Joesph Smith had and angel visit him and tell him where the gold plates were. Because it was a record of the people of the America's from 600B.C to about 400 A.D. The seer stones are called the Urium and Thummin, look it up in the Old Testament you will find it. They allow prophets to be seer's meaning they can translate things. 8 others saw the gold plates and there testimony of that is well documented. You small details of the subject which are not correct. Go to Mormon.org if you want to find out more information on the subject and have a better picture.

Most all of the regions practiced in the countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Far East and the Tribes of the Americas had their sorcerers, magicians, wizards, alchemists and medicine men to provide for the welfare of the ruler, the land and the populace and keep the evil at bay. These people were often considered to be visionaries and holy men and were believed to be conduits to the higher powers and often to the afterlife.

Most, if not all, regions have an element of mysticism in their history. They all had potions, spells, amulets, talisman and assorted articles of clothing which frequently possessed special and magical powers.

The reference you cite would certainly provide illumination and understanding on the issues and facts regarding your religion however I don't think it would be very useful to those who choose to be condescending towards your beliefs of which I can only think of one who thus far has displayed that sort of commentary.

It is only a reflection of their ignorance that they are able to make their wildly ridiculous and often insulting accusations and allegations and they choose to mock and make fun of that which they do not know or understand.

I must say however, in my opinion, if one of the candidates was a scientologist there probably would be an equal or greater amount of cultism rhetoric being bandied about on the part of some posters.

where do i go to research this stuff?

is there a lost and found for golden plates at sears?

i do admit to being somewhat light hearted in my discussion. but really, i look at things historically. i dont think propaganda by any organization or group is the only or best place to look for information.

i have never set out on a manifest determination to study mormons. they have, rather, just popped up onto my radar while reading in history.

i assure folks, i am not making stuff up. there are different interpretations of my versions, to be sure. and i would not rely on my views as a determinate.

i do find the whole area of new york following the second awakening...it was fertile ground for some whacky sects back in the days of the nascent mormons. the oneida group for example

nowadays oneida is just a nice set of silverware or something. it too couldve been a cult religion being worshiped

i will endeavor to learn more, but on my terms

And your quote was exactly what Joseph Smith was feeling when he decided to ask God what church he should go to. He was told none of them. He didn't know what information to trust.