There is a saying that goes something like, "the more often a lie is told, the greater the likelihood that it will be considered as true." This is what has been termed among scholars in logic and critical thought as the fallacy of repetition.
From what little I had read, in general, about the Spalding theory, I have come away with the impression that when the theory first appeared in 1834, it was viewed as completely erroneous, far-fetched, and unworthy of consideration or response.
However, with time, the more it was repeated, and the further away the telling got from the alleged events, and as the alleged participants and witnesses began to die off (thus limiting the chances of first-hand refutation and careful cross-examination), and the more twists and angles that were added to the theory, it began to pick up more and more believers.
At various times over its 150-plus-year-old history , scholars and apologist for the LDS faith have debated it with its proponents, and, for the most part, soundly defeated it, exposing the many weaknesses and fatal flaws, laying it to rest for good, or so they may have thought.
But, time would again pass, and the theory would resurface with various gapping holes conveniently patched by conjecture and newly discovered, or obtained, "testimony" from aged witnesses.
This, of course, is all just based, as I have said, on my preliminary perception. But, I believe that as this investigation progresses, we will all have a chance for determining just how accurate, or in error, these perceptions are. I am not the least concerned.
In the year 2000 we found the theory manifesting itself again in the form of the book, "The Spalding Enigma", with the promise of a host of new facts and arguments, and a more comprehensive set of data and "proof," and this even following the relatively recent and ardent disavowal of the theory by fellow anti-Mormons such as Fawn Brodie.
So, as in times past, when the theory has raised it's cyclical head, it falls to someone in this generation to wield the sword of reason and truth, and once again logically dismember it, striking it dead. And, since none of the current LDS scholars seem interested, or in a position, to take up the charge (likely because they believe, to their credit, as others before them, that the truth of the matter is so obvious to the rationally minded, that it need not be dignified with comment), it falls to me, a relatively unlearned nobody, by request of the Enigma authors, themselves.
It should be noted that at its very core, and interesting given its colorful history, the theory assert that the Book of Mormon is a heavily plagiarized fraud perpetrated by many named conspirators either bent on self-aggrandizement and delusions of grandeur, or willingly duped by their leaders into following as sheep to the slaughter. This sacred canon of LDS scripture is mocked and derided, and many revered and respected founding fathers of Christ's restored gospel are subjected to baseless and vitriolic character assassinations and scandalous mudslinging, hate and rumor mongering.
I think the reader will understand that, as a faithful member of the LDS faith, why I would find this theory, and this new book, deeply offensive, and why it was that I eagerly jumped at the chance to vigorously challenge it.
No doubt my efforts in this regard have been, and will yet be, influenced by my religious persuasion, but certainly no more so than the passionate efforts of the proponents of the Spalding theory. However, I am confident that through the course of a mutually biased and adversarial exchange, the reader will be able to easily and obviously discern the truth.
In the spirit of full disclosure, my objectives go well beyond just defending my belief and my Church. It has been my intention, and it will continue to be my intention, to make turnabout fair play, and expose the Spalding theory as the real fraud (often plagiarized), its proponents as the real self-aggrandizing, bigoted, deceiving, and/or duped conspirators, and lay naked the layers of profound absurdities that have been propagandized, thereby subjecting the whole farcical enterprise to public scorn and condemnation of its own making.
Herein you will find my rough analysis of this most recent Spalding theory incarnation, which I have, I think appropriately, titled, "The Spalding Enigma: The Fallacy of Repetition Continued?"
Last updated 1/21/01