Introduction to the Book of Mormon:
to be discussed September 17
From Joseph Smith: “The title-page of the Book of Mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the … book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated, … and … said title page is not by any means a modern composition, either of mine or of any other man who has lived or does live in this generation.” (History of the Church, 1:71.)
1. Read the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, paragraph 1. To whom is the Book of Mormon written? How was the Book of Mormon written, and how was it translated?
2. Read paragraph 2 of the Title Page of the Book of Mormon. List three reasons why was the Book of Mormon written. How might a study of the Book of Mormon help us to "condemn not the things of God"?
3. Read the Introduction to the Book of Mormon, paragraphs 1-4, with Doctrine and Covenants 45:28. What does the Book of Mormon contain? List three things the Book of Mormon does for mankind.
4. Read the Introduction to the Book of Mormon, paragraphs 5-9, with Moroni 10:3-5. How many witnesses did the Lord designate to see the gold plates and bear testimony in writing? How can we know for ourselves regarding the truthfulness of the message of the Book of Mormon? What further witnesses will follow?
5. Read The Testimony of Three Witnesses. List what the three witnesses saw.
6. Read Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, part 1 (paragraphs 1-8). What was Joseph Smith doing when the vision of Moroni began? What did Moroni say the gold plates contained? What would accompany the plates when Joseph received them?
7. Read "A Perfect Heart," September 1974 Friend Magazine. What was used and what was necessary during the process of translating the Book of Mormon?
NOTE: As we read in the Book of Mormon this year, we will be looking for doctrines of Christ. Review the Title Page, Introduction, and Testimonies in the front of the book, and mark or note any doctrines (truths of the gospel) you find in these passages. See our page titled "Stake Theme" to read what our priesthood leaders have identified as goals for our stake in 2015 regarding studying and understanding the doctrines of Christ.
Links to related articles:
"Joseph the Seer," Richard E. Turley, Jr., October 2015 Ensign
Church News: Historians Share Insights from Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript, 8 Sept. 2015
"Come Unto Christ," Ezra Taft Benson, November 1987 Ensign
"The Book of Mormon - Keystone of Our Religion," Ezra Taft Benson, November 1986 Ensign
"Blessings Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon," L. Tom Perry, November 2005 Ensign
"A Treasured Testament," Russell M. Nelson, July 1993 Ensign
Video: Collaborating to Publish the Printer's Manuscript of the Book of Mormon
