[Zakeet]

Joseph Smith translated the alleged Golden Plates not with the Urim and thummin, but with....get this.....yes, Southpark was quite accurate.......putting a rock in his hat, pulling the hat over his face, so as to exclude all light, and speaking words that were then written down by his scribes.

You mean, like this?

Actually, according to Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith:

That of which I spoke, which Joseph termed a key, was indeed, nothing more nor less than the Urim and Thummim, and it was by this that the angel showed him many things which he saw in vision; by which he could ascertain, at any time, the approach of danger, either to himself or the Record, and on account of which he always kept the Urim and Thummim about his person. (Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet and his Progenitors for Many Generations, page 106)

And Mother Smith said she got a good look at Urim and Thummim:

I knew not what he meant, but took the article of which he spoke into my hands, and, upon examination, found that it consisted of two smooth three-cornered diamonds set in glass, and the glasses were set in silver bows, which were connected with each other in much the same way as old fashioned spectacles. He took them again and left me, but said nothing respecting the Record. (Biographical Sketches, page 101)

Of course, still others believe Joseph plagiarized the Book of Mormon from OTHER SOURCES.

So, what did Joseph use? A peep stone, peep spectacles, or plagiary? I urge you to examine the evidence and make up your own mind.

[nesnah]

Read Book 1:

http://www.globusz.com/ebooks/Mormons/00000010.htm

Fascinating theory. One that I can see being highly likely.

[broncobilly]

I think your posts on Mormonism are dispicable. But setting that aside, let me give you some hints on your last mocking post.

Suppose someone prays and wants to receive inspiration or knowledge from God. Would they go down to Times Square to say the prayer and feel the promptings of the Spirit? They would probably want to be in private. They may not even want the light around them distracting them. They might want to close their eyes to cut out the world also. They may even be the kind of a person that likes a talisman to help them concentrate, say a cross or a rosary or hold the Bible. What ever works is of no concern. The only thing that is important is whether or not you are able to open your mind up to God and sense his will.

Now mock that if you wish. And if you mock it, try not to remember that you have done so when you pray and expect inspiration from a God who is loving and understanding to his children

[fproy2222]

So, what did Joseph use? {removed inflammatory words that are designed to lead the reader into the writers narrow view.} I urge you to examine the evidence and make up your own mind.

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Thank you, that is all we ask.