How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighted about 230 lbs. Gold, with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. Per cubic foot. The plates were 7” x 8” by about 6”. See Articles of Faith, by Talmage, page 262, 34th Ed.)
2007-11-29 13:37:25 · 6 answers · asked by 2telldatruth 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jacob D why did Joesph Smith say they were solid gold then? Was he just kidding?
2007-11-30 06:05:58 · update #1
Been a while but I think it was either over his shoulder in a sack or in a wheelbarrow type thing.
He was supposed to be a very strong boy you know.
2007-11-29 13:41:22 · answer #1 · answered by ChaosNJoy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is from the article I think Jacob was referencing.
What Were the Plates Made Of?
“The appearance of gold.”1—Joseph Smith Jr., Eight Witnesses, Orson Pratt
“Golden plates.”2—David Whitmer
Neither Joseph nor any of the witnesses said that the ancient record was made from solid gold. Nor did they use the term “gold plates” or “plates of gold.” All Joseph said is that they had “the appearance of gold.”
The presumption that the plates were made of solid gold is curious but probably not correct. It was Joseph’s enemies that coined the phrase “Gold Bible.” It is more appropriate to refer to the ancient metal record as “the Golden Plates,” referring to their color, not the material they were made of.
How Much Did the Plates Weigh?
“Weighing altogether, from forty to sixty lbs.”3—Martin Harris
“I moved them from place to place on the table, as it was necessary in doing my work.”4—Emma Smith
People of that time period were accustomed to purchasing household supplies by weight. A farmer would have a good idea of what a 60-pound bag of grain would feel like. A woman working in her kitchen would be required to lift a heavy iron kettle filled with water that may weigh up to 60 pounds.
2007-11-30 14:19:08 · answer #2 · answered by Senator John McClain 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The plates were not made of gold. That's why they're "golden plates" (golden the color), not "gold plates." In a recent Ensign article, the Church explained this common misconception. They were probably made from some gold-colored metallic alloy.
To learn more about the Mormons, visit my site at http://www.allaboutmormons.com
2007-11-30 13:45:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He levitated them into the air, along with himself, when he returned home. this activity is consistent with Mormon teaching in other areas.
2007-11-29 21:46:11 · answer #4 · answered by Gruntled Employee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Supernatural strength from God? As for the witnesses, they just worked together. Doing it together would make it alot easier.
2007-11-29 21:44:15 · answer #5 · answered by paula r 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They were made weightless by God.
At least, that's my supposition if I was Mormon...
2007-11-29 21:42:08 · answer #6 · answered by Big Super 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋