Question
Gramps,
Where are the gold plates now?
Stacie
Answer
Stacie,
The narrative of the Golden Plates begins in the early 19th century with Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to Smith, an angel named Moroni revealed the location of the plates to him in 1823 near his home in Palmyra, New York. These plates, described as being made of gold and inscribed with ancient writings, were said to contain the religious history of ancient American civilizations.
Smith’s first vision, occurring in 1820, set the stage for his subsequent revelations and quests. Over the next several years, Smith reported that he was visited by heavenly messengers who directed him to the plates. The process of retrieving and translating the Golden Plates became a central element of Smith’s mission, culminating in the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830.
The translation of the Golden Plates is a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint belief. Joseph Smith asserted that he translated the plates by divine means, utilizing a seer stone and the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring forth the scriptures contained within. This method, while unconventional by traditional scholarly standards, underscored the spiritual nature of the task as described by Smith.
The Book of Mormon itself provides insights into the significance of writing on metal plates. It references the practice of recording sacred texts on copper or bronze plates, a tradition purported to have existed among ancient peoples, including the Nephites and the Hebrews. This historical context aimed to lend authenticity to the account of the plates and their inscriptions.
Upon completing the translation, Joseph Smith reported that the Golden Plates were returned to the angel Moroni. This event effectively ended the physical existence of the plates in the earthly realm. Smith’s declaration marked the finality of the translation process, asserting that the plates were no longer available for examination.
The testimonies of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses further authenticate the existence and retrieval of the plates. These individuals claimed to have seen and handled the plates under Smith’s direction, providing a communal affirmation of their reality. However, after the plates were said to be returned to Moroni, they ceased to be a tangible part of the narrative.
Today, the Golden Plates remain absent from public view, their whereabouts known only to God, as per Smith’s account. This absence has led to various theories and speculations. Some believers accept the narrative as a matter of faith, trusting in the divine nature of the event and the preservation of the translated scriptures as the continuing legacy.
Skeptics, however, question the physical existence of the plates, suggesting alternative explanations rooted in 19th-century religious movements and personal revelation. The lack of physical evidence beyond witness testimonies fuels ongoing debates about the historical and factual basis of the Golden Plates.
Despite the controversies, the legacy of the Golden Plates persists through the widespread acceptance and devotion to the Book of Mormon. The text remains a central scripture for millions, guiding their spiritual lives and shaping the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Gramps
