The author of a book that questions the origins of Mormon scripture was disfellowshipped at a church hearing Sunday.
Grant Palmer could have been excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Palmer wrote “An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins” two years ago. The book questions whether founder Joseph Smith misrepresented his authority as a prophet and revised church scripture to his advantage.
It suggests that Smith didn’t actually translate the Book of Mormon. Instead, it suggests Smith penned it himself, leaning heavily on the King James Bible, emotional Methodist tent revivals, Masonry and other personal experiences in a highly superstitious era of American history.
Palmer said he still loves the church, and he’s pleased he wasn’t excommunicated.
A disfellowshipped member retains church membership but loses certain privileges, such as being able to go into the temple or serve a church calling.