H. Donl Peterson, a native of Lehi, Utah, received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and a doctorate in education from Washington State University. He was an instructor and administrator in the Church's seminary and institute of religion programs before joining the religion faculty at BYU in 1964.

Brother Peterson's many assignments in religious education included Pearl of Great Price director; coordinator of Book of Mormon Studies; director of travel studies to the Holy Land and to Book of Mormon lands in Mexico and Central America; and director of semester-abroad programs and Know Your Religion lecture series. He contributed to Church magazines, manuals, and scholarly journals, and was the author of study guides and books on the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Mormon.

In the Church, H. Donl Peterson served in many positions, including terms as bishop of three wards, high councilor in three stakes, and president of the BYU 15th Stake. He and his wife, the former Mary Lou Schenk, are the parents of four sons and two daughters. Before his death in 1994, he requested that Moroni - Ancient Prophet, Modern Messenger be reprinted to include revisions and insights he had recorded in its margins since its original publication in 1983. This book is a result of that request.