How did the Mormons get the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture similar to the Bible. It is a record of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent, just as the Bible is a record of the ancient inhabitants of Israel and the surrounding area. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) use the Book of Mormon alongside the Bible as "another testament of Jesus Christ."

In September 1823, Joseph Smith, then 17, was praying in his bedroom. Three years previous he had been visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove near his home, where they had told him that all the churches of the day did not teach the full truth of the Gospel. This time, an angel named Moroni came and informed him that God had a work for him to do. Moroni also told him about a record written on metal plates. The plates were deposited in a nearby hill and contained the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph then received a vision of the place where the record was buried.

The next day, Joseph went to the hill and recognized the place where the record was buried. Moroni appeared again and explained that Joseph would have to return each year on the same day for three years to receive instruction. Joseph did so, and returning on September 21, 1827, he received the record and was able to bring it home.

Joseph Smith translated the record into English from the ancient tongue by the gift and power of God. He named it 'The Book of Mormon' after the man who compiled the record, Mormon. The book was published in the early months of 1830, and the first official worship service of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held that spring.

You can learn more about the Book of Mormon, read it online, or order a free paperback copy for yourself at the "Related Links" below.