Dan Vogel
Encyclopedia
Daniel Arlon Vogel is the author of a number of books related to early Mormon history. He is a former member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an atheist and a skeptic.
and the "Turner-Bergera Best Biography" award by the Mormon History Association
in May 2005 for his biography Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet
.
In this Smith biography, Vogel argues that Joseph Smith was a pious fraud
--that he essentially invented his religious claims for what he believed were noble, faith-promoting purposes. Vogel identifies the roots of the pious fraud
in the conflict between members of the Smith family, who were divided between the sometimes skepticism and universalism of Joseph Smith, Sr.
and the more mainstream Protestant faith of Lucy Mack Smith
. Vogel interweaves the history of Joseph Smith, Jr. with interpretation of the Book of Mormon
, which is read as springing from the young man's psychology and experiences.
Vogel has also edited volumes skeptical of the possibility of receiving the future through the word of God.
In 1991, Mormon religion professor and FARMS apologist Stephen E. Robinson
suggested that Vogel's arguments closely resemble those of Korihor
from the Book of Mormon
.
Many of Dan Vogel's books have been critically reviewed by FARMS.
Joseph Smith biography
Vogel was awarded the "Best Book" award in September 2004 by the John Whitmer Historical AssociationJohn Whitmer Historical Association
The John Whitmer Historical Association "is an independent scholarly society composed of individuals of various religious faiths who share a lively interest in ......
and the "Turner-Bergera Best Biography" award by the Mormon History Association
Mormon History Association
The Mormon History Association is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the study and understanding of all aspects of Mormon history to promote understanding, scholarly research, and publication in the field...
in May 2005 for his biography Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet
Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet
Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet is a biography of the formative years of the founder of Mormonism written by Dan Vogel. The book covers the period of Smith’s life up until 1831. Vogel casts Smith in the role of a magician, who perhaps believes in his own ability to perform magic while using...
.
In this Smith biography, Vogel argues that Joseph Smith was a pious fraud
Pious fraud
Pious fraud is used to describe fraud in religion or medicine. A pious fraud can be counterfeiting a miracle or falsely attributing a sacred text to a biblical figure due to the belief that the "end justifies the means", in this case the end of increasing faith by whatever means available...
--that he essentially invented his religious claims for what he believed were noble, faith-promoting purposes. Vogel identifies the roots of the pious fraud
Pious fraud
Pious fraud is used to describe fraud in religion or medicine. A pious fraud can be counterfeiting a miracle or falsely attributing a sacred text to a biblical figure due to the belief that the "end justifies the means", in this case the end of increasing faith by whatever means available...
in the conflict between members of the Smith family, who were divided between the sometimes skepticism and universalism of Joseph Smith, Sr.
Joseph Smith, Sr.
Joseph Smith, Sr. was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr...
and the more mainstream Protestant faith of Lucy Mack Smith
Lucy Mack Smith
Lucy Mack Smith was the mother of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. She is most noted for writing an award-winning memoir: Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations. She was an important leader of the movement during...
. Vogel interweaves the history of Joseph Smith, Jr. with interpretation of the Book of Mormon
Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement that adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent from approximately 2600 BC to AD 421. It was first published in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr...
, which is read as springing from the young man's psychology and experiences.
Reception
Vogel's scholarship on the topic has come under fire by Mormon apologists who allege he is biased and critical of Mormon faith claims. He is sometimes also criticised by ex-Mormons and anti-Mormons for not being sufficiently critical of Joseph Smith. There is wide appreciation, however, for his contribution of the multi-volume Early Mormon Documents, which placed an unprecedented number of important documents within the reach of the average researcher.Vogel has also edited volumes skeptical of the possibility of receiving the future through the word of God.
In 1991, Mormon religion professor and FARMS apologist Stephen E. Robinson
Stephen E. Robinson
Stephen Edward Robinson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Mormon scholar and apologist.- Biography :...
suggested that Vogel's arguments closely resemble those of Korihor
Korihor
Korihor is a skeptic mentioned in The Book of Mormon, in Alma . Korihor preached ...that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man...
from the Book of Mormon
Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement that adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent from approximately 2600 BC to AD 421. It was first published in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr...
.
Many of Dan Vogel's books have been critically reviewed by FARMS.