Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. You may find a good overview of these problems with book of mormon. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. For reasons i understand, this is a frequently asked question. With that ambivalent note as a foreword, we can better deal with specific questions about animals and plants mentioned in 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. As we begin to explore mormon archaeology, it seems appropriate to introduce the fascinating history of thomas ferguson, an attorney by trade, whose true passion manifest as an amateur archaeologist who dedicated decades of his life to the search for evidence to validate the book of mormon as a historical record. It is notable that although this is the most significant contemporary work on book of. Stephen smoot at book of mormon central walks viewers through the discovery of nahom and what it means for book of mormon evidence. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. The book of mormon was written for the purpose of convincing those who are sincere abou. In this uncommon, selfpublished work the author with the help of singing and dancing sensation, donny osmond. One such group is the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, better known as f.
Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Attempt to prove the veracity of the events of the book of mormon using. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Blake ostler, a respected mormon scholar, states that in my view, there is not and cannot be any book of mormon archaeology until we find. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the.
Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. 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. Annotated edition of the book of mormon new 2nd edition. 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. It is a thriving field of study, with hundreds of pieces of evidence that correlate the book of mormon with archaeology. During the early 19th century when joseph smith was working his magic, we hadnt yet translated any egyptian hieroglyphics. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. Book store book of mormon evidence in american archaeology.
The book of mormon is an account of the former inhabitants of this continent that contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Christianity stack exchange is a question and answer site for committed christians, experts in christianity and those interested in learning more. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Sorensons theory is detailed in his book, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, op.
Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. He is also the authorcoauthor of christ in ancient america. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand.
Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. Recently, i went through the book of mormon with a different focusi wanted to determine how many evidences were found in the book of mormon itself supporting the fact. American progress or the great events of the greatest century including.
Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. As the modern lds church tries to shore up belief in the prophet joseph smith and his special. I was wondering if there is any archaeological evidence to support things mentioned in the book of mormon such as wheat, barley, copper, and steel in america. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device.
We will continue to find uncertainty and arguments from silence coupled with often tentative but sometimes quite interesting insights and evidences, leaving plenty of questions but also some possible answers. Combine the original text of the most correct book on earth, with the secondary evidences of archaeology, artifacts, geology and geography in the heartland of the united states. 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. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Jul 07, 2008 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. John clark of the new world archaeological foundation has compiled a list of sixty items mentioned in the book of mormon. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Sep 29, 2017 the book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. The list includes items such as steel swords, barley, cement, thrones, and literacy. In his tuesday, march 3, lds business college devotional held in the assembly hall on temple square, elder callister listed past and present criticisms lobbied against the book of mormon.
Mormon cultural belief regarding book of mormon archaeology archaeological evidence of large populations. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. Bmaf supports a mesoamerican context for the major book of mormon sites. There are several theories held among latterday saints for the location of book of mormon lands. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Who wrote the book of mormon and where did it come from. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. 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 factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. During the early 19th century when joseph smith was working his magic, we hadnt yet translated any egyptian. Top 10 facts the mormon church doesnt want its members to know duration. Welcome to rlatterdaysaints a gathering place for those supporting or investigating the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and its members. He wrote in the acknowledgements section of this 1956 book, the book of mormon has stood and will continue to stand on its own merits. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon.
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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of. He undertook on that occasion to bear his testimony of the book of mormon, he being perhaps one of the most qualified men in the church to do so in terms of demonstrating. Thoughts on evidences for the historical authenticity of. Blake ostler, a respected mormon scholar, states that in my view, there is not and cannot be any book of mormon archaeology until we find at least one place or object that we can say with some certitude derives from book of mormon peoples. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x.
The archaeological record comparing the book of mormon narrative with the archaeological record. Echoes and evidences of the book of mormon parry, donald w. T he book of mormon is advertized by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints as another testament of jesus. The book of mormon is part of joseph smiths story but not the window to his soul. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Historical archaeology and the importance of material things, special publications series number 2, papers of the thematic symposium, eighth annual meeting of the society for historical archaeology, charleston, south carolina, january 7 11, 1975, edited by leland ferguson. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. The site at nahom even dates back to lehis time period. The use of harold blooms description of joseph smith as a religious genius in this video may mislead viewers. Many scientific volumes have been written about evidence for the book of mormon civilizations. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a. Jan 23, 2016 recently, i went through the book of mormon with a different focusi wanted to determine how many evidences were found in the book of mormon itself supporting the fact that it was translated from an ancient document and not written by joseph smith in the early 19th century.
Read about the supporting evidence for the book of mormon cultures. 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. Recently, i went through the book of mormon with a different focusi wanted to determine how many evidences were found in the book of mormon itself supporting the fact that it was translated from an ancient document and not written by joseph smith in the early 19th century. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Leading experts of the early americas disavow the historicity of the book of mormon narrative. Bookofmormonarchaeology 2000 evidences for the book of mormon. Some place the geography of the book in upstate new york or near the great lakes. At the other end of the spectrum are the eccentric sort who see book of mormon evidences in artifacts from alaska and south america simultaneously and whose testimonies lie in. In his tuesday, march 3, lds business college devotional held in the assembly hall on temple square, elder callister listed past and present criticisms lobbied against the book of mormon and gave evidences of the books truthfulness. Many of the evidences have quietly faded away in mormon lore. Oct 29, 2008 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable.
Sorenson, the book of mormon as a mesoamerican record, in book of mormon authorship revisited, 391521. If the book of mormon is really true history, then even. What are some of the key hard evidences that the book of. This past year bmaf was acquired by book of mormon central and the newsletters discontinued. 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. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very presuppositions. Others look to peru and south america, or to the baja peninsula, or texas, and some even propose the malaysian peninsula. Book of mormon archaeological evidences the ohio decalogue. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. To satisfy their demands, an attempt has been made in this book to correlate certain recent archaeological and anthropological findings with related book. He was an honest man who told the truth about the book. External evidences of scripture religious studies center. Book of mormon archaeological evidences the ohio decalogue stone.
Nov 01, 2002 the amazing achievements of the last hundred years in technology and science are paralleled by significant strides in book of mormon studies. As it turns out, archaeologists have been able to find and positively identify nahom in southern arabia. Evidence, proof, and belief before delving into archaeological matters, it is helpful to take a step back and consider what archaeological evidence means in relation to the book of. Furthermore, the book of mormon also lists several things like barley, elephants, horses, chariots, iron and steel as being common and present in large quantities, yet archaeologists do not find these kinds of items in north america dating to the times of the book of mormon. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. Other locations may meet some of the following criteria, but only mesoamerica meets all these elements. Having spent a considerable portion of the past ten years functioning as a scientist dealing with new world archaeology, i find that nothing in socalled book of mormon archaeology.
Is there anything that has been found among the archaeological evidences that would sustain or support the book of mormon. 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. Mormon scholars have estimated that at various periods in book of mormon history, the populations of civilizations discussed in the book ranged between 300,000 and 1. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on not only the subject of archaeology, but also on the reality of both biblical and book of mormon archaeology. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith was a creative genius who, wrote the book.
Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. 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 migrations of people from the middle east to central america, and further describes some features of their civilizations in the new world. Two of the most prevalent claims for the book of mormon are, there is much archaeological proof to the book. However, there is none more certain or sure than that of the spirit, he said.
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