When you think of the phrase “seer stone,” there is usually a negative connotation that goes along with it. Why is that? Joseph Smith used a seer stone as one of the primary instruments in his translation of the Book of Mormon, and they are mentioned as legitimate objects throughout the scriptures. So why do we as members of the church hesitate to discuss seer stones, and why do non-members find exceeding criticism in them? I hope to answer these questions in my analysis. I will also explore more of the history of the seer stone in church history, as well as some of the doctrine attached to the use of a seer stone.
Doctrine and Covenants 28 was given in response to Hiram Page, who was receiving revelations by the aid of his own seer stone …show more content…
First of all, seer stones are known to have been used even since biblical times. The Urim and Thummim is another type of translation/revelation instrument that is mentioned and used throughout the bible (Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Num. 27:21; Deut. 33:8; 1 Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63). Mosiah 28:13 tells us Mosiah “translated [the plates of Jared] by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow.” Exodus 28:30 tells us the “Urim and the Thummim shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord.” This brings up another doctrine, one that is fundamental in the government of our church today: who can receive revelation? This is the exact doctrinal question the Lord answers in D&C 28:2,13. He says: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun…For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.” There is a proper order by which doctrine is received in the church. We can seek and obtain personal revelation for ourselves, and for others under our stewardship. Hiram Page was receiving supposed revelations regarding the government of the church. This is not the “order” set forth by the Lord in Section 28. Just as he could not receive revelation for
Doctrine and Covenants 28 was given in response to Hiram Page, who was receiving revelations by the aid of his own seer stone …show more content…
First of all, seer stones are known to have been used even since biblical times. The Urim and Thummim is another type of translation/revelation instrument that is mentioned and used throughout the bible (Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Num. 27:21; Deut. 33:8; 1 Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63). Mosiah 28:13 tells us Mosiah “translated [the plates of Jared] by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow.” Exodus 28:30 tells us the “Urim and the Thummim shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord.” This brings up another doctrine, one that is fundamental in the government of our church today: who can receive revelation? This is the exact doctrinal question the Lord answers in D&C 28:2,13. He says: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun…For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.” There is a proper order by which doctrine is received in the church. We can seek and obtain personal revelation for ourselves, and for others under our stewardship. Hiram Page was receiving supposed revelations regarding the government of the church. This is not the “order” set forth by the Lord in Section 28. Just as he could not receive revelation for