8. The Book of Mormon

Date: 1830
Nationality: American
Translator: Joseph Smith Jr.
Medium: Inspired Text

The Book of Mormon was translated through divine inspiration by the prophet Joseph Smith.  He was born during a time of great religious turmoil.  He studied the Bible and reasoned that if he wanted to know the truth, then he should ask for it, as James 1:5 states.  He asked for direction as to which church was true, and through his questioning, he was led to The Book of Mormon and translated it by the power of God.  He then spent the remainder of his life establishing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under Heavenly Father's direction.  The  Church has grown to membership of over 14 million people worldwide, and it is the fastest growing religion in the world.  I believe this is the ultimate expression of learning, because I believe The Book of Mormon to be the word of God.  It has had an incredible impact in millions of lives, and the application of the inspiration that Joseph Smith received has had and will have effects of infinite importance.  I feel that our civilization would benefit from having this divine work for study and understanding, and application in our own lives.  It can be a source of learning, and an example of the importance of intuition, as defined in the introduction.