Historian: Joseph Smith may have found objects beyond gold plates
September 18, 2026 at 5:03 PM MT · via YouTube / Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting
Historian Don Bradley argues in a YouTube interview that Joseph Smith may have found objects beyond the gold plates traditionally described in Latter-day Saint history. Bradley examines the artifacts associated with the Book of Mormon's coming forth and suggests the historical record has been misunderstood.
The video from Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones has drawn 35,340 views in 27 hours. Bradley's work on early Mormon history and the Book of Mormon translation has been influential in academic circles.
The interview engages ongoing scholarly debates about what Smith claimed to find at the Hill Cumorah and how the translation process occurred. Bradley's interpretations challenge both traditional faithful narratives and skeptical dismissals.
More coverage of this story
- Wheat and Tares →September 14, 2026 at 2:00 AM MT
Mormon News summarizes reporting from established outlets and always links to the original. See an error? Report it.
Related coverage
- Historian examines disputed evidence of Joseph Smith's relationship with Fanny Alger
via YouTube / Benjamin Park, Historian · September 18, 2026
- Joseph Smith's personal vs. theological motives for polygamy debated in new video
via YouTube / Analyzing Mormonism · September 18, 2026
- Arizona parents charged with manslaughter in death of 5-year-old left in hot car after baptism
via ChurchLeaders · September 18, 2026
- 'Mormon Wives' star eliminated first from 'Dancing with the Stars'
via Yahoo · September 18, 2026
From the Mormon News Podcast
- LDS Church Caught Lying, Charlie Bird Breaking Point, Bishop Charged - Mormon News 9.4.26 | Ep. 2189
Full episode and transcript · September 4, 2026
- Bloomberg Exposes Mormon Land Empire, Baseball Baptisms & More - Mormon News 8.28.26 | Ep. 2187
Full episode and transcript · August 28, 2026