Other scriptures that reference the book of mormon in north america. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. This common query often expresses the questioners incorrect assumptions about archaeological methodologyassumptions usually based the questioners lack of knowledge about a very specialized academic area. Is there evidence for book of mormon highways in ancient.
The hinterlandshow can lamanites live in both north and south. It was written by prophets anciently, preserved, and translated in our era by the power of god as a tool to bring souls to christ. Exploring book of mormon in americas heartland photobook. Arguably among the two greatest linguistic discoveries relating to the authenticity of the book of mormon are two ancient stones bearing. Thoughts on evidences for the historical authenticity of. Thoughts on evidences for the historical authenticity of the. Interest in answering these questions began almost immediately after the book of mormon was published. The first group of evidences deal with the plates, the translation, and the witnesses of the book of mormon. Because of this theory, he wrote, some members of the church have become confused and greatly disturbed in their faith in the book of mormon. Dna evidence to draw definite conclusions about book of mormon peoples is.
Many members of the latter day saint movement claim that the book of mormon is historically accurate. Could the book of mormon events have taken place in. Since the coming forth of the book of mormon there has never been more profound evidence of its authenticity than today. The list includes items such as steel swords, barley, cement, thrones, and literacy. Moronis america the book of mormon in north america. The book of mormon itself does not sustain this view which supports the claim that joseph was not the author of the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Jan 29, 2019 some believe that the history depicted in the book of mormon occurred in north america, while others believe that it occurred in central america or south america. This book is great, but like i said, is the tip of the iceberg.
Jun 20, 2016 millions have asked the question, is there evidence of the historicity of the book of mormon, because the book of mormon is foundational to the mormon faith more accurately known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Millions have asked the question, is there evidence of the historicity of the book of mormon, because the book of mormon is foundational to the mormon faith more accurately known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints many have wondered what evidence has been found in its support, as the book asserts to be a record of ancient peoples that came. I see no persuasive evidence that book of mormon events took place in south america. My comments should not be construed as rebutting your main premise. Exploring book of mormon in americas heartland photobook rod l. Some believe that the history depicted in the book of mormon. Exploring the book of mormon in americas heartland. The book of mormon claims to be a divinely inspired record, written by a succession of prophets who inhabited ancient america. As seen by science, the book of mormon is stronger today than it was in 1830, 1844, 1950, or even 2000, so i expect it will continue to become stronger in the future. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. Although church members continue to discuss such theories today, the church takes no position on the geography of the book of mormon except that the events it describes took place.
Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. Roberts 18571933, an lds general authority widely considered mormonisms greatest apologist and historian, 1 expressed the grave doubt that the book of mormon is a translation of ancient. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints released a statement today concerning the geography of the book of mormon in the form of a new gospel topics essay titled book of mormon geography. As we begin to explore mormon archaeology, it seems appropriate to introduce the fascinating history of thomas ferguson, an attorney by trade, whose true passion manifest as an amateur archaeologist who dedicated decades of his life to the search for evidence to validate the book of mormon as a historical record.
The suggestion of horses and chariots in precolumbian america has long been an easy target for critics of the book of mormon. May 06, 2007 to my knowledge there is no reputable researcher who is specifically attempting to test the authenticity of the book of mormon with dna evidence. There is currently no evidence of a precolumbian written hieroglyphic language that existed in south america. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Any and all ancient or precolumbian ruins and artifacts found throughout north, central, and south america known as a hemispheric geography approach were quickly accepted as evidence of book of mormon peoples. Delores kahkonen and the 85 native american chiefs baptized for the. Secondary evidences of the book of mormon in north america. If fake, the ancient cities described in it are nonexistent. Were the nephites and lamanites spread throughout both north and south america or did book of mormon events occur within a more confined area.
It professes to be revealed to the present generation for the salvation of all who will receive it, and for the overthrow and damnation of all nations who reject it. Most, but not all, mormons hold the books connection to ancient american. Moronis america today in 1936, when lds scholars first began accepting the twocumorah theory, apostle joseph fielding smith warned the saints. The lack of a population base in south america of the time of the book of mormon is also a major concern. T he book of mormon is advertized by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints as another testament of jesus christ and specifically of the account of his supposed visit to the american continent the book of mormon, 3 nephi 11. At the same time, they are not a feature of ancient american societies that was wellknown or expected at the time of the book of mormons translation. Is there evidence for book of mormon highways in ancient america. Ferguson eeventually became convinced that the book of mormon is a work of fiction, whose contents bear no relationship to the reality of native american civilization prior to 385 ce.
Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Clearly, for early latterday saints, events in the book of mormon were believed to have spanned the entire western hemisphere. I have watched more than 20 hours of wayne may book of mormon lecture videos and conversed with both wayne may and rod meldrum in person. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. This is a promising area of study that will surely produce results in the future. These people, scientists say, spread rapidly to fill north and south america and. Although church members continue to discuss such theories today, the churchs only position is that the events the book. Various apologists have claimed that events in the book of mormon took place in a variety of locations including north america, south america, central america, and even the malay peninsula. Could the book of mormon events have taken place in south. If the book is accurate, archaeologists would expect to find numerous pieces of hard evidence in central america that confirm the presence of these societies. Joseph was consistent his entire life in his statements about the book of mormon in north america not central america.
In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. Church releases statement on book of mormon geography. May 08, 2018 clearly, for early latterday saints, events in the book of mormon were believed to have spanned the entire western hemisphere. Perego, is decrypting the genetic legacy of americas indigenous populations key to the historicity of the book of mormon.
Hard evidence of ancient american horses byu studies. Joseph smith and the question of book of mormon geography. In our view, there is abundant evidence for the divine authenticity of the book of mormon, but not in mesoamerica. According to the text, the nephites and the lamanites initially spoke hebrew 600 bc and might have spoken a modified semitic language until at least 400 ad, when the book of mormon ends. Signature books, 1992, 377 pages, paperback, isbn 1560850272 incredible as it may seem to many latterday saints, brigham h. The united states is the promised land foretold in the book of mormona place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the restoration of the gospel of jesus christ. An additional criticism of the historical authenticity of the book of mormon concerns linguistics. However, the written language of the maya is neither hebrew or egyptian the only two languages mentioned in the text. Oaks of the quorum of the twelve apostles observed, it is our position that secular evidence can neither prove nor disprove the authenticity of the book of mormon. Intellectual evidence of book of mormon authenticity is an issue worthy of careful consideration.
This article uses the terms native american and american indian to refer to all the indigenous peoples of both north and south america. Joseph smith was between the age 23 and 24 years old at the beginning of the translation process. In a letter to emma while marching with zions camp in 1834. Many have wondered what evidence has been found in its support, as the book asserts to be a record of. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Our final physical evidence is also smallas tiny as a single grain. For countless individuals who have applied this test of the books authenticity. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. We can be faithful latterday saints regardless of what we believe about book of mormon historicity, geography, the teachings of the prophets, etc. There is impressive evidence that joseph smith identified the coast of chile at. May 26, 2018 this is a promising area of study that will surely produce results in the future.
The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. Book of mormon geography matters god intends us to find and use the evidence he has givenreasons, if you willwhich affirm the truthfulness of his work. However, on the subject of the historicity of the book of mormon, there are many subsidiary. Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists. There is no evidence at all that joseph smith did any scholarly research. To answer that question ive spent some time compiling a list of evidence for the divinity of the book of mormon. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Sep 25, 2018 at the same time, they are not a feature of ancient american societies that was wellknown or expected at the time of the book of mormons translation. The nwaf failed to find evidence to prove the book of mormon, and the man who organized it.
The purpose of the book of mormon is to convince the world that jesus is the christ, our lord and redeemer. The new essay begins with this declarative statement. Joseph smith and the question of book of mormon geography matthew roper fair presentation august 5, 2010. Two of the most prevalent claims for the book of mormon are, there is much archaeological proof to the book of mormon, and the american indians are descendants of israelites who came to america as described in the book of mormon. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic. The book of mormon describes migrations of people from the middle east to central america, and further describes some features of their civilizations in the new world. John clark of the new world archaeological foundation has compiled a list of sixty items mentioned in the book of mormon. This series of short articles addresses the fundamental issues posed by the book of mormon, clearly demonstrating that the setting described in the book readily conforms to the factual evidence for ancient mesoamerica and not north or south america.
Hinterlands lamanites in north, south, and central america. Generally nonmormon archaeologists do not consider there to be any authentic book of mormon archaeological sites. I read books and articles written by lds scholars, visited sites in. Roberts 18571933, an lds general authority widely considered mormonisms greatest apologist and historian, 1 expressed the grave doubt that the book of mormon is a.
Some believe that the history depicted in the book of mormon occurred in north america, while others believe that it occurred in central america or south america. May 17, 2018 some lds students of the book of mormon contend that the rather sophisticated glyph language system of the maya civilization in mesoamerica is evidence that the book of mormon history occurred there. There is absolutely no archaeological evidence to directly support the book of mormon or the nephites and lamanites, who were supposed to have numbered in the millions. It is therefore vital to have a clear understanding of when these animals actually became extinct. For more on the relationship of dna studies and the book of mormon generally see ugo a. Smith once called the book of mormon the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion smith, 1902, 4.
Church releases statement on book of mormon geography book. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Exploring book of mormon in america s heartland photobook. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Jun 20, 2019 if joseph andor his coconspirators composed the book of mormon as a record of a lost civilization, the most natural setting would be ancient america in central and south america, precisely as described by humboldt and others before the book of mormon was published in 1830. None are found in south america, but a number are located off the coast of belize. According to joseph smith and subsequent presidents and apostles of the lds church, the geographical extent of book of mormon lands included virtually all of north and south america. Nov 27, 2019 in our view, there is abundant evidence for the divine authenticity of the book of mormon, but not in mesoamerica.
In spite of difficulties in defending this claim, and although the evidence is incomplete, the geological and archaeological record does provide support for horses and even wheeled vehicles in ancient america. Further, there is currently no archaeological evidence of american bison having been. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. In the past, bmc has highlighted evidence for the book of mormon. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon.
Is there evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. In addition, it has become apparent that the text of the book of mormon describes the setting in north america quite effectively. In the introduction of the book of mormon, smith states that it is the record of gods dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the americas, which also contains the fullness of the everlasting. Nov 22, 2007 the lack of a population base in south america of the time of the book of mormon is also a major concern. Book of mormon record keepers were primarily concerned with conveying religious truths and preserving the spiritual heritage of their people. A mormon general authoritys doubts about the authenticity of. Near eastern scholars identify forged steel as early as the 7th century bce near jerusalem and in egypt.
Joseph smith and other early latterday saints, for example, most likely believed that north america was the land northward and that south america was the land southward in the book of mormon. Oaks while a member of the quorum of twelve apostles wrote, the historicityhistorical authenticityof the book of mormon is an issue so fundamental that it rests first upon faith in the lord jesus christ, which is the first principle in this, as in all other matters. A mormon general authoritys doubts about the authenticity. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as. Or even better than that, where are the underwater cities that sank at the crucifixion. This is probably true, and the reason is that the book of mormon is not a scientific theory. He had come to the jungles of campeche, northeast of the isthmus, to find proof. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. The overall trend in the date over the past 175 years fits the expectations for the book of mormon as history rather than hoax. We believe that it is scripture that testifies of gods dealings with prophets and followers of jesus christ in the ancient americas. In other words, native americans whose ancestors include book of mormon peoples may not be able to confirm that relationship using their dna. But for book of mormon studies per sethe study of the times, places, and people actually described in the textthe best available evidence places the core narrative of the book of mormon squarely in north america.
If joseph andor his coconspirators composed the book of mormon as a record of a lost civilization, the most natural setting would be ancient america in central and south america, precisely as described by humboldt and others before the book of mormon was published in 1830. I now know that the book of mormon happened in the usa in the historic heartland that is such a significant part of american and book of mormon history. Dec, 8, 2014 is there evidence for the book of mormon. Mar 27, 2016 rod meldrum, president, the firm foundation. The fact that the mammoth elephant, horse, and ass were supposed to have been extinct in north america before book of mormon time has caused many to doubt, if not disbelieve, the books authenticity and divine origin. Scholars who defend the historical authenticity of the book of mormon question how joseph smith could have possibly known that forged steel existed near jerusalem around the time that lehi and his family fled the region. Dec 27, 2015 what a timely article as we begin our study of the book of mormon in 2016. Millions have asked this question because the book of mormon is foundational to the mormon faith more accurately known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Jan 01, 2011 exploring book of mormon in america s heartland photobook rod l. Although church members continue to discuss such theories today, the church takes no position on the geography of the book of mormon except that the events it describes took place in the americas.
Although historians and archaeologists consider the book to be an anachronistic invention of joseph smith, many members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church and other denominations. Readers of the book of mormon may wonder, at times, where in the americas the events described took place. The book of mormon in north america book of mormon evidence. Dont expect proof for any religion or matter of faith, but yes, there are many issues that support the concept that the book of mormon is of ancient origin and not a silly fraud by joseph smith. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted. The church takes no position on the specific geographic location of book of mormon events in the ancient. Why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. A core belief of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints is that the book of mormon is a translation of an ancient record that was written on golden plates. What a timely article as we begin our study of the book of mormon in 2016. Book of mormon evidence september 16, 2019 there are now two varying descriptions of the method joseph smith used in translating the golden plates. All my studies suddenly made sense, all aspects of the book of mormon finally became clear. I emphasize, as always, that were all free to believe whatever we want. Roberts, studies of the book of mormon, 2nd edition salt lake city. If it was, research teams would be trying to test it and falsify it, to verify its validity.
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