The Book of Mormon Through the Lens of 19th Century Revelation and Modern Interpretation

Without a doubt, the text of the Book of Mormon contains elements from the 19th century. The question is not whether these elements exist, but rather to what extent they are present. Such a revelation can be startling for believers to accept. Given Joseph Smith's role as the translator, it is likely that his culture and worldview significantly influenced his translation project. However, acknowledging that Joseph Smith likely translated the Book of Mormon 'after the manner of his language' (Doctrine & Covenants 1:24) does not imply the work is fraudulent. The Lord taught that the Book of Mormon was translated through study and spiritual confirmation: '...behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right' (Doctrine & Covenants 9:8).

Joseph Smith taught that he translated the Book of Mormon through 'the gift and power of God.' The term 'translate' often implies a direct, word-for-word transfer from one language to another. However, Joseph Smith's process was not a traditional translation; it was revelation and interpretation. It's unclear whether Joseph was fully aware of his role in interpreting; nonetheless, he made numerous revisions to the Book of Mormon and other revelations, editing, clarifying, and expounding upon his original translations under divine guidance.

The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines 'translate' as 'To interpret; to render into another language; to express the sense of one language in the words of another.' This definition more closely mirrors Joseph Smith's method, suggesting an interpretive, rather than a strictly literal, process. While some may see this broader interpretation of 'translation' as a convenient rationalization, it is supported by directives such as 'study it out in your mind and after the manner of your language.'

How, then, do we reconcile the belief in the Book of Mormon as an ancient text while also acknowledging the many artifacts and expansions introduced by its translator, Joseph Smith?

The concept of divine adaptation, particularly as it applies to the Book of Mormon (BoM), presents an intriguing framework for understanding and addressing the various intricacies and critiques associated with this sacred text of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This approach, inspired by the thoughts of Brigham Young, offers a lens through which the BoM is seen not just as a static record of ancient peoples but as a dynamic, divinely tailored communication meant to resonate with different audiences across time, especially its initial 19th-century readership.

Divine Adaptation in the BoM

The principle of divine adaptation suggests that if the BoM were to be produced in another era, its content might "materially differ" from the present version. This perspective acknowledges that divine revelation is responsive and considers the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual context of its audience. In the case of the BoM, the adaptation might be understood through its language, narrative structure, and thematic emphases, all of which were designed to speak effectively to the early 19th-century American context.

Addressing Textual Concerns

Critiques of the BoM often focus on anachronisms, similarities to the King James Version (KJV) Bible, and the presence of concepts unique to the 19th century. Through the lens of divine adaptation, these elements can be reinterpreted. For instance, the use of KJV language and biblical motifs could be seen as a divine strategy to make the text more immediately accessible and relatable to Joseph Smith's contemporaries, who were familiar with the KJV Bible. This doesn't detract from the BoM's spiritual value or its role as another testament of Jesus Christ but highlights the adaptability of divine communication to fit the audience's needs.

The Role of Contextual Revelation

Divine adaptation underscores the importance of context in revelation. It suggests that the BoM's teachings were presented in a manner that Joseph Smith and his contemporaries could understand, drawing on their linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. This contextual framing is essential for interpreting the BoM's messages, as it acknowledges that while the core truths of the gospel are eternal, the presentation of those truths can change to better suit the understanding and circumstances of God's children at any given time.

Implications for Modern Readers

For modern readers, recognizing divine adaptation in the BoM enriches the study and application of its teachings. It encourages a thoughtful engagement with the text that seeks to discern the eternal truths it contains while appreciating the historical and cultural layers that shape its presentation. This perspective also opens up a space for ongoing revelation, suggesting that as our global context evolves, so too can our understanding and interpretation of sacred texts like the BoM.

The Book of Mormon as a Modern Expansion of an Ancient Source By Blake T. Ostler

Ostler argues that Joseph Smith might have acted not just as a translator but also as an inspired interpreter, incorporating his own linguistic, theological, and cultural context into the translation process. This perspective suggests that the Book of Mormon can be understood as a complex interweaving of ancient source material with Joseph Smith's 19th-century worldview. Ostler's analysis aims to reconcile apparent anachronisms and 19th-century elements in the Book of Mormon with claims of its ancient origin, proposing that divine inspiration guided Smith to expand and interpret the ancient text in a manner that addressed the concerns and conditions of his contemporary audience.

Anaphoric Translation and The Ur-Text Theory

An anaphoric translation approach, similar to the concept proposed by Blake Ostler regarding the Book of Mormon, posits that a translator, under divine inspiration or guidance, does not merely convert text from one language to another but rather interprets and expands upon the original text by incorporating contemporary insights, language, and cultural contexts. This method acknowledges the active role of the translator as an intermediary who bridges ancient texts with modern understanding, allowing the translation to resonate with contemporary audiences while retaining the essence of the original source. Such an approach suggests that translations can be both faithful to the original meaning and reflective of the translator's time and insights, offering a richer, multi-layered text that engages readers across different epochs. For more see The Old Greek of Isaiah: An Analysis of Its Pluses and Minuses (Van der Vorm-Croughs et al., 2014). Similar to this theory is the belief that the Book of Mormon was a tribal history and the Golden Plates were an ancient “Ur-Text” that Joseph Smith interpreted, expanded, and revealed as the Book of Mormon. D. Michael Quinn was a proponent of this theory.

Conclusion

The notion of divine adaptation offers a powerful framework for approaching the Book of Mormon, allowing for a deeper appreciation of its role as a divinely communicated scripture tailored for its initial audience and relevant for readers today. By viewing the BoM through this lens, believers and scholars alike can navigate its textual intricacies with an understanding that divine wisdom is not only timeless but also timely, designed to meet the spiritual needs and questions of each generation. This approach not only addresses common critiques but also highlights the dynamic nature of divine revelation, affirming the BoM's place as a vital and living testament of Christ's teachings.

*This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT 4.