The book of mormon purports to give an account of two civilizations formed by families who migrated to the americas. 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. 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 possibility of the book of mormon as inspired fiction. 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. In a times and seasons editorial, october 1, 1842, the prophet joseph smith, after progressive study. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. 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. 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. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. It appears that the book of mormon had no place in the new world whatsoever. 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. 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.
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. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. 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. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. Archaeological proof of the book of mormon lds blogs. So what we have in the book of mormon is a far cry from a detailed history. 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 material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. Aug 16, 2009 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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. Without finding something like a placard that reads nephi slept here. Moreover, meteoric nickeliron has been termed a type of steel, and this substance was wellknown in mesoamerica. 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.
The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. Book of mormon the list of archaeological and historical. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the books authenticityjosephs unfamiliarity with its contents. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. Employing the word cement was cited as anachronistic proof of the book of mormons fabrication. Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of. May 23, 2014 the book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a maternally inherited dna standpoint. As explored in this video, the location nahom in the book of mormon has been archaeologically confirmed.
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. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. 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. 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. 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. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to the hitherto. However, as science progressed, my dissonance grew. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. 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. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. Another group came much earlier, when god confounded the tongues at the tower of babel.
This is explained in the opening verses of the first chapter of jacob and in the words of mormon. 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. Book of mormon archeological andor historical validity. Critics of the book of mormon have argued that there are. 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. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. 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. It also tells of christ visiting the americas and setting up his church among the people. Jun 22, 2016 book of mormon archaeology in north america. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it.
Maxwell institute for religious scholarship formerly farms, aug 2000. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. 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. 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. The book of mormon contains records directly taken from this second, smaller set of plates, as well as an abridgment of the larger record. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Sorensons an ancient american setting for the book of mormon presented the best argument for a new world location for the book of mormon. Archaeological proofs for the book of mormon youtube. Read about the supporting evidence for the book of mormon cultures. 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. Wayne mays twopart presentation at the november 20 vernal, ut book of mormon evidence conference.
After watching a dozen archaeology shows on pbs where nothing in the book of mormon was ever mentioned, i. What i would say to you is there is no archaeological proof of the book of mormon. It appeared that in order to accept that correlation one must accept that the nephites rotated north to what we typically. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. For many years, critics have challenged the veracity of a religious text called the book of mormon. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. The book of mormon does not say that all the natives in the new world were either lamanites or nephites.
Biblical archaeology can be studied because we do know where. The term horse in the book might really have referred to a deer that people rode. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of mormon. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. 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. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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. The book of mormon is true and could have only happened in north america. It makes many claims about the history and anthropology of pre. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news.
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 factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote 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. Archeology alone, no not for the whole book, but yes on its beginnings. 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. 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. The list of anachronisms that proved that the book of mormon was a 19th century fabrication has been whittled down from 65 to 2.
Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Mormon traditions would have us believe that the book of mormon took place in the heartland and in new york. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. The book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a maternally inherited dna standpoint. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable.
Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the books authenticity. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. The book of mormon brian nicholson, deseret news archives. As in the old testament, there were numerous prophecies of this event, one in particular by samuel the lamanite five years earlier helaman 5. 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. 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. 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. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the.
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. 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. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. At first i was surprised that there would be an article entitled mounting evidence for the book of mormon on the official church website. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence.
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 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. Book of mormon archaeology in north america 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. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. A combination of factors, including the evidence appearing at the right time, at the right place, and in the right. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. 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.
Is there sufficient archaeological evidence to support the. 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. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. The book of mormon claims that a valley can be found between 2 to 3 days from the northernmost shore of the red sea. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to. 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. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. Critics of the book of mormon have argued that there are words and phrases in the book that are anachronistic with archaeological.
The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. 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. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support 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. Archaeological and historical evidence joseph smith and. 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. Decades of desperate archaeological research in mexico and central. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith, alleged to be an ignorant man, wrote the book of mormon 2. Terryl givens points out that throughout mormon history the book of mormon has been used for its role as a sacred sign rather than its function as persuasive theology.
Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to. 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. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. 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. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. Aug 22, 2007 the book of mormon tells of a family leaving jerusalem and traveling to the americas. 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 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. 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. 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.
The book of mormon tells of a family leaving jerusalem and traveling to the americas. Are anachronisms in the book of mormon evidence it is. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. 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. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
One group of families came from jerusalem in 600 bc and afterward separated into two nations, known as the nephites and the lamanites. These traditions truly conflict with the book of mormon, the word of god, so the heartland model can be. Given that the book of mormon appears to be describing volcanic activity around 33 a. 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. 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. He is also the authorcoauthor of archaeology and the book of mormon volume i,christ in ancient america. Archeologicalanthropological problems in the book of mormon. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. There are a small number of mentions in the book of mormon of horses. Book of mormon evidence the mormon church, mormonism.
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