IN RETROSPECT: 4 AUGUST 2015…
With the release of two new volumes in The Joseph Smith Papers series, the LDS Church unveiled official photos of the ‘seer stone’ used by Smith in both his failed treasure hunting ventures and the creation of The Book of Mormon. While a local blog called it “an artifact considered sacred by members of the Mormon faith,” this characterization warrants skepticism, as the stone has historically been a source of discomfort and controversy for the church. Utah Mormons are discussing the church’s increased transparency, while critics see this as further evidence pointing to the religion’s potential decline.
