MORMONISM AND THE KINDERHOOK PLATES
1. In 1843, six brass plates were found in Kinderhook, Illinois. Because of their ancient appearance, Mormons thought Joseph Smith would be proved an ancient translator (having previously produced The Book of Mormon & The Book of Abraham & others, claiming these were translated into English from ancient languages).
2. Smith stated in the History of the Church Vol. 5, p 372, it reads "I have translated a portion of them and find they contain the history of the person with whom they were found. He was a descendant of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of Heaven and Earth."
3. In 1855 it was revealed that the plates were forgeries by nine citizens of Kinderhook.
4. At the time of the Civil War the plates were lost, but later one of the originals was found in the Chicago museum. The Brigham Young University archaeological society hailed the discovery as a vindication of Joseph Smith's work which they claimed reaffirmed his prophetic calling.
5. In 1965 a Mormon physicist was given permission to make non-destructive tests on the plates. In the report he wrote, "The dimensions, tolerances, composition and workmanship are consistent with the facilities of an "1843 blacksmith shop." Most Mormon scholars would not accept this as conclusive.
6. In 1981 destructive tests were finally made showing the plate to be made from copper and zinc, typical of brass of the mid 19th century, whereas ancient brass was actually bronze, a copper and tin alloy.
7. The Conclusion is obvious. If Joseph Smith hadn't been murdered in 1844, he might have finished a complete translation of the Kinderhook Plates. It is obvious the Kinderhook Plates have cast serious doubts on Joseph Smith's credibility as a translator, because only a bogus prophet translates bogus plates!
2. Smith stated in the History of the Church Vol. 5, p 372, it reads "I have translated a portion of them and find they contain the history of the person with whom they were found. He was a descendant of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of Heaven and Earth."
3. In 1855 it was revealed that the plates were forgeries by nine citizens of Kinderhook.
4. At the time of the Civil War the plates were lost, but later one of the originals was found in the Chicago museum. The Brigham Young University archaeological society hailed the discovery as a vindication of Joseph Smith's work which they claimed reaffirmed his prophetic calling.
5. In 1965 a Mormon physicist was given permission to make non-destructive tests on the plates. In the report he wrote, "The dimensions, tolerances, composition and workmanship are consistent with the facilities of an "1843 blacksmith shop." Most Mormon scholars would not accept this as conclusive.
6. In 1981 destructive tests were finally made showing the plate to be made from copper and zinc, typical of brass of the mid 19th century, whereas ancient brass was actually bronze, a copper and tin alloy.
7. The Conclusion is obvious. If Joseph Smith hadn't been murdered in 1844, he might have finished a complete translation of the Kinderhook Plates. It is obvious the Kinderhook Plates have cast serious doubts on Joseph Smith's credibility as a translator, because only a bogus prophet translates bogus plates!