As will be demonstrated, the intimate relationships between his account and the known geography in the middle east provide excellent evidence of the book of mormons authenticity. We build enduring faith in jesus christ by making the book of mormon. 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. Think joseph smith could have gotten that right by sheer chance. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to the hitherto. One of the best ways to test the book of mormon s historical authenticity is to look at its names. Mormons, is there physical evidence of the existence of. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. In addition, the very content of the book of mormon makes it impossible to accept it as divine revelation. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
This site provides you with an overview of what the book of mormon claims from an archeological or historic viewpoint, and compares it to non apologetic apologetic meaning speak to defend scientific and historical resources. Chiasmus, mesoamerican evidences, cement, olives, ancient names like alma, and other evidences for the authenticity of the book of mormona divine ancient record from the new world that testifies of jesus christ. It turns out that a good number of them have plausible links with words or names in ancient near eastern. The understanding of joseph smith and of traditional mormonism is that the book of mormon reveals that the american indians are descendants of the lamanites, who descended from lehi and are therefore a remnant of the house of israel. Physical evidence of the book of mormon or just a coincidence. For example, evidence to support the claim by mormons that native americans are.
Ronald gudnason universal model science taught in iceland. Mormonism is a religion less than two centuries old, but in this short time it has managed to accrue a long list of embarrassments which the church leaders would. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Dean sessions how practical scientific applications of the um help us learn truth. 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. Critics challenge the viability of the population size and growth of the book of mormon people. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the books authenticity. The conclusion states, much as critics and defenders of the book of mormon would like to use dna studies to support their views, the evidence is simply inconclusive. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested.
But if i found out that the book of mormon is truethen everything was going to change. Allan part 1 the book of mormon tells usofa who and where we are, and what is coming. 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. But that is only because they were assuming there was only one cumorah. 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. Why is there no evidence of a battle at hill cumorah. Dna evidence and the book of mormon one of the hottest criticisms of the book of mormon that has emerged during the past decade or so has centered on the so called dna research, supposedly disproving the claims of the book of mormon that the aborigines of the american continent were of israelite descent. The book of mormon claims to be a translation of ancient writing on gold plates. Joseph smith said in the introduction to the book i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone to our religion yet, the evidence shows the book of mormon is not revelation from god, but a fictitious story written by joseph smith. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence youtube. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Each of its unique names has now been looked at by scholars with linguistic training.
Zander sturgill, who works over at book of mormon central, had an interesting insight when it comes to evidence of the book of mormon. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. The chief claim, and the premise of the entire book, is that hebrews carried the message of the coming messiah on a voyage across the atlantic. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. The book of mormon contains accounts by many different people, mostly prophets, over a thousand years, harmonized and abridged into a whole narrative by a father and son, mormon and moroni, who lived around 400 ad. John clark of the new world archaeological foundation has compiled a list of sixty items mentioned in the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidence streaming faithfully exploring. 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. Researchers compare existing genetic evidence with the book of mormon story. This is when verses or phrases or ideas in the book of.
Evidence is interesting and has it uses, but only as a means of better understanding the book, not of proving it. 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. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. Another testament of jesus christ, is true, not false. 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. Dean sessions evolutionary pseudotheory and the three laws of life. It was a television show, of all things, that led cache valley resident james peterson to his current interest in the book of mormon, traveling. This is important because the latterday saints make such a point about it containing the fullness of.
The theory that the book of mormon is an ancient american history is not accepted. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. The book of mormon avows itself a revelation in the strictest and highest sense. Is there evidence for great destruction in the land northward at the death of christ. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon. Many mormons believe this to be linked with lehis dream, thus proving the bom with evidence. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. We build enduring faith in jesus christ by making the book of mormon accessible, comprehensible, and defensible to the entire world.
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. Internal evidences of the truth of the book of mormon. The most compelling evidence for the truthfulness of the book of mormon is spiritual. One of the top five evidences for the book of mormon, possible even top three, is something called intertextuality. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to non apologetic evidence. Hugh nibley of brigham young university who some mormons feel is one of the greatest scholars in the church declares. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the. There is an abundance of historical and archaeological evidence that supports the scriptural historical events as recorded in the book of mormon. In this article, we will provide some background on this issue focusing on the scientific issues, followed by a point by point response to various statements made in the essay about the book of mormon. Mormon is allegedly a prophethistorian who was the native american believed by mormons to have written the book of mormon the main religious text of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints mormonism. 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.
So there is also archaeological evidence that supports the truthfulness of the book of mormon. Our first 2020 event will be april 9, 10, and 11th at the mountain america exposition center at 9575 s state st in sandy, ut 84070 this will be the firm foundation expo featuring the 25th international book of mormon evidence conference. While there is still much to learn about the people and stories in the book of mormon, some of the best archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon comes from lehis journey to the promised land. Further, there is no evidence at all that joseph smith did any scholarly research, or even that he read very much, before the book of mormon appeared.
And, with more study, the books sturdiness and richness and the remarkable accomplishment of its translator, the prophet joseph smith, become more apparent. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Joseph smith claimed that in 1827 an angel named moroni led him to a set of golden plates which he then translated by the gift and power of. 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof. Chiasmus, mesoamerican evidences, cement, olives, ancient names like alma, and other evidences for the authenticity of the book of mormon a divine ancient record from the new world that testifies of jesus christ. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. Youre missing the most obvious and credible piece of evidence that horses did exist in north america during book of mormon times. 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. Due to the nature of its origin, that would support the existence of god.
Intellectual evidence of book of mormon authenticity is an issue worthy of careful consideration. Sorenson claims that there is fossil evidence that some new world horses may have survived the. But this result makes a lot of sense regarding why they dont fit so well genetically with contemporary east asiansbecause onethird of their genome is derived from another population. The book of mormon has several evidences within its pages that give evidence to it being exactly what joseph smith purported it to be. Smith once called the book of mormon the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion smith, 1902, 4. Well documented facts, and he covered so many different aspects of evidence to back up his video presentation, aside from the compelling dna evidence, he used weather, animal migration, mapping, rivers, water bodies, descriptions from the book of mormon and matched them to the local geography. First, it utterly lacks historical or archaeological support, and there is overwhelming empirical evidence that refutes it. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. The resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visit the book of mormon people in the americas. Top 10 embarrassments of the mormon religion listverse. From time to time mormons come up with what they regard as substantive evidence for the book of mormon. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. Most, but not all, mormons hold the book s connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith. Book of mormon evidences mormonism, the mormon church.
In other words, native americans whose ancestors include book of mormon peoples may not be able to confirm that relationship using their dna. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. The evidence assembled to date suggests that the majority of native americans carry largely asian dna. Evidence of the truthfulness of the book of mormon lds. Much evidence exists to support the claims made by the book of mormon native american evidences of book of mormon contents. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. For the evidence which supports the claims made in this video, as well as a fairly comprehensive sampling of the available. Book of mormon evidence vs book of mormon central search.
A popular saying in the field of archaeology is that no evidence of existence is not evidence of non existence. One of the most convincing evidence of the book of mormon. When ministries inevitably challenge and refute that evidence, mormons insist that someone can only know the book of mormon is true by sincere prayer, citing moronis promise from the end of the book. Some archaeological, scriptural and historical evidence that show that the bible and book of mormon are ancient records that jesus christ is the son of god. The list includes items such as steel swords, barley, cement, thrones, and literacy. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. For many people, joseph smiths claims are just too ridiculous, and the south park episode effectively captures this incredulous attitude. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity. Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints need to realize that. It is the purpose of this paper to show that it is not such a book as an impostor would have made if he could. I am trying to remain agnostic, but the story told in the book of mormon does have an uncanny resemblance to the artifact. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. An example of book of mormon evidences and the scientific.
Native american writings are potentially strong evidence that the occurrences described in the book of mormon actually happened. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. The nhm inscription is the most important piece of geographical evidence book of mormon supporters have for their claims. The nahom case provides evidence, not of the authenticity of the book of mormon, but of the willingness of lds scholars to look anywhere to find validation for a historically accurate reading of the book of mormon. Joseph smith claimed he translated the book of mormon from a set of golden plates that were given to him by an angel named moroni. In this chapter we will examine the book of mormon to see how it holds up to the. Dean sessions latter day saint creationism the doctrine and science.
Archaeological and historical evidence dna and the book of. Izapa stela 5 is a rock found chiapas, mexico with ancient carvings. Through an exploration of ancient literature and cultures, joseph smiths educational background, and the science of wordprints, the book of mormon is true invites audiences to strengthen their testimony of this sacred scripture as the divine word of god. Because some are already convinced that, joseph smith was a prophet of god, and the book of mormon is historically authentic divine revelation. To date, no actual evidence to confirm the book of mormon has been found, although many lds believers have faith that it will be uncovered in the future. 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. The popular tv show south park has an episode titled all about mormons, in which joseph smiths account of the coming forth of the book of mormon is mocked as absurd and completely unbelievable. How could there be so many witnesses of the book of mormon and the plates and not one of them deny their testimony even when some of them became bitter toward joseph smith. The book of mormon is the only explanation for this scripture. 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. 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. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient evidence. Yes, some mormon leaders have theorized that new york was the location of the nephite battle, but there is nothing in the book of mormon to indicate that the cumorah where joseph smith secured the gold plate records was the same hill where the nephites had their great battle.
This video is an eyeopening look for mormons to see the deception laid before them by clearly proving that there is no evidence to support the book of mormon and, in fact, provides contrary evidence. The following study is part of a projected larger treatise on the evidences of the truth of mormonism. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. Many scientific volumes have been written about evidence for the book of mormon civilizations.
Much as critics and defenders of the book of mormon would like to use dna studies to support their views, the evidence is simply inconclusive. In summary, dna evidence and the book of mormon is long overdue. The purpose of the book of mormon is to convince the world that jesus is the christ, our lord and redeemer. Evidence has been produced practically establishing the fact that the book of mormon is not such a book as an impostor could have made if he would. The findings could also allow reinterpretation of archaeological and. These plates were supposedly written 1,400 years ago and detailed the history of the jewish nephites from 600 b. I suspect there is no answer, i suspect that no amount of evidence would persuade the faithful, i suspect that no lack of pro book of mormon evidence will get past faith presuppositions. The book of mormon evidences activity book helps kids learn about the evidence that support the book of mormon and is based on the graphic novel the book of mormon on trial. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Correlation and verification through dna, prophetic, scriptural, historical, climatological, archaeological, social, and cultural evidence. Brian stubbs lehite language evidence in native american languages. But lately, ive been feeling like my testimony on the book is shaking a little. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence that proves the book of mormon.
First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. No quantity of archaeological evidence will ever suffice to prove beyond reasonable doubt that either the bible or the book of mormon is true or false. Tenth president joseph fielding smith things that the evidence for it internally and externally is overwhelming. As lds scholars have attested, time has not diminished the book of mormon s relevance. New scientific support for the truthfulness of the book of mormon. The book of mormon evidences activity book the book of. New evidence for the book of mormon today radio free mormon throws us a curveball and shows us things are not so easy to brush off. Ive been in the church for 4 years my anniversary was a few days ago. Sep 08, 2016 on january 31, 2014, the lds church published an essay entitled book of mormon and dna studies in the gospel topics series on its official website. Boyd tuttle out of darkness into light a decade of discovery in book of mormon research. With over a hundred other theories, these two are by far the predominant. In early 2008 rodney meldrum published a dvd titled dna evidence for book of mormon geography.
The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Scientists theorize that in an era that predated book of. That while there are many contradiction in mormonism that work against its claims, there are also other sides to that coin. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. So, while the book affirms the presupposition that the europeans introduced horses it frequently presents evidence favoring the existence of precolumbian horses, and it does so in ways which parallel the usage of horses in the book of mormon.
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 is a thriving field of study, with hundreds of pieces of evidence that correlate the book of mormon with archaeology. This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the.
I cant deny the spiritual and logical reasons that were presented to me as part of my testimony of that books truthfulness. And to know where to look for evidence of the book of mormon, its best to go back to the text itself. Its not like you can say that they are really closely related to japanese, chinese, or koreans, so there seems to be something missing. 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 of mormon.
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