Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial

by L. Hannah Stoddard, James F. Stoddard III

"Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial" places the Book of Mormon translation on trial, presenting the latest research in one of the most comprehensive treatments of the translation process to date providing encouragement for Latter-day Saints who fear they have been “betrayed” by the translation history taught by the Church for over 190 years. Has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covered up its history for nearly 200 years? Did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon using a dark seer stone in a hat? Why are progressive historians creating a new history using sources from a man who vowed to wash his hands in the blood of Joseph Smith, while boasting that he had deceived the Prophet and his God? Was Joseph Smith a treasure digger? During his life, did the Prophet artfully suppress his alleged treasure digging past? Did Joseph Smith cover up his use of a seer stone during the translation, feigning use of the Urim and Thummim? What new information has The Joseph Smith Papers Project uncovered that challenges our understanding of the translation process? Is David Whitmer a credible witness of the Book of Mormon translation? Did you know that David Whitmer consulted a witch and occultic seer stones, denounced Joseph Smith as a false prophet and aided the mob in the persecution of the Missouri Saints? Was Joseph Smith involved in sorcery, astrology and ritual magic? Did Joseph Smith study and master the Nephite language? Did the Prophet tutor some of the early Brethren in ancient Nephite characters?

Genres: Religion, History, Church, Nonfiction

244 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2019

Reviews

[Brad N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful! I give this all the stars I can! I believe with all my heart every home should have a copy of this book to combat the lies that are being taught to our children, and our grandchildren. This book did such a wonderful job showing how BOGUS this “new narrative” is about the hat and seer stone, where the lies began, and how it is coming forth.
President Packer said it best when he, himself, took on the scholars/historians when he said “ That historian or scholar who delights in pointing out the weakness and frailties of present or past leaders destroys faith. A destroyer of faith—particularly one within the Church, and more particularly one who is employed specifically to build faith—places himself in great spiritual jeopardy. He is serving the wrong master, and unless he repents, he will not be among the faithful in the eternities.

One who chooses to follow the tenets of his profession, regardless of how they may injure the Church or destroy the faith of those not ready for “advanced history,” is himself in spiritual jeopardy. If that one is a member of the Church, he has broken his covenants and will be accountable. After all of the tomorrows of mortality have been finished, he will not stand where he might have stood.”

I am so grateful to the Joseph Smith Foundation for writing this book with a desire to help those who are losing their testimony. This book is written so plainly for our children to have, and it is chalked full of sources to go to. Not, like other books that just quote anti-Mormon literature, old court records, or apostates, or even worse…. themselves! When you begin a serious read, there arises a great desire to go and help others learn the truth and to defend Joseph’s name. The prophet Joseph is more than we know, he is not equal to us, and should not be taken down from the pedestal God put him on. These attacks on Joseph will stop when each family reads this book and says it is enough and begins to live his teachings with exactness!

[Christopher Angulo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded a lot of the Lincoln Hypothesis. While I appreciate a strong point of view, it was not well articulated or crafted. The book casts aside many secondhand accounts because they weren't Joseph Smith, in the Doctrine and Covenants, or they hated the church. The book uses Elder McConkie and, then, church historian Joseph Fielding Smith, to support their argument, but disregard current church historians because they have different views than those of the past. The reading is quick, it has great info, but you have to burn through the tares to get the gems.

[Christopher Angulo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded a lot of the Lincoln Hypothesis. While I appreciate a strong point of view, it was not well articulated or crafted. The book casts aside many secondhand accounts because they weren't Joseph Smith, in the Doctrine and Covenants, or they hated the church. The book uses Elder McConkie and, then, church historian Joseph Fielding Smith, to support their argument, but disregard current church historians because they have different views than those of the past. The reading is quick, it has great info, but you have to burn through the tares to get the gems.

[Margaret J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an epic book exemplifying the importance of knowing the true narrative of the translation of the Book of Mormon. It presents the testimony of the authoritative witnesses for the truth that this “book of books” was truly translated by Joseph Smith using the ancient Nephite record, by means of the instrument prepared by the Lord for its translation, the Urim and Thummim, which was deposited with the plates. The extensive research in this book demonstrates the falseness and absurdity of the narrative that the plates were not even looked at during the translation process, because Joseph looked at a stone in a hat, and that the original proponents of this narrative were either anti-Mormons or apostates. For all who have struggled with this recent “stone in a hat” spurious narrative, which is causing many thousands to lose their faith in the Book of Mormon and the Prophet Joseph Smith, this book provides real evidence for Joseph Smith’s consistent and unequivocal witness, which the Prophet Joseph stated over and over again, that “through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift and power of God.”

[Kaylene Stoddard]

This book does a fabulous job explaining something that has puzzled me for a while. It walks you through the history of this topic and reviews most of the relevant sources and how progressives have used the sources they wanted to promote their agenda. The book shows how many of the sources that progressives use to promote the seer stone in a hat narrative are not credible, particularly to those of faith. Overall very well documented and captivating book. Highly recommend it!!

[Amy Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn't a long book, but it was packed with information that I found fascinating. I love the research that went into this book and how well everything was cited because it gives the reader the opportunity to dive in deeper if they want to. There was so much information given and the historical sources cited were ones that I have never read before. It provided to much clarity to a topic that historians can't seem to agree on. I wish I could give it six stars!

[Richard Genck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Bushman, eat your apostates heart out

It's incredible to see Bushman's heretical work so thoroughly undone. Most effective was destroying the credibility of David Whitmer and Mormonism Unveiled. It's disgusting that Bushman uses them as authoritative sources when they are both so contradictory and unreliable.

Well done to the Stoddard's and the Joseph Smith Foundation for this great book.

[Threesa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes an open look at all historical accounts and allows the reader to answer their own questions. Every source is searchable, and I looked them all up. The writers were honest in how they used sources and quotes.
For anyone with questions or who wants to understand, I highly recommend this book.

[Wade Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Loved it. Well thought out, researched, presented, and expertly argued. To defeat an opponent, one must recognize and identify the opponent, and the Stoddards have done so adeptly. If you've hit some shoals or find yourself in deep water due to some internet nonsense, have a read. You won't regret it.

[Emma Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents recently gave me a copy of this book. It has been a powerful read. I encourage all with questions to study this book and the sources behind it. It will strengthen your testimony.

[Ronald Gudnason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book that was an eye opener to me. A must read for all who are interested in the Book of Mormon and how it came forth.

[Jonathan Pugmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent rebuttal to the Seer Stone fallacies. I highly recommend if you have questions about the manner in which the Book of Mormon was translated.

[Brent McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A narrative told by your enemies is never true. This sets the record straight by taking you down the rabbit hole of exposing progressive deconstruction techniques.
Sadly, Bushman and people like him have chosen "the testimony of traitors". I understand why the "Brethren" have, since Joseph, avoided engagement. The real record is clear and you can't reason someone out of a position they didn't reason themselves into.
What is heartbreaking is the state of academics at an institution I help fund. The warnings have been clear and consistent, yet they just motor on.
What L. Hannah Stoddard has produced should be on the desk of every LDS student. Why is it that in every epoch of human civilization, when the gospel is restored their demise is always the political scholar? "It is not reasonable..." as said in Helaman.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was spectacular! Clear, well-documented. It should be required reading for our youth! It is beyond disturbing that our own Church History Department and Church Education promotes these ridiculous stories (as put forward by the "progressive historians") to the detriment of our members. My copy is all marked up! Thank you, Stoddards, for standing up for truth!

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clarification of the actual sources and voices that have inadvertently or intentionally been hearkened to by those who promote a "seer stone in a hat" translation.
Thorough research and faithful voice.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the "trial" format of this book. What better way to present the facts for this information?
I will be looking forward to other books by these authors.