Undeniable: The Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon

by Susan Easton Black

Discover the history of the Three Witnesses, with riveting insights into the lives of three complex men who struggled through trials not so different from our own.

Genres: Audiobook, Religion, Lds, Historical, Church History, Nonfiction, History

96 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2023

About the author

Susan Easton Black is a retired professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. She is also an author of several books related to Joseph Smith, Jr. and the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a few new things. I like that the book makes the three witnesses seem more like people.
It gives some background on their family life and struggles.

[Krystine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. The book goes through the lives of the three witnesses of The Book of Mormon. The stories are good, good information.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, it was good to be able to look a little closer to these men and their lives.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast read and covers the historical ground just OK. Dr. Black doesn't seem to do much in the way of original research, liberally quoting and sourcing from others' work that have done the research, with no commentary on, for example, how this source is more suspect than others because of its lateness or second-handedness. If you're not into books and don't like reading that much, this will do fine. For everybody else, I recommend "Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses," by Richard Lloyd Anderson, which covers the same ground, but much more thoroughly, with academic rigor, and exceptionally insightful commentary. It is to Dr. Black's detriment that Anderson's book is literally the last one I read; hers pales in comparison, even if it (just barely adequately) gets the job done.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I missed some details by listening to the book rather than reading a hard copy, but I appreciated the opportunity to take a more in-depth look at the 3 witnesses of the Book of Mormon. It was interesting to see how they all connected with Joseph Smith and what role they all played in the restoration. Martin Harris' relationship with his wife Lucy and the pressures she put on him was particularly fascinating to me. I knew some details but definitely learned more from this book. It's just interesting to see how he balanced his beliefs and keeping his wife happy, a difficult position for anyone!

[Jeff Birk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was already familiar with the main stories contained in this book about the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon but wanted to learn more of why the three of them left the church and only two came back. It was interesting that it pretty much all came down to being offended and not following the prophet. How sad and how true that is still in today's world of church members who leave the church. She said something that I want to remember at the beginning of the book. An acquaintance of hers said she was leaving the church because she had so many questions. The author responded by saying, "I'm staying because I have so many answers." I love that.

[Anna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although each of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon at one point or time separated themselves from the religion, (some permanently, some not) none could deny the truth of the Book. Their disagreements lay not in the soundness of the doctrine but in discrepancies with their fellow members. These stories and their lives are quite valuable, reminding us that while small frustrations or questions can lead us away, the truth will always be the truth. It reminds me of the quote, “We must separate the doctrine of the church from the people of the church”. The doctrine will always be right. The people, however, can be fickle. We’re all imperfect people after all.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good understanding of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, their true humanity, and some of the reasons they left but never denied their testimonies.

Books like this open my eyes to the fact that all of us are imperfect humans trying to do the best we can. Condemnation doesn't help anyone, but seeing people as fallible and loveable makes it easier to understand where they're coming from.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and a good review as we begin our studies in Doctrine and Covenants this year. I still find it fascinating and such a testimony builder how regardless of the three witnesses standing or feelings in and about the church or its leaders, no one dared deny the validity of the gold plates and the Book of Mormon. Was hoping for more insights that were new and read a couple but was hoping for more.

[Kelsey Mitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being able to learn more about each of the three witnesses. There was something I did not know from each. I really appreciated the good, bad, and in between she shared about them all in relation to why they left and why some returned but how they never faltered in their testimony of the Book of Mormon.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read about what made the three witnesses leave and some go back to their church. Details that aren’t as commonly know about their lives in between are also given and it’s interest to hear their history. Good read for anyone wanting to know more about why they believed the Book of Mormon but left the church and likewise why some came back.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn about the lives of the 3 witnesses. They never went back in their statements about what they witnessed. And that says something about their integrity and honesty and the value they placed on what they did witness.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good history of the three witnesses who saw the ancient plates that the Book of Mormon was translated from. Even though all three left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they never denied their testimonies. Two did eventually return.

[Sarah Barrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read more about the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon and their unwavering testimonies of the authenticity of Book of Mormon. I really enjoyed reading more about their lives and Susan Blacks comments at the end.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known the main story of the 3 witnesses for a long time. But I still enjoyed this very much. I especially liked learning about their lives after they left the church, and all of the small details that get overlooked sometimes.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon and their possible reasons for leaving the church. Some of it was heartbreaking to read, some of it was just sad. Who knows who these men would have become had they stayed faithful?

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting in learning more about the three witnesses of The Book of Mormon - Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. All of them later had struggles in the church, but none of them ever denied their testimony of The Book of Mormon.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby very good insight into the lives of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. There is so much for us to appreciate about each one and their contributions to the church. Choices that they made set them apart from the church. We all need to be so careful of out choices and pride in our lives.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

[M Summ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting to learn something new.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even in this smaller book, I still learned several interesting things...about the 3 witnesses.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to have read this short but sweet book on the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon. I didn’t know so much of what was in here. Thank you Susan!

[Linda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short book full of stories and information that I hadn’t heard before which got me excited for a new year of Book of Mormon study!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid, brief book that addresses the personal histories of each of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little trio biography of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Great scholarship and simple recital of important events before and after the witnessing.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book filled with important information. I appreciate learning about people’s strengths and weaknesses, and find that this grows my testimony.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the review of the history of the 3 witnesses. Amazing that so much information was recorded and available for the history and review of such events.

[Lewestover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellently research (one would expect no less from Susan Easton Black) and clearly written, this volume answers the question "Why did they leave the Church?"

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great research. Gives great historical context.

[Ashley Funk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Authoritative, but I grew bored with it