What Happened to Joseph Smith’s Stone Box? - LDS Discussions Pt. 71 | Ep. 2126

What Happened to Joseph Smith’s Stone Box? - LDS Discussions Pt. 71 | Ep. 2126

Author: Mormon Stories Podcast March 19, 2026 Duration: 2:06:42

In his official 1838 history, Joseph Smith described discovering the golden plates inside a carefully constructed stone box in the Hill Cumorah. According to his account, the box contained the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and a breastplate.But what happened to that stone box?In this episode of LDS Discussions, we take a deep dive into the historical record surrounding the stone box narrative. We compare Joseph Smith’s 1838 history with earlier and later accounts, statements from witnesses like David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery, and later retellings from leaders such as Brigham Young.We explore:-What Joseph Smith said was inside the box-Whether early Saints believed there was MORE than one box-Claims about swords, the Liahona, and other Nephite artifacts-The evolution of the story over time-Whether codex-style plates create anachronistic problems-The “magic worldview” shared by early Mormon leaders-Comparisons to treasure-digging culture-Why there is no physical evidence of the stone box todayWe also examine 19th century newspaper references discussing the stone box, Whitmer’s later (contradictory) interviews, and the strange disappearance of a stone structure that supposedly survived for over a thousand years.If the box was real and physically constructed with stone slabs and pillars –as described –why did it leave no trace? Why didn’t believers preserve fragments the way people took pieces of the Berlin Wall? And why does the Hill Cumorah today appear completely undisturbed?This episode wrestles with a central question: Does the detail of a stone box strengthen Joseph Smith’s credibility –or create new historical and epistemological problems?This is Episode 71 in our LDS Discussions series!


Show Notes

YouTube


Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:


Our Platforms:


Contact us:
MormonStories@gmail.com
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


Social Media:


Hosted by the Mormon Stories Podcast, LDS Discussions-Mormon Truth Claims Examined offers a dedicated space for deep, methodical exploration of foundational narratives and historical doctrines within the Latter-day Saint tradition. This isn't about quick takes or surface-level debate. Instead, each episode commits to a slow, careful examination of specific truth claims, prioritizing a thoughtful and objective analysis over polemics. You'll hear detailed discussions that delve into historical documents, theological evolution, and the complex interplay between faith and history, all approached with a sincere intent to understand. The conversations within this podcast are built on research and a genuine desire for clarity, providing listeners with a comprehensive perspective often absent from simpler narratives. If you're someone, whether inside, outside, or simply curious about the LDS faith, who values nuance and evidence-based dialogue, this series serves as a unique resource. It fosters an environment where challenging questions are met with serious consideration, making it a distinctly substantive entry in the landscape of religion and spirituality podcasts. The aim is to equip you with context and depth, allowing for more informed personal reflection on matters that are deeply significant to many.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 71

LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined
Podcast Episodes
40: Mormon Patriarchal Blessings | Revelations Pt. 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:15
Discover the truth behind Mormon Patriarchal Blessings in this eye-opening interview with hosts Mike, Nemo, and John. From reflections on their own blessings to the harmful effects of this mechanism of control over membe…
39: The Problems with Mormon Personal Revelation | Revelations Pt. 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:31
Mike, Nemo, and John discuss the problems with personal revelation.LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation Episode Show Notes_________________________LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors!Help us conti…
38: Problematic Revelations After Joseph Smith | Revelations Pt. 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42:19
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
37: Joseph's Failed Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13:59
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
36: Problematic Patterns | Revelations Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:20:16
Today we identify and analyze four problematic patterns in Joseph Smith's "revelations": 1) Using revelations to convince others to submit to his requests, 2) Using revelations to get out of a jam, 3) Changing revelation…
35: Joseph Smith's Backdated Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:20
Radio Free Mormon joins the usual crew (Mike, John & Nemo) as they discuss evidence for prophecies that appear to have been backdated after the events of the supposed prophecy already happened.LDS Discussion Essay on Bac…
34: Overview of Joseph Smith's Translations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:05
In this episode we recap all the different areas where Joseph Smith claims to have translated an ancient source and we analyze his work and compare it against modern scholars and experts in the field to see how he did.Co…
33: The Kinderhook Plates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15:39
Did Joseph Smith have another shot at translating ancient scripture, or is it just rumor? Mike and John take a look at the Kinderhook Plates. What were they? Did Joseph Smith try to translate them, and what was the resul…
32: Book of Abraham, Part 3: A look at the text itself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:47:03
In Parts 1 and 2 of this series Mike, John, and Nemo explored the history and controversies over whether the Book of Abraham is a literal translation of Egyptian as claimed by Joseph Smith. Now for Part 3 they are back t…
31: Book of Abraham Pt 2: Translation Apologetics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:35:15
Today we’re going through various apologetics and theories around the Book of Abraham to reconcile it being considered scripture along with what we know the literal interpretation of these things to be. What problems do…