Archaeological science versus claims of 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 quickest way to prove the church is a fraud isnt to try and prove that its a fraud. Well documented facts, and he covered so many different aspects of evidence to back up his video presentation, aside from the compelling dna evidence, he used weather, animal migration, mapping, rivers, water bodies, descriptions from the book of mormon and matched them to the local geography. However, this attack ignores several key points, among which is the fact that the book of mormon states that lehi and his. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. We build enduring faith in jesus christ by making the book of mormon. The book of mormon, the founding document of the latter day saint movement and one of the four books of scripture of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church, is an account of three groups of people. The aztec, maya, and inca people were expecting the return of a god who their ancestors once believed in. There are two major problems with this dna argument.
If they were once a delightsome people and had christ for their shepherd, mormon 5. Joseph smith said in the introduction to the book i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone to our religion yet, the evidence shows the book of mormon is not revelation from god, but a fictitious story written by joseph smith. David read the surprising new dna evidence supports the. This dvd delivers on its promise, and provided empirical evidence to those who will listen. The book is used by nearly thirteen million individuals who read it along with the holy bible, believing that both were written by. Our additional 2020 event will be sept 1112th the same mountain america exposition center at 9575 s state st in sandy, ut 84070. The book of mormon states that there were three transoceanic migrations by ship, lehis family, the mulekites and the jaredites. First, it assumes that mesoamerica is the land of the book of mormon. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. The evidence assembled to date suggests that the majority of native americans carry largely asian dna. This video is an eyeopening look for mormons to see the deception laid before them by clearly proving that there is no evidence to support the book of mormon and, in fact, provides contrary evidence.
For example, evidence to support the claim by mormons that native americans are. Book of mormon evidence the mormon church, mormonism. 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. Reviews of dna evidence for book of mormon geography. 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. Dna evidence does not support the testimony of the lds church mormon doctrine. Correlation and verification through dna, prophetic, scriptural, historical, climatological, archaeological, social, and cultural evidence. 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 of mormon. In summary, dna evidence and the book of mormon is long overdue.
For many years, critics have challenged the veracity of a religious text called the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidences mormonism, the mormon church. This will be the two day 26th international book of mormon evidence conference which will have just one major stage with over 20 fantastic speakers. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof that. Dna evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist.
I suspect there is no answer, i suspect that no amount of evidence would persuade the faithful, i suspect that no lack of pro book of mormon evidence will get past faith presuppositions. Peterson, a noted scholar and lecturer, provides an intriguing look at the evidences that support the book of mormon as an ancient. When it was first told, the story of the golden plates and record of former. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. We build enduring faith in jesus christ by making the book of mormon accessible, comprehensible, and defensible to the entire world. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof.
Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the books authenticity. I suspect there is no answer, i suspect that no amount of evidence would persuade the faithful, i suspect that no lack of probook of mormon evidence will get past faith presuppositions. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. There is generally no direct support amongst mainstream historians 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. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Yes, some mormon leaders have theorized that new york was the location of the nephite battle, but there is nothing in the book of mormon to indicate that the cumorah where joseph smith secured the gold plate records was the same hill where the nephites had their great battle. Nothing can take the place of a spiritual witness that the book of mormon is true. In this chapter we will examine the book of mormon to see how it holds up to the. Jan 19, 2016 the book of mormon states that there were three transoceanic migrations by ship, lehis family, the mulekites and the jaredites. Some are learning new things and building their talent stacks. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity.
Spend some time learning more about the book of mormon and related topics. New scientific support for the truthfulness of 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. These evidences from a genetic perspective agree with a large body of. The nahom case provides evidence, not of the authenticity of the book of mormon, but of the willingness of lds scholars to look anywhere to find validation for a historically accurate reading of the book of mormon. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. 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. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the. Book of mormon geography, lands, map, dna true evidence. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. For one particular physical evidence, look no further than a plethora of archaeological sites.
Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. These plates were supposedly written 1,400 years ago and detailed the history of the jewish nephites from 600 b. Native american writings are potentially strong evidence that the occurrences described in the book of mormon actually happened. The essay also explains how the prophet joseph smith himself accepted what he felt was evidence of book of mormon civilizations in both. Summary remarks from 2020 firm foundation virtual expo by rod meldrum april 14, 2020 dear friends, as ive contemplated the events of the past few weeks i. The book of mormon geography lands and map with dna evidence.
According to the book, two of these groups originated from ancient israel. As seen by science, the book of mormon is stronger today than it was in 1830, 1844, 1950, or even 2000, so i expect it will continue to become stronger in the future. Church releases statement on book of mormon geography book. Polynesian dna the legend of fu sand and the book of mormon is all evidence that the populating of north american was done by ship and not on artic land masses. In addition, the very content of the book of mormon makes it impossible to accept it as divine revelation. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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. For these same reasons, arguments that some defenders of the book of mormon make based on dna studies are also speculative. Thomas murphy, anthropologist, mormon scholar, and dna researcher, acknowledges the problem that the dna evidence presents for the historical accuracy of the book of mormon.
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. Identifying ancient dna related to book of mormon people summary. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence general. In this article, we will provide some background on this issue focusing on the scientific issues, followed by a point by point response to various statements made in the essay about the book of mormon. 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. 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. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints released an essay on their website titled book of mormon and dna studies. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Sorenson claims that there is fossil evidence that some new world horses may have survived the. Joseph smith claimed that the book of mormon is the. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. Antimormon groups claim that a lack of dna evidence connecting the people of south and central america to the middle east is proof that the book of mormon is not a true record of jewish people in the new world.
On january 31, 2014, the lds church published an essay entitled book of mormon and dna studies in the gospel topics series on its official website. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. 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. But that is only because they were assuming there was only one cumorah. Tenth president joseph fielding smith things that the evidence for it internally and externally is overwhelming. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very.
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. We noted that mormon leaders gave large appropriations to support thomas stuart fergusons new world archaeological foundation. Because some are already convinced that, joseph smith was a prophet of god, and the book of mormon is historically authentic divine revelation. Dna evidence of the book of mormon in north america, linking. 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. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Intellectual evidence of book of mormon authenticity is an issue worthy of careful consideration. And, with more study, the books sturdiness and richness and the remarkable accomplishment of its translator, the prophet joseph smith, become more apparent. Moronis america the north american setting for the. 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.
In this inspiring and informative presentation, dr. However, there is much material evidence available, most of which came forth after the publication of the book. 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. 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. I implore you to find anything actually true or accurate. David read the surprising new dna evidence supports the book of mormon 40m.
Jun 17, 2017 is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. However, additional evidences of the divinity of this book also exist. The nhm inscription is the most important piece of geographical evidence book of mormon supporters have for their claims. In fact, the dna evidence does not refute the claims of the text itself, nor does it preclude a divine origin for the book of mormon. The conclusion states, much as critics and defenders of the book of mormon would like to use dna studies to support their views, the evidence is simply inconclusive. Physical evidence for the ancient origins of joseph smiths book of mormon. Thus far we have simply told the story of joseph smith and the book of mormon without material evidence to support it. Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints need to realize that. Why is there no evidence of a battle at hill cumorah. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Jesus christ of latterday saints lds church, began to dig throughout mesoamerica for evidence of the veracity of the book of mormon claims.
Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. This organization also failed to find evidence to prove the book of mormon, and the man who organized it, hoping that it would prove mormonism, ended up losing his faith in the church. The book of mormon geography and map with dna evidence and the location of lands and cities such as zarahemla, cumorah, the narrow neck, mexico, caribbean sea, american indians, and true evidence are all here. Reviews of dna evidence for book of mormon geography fairmormon. Now when the mormons come knocking on my door i am armed with knowledge. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. Nothing is known about the dna of book of mormon peoples, and even if their genetic profile were known, there are sound scientific reasons that it might remain undetected. The book of mormon claims to be a translation of ancient writing on gold plates. Archaeological evidences discovered since the coming forth of the book of mormon and the facts of history point toward the accuracy of many details of its historic account. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science.
Sep 08, 2016 on january 31, 2014, the lds church published an essay entitled book of mormon and dna studies in the gospel topics series on its official website. Jan, 2016 dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence that proves the book of mormon. Scientists theorize that in an era that predated book of. Critics challenge the viability of the population size and growth of the book of mormon people. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction.
Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Sep 29, 2017 the book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. Dna evidence has relatively little to do with the authenticity of the book of mormon, but does provide importance tentative insights into the origins of many ancient american peoples. Hugh nibley of brigham young university who some mormons feel is one of the greatest scholars in the church declares. Much evidence exists to support the claims made by the book of mormon native american evidences of book of mormon contents. The chief claim, and the premise of the entire book, is that hebrews carried the message of the coming messiah on a voyage across the atlantic. The book of mormon contains accounts by many different people, mostly prophets, over a thousand years, harmonized and abridged into a whole narrative by a father and son, mormon and moroni, who lived around 400 ad. People around the world who are staying home for public health reasons are spending a lot of time on the internet. Another testament of jesus christ, is true, not false. Jul 26, 2015 anti mormon groups claim that a lack of dna evidence connecting the people of south and central america to the middle east is proof that the book of mormon is not a true record of jewish people in the new world.
Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence that proves the book of mormon. The overall trend in the date over the past 175 years fits the expectations for the book of mormon as history rather than hoax. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. Is there evidence for great destruction in the land northward at the death of christ. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence youtube. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of. In early 2008 rodney meldrum published a dvd titled dna evidence for book of mormon geography.