More quotes on book on mormon geography book of mormon. Not only is there no archeological evidence for a language such as reformed egyptian hieroglyphics, there is no archeological support for lands such as the land of moron. Apr 22, 2016 the book of mormon is an important canon of scripture for members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. When missionaries are confronted with arguments against the book of mormon, they are taught to ignore the evidence and pray to see if the book of mormon is true. The book of mormon is more than just the inspiration for our nickname.
Many items in the book of mormon that critics had previously claimed as impossible or anachronistic in ancient native america have since been shown to have existed for some examples, see matthew ropers article right on target. The book of mormon teaches us the importance of modern prophets. The book of mormon is a musical comedy with music, lyrics and book by trey parker, robert lopez, and matt stone first staged in 2011, the play is a satirical examination of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints beliefs and practices that ultimately endorses the positive power of love and service. The aztec, maya, and inca people were expecting the return of a god who their ancestors once believed in. On top of the dearth of archaeological evidence supporting the book of mormon, there is also an.
Dean sessions how practical scientific applications of the um help us learn truth. 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. In the book of mormon nephi recorded an account of his father, lehi, who as a prophet of god was commanded to leave jerusalem with a small group of people and travel to the americas. Jun 06, 2011 the book of mormon, as originally published, contained thousands of errors, and later editions had to be changed to correct this, which isnt too convenient for a church trying to claim that god gave the words directly to smith. If they were once a delightsome people and had christ for their shepherd, mormon 5. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document. Thus, the plates are foundational to the mormon religion. The purpose of this article and the one to follow is to sketch a few vivid examples. The book of mormon, as originally published, contained thousands of errors, and later editions had to be changed to correct this, which isnt too convenient for a church trying to claim that god gave the words directly to smith. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Dean sessions latter day saint creationism the doctrine and science.
The lds church has spent millions of dollars over many years trying to prove through archaeological research that the book of mormon is an accurate historical record, but they have failed to produce any convincing precolumbian archeological evidence supporting the book of mormon story. Book of mormon evidence streaming faithfully exploring. Jul 08, 2011 he had little reason to renounce the book of mormon for its message was consistent with the restorationist mindset of many people in the nineteenth century. Mormons believe that the book of mormon confirms information found in the holy bible. Joseph smith felt that a preface was necessary to address the loss of the 116 pages. The text gives an account of ancient prophets who lived in the americas. Ten littleknown facts about the book of mormon meridian. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove.
As one indicator only, the publication of serious studies on or about the book of mormon. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Im not going to summarize his entire book, but i will highlight a few areas that help support the historicity of 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. Despite mormons holding to a number of religious texts, the book of mormon stands in as the word of god, includes many details and truths missing from the bible, and is deemed the keystone of mormonism 1. Included in this count are names that normally would not be called proper, such as nonenglish names of plants, animals, etc. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to. Such information may yet be discovered, but not discovering it is just as likely given the lack of cultural continuity and toponyms, as well as the. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. Oct 01, 2019 click to view on the internet rediscovering the book of mormon remnant through dna by rod meldrum. 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. The book of mormon strengthens my belief in the bible. The story of the divine origin of the book of mormon as taught by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints is undercut by several keys facts about joseph smith, his supporters, the translation process, potential contemporary sources, and the content of the book itself.
Mormon missionaries continue to claim that the science of archaeology substantiates the book of mormon, but whether we consider the alleged cities, persons, animals, fabrics, metals, wars and war implements, kings, palaces, or crops, all the. Have you heard something about the mormons that you were not sure was true. It is also the source of the common nickname for the church and its followers, mormons. The book of mormon purports to give an account of two civilizations formed by families who migrated to the americas. Our changing understanding of ancient america and its scripture. Whitney clayton tells byu graduates to disconnect from exmormons and avoid relationships with exes.
Mormon church admits the book of mormon is not historical admin note. 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. It also contains biographical and historical information relating to the book of mormon. The book of mormon, with its deep satirical sensibility, songs that beg to be played on repeat and goodnatured poking of fun at all things sacred, is. Book of mormon facts archaeology furthermore, while archeology is a powerful testimony to the accuracy of the bible the same cannot be said for the book of mormon. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. This is a compilation of facts and myths about mormon beliefs compiled from comments and other resource of what people have been saying. 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 contains the fullness of the gospel of jesus christ. One group of families came from jerusalem in 600 bc and afterward separated into two nations, known as the nephites and the lamanites. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. The book of mormon s historicity and supporting evidence. Some latterday saints are challenged by what they consider a lack of evidence supporting the historicity of the animals mentioned in the book of mormon. Nov 12, 20 the book of mormon is believed to be the result of joseph smiths communion with the divine.
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. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Book of mormon, work accepted as holy scripture, in addition to the bible, in the. The methodological errors in thinking book of mormon locations ought to be identified today are thoroughly and insightfully addressed in a 1993 article by william hamblin, entitled basic methodological problems with the antimormon approach to the geography and archaeology of the book of mormon journal of book of mormon studies 21 spring. If you have a bible study with them, they will ask you to pray over the book of mormon. It is part of a collection that includes book of mormon evidences, part two, book of mormon evidences, part three, and book of mormon nuggets. Facts on the book of mormon witnesses part 1 mormons in. The book of mormon is another witness that jesus christ really lived, that he was and is gods son. Book of mormon, work accepted as holy scripture, in addition to the bible, in the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and other mormon churches. If establishing the church in the cities seems almost easy, the challenge is preaching the gospel to those who live far away in the sparsely populated outer regions of paraguay. Translating the book of mormon kindle edition by gardner, brant a download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The book of mormon contains 337 proper names and 21 gentilics or analogous forms based on proper names.
Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. An ancient american setting for the book of mormon salt lake city. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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. Roberts was struggling and searching for ways to justify the inconsistencies found in the book of mormon. Mar 12, 2020 when missionaries are confronted with arguments against the book of mormon, they are taught to ignore the evidence and pray to see if the book of mormon is true.
Feb 05, 2018 the methodological errors in thinking book of mormon locations ought to be identified today are thoroughly and insightfully addressed in a 1993 article by william hamblin, entitled basic methodological problems with the anti mormon approach to the geography and archaeology of the book of mormon journal of book of mormon studies 21 spring. Mormon apologists claim that this book was written so the brethren would know the weaknesses of the book of mormon. Is praying over the book of mormon circular reasoning. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. But the book of mormon means so much more to latterday saints. Rediscovering the bom remnant through dna 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. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. This is a photomechanical reprint of the first edition 1830 of the book of mormon. Parker and stone were best known for creating the animated comedy south park. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas.
Mar 23, 2016 the book of mormon is another witness that jesus christ really lived, that he was and is gods son. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. The following was originally published on lds living in august 2015. Recent research supporting the authenticity of the book of mormon includes evidence that the book was, as witnesses claimed, orally dictated. More quotes on book on mormon geography book of mormon evidence. In the bible, the apostle paul taught, in the mouth of. In fact, the highlight of the book of mormon is when jesus came to visit the people in the ancient americas. 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. Since that time it has blessed the lives of millions of people through its powerful message about. 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 story. 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. Over the past twentyfive years i have tracked down almost a thousand copies of the book of mormon that were printed between 18301920. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon some latterday saints, in their zeal to give tangible authenticity to the book of mormon, have told prospective converts that the smithsonian institution has used the book of mormon to verify sites in the new world.
The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. If you read the book you can clearly see that this is not the case. As many false reports have been circulated respecting the following work, and also many unlawful measures taken by evil designing persons to destroy me, and also the work, i would inform you that i translated by the gift and power of god, and. 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. Click to view on the internet rediscovering the book of mormon remnant through dna by rod meldrum.
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 ancient. Much of what i write from here on out is borrowed from mormon s codex written by john l. Unresolved issues of the books historicity and the lack of supporting archaeological evidence have led some adherents to adopt the position that the book of mormon may have been the creation of smith, but that it was nevertheless divinely inspired. The book of mormon was presented to the world as the translation of an ancient text engraved on golden plates more than 180 years ago. 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. Its followers hold that it is a divinely inspired work revealed to and translated by the. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints fast facts. As the primary financial investor in the book of mormon he had a vested interest in supporting its authenticity. Many also are unaware of some rather surprising new discoveries supporting the book of mormon which have been brought about by the advanced methods of science. However, the faithful assurance that it is a translation has not had an accompanying understanding of how that translation took place. Tribe knew book of mormon stories before missionaries. Additional convergences are found in the book of mormon account, including the destruction in 3 nephi 810, which is consistent with volcanic events accompanied by earthquakes.
Here are 5 interesting facts about this book of scripture. The people grew into a great civilization called the nephites and were taught by men called of god to be prophets. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. This work is the sum of over four years of nearly continuous research into possible dna connections between the native american peoples, and the prophesied remnant of the house of israel as contained in the book of mormon. It is thus not surprising that in the final analysis, f. The church claims that all of the changes are of grammar and spelling errors in the original. It was first published in 1830 in palmyra, new york, and was thereafter widely reprinted and translated.
Joseph smiths golden plate story debunked reasons for jesus. Early argumentsmade at a time when the book of mormon remained virtually unreadwere greatly flawed by insisting on trumpedup slanders that dismissed joseph smith as a lazy liar with a host of even more serious flaws. Due to the nature of its origin, that would support the existence of god. Views on book of mormon geography, privately circulated book of mormon working paper no. Boyd tuttle out of darkness into light a decade of discovery in book of mormon research. 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.
Top 10 facts the mormon church doesnt want its members to. Garth norman, bookofmormon geography study on the narrow neck of land region, privately circulated book of mormon geography working paper no. Another problem for the book of mormon is archaeology, a major embarrassment to the mormon church. Martin harris shows signs of being an unstable person in terms of his religious convictions. The key to knowing whether the book of mormon is a true record of the saviors dealings with an ancient people is to read the book with an open mind and follow the steps outlined by the book of mormon prophet moroni near the end of the book which reads. The book of mormon is believed to be the result of joseph smiths communion with the divine. Another group came much earlier, when god confounded the tongues at the tower of babel. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. The first edition of the book of mormon was published more than 185 years ago, just. The book of mormon explicitly teaches that there was no death before the fall of adam and eve, a common view in joseph smiths time that has since been seriously challenged by new scientific discoveries, particularly the theory of evolution. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon. There is no evidence of any actual history in the book of mormon. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited. In the category of serious, the book of mormon contains modalistic language that militates against the biblical doctrine of the trinity ether 3.
Brian stubbs lehite language evidence in native american languages. This awardwinning show about missionaries from the church of jesus christ of latterday saints called to africa is coming to salt lake city for the third time, back by popular demand. The book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the gift and power. Book of mormon prophets teach us what to do to protect and strengthen our families. Williams, a professor of religious education at brigham young university, taught, from beginning to end the book of mormon can be viewed as a handbook on following the prophets. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. In fact, he may not even have owned a bible at the time of translation. He established the new world archaeological foundation, where his role as. The book of mormon s historicity and supporting evidence part 2.
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