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In Joseph Smith’s day, the term Urim and Thummim applied to two different translating tools: the Nephite interpreters, as well as what is called a “seer stone.” In order to understand what a seer stone is and why Joseph Smith would use it to translate the Book of Mormon, it is important first to understand the cultural context of Joseph Smith’s time, and practices in which people were engaged that today we may refer to as “magic.”
The full text of this article can be found at Deseret News online.
Brother Ash is author of the book Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt, as well as the book, of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting the Prophet Joseph Smith. Both books are available for purchase online through the FAIR Bookstore.
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I have seen divining in use for the seemingly mundane task of finding a buried telephone cable. I learned how to do it and I found a water line in my yard that way. Here in Kentucky there are more than a few who can divine or “witch.” My neighbors across the street knew exactly what i was doing the day I went in search of the water line. What’s more, they are good Christians.
That Joseph Smith may have done it doesn’t bother me at all.