In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. The book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a maternally inherited dna standpoint. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. It appeared that in order to accept that correlation one must accept that the nephites rotated north to what we typically. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of mormon. Archaeological and historical evidence joseph smith and. Book of mormon the list of archaeological and historical. Recent archaeological evidence has shown that military fortifications around mesoamerican cities were, in fact, fairly common, and that the type of construction described in the book of mormon is completely consistent with what evidence shows. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. It makes many claims about the history and anthropology of pre.
Moreover, meteoric nickeliron has been termed a type of steel, and this substance was wellknown in mesoamerica. The journal of book of mormon studies is a scholarly journal devoted to the latest research on the book of mormon, including articles on the geography, names, terms, and events in the book of mormon, as well as archaeological finds in the old world and the new world. Jun 22, 2016 all opinions, speakers and presenters represent and express their own individual opinions, and not necessarily the opinions of firm foundation, book of mormon evidence, or its employees, and no information or opinions represent the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. When they say directly support, they typically mean that they are looking for a direct corroboration, such as the presence of the name nephi or zarahemla in association with ancient. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove.
He is also the authorcoauthor of archaeology and the book of mormon volume i,christ in ancient america. Archeology alone, no not for the whole book, but yes on its beginnings. Thus, it can be seen that archaeological evidence for the book of mormonwhich does exist, as will be discussed shortlydoes not constitute proof, nor does it. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. There does not appear to be archeological proof for their existence in the new world during the time period in which they are mentioned 600 b. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Yes, there is sufficient evidences from all the sciences and scholarship to support the book of mormon as a true book, given by the power and glory of god. 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. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. Read about the supporting evidence for the book of mormon cultures. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. A combination of factors, including the evidence appearing at the right time, at the right place, and in the right.
Aug 22, 2007 the book of mormon tells of a family leaving jerusalem and traveling to the americas. This site provides you with an overview of what the book of mormon claims from an archeological or historic viewpoint, and compares it to nonapologetic apologetic meaning speak to defend scientific and historical resources. Book of mormon archaeology in north america book of mormon. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. We invite all people everywhere to read the book of mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask god, the eternal father, in the name of christ, if the book is true. This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the books authenticityjosephs unfamiliarity with its contents. The book specifically claims that the valley is close to the shore of the red sea, and that a river which runs through it empties directly into the sea. It also tells of christ visiting the americas and setting up his church among the people. There are a small number of mentions in the book of mormon of horses. Employing the word cement was cited as anachronistic proof of the book of mormons fabrication. 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. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence.
In all instances, however, there is the possibility that a such things were once in the americas but the evidence has either disappeared or has not yet been found, or b book of mormon labels are based on the relabeling of new world items with familiar old world labels. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. If the book of mormon is really true history, then even after 1500 years, there should be some evidence that would support the truthfulness of those historical scriptural events, as recorded in the book of mormon. 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. Archaeological evidences discovered since the coming forth of the book of mormon and the facts of history point toward the accuracy of many details of its historic account. Another group came much earlier, when god confounded the tongues at the tower of babel. What i would say to you is there is no archaeological proof of the book of mormon. Thus, it can be seen that archaeological evidence for the book of mormon which does exist, as will be discussed shortlydoes not constitute proof, nor does it translate into belief. In a times and seasons editorial, october 1, 1842, the prophet joseph smith, after progressive study. However, as science progressed, my dissonance grew. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records.
Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. The smithsonian is a highly respected institution with many fine scholars, yet they are clearly not experts in many of the fields needed to scientifically evaluate book of mormon claims, and it is also evident that they have not made a serious effort to understand the book of mormon. Book of mormon archeological andor historical validity. Oct 25, 2008 the lay mormon is told by the mormon church that archaeology continues to confirm the book of mormon, while mormon scholars, who actually study archaeology for a living, have something quite different to say. Wayne mays twopart presentation at the november 20 vernal, ut book of mormon evidence conference. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon.
The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Mormon traditions that would have us believe the book of mormon took place in the heartland and at new york truly conflict with the book of mormon, believed to be the word of god, so the heartland model is not valid. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Given that the book of mormon appears to be describing volcanic activity around 33 a. The term horse in the book might really have referred to a deer that people rode. For many years, critics have challenged the veracity of a religious text called the book of mormon. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america.
Dec 10, 2012 the book of mormon contains records directly taken from this second, smaller set of plates, as well as an abridgment of the larger record. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. 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. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to adherents, contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. Without finding something like a placard that reads nephi slept here. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. In other words book of mormon peoples would have looked like, lived like, and acted like the native american cultures that inhabited book of mormon lands. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may.
Sorensons an ancient american setting for the book of mormon presented the best argument for a new world location for the book of mormon. When they say directly support, they typically mean that they are looking for a direct corroboration, such as the presence of the name nephi or zarahemla in association with. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. Biblical archaeology can be studied because we do know where. Just because no artifacts have been found that support the book of mormon, that is no proof that future artifacts will not be found which verify the book. The lay mormon is told by the mormon church that archaeology continues to confirm the book of mormon, while mormon scholars, who actually study archaeology for a. Maxwell institute for religious scholarship formerly farms, aug 2000. May 23, 2014 the book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a maternally inherited dna standpoint. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Archaeological proof of the book of mormon lds blogs. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief.
Critics of the book of mormon have argued that there are words and phrases in the book that are anachronistic with archaeological. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. So what we have in the book of mormon is a far cry from a detailed history. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the books authenticity. From an extract from stephens incidents of travel in central america, it will be seen that the proof of the nephites and lamanites dwelling on this continent, according to the account in the book of mormon, is developing itself in a more satisfactory way than the most sanguine believer in that revelation, could have anticipated. 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. As explored in this video, the location nahom in the book of mormon has been archaeologically confirmed. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. A combination of factors, including the evidence appearing at the right time, at the right place, and in the right relative distance to another site mentioned in the record, converge to make nahom strong archaeological evidence for the book. According to the church of jesus christ of latterday saints mormon church, the book of mormon is a divinely inspired revelation that is complimentary to the bible. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Book of mormon evidence the mormon church, mormonism.
To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. 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. Discussion regarding the historicity of the book of mormon often focuses on archaeological issues, some of which relate to the large size and the long time span of the civilizations mentioned in the book. We can hardly be sure of its referent substance in the book of mormon when steel in the king james version of the bible should often be read bronze or copper. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. Are anachronisms in the book of mormon evidence it is. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Beginning in seminary and throughout the years, i was taught that someday science will find proof for the book of mormon, and so i put it on a shelf and waited. Jun 17, 2017 watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. 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.
The book of mormon is a vast and epic story that spans hundreds of years on two continents while detailing the rise and fall of unique, previously unheard of civilizations. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to the hitherto. This volume features articles on archaeological and anthropological aspects of the book of mormon, such as the use of the wheel in ancient america, hagoth and the polynesian tradition, the mulekites, ancient writing in the americas, and the use of metal. The book of mormon is really there so one can have book of mormon studies, and archaeology is really there so one can study archaeology, but the two are not wed. 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 of the latter day saint movement believe that it. Roberts wrote a letter in 1932 citing a few sources for cement work that predated the book of mormons publication, but this information was highly obscure until the middle of the 20 th century.
The possibility of the book of mormon as inspired fiction. The book of mormon contains records directly taken from this second, smaller set of plates, as well as an abridgment of the larger record. The book of mormon brian nicholson, deseret news archives. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Decades of desperate archaeological research in mexico and central. The book of mormon spoke of cement being used which was impossible because they didnt have cement back then until cement buildings were uncovered at teotihuacan.
Jun 22, 2016 book of mormon archaeology in north america. The book of mormon tells of a family leaving jerusalem and traveling to the americas. The mayan gods gathered under the tree of life to hold a council all the gods had taken part in the creation of the earth. The book of mormon claims to be a record of the inhabitants of the americas during the period from 2000 b. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. This is explained in the opening verses of the first chapter of jacob and in the words of mormon.
Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of. The lay mormon is told by the mormon church that archaeology continues to confirm the book of mormon, while mormon scholars, who actually study archaeology for a living, have something quite different to say. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. After watching a dozen archaeology shows on pbs where nothing in the book of mormon was ever mentioned, i. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. As in the old testament, there were numerous prophecies of this event, one in particular by samuel the lamanite five years earlier helaman 5. Mormon traditions would have us believe that the book of mormon took place in the heartland and in new york. For all of its strengths, however, one aspect of the model has remained perplexing. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas.
The book of mormon does not say that all the natives in the new world were either lamanites or nephites. These traditions truly conflict with the book of mormon, the word of god, so the heartland model can be. The honest in heart, who feel that the true kingdom of god ought to have special and powerful credentials, and not just be another voice in the. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. Jan 01, 2008 the journal of book of mormon studies is a scholarly journal devoted to the latest research on the book of mormon, including articles on the geography, names, terms, and events in the book of mormon, as well as archaeological finds in the old world and the new world. The book of first nephi, the first book in the volume, describes the actions of lehi and his family in leaving jerusalem before its destruction, following the counsel of the lord, and wandering through the wilderness for several years before embarking on a transoceanic voyage to somewhere in or near central america.
The list of anachronisms that proved that the book of mormon was a 19th century fabrication has been whittled down from 65 to 2. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. Archaeological proofs for the book of mormon youtube. The book is used by nearly thirteen million individuals who read it along with the holy bible, believing that both were written by prophets and contain the words of god. It appears that the book of mormon had no place in the new world whatsoever. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies.
Archeologicalanthropological problems in the book of mormon. Book of mormon the second event in the signs of his birth consists of signs and wonders in the new world, recorded in the book of mormon. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to. While mormon scholars admit valid challenges to mormonism from archaeology and the book of abraham, they say the evidences of mormonisms truthfulness is the book of mormon itself, gods confirmation in your spirit, and the number of changed lives. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence.
One group of families came from jerusalem in 600 bc and afterward separated into two nations, known as the nephites and the lamanites. At first i was surprised that there would be an article entitled mounting evidence for the book of mormon on the official church website. All opinions, speakers and presenters represent and express their own individual opinions, and not necessarily the opinions of firm foundation, book of mormon evidence, or its employees, and no information or opinions represent the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith, alleged to be an ignorant man, wrote the book of mormon 2. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. October 1st is the anniversary of a little known event in early church history that i believe, in consequence of significant research progress, now deserves recognition for identifying a region of major book of mormon lands and for initiating book of mormon archaeological historicity research. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. Critics of the book of mormon have argued that there are. The book of mormon is true and could have only happened in north america. The book of mormon mentions cities, trade, warfare, towers, and the use of armorall of which did exist in the ancient americasyet their existence has not convinced critics that the book of mormon is an authentic ancient text. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book.
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