Joseph Smith/Seer stones

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What is the relationship between Joseph's seer stone and the Urim and Thummim?

Topics

Urim and Thummim and seer stones

Summary: Joseph Smith used the Nephite Interpreters as well as his own seer stone (both of which were later referred to as "Urim and Thummim") to translate the Book of Mormon.

Joseph's use of the seer stone as a youth

Summary: How did Joseph use his seer stone as a youth?

What was the "Urim and Thummim" used by Joseph to translate the plates? Was it the Nephite interpreters or the seer stone?

Summary: What physical aids were employed by the Prophet during translation?

"Rock in hat" used for Book of Mormon translation: Why did Joseph use the same stone for translating that he used for "money digging?"

Summary: Joseph was given a set of Nephite interpreters along with the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was produced. In addition, Joseph already possessed and utilized several seer stones. Although Joseph began translating the Book of Mormon using the Nephite interpreters, he later switched to using one of his seer stones to complete the translation. Critics (typically those who reject Mormonism but still believe in God) reject the idea that God would approve the use of an instrument for translation that had previously been used for "money digging."

Joseph Fielding Smith did not believe that Joseph used the seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon

Summary: Joseph Fielding Smith stated that he did not believe that Joseph Smith used his own seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon instead of exclusively using the Nephite interperters.

Interpreter source statements

Summary: Statements related to the Nephite interpreters, seer stones and Urim and Thummim

Book of Mormon translation method source quotes

Summary: A listing of quotes from both friendly and hostile primary sources, by date, discussing the translation process

The "white stone" that will be given to everyone when they enter the Celestial kingdom.

Summary: D&C 130: 10-12 talks of a "white stone" that will be given to everyone who enters the Celestial kingdom. What does this refer to since seer stones were considered no longer necessary by Joseph Smith.

Which method of translation is more "believable": Seer stone or Nephite interpreters?

Summary: Critics of the Church imply that the use of a seer stone to translate the Book of Mormon is less "believable" than the use of the Nephite interpreters.

Did Joseph Smith place the Nephite interpreters in his hat?

Summary: We know that Joseph placed his own seer stone in his hat to block out the light. Did Joseph place the Nephite interpreters, commonly known today as the "Urim and Thummim," in his hat as well? There is evidence that he did.