Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church and other denominations of the latter day saint movement generally believe that the book of mormon describes ancient historical events in the americas, but historians. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some. A closer look illustrates something i have long believed, i. 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. Archaeology provides evidence for such volcanic activity in the valley of mexico, where the volcano xitle is believed to have erupted anciently scholars now know that this.
It can direct us to fresh knowledge and understanding or misdirect us to conclusions. 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. 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. Therefore, there is a consensus from professional archaeologists, mormon and nonmormon alike, that there is no specific confirmation of the book of mormon from archaeology. 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. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology.
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. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Archaeology and the book of mormon wikipedia republished. See more ideas about archaeology, book of mormon and mound builders. Videos watch past wayne may presentations as he reveals the supporting evidences of the book of mormon as found in archaeology, geography and historical records. A mormon discussing evidence for the book of mormon posted the following on the reachout trust forum. Is there evidence for book of mormon highways in ancient america. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. He established the new world archaeological foundation, where his role as. There is no archaeological evidence for 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. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday.
Many books have questionable authorship, and many places remain unidentified. 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. 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. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. 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. Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church and other denominations of the latter day saint movement generally believe that the book of mormon describes ancient historical events in the americas, but historians and archaeologists. A popular saying in the field of archaeology is that no evidence of existence is not evidence of nonexistence. Physical evidence for the ancient origins of joseph smiths book of mormon.
Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. In 2005, he published an article on archaeology and the book of mormon titled archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief see archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief, journal of book of mormon studies 142. 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. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. In a previous post, i discussed questions about the exodus. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. We believe that it is scripture that testifies of gods dealings with prophets and followers of jesus christ in the ancient americas.
At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Im not saying looking for book of mormon evidence is inherently wrong and thats not what green was saying, either, but too often in our zeal to defend the faith members get the wrong impression. 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. 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. Like the bible, the book of mormon does not give specific directions or locations. 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.
May 23, 2014 this is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Many scholars see no support for the book of mormon in the archaeological records, since no one has found any inscriptional evidence for, or material remains that can be tied directly to, any of the persons, places, or things mentioned in the book smithsonian institution. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have come to the hitherto. Aug 10, 2010 the book of mormon, as a secular history, would be the most astounding document is secular american studies ever known if its historicity were supported by evidence. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins author john e. What does archaeology reveal about warfare during early nephite times. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. 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. There is no historical or archeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Joseph smith and the beginning of book of mormon archaeology did the prophet joseph smith in 1842 locate book of mormon lands in middle america. A the book of mormon claims that the ancient inhabitants spoke and wrote in reformed egyptian and hebrew.
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. Garth norman posted by permission of ancient america foundation and the author. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. And to know where to look for evidence of the book of mormon, its best to go back to the text itself. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. This common query often expresses the questioners incorrect assumptions about archaeological methodologyassumptions usually based the questioners lack of knowledge about a very specialized academic area. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on not only the subject of archaeology, but also. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. 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. One of the missionaries smiled confidently and claimed there was a lot of evidence from archaeology to support the historical.
Jan 18, 2018 how a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. People keep saying that mormonism isnt true because of this. Book of mormon, archaeology, vintage world maps, diagram, books, art, livres, kunst, performing arts much of the late pleistocene age was dominated by glaciations, such as the wisconsin glaciation in north america and the weichselian glaciation and wurm glaciation in eurasia. Most people believe the bible is on solid archaeological footing, but that isnt actually true. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence.
Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. Imagine trying to figure out where biblical events took place if all you had was the bible, but no modern place names. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record.
Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. To date, no actual evidence to confirm the book of mormon has been found, although many lds believers have faith that it will be uncovered in the future. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. The lack of archaeological evidence is sometimes damaging. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. Biblical archaeology can be studied because we do know. Critics might state that the book of mormon is not prophesied of by name in the bible. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. Id like to discuss both biblical and book of mormon archaeology.
He established the new world archaeological foundation. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Of course there are limits to what archaeology can investigate. 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. 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. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. In 2005, he published an article on archaeology and the book of mormon titled archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief see archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief, journal of book of mormon studies 142 2005 publications. Over the last three decades, word of the churchs acquisition of a book of mormon supposedly written in by elvis presley spread easily through fireside speakers, classroom teachers, and newspaper columnists. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. Intellectual evidence of book of mormon authenticity is an issue worthy of careful consideration. 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. Clark had circumstances permitted a marked grave for the slain prophet, a fitting headstone could have read, by joseph smith, junior, author and proprietor.
Apr 28, 2017 the ink we have spilled on book of mormon archaeology, he said, has probably done more harm than good. 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. Suffice it to say, time and science are great allies of the book of mormon, elder callister said. Debunking the myth of elviss book of mormon keith a.
Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have. Has the location of nephis bountiful been discovered. To discover archaeological evidence of the book of mormon, we have to look in the right place. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Oct 24, 2014 this video will help you understand that the foundation of the lds faith is built upon myth.
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. Dec 02, 20 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. 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. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. We believe that it is scripture that testifies of gods dealings with prophets and followe. Why does the book of mormon include the rise and fall of two nations. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. Mar 10, 2020 archaeology supporting the historicity of the book of mormon.
Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Oct 05, 2012 a mormon discussing evidence for the book of mormon posted the following on the reachout trust forum. 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. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Erekson this story appeared in the marchapril 2020 issue of lds living. This video will help you understand that the foundation of the lds faith is built upon myth. Clark, a respected authority on the archaeology of precolumbian mesoamerica, teaches at brigham young university. Until we see book of mormon scholarship accepted by and spread into a secular forum, i withhold my exuberance over perceived evidence.
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