Secular enthusiast here, and I always appreciate the perspective I get from this sub. : Put new text under old text. Moroni's last entry in the Book of Mormon was likely written about A.D. 421, thirty-six years after the final battle. Moroni came! It was no dream, nor any kind of mystic occurrence. As a mortal, he completed the compilation and writing of the Book of Mormon. Four years later Smith purportedly received plates of gold from Moroni, who, as the last of the ancient prophets, had buried them in a hill called Cumorah (near … But he was a human who supposedly contributed to the Book of Mormon. 14:6–7.) Over 1,000 years later, he ministered to Joseph Smith as a resurrected being. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom. On temple spires, on Book of Mormon covers, in pageants, in plays, in movies, on jewelry, and more, the angel Moroni is often depicted. During the sermon Mormon moved from premises to conclusions, then used those conclusions as new premises on which to build new conclusions. To prepare us for death or for the resurrection? In the next few small chapters, Moroni gives clear direction on how to give specific priesthood ordinances. It is a fact, a firm and unshakable truth. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. First Moroni’s trumpet is removed from the SLC temple by an act of God (earthquake), heralding the end of the preaching of the gospel to the world or the times of the Gentiles and the possible beginning of the time of the Jews. Once again, thank you for your question Robin. Why is Moroni so frequently portrayed? John the Revelator saw an angel fly in the midst of heaven, bringing the everlasting gospel back to earth. FairMormon Answers Wiki Table of Contents. Archived. There would have been no need to have a physical record of the past when you had an eye witness historian to interview. But God does! Resurrected bodies have control over the elements. To prepare us for death or for the resurrection? These prophecies are "sealed" to come forth at a future day (Ether 4:1-7). In the current dispensation, resurrected beings, including John the Baptist, Peter, James, and Moroni 2 appeared and ministered to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. At what point did Joseph Smith’s peep stones become the Urim and Thummin? There would have been no need to have a physical record of the past when you had an eye witness historian to interview. Two physical beings communed together—with Moroni, a resurrected person of flesh and bones, emerging from the eternal veil and paying repeated and never-to-be-forgotten visits to this mortal farm boy, Joseph Smith. Moroni was a prophet in the Book of Mormon. He gave them power to confirm and give members the Holy Ghost. Moroni is quickly identified as a symbol of the restoration of the gospel by members and nonmembers alike. It was a visitation. Click here to start a new topic. There, on the banks of the Susquehanna River near Harmony, Pennsylvania, they received the answer to their prayer. How do you think the bodies will get out of the graves at the resurrection? How can I make prayer more meaningful when I’m so tired? When the Angel Moroni appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Prophet saw him apparently come down and ascend through the solid walls or ceiling of the building. Why is Moroni an angel and not in the Celestial Kingdom? Later Book of Mormon writers knew of the fulfillment of the promises and prophecies of the earlier generations of Nephite prophets. Critics generally base this charge on two passages in the New Testament: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Moroni supposedly lived around from the late fourth to early fifth century; he was the last prophet who led troops of … In this chapter, he writes down Christ’s exact words and actions to His apostles in the new world when He visited the Nephites after His Resurrection. Four years later Smith purportedly received plates of gold from Moroni, who, as the last of the ancient prophets, had buried them in a hill called Cumorah (near Palmyra, New York) some 14 centuries earlier. Two physical beings communed together—with Moroni, a resurrected person of flesh and bones, emerging from the eternal veil and paying repeated and never-to-be-forgotten visits to this mortal farm boy, Joseph Smith. As we have said, it is possible that angels before the resurrection of Jesus Christ (who was the first fruits of the grave, or the first to be resurrected) were either spirits (that is, unembodied or disembodied) or translated beings. East: the direction of the rising sun; a symbol of the resurrection as well as the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; a sign of renewal and rebirth and new life. The resurrected Moroni met with Joseph Smith during more than 20 documented occasions between 1823 – 1829. The book states that Moroni buried them before he died after a great battle between two pre-Columbian civilizations. Joseph could have just taken notes. Two days later this….” Rod Meldrum. What did Joseph Smith mean when he mentions Old Major and Little Prattlers? Mr. Woodruff’s meticulous notes of Brigham Young’s talk is a classic example of why they can’t be trusted. In addition, Elder Mark E. Petersen in an Ensign article entitled, The Angel Moroni Came!, states: As we remember it today, we declare our solemn testimony to all mankind that, indeed, Moroni did come! For a chart outlining said visits, click here.. In addition, Elder Mark E. Petersen in an Ensign article entitled, The Angel Moroni Came!, states:. In Latter Day Saint belief, Moroni was resurrected after his death and became an angel who directed Joseph Smith to the location of the buried golden plates in … Many resurrected beings, such as Peter, James, Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist, have appeared in this dispensation, but Moroni is by far the most frequent heavenly visitor and the one whose activities are best preserved in the literature. (See Rev. 31 He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. Amen (Moroni 7:45-48). Theories that Moroni could have actually been something other than an angel sent by God Summary: Some critics have charged that Moroni, the resurrected prophet who gave the Book of Mormon plates to Joseph Smith, was really an angel of Satan.They base this charge on two passages in the New Testament: 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 and Galatians 1:8. Thank you for your question. Moroni’s message of the everlasting gospel is preached to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Some critics of Mormonism have charged that Moroni — the resurrected prophet who gave the Book of Mormon plates to Joseph Smith — was really an angel of Satan. Moroni, according to the teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an angel or resurrected being who appeared to Joseph Smith on September 21, 1823, to inform him that he had been chosen to restore God’s church on earth. Knowing especially how the resurrected Lord appeared among the Nephites, Mormon and Moroni were able to select and shape the final text of the Book of Mormon to rightly emphasize Jesus as its principal figure. It was part of the responsibility given to him to care for the Book of Mormon. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. So, Moroni could have been a disembodied spirit, but I believe that he was a resurrected being. It was a visitation. This is not a forum for general discussion of the article's subject. 33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. How does a human become an angel? John W. 32 Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. Moroni 1. This is the last of my seven-part discussion of Mormon's sermon in Moroni 7. His return is a symbol of resurrection overcoming death. Personally, I really enjoy Joseph Smith’s description of Moroni during their first interaction: 30 While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor. As an angel of God, a messenger from heaven, this glorious personage visited Joseph Smith in physical reality. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. It is important to note that the scriptures speak of a class of persons who failed to obey the gospel and will not be exalted but become angels in eternity. Knowing especially how the resurrected Lord appeared among the Nephites, Mormon and Moroni were able to select and shape the final text of the Book of Mormon to rightly emphasize Jesus as its principal figure. He instructed the young prophet each year from 1823 to 1827 (JS—H 1:54) and finally delivered the plates to him in 1827 (JS—H 1:59). Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. It appears that in order to behold the angel Moroni in his resurrected glory, the Three Witnesses were similarly transfigured. Moroni the Angel of Light. Over 1,000 years later, he ministered to Joseph Smith as a resurrected being. Moroni the Angel of Light. So what really is the meaning and purpose of our temples? Close. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Moroni-religious-figure, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Update; “And so it begins. Over the space of four years Joseph claimed to have had multiple lengthy dialogues with a resurrected Nephite who had actually authored the Book of Ether and the Book of Moroni. As was noted in Part 1 of this series of KnoWhys, readers of the Book of Mormon have always been aware of the existence of quotations from, allusions to, and echoes of biblical passages throughout the Book of Mormon. Two physical beings communed together—with Moroni, a resurrected person of flesh and bones, emerging from the eternal veil and paying repeated and never-to-be-forgotten visits to this mortal farm boy, Joseph Smith. Note: spelling is in original. I don't think any from this earth have been exalted yet since this earth is supposed to be the Celestial Kingdom. Was Moroni a resurrected being when he came to Joseph Smith? Over the space of four years Joseph claimed to have had multiple lengthy dialogues with a resurrected Nephite who had actually authored the Book of Ether and the Book of Moroni. Recommended Resources Learn about the Book of Mormon with verse by verse commentaries from renowned Book of Mormon scholars like John W. Welch and Brant A. Gardner in the ScripturePlus app. Who is Moroni? This KnoWhy (Part 2) explores the possibility of New Testament language entering into the Book of Mormon through Christ’s teachings to the Nephites. It was a visitation. LDS teaching is that the morning of the First Resurrection has already started; evidently it will go on for years: After Jesus Christ rose from the dead, other righteous people who had died were also resurrected. 18. Corrections? The resurrected Moroni met with Joseph Smith during more than 20 documented occasions between 1823 – 1829. On those plates were written history and teachings about ancient American prophets and peoples; it was that knowledge that Smith recorded in the Book of Mormon (see Mormon, Book of), which became accepted as a holy scripture by the Mormon church. The missionaries told me that Joseph Smith got the plates from an angel called Moroni. How do you reconcile scriptures Hebrews 12:6 with D&C 121:42-43? Some mortals are like angels (for examples, see Numbers 20:14; 21:21; 22:5). Resurrected: Jesus, Peter James, John, John the Baptist, Moroni; Some at the same time Jesus was resurrected. He was one of the original prophet/historians to contribute to the Book of Mormon, being … One such occasion is shared in Restoration of the Priesthood: May 15, 1829. East: the direction of the rising sun; a symbol of the resurrection as well as the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; a sign of renewal and rebirth and new life. Summary: It is claimed that when Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith in his room on September 21, 1823, his siblings who were sleeping in the same room should have woken up.They claim that this is evidence that Joseph's story is false. The heavens were open once more and as part of that, resurrected beings, like Moroni, John and others began fulfilling specific assignments critical to the restoration of the Church. 12 Since he was resurrected prior to Christ's second coming, the LDS view Moroni as having been a just man who will, if he has not already done so, enter into godhood. ; Please sign and date your posts by typing four tildes ( ~~~~). Joseph Smith taught that Moroni is a resurrected being. As members, we were recently encouraged by President Nelson to reread the account of the First Vision as found in Joseph Smith – History. Why didn't Joseph Smith's siblings wake up during Moroni's visit? So what really is the meaning and purpose of our temples? It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. Many people no longer believe in the ministry of angels. Moroni, according to the teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an angel or resurrected being who appeared to Joseph Smith on September 21, 1823, to inform him that he had been chosen to restore God’s church on earth. Posted in Moroni, tagged angel of light, another gospel, bible, Book of Mormon, false doctrines of Mormonism, Galatians 1:6-9, joseph smith, Moroni a resurrected dead prophet, necromancy, Nephites on 08/25/2013| Leave a Comment » Why is it important to know that I’m from the tribe of Ephraim? (See JS—H 1:30–54.) This is where Catholics and Mormons have (yet another) big difference. The following resume may partially answer the question. Ask questions, get answers. Posted in Moroni, tagged angel of light, another gospel, bible, Book of Mormon, false doctrines of Mormonism, Galatians 1:6-9, joseph smith, Moroni a resurrected dead prophet, necromancy, Nephites on 08/25/2013| Leave a Comment » Moroni's visit: spirit versus resurrected being Summary: Critics are anxious to paint Joseph's early experiences as linked to "magick" or treasure seeking.They thus argue that Joseph Smith described his first angelic visitor as "a dream" in which "a spirit" visited him three times in one night. In the next few small chapters, Moroni gives clear direction on how to give specific priesthood ordinances. In this chapter, he writes down Christ’s exact words and actions to His apostles in the new world when He visited the Nephites after His Resurrection. It will be Peter, James, John, Moroni, or some one who has or will receive the keys of the resurrection. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. (See JS—H 1:30–54.). But God does! One might wonder why (and be grateful that!) How would you explain or describe spiritual maturity? Because the lesson focuses in part on the Resurrection, it reminded me of the post below that I wrote a while ago but didn’t publish. They appeared in Jerusalem and also on the American continent (see Matthew 27:52 53; 3 Nephi 23:9). Welcome! Moroni fulfilled two biblical prophecies by coming to Joseph Smith. This timing made it strictly a modern affair. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Navigate parenthood with the help of the Raising Curious Learners podcast. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me. In 1823 Moroni was sent as a resurrected being to reveal the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith (D&C 27:5; JS—H 1:30–42, 45). Moroni also recorded prophecies of the brother of jared, a Jaredite prophet, who helped lead his colony to the New World. He gave them power to confirm and give members the Holy Ghost. The Know. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org. Perhaps we all can learn something from his use of his time, and from his final priorities. Later Book of Mormon writers knew of the fulfillment of the promises and prophecies of the earlier generations of Nephite prophets. He lived on the ancient American continent. Why is Moroni an angel and not in the Celestial Kingdom? Hi friends! Having read about baptism for the remission of sins as they worked on the translation of the gold plates, Joseph Smith and his scribe Oliver Cowdery went to a secluded area to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter. The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. FairMormon Answers Wiki Table of Contents. Joseph could have just taken notes. Posted by 2 years ago. Moroni is quickly identified as a symbol of the restoration of the gospel by members and nonmembers alike. His head and neck were also bare. Journal of Wilford Woodruff 4:246-427 “Who will resurrect Josephs Body? They claim Moroni was a captain in the army at the time of the Nephites who had been resurrected into an angel of light that appeared to Smith in 1823. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. FairMormon Answers Wiki Table of Contents. Updates? As his last days approached, it becomes apparent what his primary concerns were. It was part of the responsibility given to him to care for the Book of Mormon. Can a person inherit the Celestial Kingdom if previously excommunicated. There are many reasons why east is a strong symbol for Latter-day Saints and for all cultures. Moroni counseled with … Read this week's KnoWhy connected with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and watch a video elucidating an insight in this week's scripture reading. ; New to Wikipedia? The answer is a clear – yes! After completing the translation Joseph Smith returned the plates to Moroni. LDS believe that angels are resurrected beings from this planet, especially in Moroni’s case. I too would encourage you to read the events found in Joseph Smith’s – History, and be reminded of what glorious and pivotal moments those were in the history of mankind. My … For a chart outlining said visits, click here. John further said that this angel would fly in the “hour of [God’s] judgment” , which could only mean the latter days. Moroni took up writing again after having twice written endings and farewells at the end of Mormon 9 and Ether 15. As a mortal, he completed the compilation and writing of the Book of Mormon. I’m publishing it now because the fake Moroni-Mary Whitmer story contradicts the basic teachings of the resurrection, as we’ll discuss below. Omissions? I thought Mormons believed in becoming gods, not angels? Moroni is thought by Latter Day Saints to be the same person as a Book of Mormon prophet-warrior named Moroni, who was the last to write in the golden plates. As we remember it today, we declare our solemn testimony to all mankind that, indeed, Moroni did come! On the Church’s website it states the following: In 1823 Moroni was sent as a resurrected being to reveal the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith. They claim Moroni was a captain in the army at the time of the Nephites who had been resurrected into an angel of light that appeared to Smith in 1823. I believe this is why Moroni faces east. Moroni’s message of the everlasting gospel is preached to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (See JS—H 1:30–54.) John the Baptist, a resurrected being, came to them as “a messenger from heaven … in a cloud of light.” He conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood. Moroni (/ m ə ˈ r oʊ n aɪ /), according to the Book of Mormon, was the last Nephite prophet, historian, and military commander who lived in the Americas in the late fourth and early fifth centuries.He is later known as the Angel Moroni, who presented the golden plates to Joseph Smith, who translated the plates upon which the Book of Mormon was originally written. Many people no longer believe in the ministry of angels. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Mortals. His return is a symbol of resurrection overcoming death. Similar to Moroni, other resurrected messengers would also later visit Joseph Smith, one of which was John the Baptist. This is the talk page for discussing improvements to the Angel Moroni article. Moroni supposedly lived around from the late fourth to early fifth century; he was the last prophet who led troops of … I believe this is why Moroni faces east. If the Prophet’s account had been a fraud, he never would have stated such a story (as we may be sure he … There are many reasons why east is a strong symbol for Latter-day Saints and for all cultures. This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). Update Easter, April 12, 2020.