Overview
This module explores the early life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the origins of the Book of Mormon. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that influenced Smith’s early years and the religious landscape of early 19th-century America.
Objectives
- Understand the early life of Joseph Smith and the factors that shaped his religious views and leadership.
- Explore the historical and cultural context surrounding the origins of the Book of Mormon.
- Analyze the impact of Smith’s visions and the Book of Mormon on the religious community in Palmyra and beyond.
- Critically examine the sources and narratives surrounding the origins of the Book of Mormon.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Joseph Smith’s Formative Years
- Topics Covered: Joseph Smith’s family background, his upbringing in Palmyra, and the socio-economic conditions of his early life.
- Activities: Students will create a timeline of Smith’s early life, highlighting key events and their potential impacts on his later religious teachings.
Lesson 2: The First Vision and Religious Revelations
- Topics Covered: The story of Smith’s first vision, its significance in the Latter-day Saint faith, and the religious climate of the Second Great Awakening.
- Activities: A discussion group focusing on primary source accounts of Smith’s visions and contemporary reactions from the community.
Lesson 3: The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
- Topics Covered: The events leading up to the translation of the Book of Mormon, including Smith’s discovery of the golden plates and his interactions with angelic figures.
- Activities: Students will analyze excerpts from Smith’s accounts and other contemporary reports to understand the narrative and controversies around the golden plates.
Lesson 4: Opposition and Support in Palmyra
- Topics Covered: The varied reactions from the Palmyra community to Joseph Smith’s claims and the burgeoning Mormon movement, including support and significant opposition.
- Activities: Role-playing exercises where students take on the roles of different community members (supporters, skeptics, clergy, family) to debate the implications of Smith’s revelations.
Lesson 5: The Publication of the Book of Mormon
- Topics Covered: The process of translating and publishing the Book of Mormon, the role of collaborators like Martin Harris, and the significance of the printed work to the faith’s spread.
- Activities: A case study of the printing process, including challenges faced and the role of the local printing press in Palmyra.
Assessments
- Participation in timeline creation, discussions, and role-playing.
- A short essay analyzing different perspectives on the origins of the Book of Mormon.
- A group presentation detailing the publication process and initial reception of the Book of Mormon.
Materials and Resources
- Primary and secondary source documents about Joseph Smith’s early life and the origins of the Book of Mormon.
- Copies of early writings and publications by Smith and his contemporaries.
- Access to digital archives for in-depth research on the period.
Instructor Notes
- Encourage students to consider the reliability of various sources and the role of personal bias in historical narratives.
- Provide guidance on how to engage respectfully in discussions about religious beliefs and their historical impacts.
This module aims to deepen students’ understanding of a pivotal figure in American religious history and the foundational text of a major faith, set against the backdrop of a transformative period in American religious and cultural life.