The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. If, after a reasonable period of diligent searching, material evidence is not found, then the book of mormon would be shown to be imaginary. Standard arguments against the book concern things mentioned in the text not found archaeologically, such as gold plates. I have no idea about the archaeological evidence for the existence of book of mormon at least some years ago. Her native american brothers and sisters are a chosen yet scattered people and her passion is to bring them home to the savior where they may lead in building.
Non archaeological corroboration of the text is discussed in the article top ten literary and linguistic evidences for the book of mormon. That very arrangement is now well documented archaeologically an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, provo, utah. 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. Archaeology and the book of mormon a brief article by michael ash at the website. Oct 05, 2019 evidences in proof of the book of mormon by charles thompson, minister of the gospel. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Second, the book of mormon contains none of the key mormon doctrines. These historical claims have sent scholars in search of archaeological evidence for the existence of the peoples and events described in the book of mormon, and they make the subject of book of mormon archaeology relevant.
Proof of the book of mormon thus remains within the spiritual realm and not from studying archaeology. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. Understanding what archaeologists look for in historical.
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. This evidence has long been a topic of debate with most archaeologists concluding that the. 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. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. 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.
Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. May 14, 2019 some critics may claim that there is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. That is no wonder if you consider how it was bounded by rivers on two sides, and that they built palisades around the land as well.
Key are the videos and the books describing the coverup by the smithsonian institute in the name of manifest destiny, and the wayne may videos describing independent archaeological evidence confirming book of mormon dates and cultures among the cherokee, iroquois, and the algonquian tribes from florida to michigan and from missouri to. Book of mormon evidence streaming faithfully exploring. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very presuppositions. 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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. If your testimony requires that the events of the book of mormon actually took place, as described, then fine, do your homework and look at the physical evidence, but look at all of it. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the.
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. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible. Thoughts on evidences for the historical authenticity of the. One group of families came from jerusalem in 600 bc and afterward separated into two nations, known as the nephites and the lamanites. Scott bradley the constitution and the restoration of the gospel trailer. Dean sessions latter day saint creationism the doctrine and science. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. However, the brethren demonstrate their believe in providing as much physical supporting evidence as possible by the millions of dollars of tithing that they spend in developing and preserving the historical sites and artifacts of the restoration. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. Critics who contend the book of mormon has no archaeological evidence are simply uninformed.
Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. As explored in this video, the location nahom in the book of mormon has been archaeologically confirmed. Callister, emeritus general authority seventy and former sunday school general president in his tuesday, march 3, lds business college devotional held in the assembly hall on temple square, elder callister listed past and. Many leading researchers place book of mormon lands in mesoamerica, just below the yucatan peninsula. Chris heimerdinger shares additional insights in an excellent blog post entitled five compelling archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. Nov 30, 20 these facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. The book of mormon, combined with the spirit, is the greatest witness one has of the truthfulness of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, said elder tad r. 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. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon evidence, proof, and belief.
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. Due to the nature of its origin, that would support the existence of god. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. The new testament also has many archaeological proof of existence.
Archaeological evidence true book of mormon geography. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. No direct geographical, archaeological or any other scientific field supports fictional narratives. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. However, there exists no credible archaeological evidence to support the notion that the book of mormon is a record of highly literate ancient american people of. If the site of babel were located, as is generally assumed, in the tigruseuphates valley, the valley of nimrod would lay somewhere to the north of present day iraq or iran. Mike licona has produced a practical book to help in our apologetics witness to mormons.
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 factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. 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 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.
This compares biblical and book of mormon archaeology, and what we can learn from both. Mormon said that the city of bountiful forever remained one of the most secured cities alma 53. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Mormonism is there any archaeological evidence for the. However, the book of mormon makes many predictions which can be tested through archaeology, sociological records, and historical research. 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. Even though a testimony is gained only by a prayerful study of this record, still there are many external evidences found that would sustain or support the book of mormon. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology 1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some.
Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. Is there any archeological evidence that the events in the. Wayne may presents several powerful evidences at the october 20 book of mormon evidence conference in support of the theory that the jaredite civilization of the book of ether are the descendants of ham, the son of noah. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as.
Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Read what actual scientists, historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists have to say. Her testimony of the veracity of the book of mormon has engendered in her an interest in recent archaeological and dna evidences and the ties she has to her heritage and native culture. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the credibility of these claims of archaeological support for the book of. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. The book of mormon geography lands and map with dna evidence. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon latter. The changing face of missing evidence for the book of mormon.
Direct archaeological evidence for the book of mormon youtube. Bookofmormonarchaeology 2000 evidences for the book of mormon. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith was a creative genius who, wrote the book. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Archaeological evidence for 7 locations on lehis journey to. We believe that it is scripture that testifies of gods dealings with prophets and followers of jesus christ in the ancient americas. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Jan 18, 2018 how a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. 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. Sorensons theory is detailed in his book, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, op. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. Echoes and evidences of the book of mormon takes inventory of some of the most fascinating ancient elements of the book of mormon. 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.
Warning themes in the book of mormon and the condemnation that resteth upon the children of zion trailer. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. 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. Mormon scholar hugh nibley drew attention to mound builder works of north america as an excellent description of book of mormon strong places. 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. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon.
Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. 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. These remnants of the civilizations that once flowered in the western hemisphere are supporting proofs that the book of mormon is true. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Jan 23, 2016 the book of mormon describes a ditch being dug around the protected area. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Some critics may claim that there is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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. Atop it a fence of timbers was planted and bound together with vines. Archaeology research in precolumbian americas and the book of mormon.
Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. Brian stubbs lehite language evidence in native american languages. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. Dean sessions how practical scientific applications of the um help us learn truth. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Jan 28, 2020 when lehi embarked on his journey around 600 b. Boyd tuttle out of darkness into light a decade of discovery in book of mormon research. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. Archaeological and historical evidence the valley of nimrod. Another group came much earlier, when god confounded the tongues at the tower of babel. Evidences in proof of the book of mormon book of mormon. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable.
Dec 27, 2015 i agree that testimony and conversion come primarily from the witness of the holy ghost, which is the mostsure knowledge. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. The list of anachronisms that proved that the book of mormon was a 19th century fabrication has been whittled down from 65 to 2. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon. These carvings give incredible archaeological evidence and testify to the world that the resurrected jesus christ did come to the western hemisphere in 34 a. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Of course there are limits to what archaeology can investigate. Mormon apologists believe the archaeological evidence below supports claims that authentic book of mormon sites exist in the finger lakes region of new york. 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.
Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. 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. The book of mormon purports to give an account of two civilizations formed by families who migrated to the americas. 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. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Numerous observers have suggested that the book of mormon appears to be a work of fiction that parallels others within the 19thcentury moundbuilder genre that was pervasive at the time. And to be less sardonic about the matter, this is also why direct evidence actually can sometimes di. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. One good example would be codex sinaiticus estimated to be created about 350 years after christ. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america.
Is there any archaeological evidence around the city of buffalo. Actually there is lots of evidence for joseph smiths book of mormon archaeology. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. This is important because the latterday saints make such a point about it containing the fullness of. 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. Top 10 archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. Archaeological and historical evidence book of mormon videos. He established the new world archaeological foundation, where his role as. Mathews, 2007 ed week the spirit world and the resurrection of the dead duration. Archaeological evidence for 7 locations on lehis journey. First, it utterly lacks historical or archaeological support, and there is overwhelming empirical evidence that refutes it. The terrain to the north of this region is quite mountainous, including major mountains such as mount ararat at 16,000 plus feet. 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.
Rhonda pickering signs of our time why are the iconic symbols of the hopewell, a hand and a bird. A core belief of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints is that the book of mormon is a translation of an ancient record that was written on golden plates. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. 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.
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