“Moroni,” Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students (2012), 311–30
“Moroni,” Book of Mormon Study Guide, 311–30
Introduction to Moroni
Why Study This Book?
As you study the book of Moroni, you can draw strength from Moroni’s powerful example and testimony. In addition, from the teachings of Moroni and his father, Mormon, you will learn about basic ordinances and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ, the importance of doing righteous works with real intent, the way to judge between good and evil, and the relationship between faith, hope, and charity. You will also read Moroni’s exhortation to pray to know for yourself that the Book of Mormon is true and to “come unto Christ and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
Who Wrote This Book?
Moroni wrote this book, which includes his words, the words of Jesus Christ to His twelve disciples (see Moroni 2), and the words of his father, Mormon (see Moroni 7–9). Before the destruction of the Nephites, Moroni served as a military and Church leader among them (see Mormon 6:12; Moroni 8:1). Like other major writers and compilers of the Book of Mormon, Moroni was a witness of the Savior. He testified: “I have seen Jesus, and … he hath talked with me face to face” (Ether 12:39). Moroni was faithful to his testimony and emphasized his willingness to be killed rather than deny Christ (see Moroni 1:1–3).
In 1823, approximately 1,400 years after he completed the record of the Book of Mormon, Moroni appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being and informed him that the record was deposited in a hill near Joseph Smith’s home. At that time and during the next several years, Moroni also instructed Joseph Smith “respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days” (Joseph Smith—History 1:54).
When and Where Was It Written?
Moroni probably wrote and compiled this book between the years A.D. 401 and A.D. 421 (see Mormon 8:4–6; Moroni 10:1), as he wandered for the safety of his life (see Mormon 1:1–3).