The Joseph Smith Foundation is about as Chapel Mormon as possible. It is a well-funded organization and it is now officially taking the position that Joseph Smith never used the seer stone in translating the Book of Mormon, in direct contradiction to the current teachings of the church.
The Joseph Smith Foundation relies on statements from past prophets that proclaim the Book of Mormon was translated using the Urim and Thummim. They even go so far as to label any LDS historian that doesn't agree as "progressive" and "trying to change the historical narrative."
The church only has itself to blame. If the church had been honest about the translation process, there wouldn't be so much confusion and contradictory statements from leaders for the last 150 years.
A New Narrative
Progressive LDS historians are trying to change the historical narrative regarding the translation process. They claim:
- For most of the translation, Joseph Smith used a seer stone which he placed in a hat.
- Joseph obtained his “seer stone” years before he obtained the plates. Before he used his seer stone for translating the gold plates, he used it to find hidden objects and buried treasure.
- The gold plates were not used during most of the translation, but lay covered with a cloth on the table or concealed somewhere in the house, or even outside.
I have to laugh every time I see DCP balk at the historical inaccuracy of these folks on the seer stone or polygamy.
He takes great offense when Mormon fundamentalists claim that Joseph wasn’t a polygamist, and didn’t use a seer stone. But Dan still believes that Hebrews sailed to America in 600BC. And that others came in some sort of wooden submarine.
I would liken it to a flat Earther being outraged by someone who thinks the moon landing was faked. Look in the mirror!
Either get rid of all your ridiculous beliefs that don’t comport with reality, or have a little humility and acknowledge that these Mormons are entitled to their beliefs in spite of the evidence just as you are, Daniel.
The Joseph Smith Foundation is about as Chapel Mormon as possible.
They also believe Joseph never practiced polygamy too, right?
I'm not sure I'd say they're chapel Mormons. But hypothetically if we were to say they were...they've gotten something wrong in one instance. Something big.
Are you sure you want to use them as a reputable source in all instances?
The Joseph Smith Foundation is about as Chapel Mormon as possible.
They also believe Joseph never practiced polygamy too, right?
I'm not sure I'd say they're chapel Mormons. But hypothetically if we were to say they were...they've gotten something wrong in one instance. Something big.
Are you sure you want to use them as a reputable source in all instances?
Regards,
MG
MG, they do believe that Joseph practiced polygamy. You should actually read the link in my OP, then feel free to distort the facts at your leisure. Here is a link showing their belief that Joseph did indeed practice polygamy: https://josephsmithfoundation.org/josep ... Mi4wLjAuMA..
Last edited by Everybody Wang Chung on Thu Mar 06, 2025 1:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."
They also believe Joseph never practiced polygamy too, right?
I'm not sure I'd say they're chapel Mormons. But hypothetically if we were to say they were...they've gotten something wrong in one instance. Something big.
Regards,
MG
I have to say that I agree with MG in this instance. I think they are more akin to the Original Mormons, who were deceptive in all instances, rather than Chapel Mormons, who go along with deception because it is what they learned as part of an established tradition.
There's a big difference between being an active accomplice in a religious scheme and a mere dupe. Chapel Mormons are wonderful and kind people who do good in the world.
They also believe Joseph never practiced polygamy too, right?
I'm not sure I'd say they're chapel Mormons. But hypothetically if we were to say they were...they've gotten something wrong in one instance. Something big.
Are you sure you want to use them as a reputable source in all instances?
Regards,
MG
MG, they do believe that Joseph practiced polygamy. You should actually read the link in my OP, then feel free to distort the facts at your leisure. Here is a link showing their belief that Joseph did indeed practice polygamy: https://josephsmithfoundation.org/josep ... Mi4wLjAuMA..
Ok. I was going on what I thought I remembered from listening to a youtube channel called 132 problems with Mormon Polygamy, or something like that. Sorry about the misinformation and thank you for the correction.
False memory syndrome. I should have checked more carefully.
MG, they do believe that Joseph practiced polygamy. You should actually read the link in my OP, then feel free to distort the facts at your leisure. Here is a link showing their belief that Joseph did indeed practice polygamy: https://josephsmithfoundation.org/josep ... Mi4wLjAuMA..
Ok. I was going on what I thought I remembered from listening to a youtube channel called 132 problems with Mormon Polygamy, or something like that. Sorry about the misinformation and thank you for the correction.
False memory syndrome. I should have checked more carefully.
Regards,
MG
No problem MG. Glad to see you preaching here again.
Myth is misused by the powerful to subjugate the masses all too often.
Ok. I was going on what I thought I remembered from listening to a youtube channel called 132 problems with Mormon Polygamy, or something like that. Sorry about the misinformation and thank you for the correction.
False memory syndrome. I should have checked more carefully.
Regards,
MG
No problem MG. Glad to see you preaching here again.
They also believe Joseph never practiced polygamy too, right?
I'm not sure I'd say they're chapel Mormons. But hypothetically if we were to say they were...they've gotten something wrong in one instance. Something big.
Regards,
MG
I have to say that I agree with MG in this instance. I think they are more akin to the Original Mormons, who were deceptive in all instances, rather than Chapel Mormons, who go along with deception because it is what they learned as part of an established tradition.
There's a big difference between being an active accomplice in a religious scheme and a mere dupe. Chapel Mormons are wonderful and kind people who do good in the world.
Well said.
Premise 1. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable.
Premise 2. The best evidence for the Book of Mormon is eyewitness testimony.
Conclusion. Therefore, the best evidence for the Book of Mormon is notoriously unreliable.
