01 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon

Speakers: Andy Hedges, Kent Jackson, Keith Wilson, Steve Harper (all teach at BYU)

Discussion revolves around the events leading to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

Date: September 1823
Key Event: Joseph Smith, age 17, visits from the angel Moroni.
Context: Three and a half years after the First Vision.
- Joseph is in prayer for forgiveness of sins, feeling inconsistent with the vision he had experienced.
- Describes the prayer as earnest, taking up hours before the appearance.
Experience:
- Joseph notes a light increasing in intensity until the room is filled with light.
- Verse 30 (Joseph Smith History): Details his experience; an angel appears who is Moroni, described in verse 32 as having a glorious appearance like lightning.
Significance of Moroni's Appearance:
- Joseph felt reassured to have the angel address him by name, emphasizing the reality of the experience over a metaphysical interpretation.

Discussion on Joseph’s spiritual struggles over the three years after the First Vision.
- From 14 to 17 years old, faced skepticism from those around him which heightened the need for reassurance from God.
Moroni’s visit was pivotal, reinforcing that God was aware of and cared for him.

Moroni's Revelations:
- Joseph learns of a record written on gold plates containing the account of ancient inhabitants of the continent.
- Details of communication from the Savior to these inhabitants included as part of the plates' contents.
Urim and Thummim:
- Moroni explains the Urim and Thummim as a divine instrument to facilitate the translation of the plates.
- Joseph describes it in his 1838 account as consisting of two stones in silver bows attached to a breastplate, designating anyone who possesses it as a seer.

Moroni quotes scriptures: Moroni begins quoting from Old Testament prophecies.
- Discusses the teaching methods akin to those used by Jesus during His teachings to Lehi's descendants.
Specific scriptures mentioned:
- Malachi 3 and 4
- Isaiah 11
- Acts 3
- Joel 2
Impact on Joseph: Joseph Smith perceives his future role within these prophecies, understanding his significance and mission as a prophet in the latter days.
- Topics taught include the restoration of keys and the priesthood, gathering of Israel, destruction of the wicked, and the nature of the millennium.

Confrontation with Temptation:
- Joseph is warned against the temptation to use the plates for personal gain.
- Joseph acknowledges temptations he faced, especially regarding the financial struggles of his family.
Previous encounters with Moroni: Joseph had to return multiple times (five visits over four years) before receiving the plates, emphasizing patience and divine timing.

Family Expectations: His family anticipates each visit, feeling a mix of hope and disappointment.
- Joseph expresses disappointment after failed attempts to retrieve the plates during his visits.
Emphasis on Obedience: Moroni instructs Joseph to return only under specific conditions and emphasizes the need to learn and obey God's commandments to successfully retrieve the plates.

Date: September 22, 1827
Event: Joseph retrieves the plates under significant personal risk.
- Leaves Emma in a wagon, afraid to bring the plates home until he feels safe.
- Encounters threats and physical assaults in his efforts to transport the plates safely home.
Divine Protection: Joseph expresses a belief that by the wisdom of God, he was able to keep the plates safe until he completed the assignment given to him.

Next Discussion Topic: This sets the stage for the following discourse on the translation of the Book of Mormon in Harmony, Pennsylvania.