will not suffer that the Gentiles will utterly destroy the mixture of thy seed, which are among thy brethren. 31 Neither will he suffer that the Gentiles shall destroy the seed of thy brethren. 32 Neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gentiles shall forever remain in that awful state of blindness,