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

L. Hannah Stoddard · James F. Stoddard III

Apr 2019 · Joseph Smith Foundation

About this ebook

Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim 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. 

Did Joseph Smith study and master the Nephite language? Did the Prophet tutor some of the early Brethren in ancient Nephite characters?

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?

Has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covered up its history for nearly 200 years?

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?

“Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim makes a great case for simply going ‘back to the basics’! That is, accepting the translation of the Book of Mormon as Joseph said it was done, as opposed to how others claim it was done. It is well researched and very enlightening and a must read for those who are willing to accept the words of Joseph and other prophets at face value.” —Kay M Godfrey, Author, Joseph Smith Epoch Historian

“As you read this book, it will validate your knowledge that the Book of Mormon is a real history of a real people. The Stoddards have once again born witness that Joseph Smith was and is truly our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. You will love this book.” —Rian Nelson, Author and speaker, FIRM Foundation

“The Stoddards present a thorough and careful analysis of the numerous errors and sometimes outright falsehoods that have crept into many of the translation narratives, even some by respected scholars, who relied on changing accounts from both fallible acquaintances and also outright enemies.” —Leslie Pearson Rees, Author, “Ye Have Been Hid: Finding the Lost Tribes of Israel”

Ratings and reviews

I grew up loving the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. I wanted to have experiences like his. When the seer stone narrative came out, I was confused by it. It's not what I was taught all my life. I struggled with my testimony of Joseph Smith Jr. and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. I knew the Book of Mormon was true, I had a strong faith, tested over many years. So I went looking for the truth. After reading this book, I understand what the problem is, where I went wrong, and my faith in Joseph Smith Jr. has been strengthened. I love Joseph more than ever. Thank you to the Authors for their good works. This book is virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praise worthy. I recommend you seek after it and use its footnotes to strengthen your own testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.

This is such a compelling book I couldn't put it down. It tells why it's so important to understand how the Book of Mormon was translated. The testimonies of the authoritative witnesses are presented demonstrating the truth that the Book of Mormon 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.”

About the author

Joseph Smith Foundation director, author, film producer, speaker

L. Hannah Stoddard is the co-author of Seer Stone v. Urim & Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial and Faith Crisis, Volume 1: We Were NOT Betrayed!. She is the producer or director of seven documentary films.

Nephites in Europe (2019)

Hidden Bloodlines: The Grail & the Lost Tribes in the Lands of the North (2017)

Statesmen & Symbols: Prelude to the Restoration

Unlocking the Mystery of the Two Prophets: Revelation 11 Part 1 (2017)

For Our Day: Covenant on the Land (2013)

For Our Day: Divinely Sanctioned Governments (2013)

The Prophet Joseph: More than we know (2015)

In addition to directing Joseph Smith Foundation projects for over a decade, she is often invited to speak on various radio and video programs. Hannah helped direct her first documentary film, beginning at age 16. She has worked as a history and literature teacher, graphic design artist, software developer, videographer, project manager, agriculturist and research assistant. Her work focuses on Church history and doctrine, answers to Latter-day Saint faith crisis questions, educational philosophy, culture and defending the Prophet Joseph Smith.

James F. Stoddard III is the father of 10 children. He is a direct descendant of Asael and Mary Duty Smith, the Prophet Joseph Smith's grandparents, and other LDS Church history figures. He is the president of the Joseph Smith Foundation, including Latter-day Answers, ZionTube, FAQs, Papers, InspiraWiki and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He is the co-author of Seer Stone v. Urim & Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial and Faith Crisis, Volume 1: We Were NOT Betrayed!, as well as the producer or executive producer of eight documentary films.

Nephites in Europe (2019)

Hidden Bloodlines: The Grail & the Lost Tribes in the Lands of the North (2017)

Statesmen & Symbols: Prelude to the Restoration

Unlocking the Mystery of the Two Prophets: Revelation 11 Part 1 (2017)

For Our Day: Covenant on the Land (2013)

For Our Day: Divinely Sanctioned Governments (2013)

The Prophet Joseph: More than we know (2015)

Creation and Evolution: A Witness of Prophets (2007)

James has worked in private, public, religious, corporate and home education as well as Web development, software engineering, videography and natural health. He is the owner of IntegriVizion, a family business specializing in film production, Web development and graphic design. James spends any free moments working on Highland Cathedral Estate, a planned family retreat and learning facility with perennial gardens and walking trails specializing in experimental farming techniques and four-season food production. He currently serves on the Firm Foundation Executive Advisory and Strategic Planning Board. He also authors many papers and articles on the Web. James has worked as a release time Seminary teacher and as an instructor at the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC).