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
30: Book of Abraham Pt 1: Joseph's Translation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:23
For many, the Book of Abraham is one of the most problematic subjects within Mormonism due to our ability to translate Egyptian after Joseph Smith released the Book of Abraham. We want to give a brief overview of the his…
29: Polygamy Apologetics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:08:55
Join John, Mike & Elisha Lee as they discuss common problematic apologies around the practice of polygamy in early Church History. From lies being called “carefully worded denials” and attempts to differentiate between “…
28: The Happiness Letter (Joseph Smith's Proposition to Nancy Rigdon) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56:53
In part 5 of our 6-part series on polygamy within the LDS Discussions project, we discuss "The Happiness Letter," which was the letter Joseph Smith wrote to Nancy Rigdon to try to convince her to become one of his plural…
27: Joseph Smith's Plural Marriage Proposals Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:41
Join Mike (LDS Discussions), Elisha, and John for Part 2 as they look at the techniques of influence that Joseph Smith used to propose to his plural wives.Helen Mar Kimball's age reduction digital illustration by Adam Wo…
26: Joseph Smith's Plural Marriage Proposals Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:04
Join Mike (LDS Discussions), Elisha, and John as they look at the techniques of influence that Joseph Smith used to propose to his plural wives.Special Guest: Elisha Lee Faith Unraveled Tiktok (Faith Transition Focused)…
25: D&C 132: Joseph Smith's Polygamy "Revelation" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:05:40
Today’s episode continues the discussion on Polygamy with the (in)famous revelation still canonized in Mormon/LDS scripture as Section 132 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Mike sets up the historical & personal context of th…
24: An Introduction to Polygamy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:27
Mike and John discuss the timeline and cultural context surrounding Joseph Smith at the time he claims to receive the revelation on polygamy which became canonized and is still considered scripture for many modern Mormon…
23: LDS Temple Endowment & Masonry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:20
Join Mike and John as they discuss Mormonism’s early connection with Masonry through Joseph Smith and the unique problems it creates for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to grapple with today.Co…
22: Race and Mormon Scripture Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:28:34
Join us for Part 2 of our discussion on Race and the Book of Mormon. Today Mike and John go over the various apologetics for the apparent racism in the Book of Mormon and early Church leaders, from denying those particul…
21: Race and Mormon Scripture Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14:58
Join Mike from LDS discussions.com and John as they discuss race and Mormon scripture. This is part 1 of a 2-part series. We are also grateful to have a few call-in guests for this episode.LDS Discussions Essay on Race &…