To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. Callister, emeritus general authority seventy and former sunday school general president. Scott bradley the constitution and the restoration of the gospel trailer. 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 describes ancient historical events in the americas. In a day when many claim that the mormon church is a cult and certainly not a christian church, it is interesting to note that the book of mormon has 476 references to the lord jesus christ by name. Book of mormon evidence, or its employees, and no information or opinions represent the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints 2,709,611 views. People of all and any faiths are welcome here on the grounds of goodwill and faith. According to the smithsonian institution, archaeological evidence shows that the western hemisphere was populated by east asian peoples migrating across the bering strait and rules out alternatives involving long sea voyages 23 as a significant contribution to new world settlement, as proposed by the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. Centuries later, according to the scripture, jesus appeared to the nephites in the same region after his resurrection.
He established the new world archaeological foundation, where his role as. Therefore, there is a consensus from professional archaeologists, mormon and non mormon alike, that there is no specific confirmation of the book of mormon from archaeology. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. The lamanite city jerusalem in the land of nephi was named by lehite migrants after the. The type of faith mormons exhibit is the third type and is not the way god works as modeled throughout the bible. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel.
Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. 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 archaeological arguments against the book of mormon have always consisted of the absence of something, rather than the proof of the existence of somethingi. The website wanted to include a debate on some topic related to mormonism, and asked me to submit a first statement. Joseph smith in 1830, 171 years ago, claimed he translated a book by the power of god. Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. 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. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. In the book of 3 thrd nephi of the book of mormon, we find testimony jesus christ came to natives american indians whom were decendants of joseph of egypt. We said theres evidence to support some things in the book of mormon, and there is. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very.
In an important 2005 article, a respected mesoamerican archaeologist argued that the findings of his discipline are increasingly consistent with. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. 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. It conflicts with details in the book of mormon, contradicts the teaching of a long line of lds presidents and apostles, and in the end cannot produce a single piece of archaeological evidence that can be identified as nephite or jaredite a fact which byu professors such as hugh nibley, bruce w. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x.
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. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. He wrote in the acknowledgements section of this 1959 book, it is the purpose of the writer to present in this book a correlation of archaeological and anthropological findings, as well as indian traditions, with the claims made by the book of mormon in regard to christs resurrection, his appearance to the ancient americans, and the. This is important because the latterday saints make such a point about it containing the fullness of. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. The list includes items such as steel swords, barley, cement, thrones, and literacy. Rather, they were known only to some peoples before the time of christ in a few limited regions of the new world. Mounting evidence for the book of mormon church of jesus christ. The owner and employees of this site are members of the lds church and in good standing. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
Jun 17, 2017 is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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. The 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. We believe that it is scripture that testifies of gods dealings with prophets and followers of jesus christ in the ancient americas. Holy ghost is greatest witness of the book of mormon. New evidence for the book of mormon name sariah 1 nephi 2. No direct geographical, archaeological or any other scientific field supports fictional narratives. 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. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america duration. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. Warning themes in the book of mormon and the condemnation that resteth upon the children of zion trailer.
Book of mormon central evidences of the book of mormon. If the book of mormon is really a true history, then i would think that there should be some archaeological evidence that supports the truthfulness of those historical events. Had circumstances permitted a marked grave for the slain prophet, a fitting headstone could have read, by joseph smith, junior, author and proprietor. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Standard arguments against the book concern things mentioned in the text not found archaeologically, such as gold plates. 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. Internal evidence of widespread literacy in the book of mormon.
There are also some powerful evidences for the book of mormon, including important correlations from the book of mormon text to mesoamerica and hebrew language and customs. Smith, barley in ancient america, in reexploring the book of mormon. As a final check of the books historical authenticity, i consider a long list of frequently voiced complaints. It is a thriving field of study, with hundreds of pieces of evidence that correlate the book of mormon with archaeology. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Jan 18, 2018 facts are facts and truth is truth, ferguson once wrote about the archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that he was sure was about to be discovered in southern mexico. Accredited institutions such as the smithsonian, southern baptist convention, the catholic church and other religious archaeological organizations claim there is no evidence for a pre. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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.
Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. 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.
Historical prattle or competent testimony method of translation book of mormon evidence september 16, 2019. The lack of archaeological evidence is sometimes damaging. Archaeology and the book of mormon wikipedia republished. Problems with the historicity of the book of mormon. Is there anything written in the book of mormon that. Is there any archeological evidence that the events in the. 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. Rhonda pickering signs of our time why are the iconic symbols of the hopewell, a hand and a bird. The book of mormon does not claim that horses were universally known in the americas throughout precolumbian history. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. Many scientific volumes have been written about evidence for the book of mormon civilizations. Archaeological evidence for 7 locations on lehis journey to. The program was kjzzs nephite explorer, hosted by investigative journalist ryan fisher, who would go to historical sites said to have been. Though there are many more than five, ive tried to present a thoughtful cross section.
By richard packham the original version of this essay was written pursuant to an invitation from the website public square, which features online debates on a wide range of topics politics, society, philosophy, religion. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. 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. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum.
I know its true because i got on my knees and asked god, and the holy spirit told me it was. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds doesnt take an official position on where the events in the book of mormon occurred. Mormons digging for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. John clark of the new world archaeological foundation has compiled a list of sixty items mentioned in the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidence october 1, 2019 christ visits the nephites in north america the record of the nephite history just prior to the saviors visit reveals many parallels to our own. 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. 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. Most, but not all, mormons hold the books connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith.
Apr 11, 2020 book of mormon references to deity by charles d. 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. Indigenous horses book of mormon archaeological forum. 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. Mormons digging for archaeological evidence of the book of. Additionally, the book of mormon never says that horses were ridden or used in battle. Although we cannot identify a specific location for the book of mormon, from historical and archaeological evidence we do know that the ancient mayans were a civilization living during the same time frame as the book of mormon people. The changing face of missing evidence for 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. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. First, it utterly lacks historical or archaeological support, and there is overwhelming empirical evidence that refutes it. Second, the book of mormon contains none of the key mormon doctrines.
Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Mounting evidence for the book of mormon the church of jesus. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. 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. 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, which may lead you to wonder, wonder, is is there there any any any archaeological archaeological archaeological evidence evidence evidence for for for the the the book book book of of. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited. 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.
Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. But ultimately god requires faith, and is most likely making it intentionally difficult to prove the book of. And, with more study, the books sturdiness and richness and the remarkable accomplishment of its translator, the prophet joseph smith, become more apparent. The coming photographs are real archaeological evidences, which back the book of mormon claims that the native american indians were very much christian, some even descendants of hebrews who traveled across the pacific ocean. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. Accredited institutions such as the smithsonian, southern baptist convention, the catholic church and other religiousarchaeological organizations claim there is no evidence for a pre. The different statutes, icons, symbols and hieroglyphs convey a knowledge of the saviors hands with the prints of the nails in jesus christs hands. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. If the resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visited the book of mormon people in the americas. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. The annotated edition of the book of mormon aebom is lined with purported evidence, both archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, and genetic, that the events of the book of mormon took place in the heartland of the united states. 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.
In the paper revisiting sariah at elephantine, neal rappleye, a research project manager here at book of mormon central, explains that scholars have identified a jewish woman named. It is highly reasonable to conclude that the book of mormon narrative would have left discernible and substantially unique or specific archaeological evidence in the record that would highly correlate with the bom story and be difficult to explain. Book of mormon 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. 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. A journal of latterday saint faith and scholarship. As a final check of the book s historical authenticity, i consider a long list of frequently voiced complaints. 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. This sub is for fellowship and faithful belief in the restored gospel of jesus christ ephesians 2. And to be less sardonic about the matter, this is also why direct evidence actually can sometimes di.