Joseph Smith's Creative Efforts to Outsource the Book of Mormon Translation​

After four years of waiting, learning, and personal refinement, 21-year-old Joseph Smith was finally entrusted by the angel Moroni with the ancient record that for centuries had lain in waiting in a stone box embedded in a hill near his home. Recalling this time years later, Joseph said that almost as soon as he had received the plates “the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible.” In today’s episode we take a closer look at what we know of these efforts to get the plates from Joseph and the surprising supernatural means his antagonists resorted to in their attempts to do so. We also dive into Joseph’s initial creative efforts in 1828 to get the record translated, including creating an Egyptian alphabet from the engravings on the plates, as well as sending Martin Harris to New York to recruit linguistic experts to help in translating the book. And although these secular translation efforts ultimately failed, the lessons learned through this experience continue to offer value to us today.
This is the second episode of our 6-part podcast series on the translation of the Book of Mormon. For a full transcript of this episode, as well as show notes and additional resources, visit our website at doctrineandcov...
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Originally published April 18, 2023
DISCLAIMER: While we try very hard to be historically and doctrinally accurate in what we say on this podcast, please remember that all views expressed in this and every episode are our views alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Scripture Central or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@nefipereira]

I'm so into the Book of Mormon history episodes! When I read now, it's like I'm holding those golden plates. This book has totally changed my life and brought me closer to my savior. I was on the edge, cheering Joseph on like, "Go, get it done! Don't let anyone swipe those plates from you!" 😂

[@charlesmendeley9823]

In her biography of Joseph, Lucy Mack wrote (before Sep 1824): "During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them." This means that Joseph was telling Lamanite stories way before he even received the plates.

[@RyanMercer]

☺

[@phenomePaul]

Listening to, studying, this today, the 23rd of December. Celebrating Joseph Smith's birthday Happy birthday brother Joseph! You're AWESOME Millions shall know brother Joseph again

[@juliabendixen2184]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you using so many quotes and with the full context.

[@lukegraven7839]

the only difference between the angel moroni and the tooth fairy is more people believe in the tooth fairy, both equally fictitious.

[@jeremims9044]

Yawn...Did you want a rise out of someone or something?