The book of mormon is said to have been written in a reformed egyptian characters, but no archaeological, linguistic, or other evidence of the use of egyptian writing in ancient america has been discovered. There is no historical or archeological evidence to support the book of mormon. 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. The lamanite city jerusalem in the land of nephi was named by lehite migrants after the old world site from which their ancestors came alma 21. 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. 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. While there is ample archaeological evidence to prove the authenticity of the bible in the middle east, the evidence to support the book of mormon is not there. As always, i invite you to study the issues, evaluate what we know and what we dont.
Archaeological, social, and cultural evidence, dvd rodney meldrum, 2008, sec. If we read the mormon book, we find that in mormon 6. If there is data supporting the texts, we can calculate whether the book of mormon should be considered to be based on fact or simply a good fiction. We testify that the book of mormon is a sacred historical record of real people. Why does the book of mormon talk of horses, metal, cows, etc when these did not come to new world until after 1492. You may also view pages from the annotated book of mormon click here. Chart showing the signs of the second coming in third nephi. Book of mormon evidence streaming here subscription site with over 350 virtual expo videos. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. Critics who contend the book of mormon has no archaeological evidence are simply uninformed. The current suggestions are all logically placed along the dhofar coast in oman based on geography, but they dont have hard archaeological evidence like we. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. In 1975, he submitted a paper to a symposium about book of mormon geography outlining the failure of archaeologists to find old world plants, animals, metals, and scripts in mesoamerica.
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. 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. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. 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. This is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. New evidence for the book of mormon name sariah 1 nephi 2. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. Apr 28, 2017 nahom is a big book of mormon evidence that i respect location is right and the archaeological evidence is sound. Is there evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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 scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon.
As far as the location of old world bountiful, its up in the air. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some. According to the smithsonian institution, archaeological evidence shows that the western hemisphere was populated by east asian peoples migrating across the bering strait and rules out alternatives involving long sea voyages 23 as a significant contribution to new world settlement, as proposed by the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Dec 12, 2007 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.
In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. Welcome to rlatterdaysaints a gathering place for those supporting or investigating the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and its members. There is a powerful evidence of book of mormon authenticity found in helaman 3. 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. Internal evidence of widespread literacy in the book of mormon.
Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. Oct 18, 2009 critics who contend the book of mormon has no archaeological evidence are simply uninformed. Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. 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. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. There are a number of words and phrases in the book of mormon that are anachronistictheir existence in the text of the book of mormon is at odds with known linguistic patterns or archaeological findings each of the anachronisms is a word, phrase, artifact, or other concept that critics, historians, archaeologists, or linguists believe did not exist in the americas during. Among other errors, the book of mormon makes numerous claims about society in precolumbian north america which totally contradict the archaeological evidence. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies.
If the book of mormon is actually a novel, why would a protestant minister say there are multiple gods, etc. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Archaeological and historical evidence steel utilized as. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed. Why are there not any archeological artifacts on ancient. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. Dont expect proof for any religion or matter of faith, but yes, there are many issues that support the concept that the book of mormon is of ancient origin and not a silly fraud by joseph smith. This sub is for fellowship and faithful belief in the restored gospel of jesus christ ephesians 2. Direct archaeological evidence for the book of mormon youtube.
If the book of mormon is really a true history, then i would think that there should be some archaeological evidence that supports the truthfulness of those historical events. Rediscovering the book of mormon remnant through dna. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Echoes and evidences of the book of mormon byu scholarsarchive. If the resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visited the book of mormon people in the americas. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. No, not everything is archaeologically confirmed, any more than everything in any ancient document is. Evidence now supports the fact that these ancient people did have and use steel as recorded in the book of mormon.
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. 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. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. Smith claimed the angel moroni, a prophet in the book of mormon. The purpose of the book of mormon is to convince the world that jesus is the christ, our lord and redeemer. 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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. Many parts of ancient mesoamerica were not suitable for wheeled. This book the book of mormon must be either true of false.
Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. It conflicts with details in the book of mormon, contradicts the teaching of a long line of lds presidents and apostles, and in the end cannot produce a single piece of archaeological evidence that can be identified as nephite or jaredite a fact which byu professors such as hugh nibley, bruce w. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. 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.
Ancient american magazine explore the precolumbian americas with this quarterly publication. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Numerous scholars and archaeologists have unanimously concluded that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Deanna draper buck, internal evidence of widespread literacy in the book of mormon, religious educator 10, no. If a socalled holy book is not a myth, then we will find that the names of cities, people, and other unique details will be supported by archaeological evidence.
This video will help you understand that the foundation of the lds faith is built upon myth. The first myth we need to eliminate is that book of mormon archaeology existsif one is to study book of mormon archaeology, then one must have a corpus of data with which to deal. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. A comparison of the archaeological evidence for the book of mormon with the evidence for the bible clearly shows the weakness of the mormon position. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. 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.
In the paper revisiting sariah at elephantine, neal rappleye, a research project manager here at book of mormon central, explains that scholars have identified a jewish woman named. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. It testifies of his divinity and of the necessity for a redeemer. In dealing with archaeological and other evidences for the book of mormon, we must first realize that nearly all critical comments of scholars have been based on a common mormon misconception. 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. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible.
Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Is the book of mormon authenticated by archaeology. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times.
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. Mar 24, 2020 the book of mormon brings men to christ through two basic. Join wayne on a book of mormon tour and see the archaeological discoveries of the nephites and jaredites. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book.
Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. This, of course, is not to imply that there are no problems connected with biblical archaeology, or that archaeological evidence alone can prove the bible to be divinely inspired. Direct archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. The book of mormon mentions the presence of chariots in three instances, in two instances both around 90 bc at the same location inferring them as a mode of transportation. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. See the references at the end of this page for details. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america duration. The most common belief of adherents is that promoted by joseph smith, who said he translated ancient golden plates inscribed by prophets. I was baptized as a mormon 806 age 60, from a catholic background. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated.
Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Too many historical and cultural references mightve undermined or watered down its spiritual objectives. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. Archaeologist uncovered a steel sword that was found near new city of jericho during the 1980s that dates back to the 7th century b. 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. If the resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visited the book of. As explored in this video, the location nahom in the book of mormon has been archaeologically confirmed.
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. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. A journal of latterday saint faith and scholarship. Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a work of inspired scripture. 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. 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. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america by lifey. 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.
There are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. Those who make claims that there is no archaeological evidence supporting the book of mormon are right in one respectwe dont know where the cities mentioned in the book of mormon are located.
Therefore, as things stand at the moment, current new world archaeological evidence tends to verify the claims made by the book of mormon. The probability of muhammad being correct about jesus is less than 2 chances in 1 billion based on archaeological evidence. Some early20th century mormons claimed various archaeological findings such as place. Underwater archaeology and the book of mormon in sorenson. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. 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. Intellectual evidence of book of mormon authenticity is an issue worthy of careful consideration. No arrangement of evidence, however skillfully ordered. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines.
In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Deanna draper buck was a support specialist for seminaries and institutes of religion in louisville, kentucky when this was written. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. Why are there not any archeological artifacts on ancient world of book of mormon as there are on the bible. The type of faith mormons exhibit is the third type and is not the way god works as modeled throughout the bible. There is no archaeological evidence to support the use of wheeled vehicles in precolumbian mesoamerica.
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