Reader comments
MormonTimes.com: Selecting image for Joseph Smith Papers volume was key decision

Yup, I thought so. "Image" was "everything" in producing these "papers". In this case the physical image, but I'll bet the "image" was also number one in WHAT was included and WHAT was NOT included in the papers...

TO YUP: Man, I feel sorry for you. It's really sad.

EVERY known document that Joseph ever produced, caused to be produced or that was relevant to his life is included in the Joseph Smith Papers. THERE IS NO EDITING. Every word is included. The volumes will include journals, sermons, revelations, legal documents, court records, banking records, business transactions, deeds, etc., etc. EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED. The documents come from many sources from within and without the Church. Many come from private sources as well as libraries and collections from all over the U.S.

The papers are primarily intended for scholars who desire to do research about Joseph and the early Church, but anyone who is interested can gain access to the materials.

There's always this idea out there among detractors that the Church is trying to hide something. Nothing is being hidden because THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE.

To Yup,
how would you like everything you wrote or said be brought out to see and gone through as closly as the writings of Joseph Smith. I wonder if it would stand up as well.
What do you think they are hiding. You'd rather believe some of the skeptics that have a bone to pick with the church. That makes a lot of sence. You sound like a miseralbe person.

The Mormons give too much credit to this Jo Smith character, and not the Lord Jesus Christ; their Church, therefore, is not a Christian Church.

HOW DARE YOU WRITE your written "graffiti" about Joseph Smith, with an UNHALLOWED HAND.

The comment made by the writer of "YUP" tells more about himself than any snide remark made about the Prophet,Joseph Smith. His own ignorance should be embarrassing. They are saying something about which they know nothing and hasn't read nor sounds like any possibility to do either.

These papers are a treasure and YUP shows a lack of respect for all Latter-day Saints. I am offended by the reader/writer.

I look forward to reading these papers and appreciate the work gone into bringing it to the forefront. Dare I even mention the sacrifice that Joseph Smith and his family made in order to bring the Restored Gospel second only to Jesus Christ in his contribution?

I hope the disgruntled reader is familiar with the scripture of casting pearls. These pearls are too precious for just anyone. Go your way, IF the shoe fits.
I appreciate the comments and clarification made by "CATS." ==Nothing is being hidden==

Watch out for trolls they will lead you to the dark side

GEEZ! here we go again.

Joseph Smith would feel so much admiration for all of you growlers out there, whoever you are? Growl, bite, hiss, snarl, gurgle or whatever? It will never change a thing. Have foaming at the mouth good day.

To anonymous: your comment is typical of those who have not idea what they are talking about in regards to the LDS church...you need to read the name of our church again...the Official name is "The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints"...the name says it all...I believe with my very core that Jesus Christ is my Lord, Savior and elder brother. I AM A CHRISTIAN, and no one, not even someone who is ignorant and arrogant in your comments, can convince me otherwise. You are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to my knowledge as FACT! Our church is very much a Christian church, and if you would get over your fear, and looked at it objectively, you could not deny it either. Sadly this is something you are more than likely not to do...What are you afraid of? Realizing the truth and that you are wrong in your assumptions about the church? You are evidently more secure and feel 'safe' in your false assumptions. How sad - I will pray for you - as a CHRISTIAN.

I'm buying the Joseph Smith papers, and I will let you all know if I think anything is missing or removed. I have a talent for knowing many things.

This is what my husband requested for Christmas. I think this book will be fascinating. It is what it is...papers from Joseph Smith's every day life. There is absolutely no reason to buy this book unless you are truly interested in Joseph Smith. In fact, due to the price of the book, I doubt that many non-Mormons or scoffers will be buying it. I appreciate the hours of research put into this project.

I'm with Mary. I'm going to read it and determine if anything is missing. I too have a talent for knowing these kinds of things without knowing much at all, really. And while I'm at it, I think I'm going to read the Bible and see if anything is missing there, cuz if there is...I tell ya...if there is ANYTHING missing from the Bible...I'm gunna...I'm gunna...I'm gunna do something, like...like...write the author and tell him I QUIT the Bible because it is missing something and that I am not going to read it anymore! Hmmmmm? I've got lots of talents.

There is much missing in the bible. Just like there is now missing in modern history. People can nitpick all that is written, and take out all the bad stuff, and reassemble things to their liking and satisfaction. It's Always been this way and always will be.

YOU JOSEPH SMITH HATERS HAD THE CHANCE TO VISIT WITH JOSEPH SMITH FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES, YOU WOULD REALIZE THAT HE HAS BECOME YOUR BEST FRIEND AND YOU HIS BEST FRIEND.

It looks like there is a lot of mud slinging going on here, on both sides. You people ALL need to grow up and act like stable men and woman with a brain, and not like animals with pea brains.

I bought the book. I plan to read it.

I think it is great that these volumes are being published. I look forward to reading through them. However, I do believe that there will be editing involved. Every good book has some type of editing involved. Now, whether or not they edit out what may be considered controversial I do not know. I would hope not.

We as members of the Church need to understand that those outside of the Church believe that Prophets, Seers and Revelators died at the birth of Jesus Christ. They also believe that the Church organized by Jesus Christ during his ministry has never been taken from the earth.

Many bash our beliefs because they fail to see the need for these men who have been on the earth since Adam was driven from the Garden of Eden. Many fail to understand why we do what we do. All I have to say is come to us, ask legitimate questions and bring the truths you have and we will add to these truths. Give us the chance we ourselves give to you. Many have asked questions pertaining to the church and have even been taught but never joined. Some have after many years pondered and ask the same questions and joined. Give us our chance but again it is the Holy Ghost that testifies of truth and nothing said here will change one person's mind.

Come join with us. Listen to our message with an open hear and a contrite spirit.

It is sad to see people who hate everyone and everything. So sad to hate so much. I mean both LDS members, inactives and nonmembers alike...all the same.

Every known document? Really! Well, tell you what...I know of a few "documents" that you probably have never read....let's see if they are there.

I'm betting, the house and everything, they won't be there!

Oh, by the way, if everything I wrote were printed, it would be OK, nobody would care. Why? Because I did not make the claims Joseph Smith did. That's why what he said, and WHAT HE DID is so much of interest to all of us. I contend that most of you simply do not know as much as you should about JS and the church's history. These papers simply cannot put out the uncomfortable stuff. I know what I am talking about here, you don't. I don't say that to be smug, it is simply true.

Re : William
It looks to me like everyone is bashing everyone else on these blogs. If people see things differently then the norm, then everyone starts the bashing game. I do not know what people on the outside of the church think or what they truly think about Joseph Smith? It's quite hard to distinguish on a blog what's truly in the hearts of the outsides and as well in the hearts of some of the members. We live in a very confused mixed up world.

It is not a matter of "hate." It is a matter of facts.