Analytical and contextual commentary on the book of mormon and the gift and power. Peterson wrote an excellent article in which he cites witnesses to the book of mormon translation process, giving modern readers insight into what eyewitnesses saw regarding how joseph smith translated the book of mormon. The article is fairly brief and only superficially addresses the problem. Book of mormon translation response to an essay on the mechanical process in which the book of mormon was translated was put in the topical guide of the website on 1230. The translation process of the book of mormon daniel c. Timeline of the book of mormon translation scott woodward. The lord also declares that the salvation of our souls hinges upon our acceptance or rejection of the book of mormon. Ostler as sistant professor of church history and doctrine, byu from revelations of the restoration. The translation of the book of mormon by means of the interpreters and seer stone, was not merely a mechanical process, but required the utmost concentration of mental and spiritual force possessed by the prophet. A compilation of published statements on the book of mormon translation method in both church and nonchurch publications. Most latterday saints grew up learning that joseph smith translated the book of mormon through the use of magic spectacles known as the urim and thummim. Translating the book of mormon religious studies center.
In 1822, joseph smith found a brown, eggcolored stone while digging a well for willard chase. The p rocess of translating the book of mormon j oseph fielding mcconkie prof essor of ancient scripture, byu c raig j. Four women were witnesses to book of mormon translation. His early work on the translation, with emma smith and martin harris serving as the main scribes, was lost in 1828.