Introduction

The prophet Ammon declared that “God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles” (Mosiah 8:18). A marvelous work and a wonder during the Restoration was the translation of the Book of Mormon. But how exactly did this translation take place? Why do critics and believers debate various theories? In this episode, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, associate professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses his book Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon, coauthored with Dr. Michael Hubbard MacKay. He explains why conflicting theories exist, demystifies the translation process by analyzing witness and scribe accounts, and details the Prophet Joseph’s own depiction of the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon.

Publications:

Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon (Deseret Book, 2023)

·      From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith’s Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2015)

·      “Firsthand Witness Accounts of the Translation Process” (in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2015)

·      “Joseph Smith’s Negotiations to Publish the Book of Mormon” (in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2015)

·      “Lost Teachings of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Other Church Leaders” (in The Council of Fifty, Religious Studies Center, 2017)

Click here to learn more about Professor Gerrit Dirkmaat