Title

Q+R! Tackling Tough Book of Mormon Translation Questions

Publication Type

Podcast

Publication Date

May 16, 2023

Authors

Griffiths, Casey Paul (Primary), Woodward, Scott (Primary), and Mackay, Michael H. (Primary)

URL

https://churchhistorymatters.podbean.com/e/qr-tackling-tough-book-of-mormon-translation-questions/

Terms of use

Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central.

Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

The more carefully one studies the production process of the Book of Mormon, the more interesting the questions become. For example, since Joseph Smith never could read the original base language engraven on the plates, what did he mean when he said he “translated” the Book of Mormon, and was his translation best characterized as a “tight” translation, a “loose” translation, or something else entirely? And if the Book of Mormon was translated correctly the first time, why did Joseph Smith make changes and adjustments to the text for subsequent editions years later? Also, did Joseph translate with one seer stone or two connected in a bow? And just how common was seer stone use in the broader New England culture in Joseph Smith’s day? And when did their use die off in both U.S. and church culture? Today on Church History Matters, we sit down with Dr. Michael MacKay, one of the world’s foremost scholars on seer stones and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, to discuss these and other great questions.