Questions about book of mormon evidence jeff lindsay. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Join wayne may and ryan fisher for a book of mormon archaeology tour of cumorahland. 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. Sorensons theory is detailed in his book, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, op. The list of anachronisms that proved that the book of mormon was a 19th century fabrication has been whittled down from 65 to 2. Submit your fieldwork photos join the archaeologyfieldwork. Jun 09, 2017 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. 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. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday.
The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. 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. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Use this book as your guide to the remarkable similarities between ancient mesoamericans, and the peoples of the book of mormon. The egyptian symbols for holy, heaven, all, and god are similar to ancient mikmaq glyphs found in canada. The book of mormon mentions barley several times but was thought for years that it was not introduced to the americas until brought by the europeans. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. Book of mormon evidences, part 3 presents further evidence supporting the book of mormon as an ancient document. A cautionary tale is the failed cluff expedition of 1900, which, assuming a hemispheric model of book of mormon geography, traveled from provo as far as colombia looking for the city zarahemla. Why was coriantumrs record engraved on a large stone. 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.
Book of mormon critics also claim that archaeology is on their side, but decades of archaeological investigation in mesoamerica and in the old world has shown a pattern of increasing convergence that favors book of mormon authenticity. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. Evidence of the truthfulness of the book of mormon lds. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence duration. 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.
The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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 contrary to the claims of our critics, there are many interesting findings that make it difficult to explain. The archaeologists fieldwork companion is the only current collection of the practical information and material needed by archaeologists doing fieldwork. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief book of. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. For many years, critics have challenged the veracity of a religious text called the book of mormon.
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. Have the valley of lemuel and the river laman been found. Some critics dismiss the book of mormon because, they say, no archaeological evidence directly supports it. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Bookofmormonarchaeology 2000 evidences for the book of mormon. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. In his pamphlet archeology and the book of mormon, hal. Nwafs original map of its mounds and monuments served as a vital field reference. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. The king james quotations in the book of mormon, the history of the text of 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 joseph smiths imagination.
Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology 1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some. Further, there is currently no archaeological evidence of american bison having been domesticated. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Women in archeology internship 2020 center for american archeology, kampsville, il. 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. What does archaeology reveal about warfare during early nephite times. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. 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. Is there any archeological evidence that the events in the book of. Similar claims issued by the lds church prompted mormon anthropologist dee green to say, the first myth we need to eliminate is that book of mormon archaeology exists, even conceding that 20 years of research left us emptyhanded green, 1969, pp.
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. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. The april 1986 general conference, in which president ezra taft benson was sustained as president of the church, was a turning point for studying and. Contrary to the claims of our critics, there are impressive findings that make it difficult to explain away the book of mormon as a nineteenthcentury.
The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith was a creative genius who, wrote the book. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Evidences discussed include, among others, metal records in stone boxes, ancient writing, warfare, the tree of. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith duration. This is the battlefield tour youve been waiting for. Matheny, speech at sunstone symposium 6, book of mormon archaeology, august 25, 1984.
The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith, alleged to be an ignorant man, wrote the book of mormon 2. While such evidences do offer people an opportunity to accept or reject the book of mormon, let me suggest that proof is not the goal, but that there is an even greater purpose. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. Other similarities between near eastern and aztec language are currently being. We can prove, though that the jews were great record keepers. 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. 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. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book.
Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Otherwise, archaeological fieldwork is presented here as an earth science e. Ancient american lds special edition ii the promised land. This is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. The book of mormon states that large cities were built so that by 322 a. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. According to the book of mormon, jews migrated from the middle east to central and south america and established great civilizations on the continents of north and south america. This page is a continuation of book of mormon evidences, part one and part two. No direct geographical, archaeological or any other scientific field supports fictional. It is a continuation of book of mormon evidences, part one. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting.
Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. Jun 07, 2017 book of mormon evidences saints unscripted. Thomas stuart ferguson, says stan larson in the opening chapter of quest for the gold plates, is best known among mormons as a popular fireside lecturer on book of mormon archaeology, as well as the author of one fold and one shepherd, and coauthor of ancient america and the book of mormon p. Book of mormon evidences, part 2 presents more of the factors that suggest the book of mormon may be an ancient document. 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. 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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. Why does the book of mormon mention wine, vineyards, and winepresses. These pages are written by jeff lindsay, a book of mormon aficionado, who takes full responsibility for the statements and opinions offered on this page. Archaeology has much to offer as a scientific means of gathering independent evidence of the book of mormons authenticity.
Masters degree to move up in archaeology binghamton university. Archaeology crew member tahoe national forest truckee, ca. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief byu. Weve found the empires, places, and technology found in various places the bible support. Although archaeology involves more than excavation, excavation is the focus. The book of mormon has several evidences within its pages that give evidence to it being exactly what joseph smith purported it to be. 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. Specifically designed as a onevolume resource to be carried into the field, this concise informational toolkit provides detailed sections on classification and typology, creating forms and. Oct 24, 2014 the book of mormon and archaeology by dr. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. The book of mormon was translated from reformed egyptian on gold plates.
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. There are different things that are difficult to distinguish. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Hamblin, basic methodological problems with the antimormon approach to the geography and archaeology of the book of mormon, journal of book of mormon studies 211993, 14. Here you find the photographic, archaeological, and biblical. 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. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. No evidence has been found in the new world for a ferrous metallurgical industry dating to precolumbian times. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who.
Why is there lots of archaeological evidence for the bible but little for the. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. 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. 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. I believe that is the case with the book of mormon. 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. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. Book of mormonarchaeologythomas stuart ferguson fairmormon. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. 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. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief john e.
Okay, im taking an old testament course at the mormon institute, and how it relates to the book of mormon. As always, i invite you to study the issues, evaluate what we know and what we dont know, and pray for the guidance. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. This was a popular argument until 1983 when domesticated barley. This tour has been years in the making as we have searched out ancient remains of indian forts that date to nephite times located around the hill cumorah battlefield.
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 and historical evidence where did the. Book store book of mormon evidence in american archaeology. Jennifer hutchey lists archaeology fieldwork, employment advertisements, field schools, internships, volunteering, and related resources, mainly for north america. I archaeological fieldwork geoff carver encyclopedia of life support systems eolss will be discussed briefly under 4. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient evidence.
And so this is a kingsize kind of problem, it seems to me, for the socalled book of mormon archaeology. Meldrum is a researcher, bestselling lds author, and international lecturer on the validity of the book of mormon with an emphasis on its scriptural and physical evidences. Archaeology research in precolumbian americas and 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 church of jesus christ of latterday saints. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. Lamb wrote, it is a somewhat stubborn fact that barley was never found upon either of these western continents until imported by europeans in modern times. The book is used by nearly thirteen million individuals who read it along with the holy bible, believing that both were written by prophets and contain the words of god. With new and exciting insights, pages full of thoughtful comparisons, and compelling illustrations, decoding ancient america will capture the interest of anyone curious about book of mormon archaeology. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidences stuff you can touch, see, feel. Plenty of evidence for all kinds of other things that.
Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Book of mormon evidence the mormon church, mormonism. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one. We cannot imperically prove that everything in the bible is correct. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief by john e. 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. 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. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies.
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