Widtsoe, council of the twelve apostles, in search of truth. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. One such group is the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, better known as f. The book of mormon makes clear references to a number of things that the best anthropologists and archaeologists insist couldnt have been present in the new world at that time, things ranging. Does the book of mormon have archaeology to back up any of. Since many mormons have spread the rumor that the smithsonian institution uses the book of mormon in its archaeological research, the institution has found it necessary to publish a statement denying this claim. 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 american archaeological data. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some.
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. Archaeological proofs for the book of mormon youtube. The book of mormon tells of a family leaving jerusalem and traveling to the americas. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. Journal of book of mormon studies journals a publication of the neal a. 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. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Since 2014which was the last time i discussed lehis missing dnatheres been a few articles of interest that i thought i would mention and comment on. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Finding the book of mormon in biblical prophecy is a simple enough task, if one takes the time to look for it. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited.
The prophet isaiah, 29th chapter declares a sealed book shall come, called the vision the same book which the lord god commanded the prophet daniel, chapter 12. The authors of this study use archaeological evidence to argue the animals mentioned in the book of mormon had once been present in north america, although dating to an earlier period than that covered in the book of mormon, and could have survived even into the lehite period. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. The book of mormon does not say that all the natives in the new world were either lamanites or nephites. The term horse in the book might really have referred to a deer that people rode.
Join wayne on a book of mormon tour and see the archaeological discoveries of the nephites and jaredites. 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 book of mormon was written for the purpose of convincing those who are sincere abou. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates.
Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. 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. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. Archaeological proof of the book of mormon lds blogs. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
Clark had circumstances permitted a marked grave for the slain prophet, a. Yet, according geneticist walter bodmer as cited by gibbons, only a very small ancient spanish contribution has been found in british and. It is poorly researched, and an insult to the intelligence of mankind. If the book of mormon is an authentic historical record of real people, language, and cultures, then we would expect to find tangible evidences that corroborate itunless of course it is a work of joseph smiths imagination. Within the past several decades, professional studies in american archaeology, geography, culture, and language have provided an enormous amount of information of great interest to readers and believers of the book of mormon. Archaeology and the book of mormonarchive 5 wikipedia. To dismiss the book of mormon on archaeological grounds is shortsighted, as continuing discoveries provide ever more evidence that is consistent with the book. The overall trend in the date over the past 175 years fits the expectations for the book of mormon as history rather than hoax. Have mormonfunded archaeological digs refuted mormonism. The book of mormon claims that jesuss atonement provided for the immortality for all people. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. Maxwell institute for religious scholarship, 20, 198218.
Archaeology and the book of mormon credible experts. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Apr 30, 2020 the 11th century book of invasions recounts the story of the sons of mil espaine, wanderers from spain who created a modern irish people distinct from the britishand linked to the spanish. The book of mormon mentions several animals, plants, and technologies that are not substantiated by the archaeological record of the period 3100 bc to 400 ad in the americas. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins. 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. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. Its been a few years since i talked about dna and the book of mormon. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. The book of mormon was published for the first time on march 26, 1830.
Today we will talk about some common criticisms of the book of mormon around archaeological evidence that some say proves or disproves the truthfulness of the book of mormon. Im going to first answer the question, and then explain my answer and offer background. Sorenson, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon salt lake city and provo, ut. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. It further follows that joseph was neither a fool nor a genius, an imposter nor a liar. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. 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. Nov 02, 2011 the book of mormon, the doctrine and covenants, and the archaeology question november 2, 2011 by stephen smoot the authenticity of the book of mormon has been repeatedly assailed by critics of the lds church on the grounds that is lacks any confirmatory archaeological evidence that supports its claimed historicity as an ancient record. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. New approaches to the book of mormon explorations in critical methodology edited by brent lee metcalfe. Ancient american magazine explore the precolumbian americas with. 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 book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times.
In a times and seasons editorial, october 1, 1842, the prophet joseph smith, after progressive study. John weldon 1 refer to the mormon new world archaeological foundation, which brigham young university supported with funds for several fruitless archaeological expeditions. An ancient american book salt lake city and provo, ut. The lds mormon church is truly and american church. The annotated edition of the book of mormon aebom is riddled with misinformation, misrepresentation, special pleading, and a host of additional dubious and erroneous claims. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible. In this new episode of the book of mormon history podcast, bmc associate stephen smoot discusses the new archaeological discovery of an ancient temple within four miles of jerusalem with independent book of mormon researcher joshua gehly. Lineage predicted future both mesoamerican writings and the book of mormon predict future events based on genealogical lineages, national history, and dreams. In truth, dna and the book of mormon cd is a great work. There are three possible ways to approach this puzzle, dealing with archaeology, ancient cultural practices, and difficulties in translation. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. The archaeological record comparing the book of mormon narrative with the archaeological record.
The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. This is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. Jul, 2008 the cd expose, dna and the book of mormon, purportedly to prove joseph smith and the book of mormon fraudulent, is in itself a fraud. The book of mormon mentions horses a few times, even though were not in the americas before the spanish arrived, according to current expert opinion. 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 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. Such an epitaph, taken from the title page of the book of mormon, captures the enduring bond between the man and the book, and also the controversy which coalesced around both with the books publication and the organization of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints in 1830. Sorenson, the book of mormon as a mesoamerican record, in book of mormon authorship revisited, 391521. You will immediately begin receiving materials which include know whys all bmaf. 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. Apr 28, 2017 it seems that book of mormon archaeology has shifted away from looking for the big discovery and towards building a nonfalsifiable explanation for the book of mormon peoples existence. But since the book of mormon is so hugely and internally selffalsifying, it predicts. In their unfortunate book behind the mask of mormonism, dr.
This archaeological exploration is in no way an attempt to prove the book of mormon, its characters, nor its particular story of nephi building the ship. Archaeological trends and book of mormon origins book of. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very presuppositions. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. For reasons i understand, this is a frequently asked question. 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.
If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. Each possible explanation also teaches important lessons about archaeology, ancient. Annually, october 1, is the anniversary of a little known event in early church history that i believe, in consequence of significant research progress into 2019, now deserves recognition for identifying a region of major book of mormon lands and for initiating book of mormon archaeological historic research. The book of mormon, the doctrine and covenants, and the. But to achieve exaltation or godhood it is available only to mormons who obey the teachings specific to the book of mormon. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. Serious mormon scholars have panned this book for its poor scholarship and misleading assertions. 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. Apr 11, 2016 the book of mormon mentions horses a few times, even though were not in the americas before the spanish arrived, according to current expert opinion. It would have been impossible for joseph smith or anyone else, in 1830 a. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu.
The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. The book of mormon, in ether, describes the destruction of all but one individual from the jaredite civilization but does not give any dates for this destruction. It vouchsafes his claim to prophetic status, not to literary genius. Sorenson, the book of mormon as a mesoamerican record, in book of mormon authorship revisited. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. To latterday saints there can be no objection to the careful and critical study of the scriptures, ancient or modern, provided only that it be an honest studya search for truth. Archaeology is not a dead science, and it continues to make new inroads that are applicable to book of mormon studies. Let me list a few glaring points of note proving smith was a true prophet, or at least, a man who could see what future critics. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology.
Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for 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. On the new world archaeological foundation daniel c. Many scientific volumes have been written about evidence for the book of mormon civilizations. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. It is a thriving field of study, with hundreds of pieces of evidence that correlate the book of mormon with archaeology. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. The book of mormon stands on its own witness and promises the reader a spiritual testimony. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. 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. As always, i invite you to study the issues, evaluate what we know and what we dont know, and pray for the guidance. Scott bradley the constitution and the restoration of the gospel trailer. Such an epitaph, taken from the title page of the book of mormon, captures the enduring bond between the man and the book, and also the controversy which coalesced around both with the books publication and the organization of the church in 1830.
Few people every bother to look in biblical scripture to find out if the book of mormon is mentioned. Rhonda pickering signs of our time why are the iconic symbols of the hopewell, a hand and a bird. 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. Other people can use the explanation to justify that their religion hasnt been 100% disproved by evidence even if the explanation is somewhat weak in places. May 17, 2019 the annotated edition of the book of mormon aebom is lined with purported evidence, both archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, and genetic, that the events of the book of mormon took place in the heartland of the united states. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. 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. These include endowments, celestial marriage, and specific tithing.
He was an honest man who told the truth about the book. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. Warning themes in the book of mormon and the condemnation that resteth upon the children of zion trailer. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a. In the meantime, however, readers of the book of mormon have good reasons to be confident that ongoing research and future discoveries will continue to increase our understanding of the horse consistent with the account in the book of mormon.
Archaeological and historical evidence where did 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. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. 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. Claims in the book once thought absurd that have been confirmed in recent years include evidence in the old world of steel swords and metal plates for the right time and place, and in the new world, a strain of domesticated. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. 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. Each possible explanation also teaches important lessons about archaeology, ancient writings, and the. In the ensuing and continuing war of words and prejudice, redemption may hang on the preposition. Why were genealogies important to book of mormon peoples. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. The book of mormon is part of joseph smiths story but not the window to his soul. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence.
Without finding something like a placard that reads nephi slept here. An archaeologists evaluation, religious educator10, no. 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 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.
This past year bmaf was acquired by book of mormon central and the newsletters discontinued. No entity outside of the mormon church refers to reformed egyptian. 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. New approaches to the book of mormon signature books.
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