How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. 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. Claims have been made that there is no evidence to support its historical authenticity or historicity. This opinion is my own and not endorsed by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. This is a promising area of study that will surely produce results in the future. Since the coming forth of the book of mormon there has never been more profound evidence of its authenticity than today. Dunn and william green, terminal archaic and early woodland plant use at the gast spring site la152. The evidence assembled to date suggests that the majority of native americans carry largely asian dna. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. Mar 30, 2018 dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence duration.
Evidence exists that this plant was domesticated in north america in the woodland periods contemporary. Evidence against the book of mormon is not just genetic. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. They have placed the book of mormon in central america and this has been proven to be false through physical evidence and the teachings of prophets, ancient and modern. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim that the book of mormon is historically accurate. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. 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. 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. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Diane wirths 2005 book of mormon archaeological forum bmaf presentation called creation, garden of eden, and resurrection in. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Wayne may presents archaeological evidence for the book of mormon jaredite lands. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. It is detailed, comprehensive and an interesting read.
There is an inherent improbability in specific items that are mentioned in the book of mormon as having. Clearly, for early latterday saints, events in the book of mormon were believed to have spanned the entire western hemisphere. The book of mormon is an account of the former inhabitants of this continent that contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Because the book of mormon mentions highways, readers may wonder if the remains of prominent ancient roads have been discovered in the americas. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. With a lot of attention coming to the theory that north america, rather than central america, is the location of the events recorded in the book of mormon, this book provides a credible rebut of the north american position. The 21st international book of mormon evidence conference believes the book of mormon took place in north america the heartland theory, while the book of mormon central 2018 conference believes the book of mormon all took place in central america the mesoamerican theory. Exploring the book of mormon in americas heartland. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b.
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. 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. Dna evidence has relatively little to do with the authenticity of the book of mormon, but does provide importance tentative insights into the origins of many ancient american peoples. For the first 150 years of mormonisms existence, everyone thought it was a story about a people who left the middle east and came to south or central america, and who fought wars clear up into new. Notable systems of highways were indeed constructed by several ancient american societies, and their remains have long been studied by archaeologists. The book of mormon has a setting in central america. Secondary evidences of the book of mormon in north america.
Generally nonmormon archaeologists do not consider there to be any authentic book of mormon archaeological sites. I still think there is a serious problem of imprinting a particular geographyeven an abstract onebut if the people involved accept the scripture on faith alone, they may never care about the realworld geography, so a mental abstract map is no problem. Book of mormon evidence vs book of mormon central search isaiah. 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. 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. It contains a record of gods dealings with three groups of people who migrated from the near east or west asia to the americas hundreds of years before the arrival of europeans. 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. Church members are asked not to teach theories about book of. The ancient maya, in particular, constructed and used. Book of mormon and dna studies church of jesus christ. Instead, we are left to our own speculations concerning book of mormon geography. Wayne may book of mormon evidence in north america, the mulekites. The church takes no position on the specific geographic location of book of mormon events in the ancient. Apr 09, 2019 it was a year ago this week, i spent three days at two book of mormon conferences on the same weekend.
Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted. Exploring book of mormon in americas heartland photobook. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as. Smith, barley in ancient america, in reexploring the book of mormon. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Mormonism is there any archaeological evidence for the. This new research is offering unprecedented evidence of the truthfulness of the book of mormon. He explained that the mounds and artifacts in the area are proof of the divine authenticity of the book of mormon. This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. Moronis america today in 1936, when lds scholars first began accepting the twocumorah theory, apostle joseph fielding smith warned the saints. Most, but not all, mormons hold the book s connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith.
Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. 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. If this statement is true, he urged, then the fifty pages of the fifth gospel his description of 3 nephi in the book of mormon are a christian treasure. In our view, there is abundant evidence for the divine authenticity of the book of mormon, but not in mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. 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. You can go to the web page of this legal organization and see what the true goals are. The theory that the book of mormon is an ancient american history is not accepted.
Although church members continue to discuss such theories today, the churchs only position is that the events the book of mormon describes took place in the ancient americas. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. May 08, 2018 clearly, for early latterday saints, events in the book of mormon were believed to have spanned the entire western hemisphere. The book of mormon does fit into what we know of the ancient world. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. The lord has never revealed the specific location of book of mormon events. I emphasize, as always, that were all free to believe whatever we want. Such maps can be a useful introduction for those who are new to the book of mormon. Two hundred and twenty gorgeous full color pages filled with more than 500 stunning photos, artwork, maps, charts, artifacts, quotes, scripture and commentary introduce the reader to the rapidly mounting body of evidence that suggests the very real possibility of a north american setting for the events described in 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. Book of mormon geography is predominantly in north america. 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. 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.
Dna evidence to draw definite conclusions about book of mormon peoples is. However, on the subject of the historicity of the book of mormon, there are many subsidiary. He related this to his companions during zions camp. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. An additional criticism of the historical authenticity of the book of mormon concerns linguistics. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Mar 27, 2016 some students of the book of mormon have speculated that the record is a history of the ancient peoples of central or south america notwithstanding the fact that their record was recovered from a stone box in a hill near palmyra, new york, usa and church leaders have maintained for over 100 years that this was the location of that hill called. Since the days of joseph smith most saints believed that the book of mormon took place across the entire expanse of north and south america. Book of mormon archaeology in north america wayne may. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america duration. Is there evidence for book of mormon highways in ancient.
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. The prophet joseph smith himself accepted what he felt was evidence of book of mormon civilizations in both north america and central america. I believe the following secondary evidences of the truth and veracity of book of mormon geography. 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. These people, scientists say, spread rapidly to fill north and south america and. Twopart presentation at the november 20 vernal, ut book of mormon evidence conference. Hard evidence of ancient american horses byu studies. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may.
Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. The book of mormon in north america book of mormon evidence. My belief of these quotes shows solid support of a north american setting of the book of mormon with only one cumorah clearly in manchester, ny. It is therefore vital to have a clear understanding of when these animals actually became extinct. He had come to the jungles of campeche, northeast of the isthmus, to find proof.
The book exploring the book of mormon in americas heartland has become the new standard in defending the book of mormons historicity. Over 300 photos, works of art, artifacts, maps, charts, scripture and commentary introduce the reader to the growing body of evidence that suggests the very real possibility of a north american setting for the events of the book of mormon. According to book of mormon central, the most important material in volume 10 are the anonymous times and seasons articles. May 26, 2018 this is a promising area of study that will surely produce results in the future. Jan 01, 2011 220 pages 11 x 9 full color case bound heirloom edition. Nov 22, 2007 with a lot of attention coming to the theory that north america, rather than central america, is the location of the events recorded in the book of mormon, this book provides a credible rebut of the north american position. Americas first elephant arrived in 1796 on captain jacob crowninshields boat from india. We can be faithful latterday saints regardless of what we believe about book of mormon historicity, geography, the teachings of the prophets, etc. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints affirms that the book of mormon is a volume of sacred scripture comparable to the bible. 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. For countless individuals who have applied this test of the books authenticity. Arguably among the two greatest linguistic discoveries relating to the authenticity of the book of mormon are two ancient stones bearing hebrew inscriptions that can now finally take their rightful place in the history of the world. The legal organization behind book of mormon central is the book of mormon archaeological forum, inc. Most, but not all, mormons hold the books connection to ancient american.
Church releases statement on book of mormon geography book. Fort hill, spruce hill, and fort ancient, ohio places of resort. With over a hundred other theories, these two are by far the predominant. 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 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. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. Secular evidence continues to mount that the book of mormon may have occurred in the heartland of north america. The content of the book of mormon may be the most convincing evidence for its claim as a historical record and divine scripture.
Book of mormon archaeology gives evidence for the heartland model of the book of mormon location. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. The oldest moundbuilder societies date to around 2000 bc. Some students of the book of mormon have speculated that the record is a history of the ancient peoples of central or south america notwithstanding the fact that their record was recovered from a stone box in a hill near palmyra, new york, usa and church leaders have maintained for over 100 years that this was the location of that hill called. Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists. Its early account of jerusalem just before the babylonian captivity gains in plausibility as research continues to accumulate. During september get the book that is quickly becoming the new standard in book of mormon geography. The view of book of mormon geography taught by joseph smith and subsequent presidents and apostles of the mormon church includes three major, closely related points. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. The book of mormon is full of references to technologies and species that are known to have not existed in precolumbian america.
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 new essay begins with this declarative statement. The facts following from the star of the westis not only proof of their skill but it is good proof to those that want evidence that the book of mormon is true. Moronis america the book of mormon in north america. Geographical, and other evidences in support of the book of mormon landscape, as found in north america. They interpreted the mere fact instead of joseph declared the bones were evidence of the divine authenticity of the book of mormon. By the 1930s, when ferguson learned about mesoamerican. Hinterlands lamanites in north, south, and central america. Michael coe, an archaeologist at yale university, said.
Various mormon authors have cited evidence that north american moundbuilder cultures were familiar with the elephant. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Mentioned in ether, mastodons and mammoths lived in north america during the pleistocene era, yet became extinct on this continent towards the end of the last ice age, predating the book of mormon by thousands of years. When it comes to the michigan artifacts, there is strong evidence proving these stones are not forgeries. Church releases statement on book of mormon geography. The suggestion of horses and chariots in precolumbian america has long been an easy target for critics of the book of mormon. The mound builderelephant controversy did not originate with the book of mormon. May 17, 2018 today, nonlds scientists have verified two stones having hebrew inscriptions in americas heartland, thereby validating the january 1st, 1842 issue of the times and seasons vol. 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. Adena culture shows archaeological evidence of the jaredites in north america. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. As expected, our friends at book of mormon central, the front for book of mormon archaeological forum, inc. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Nov 27, 2019 in our view, there is abundant evidence for the divine authenticity of the book of mormon, but not in mesoamerica.
1161 786 676 1588 463 237 1389 1327 1444 1341 1361 207 62 896 1243 1189 1421 752 1063 687 1428 158 436 1183 12 1298 35 812 508 113