Abstract
Chapter Seven theorizes how Joseph Smith composed the Book of Mormon. Through a process of "revelatory translation," Smith spent several years crafting story outlines for the Book of Mormon, while simultaneously seeking spiritual confirmation of the historical authenticity of the narratives. Whether using a notebook of story outlines or simply his memory, Smith reviewed each of the story outlines prior to dictation, and then dictated the stories without the use of notes or manuscripts. The chapter contextualizes Smith's process within the western esoteric tradition of using seer stones and a biblical-style Urim and Thummim, with attention to the esotericism of John Dee and his scryer Edward Kelly (aka "Kelley"), who used a seer stone ("shew-stone") to translate angelic texts. The chapter further suggests the influence of biblical commentator Adam Clarke and his discussion of Paul's New Testament reference to the "tongue of angels." The chapter then reviews historical accounts by eyewitnesses to Smith's process of dictation and challenges apologetic interpretations. The chapter concludes with the theory that Smith composed the Book of Mormon by formulating the narratives in the work, after which he sought spiritual confirmation of their accuracy in a collaborative, spiritual co-authorship with the divine.