Standard of Truth Podcast – “Mailbag: Seer Stones, Witnesses, and Translation” Introduction The episode discusses questions from listeners, including a doctrinal/historical question: Did Joseph Smith use a seer stone as well as the Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon? This question has become increasingly common, and in recent years, some members of … Read more
Statements from the Three Witnesses: (Primarily Martin Harris) Introduction In this episode, the discussion returns to the essential question of the Book of Mormon witnesses—what they said, when they said it, and how their testimonies developed across their lives. As always, the podcast approaches early Church history through original historical sources, highlighting the lived experience … Read more
The Setting of the Revelation to the Three Witnesses Doctrine and Covenants 17 arises during the final phase of the Book of Mormon translation in 1829, a moment when Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris longed to fulfill the ancient prophecy recorded in Ether 5. Joseph Smith used the interpreters—later called the Urim and … Read more
Introduction The sword of Laban is one of the most iconic artifacts mentioned in the Book of Mormon. While modern Latter-day Saints often associate it with visionary experiences reported by early Church leaders, its historical role begins in Nephi’s narrative and extends through centuries of Nephite history. This episode explores what can be known from … Read more