In this episode, we continue our in-depth series with historian John G. Turner, author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Covering chapter five of his book, we take a deep dive into the claims of the Three and Eight Witnesses to the golden plates. Did they actually see physical plates—or was it a visionary experience?

We explore the early translation period, the role of the Whitmer family, the revelations guiding Joseph Smith, and the complicated testimonies of Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. Were the golden plates material objects, or were they seen with "spiritual eyes"? We also discuss later accounts, contradictions, and the ongoing debate among scholars and believers.

Highlights:

The experiences of the Three and Eight Witnesses

Spiritual vs. physical claims of the plates

Testimonies, contradictions, and controversies

What happened to the plates—and the witnesses—afterward

Subscribe for more episodes exploring Joseph Smith’s life, early Mormonism, and the origins of the Book of Mormon.

⁠Show Notes⁠

⁠YouTube

00:00:00 Introduction

00:07:34 Why are the Whitmer’s getting involved? 

00:14:28 Joseph Smith covering the plates in a barrel of beans

00:20:13 The Whitmer Family

00:25:51 The Melchizedek priesthood

00:31:31 The experience with the three witnesses

00:39:12 Did Gold plates exist?

00:42:49 Spiritual eyes vs physical eyes

00:45:38 Did the witnesses see physical plates? 

01:03:17 The eight witnesses

01:10:15 Possible explanation for the witnesses to the golden plates

01:25:26 What became of the Eight Witnesses?

01:28:22 What became of the golden plates? 

01:31:43 How the Book of Mormon gets printed

01:49:13 What is coming up next

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