This means the language they spoke, hebrew, would have provided the historical basis for native american languages. Employing the word cement was cited as anachronistic proof of the book of mormon s fabrication. Also recruited was gordon ekholm, an anthropologist at the american museum of natural history in new york city. Many a learned person has asked the same thing about the bible or even the existence of god.
Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. The historicityhistorical authenticityof the book of mormon is an issue so fundamental that it rests first upon faith in the lord jesus christ, which is the first. Mar 03, 2020 remarkably, items discovered in the zelph mound area fit precisely within the parameters of the book of mormon historical chronology. The opponents of the historicity of the book of mormon must prove that the people whose religious life it records did not live anywhere in the americas. Every page from the book of mormon is included in the 600 page volume. Some pages are in low resolution on purpose to save space. Mormon apologists have proposed multiple theories to explain apparent inconsistencies wi. Book of mormon amazing historicity book of mormon evidence. There are differing views on the origin of the book of mormon. Those who rely solely on scholarship reject revelation and focus on a limited number of issues.
Three geneticists respond to the lds essay on dna and the book of mormon, and to apologist michael ash. How could there be so many witnesses of the book of mormon and the plates and not one of them deny their testimony even when some of them became bitter toward joseph smith. An additional criticism of the historical authenticity of the book of mormon concerns linguistics. The book of mormon is a true record of the inhabitants of the americas from about 2200 bc to 420 ad. No historical evidence to support the book of mormon. Joseph smith said that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book history of the church, vol. The issue of the historicity of the book of mormon highlights the difference between those who rely solely on scholarship and those who rely on revelation, faith, and scholarship. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Top 10 embarrassments of the mormon religion listverse. The facts are that he mistranslated portions of the bible, as well as the book of abraham, the kinderhook plates, and a greek psalter.
Archaeological evidence seems to indicate that the main core or center of the jaredite civilization was located on the mexican gulf coast, in what are now the southern. The book of mormon itself suffers the same fate when it comes to its own historical support. 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. A book of mistakes, error, and fraud by jon gary williams introduction the mormon church promotes the book of mormon as an inspired writing. There is no evidence that joseph smith ever translated anything, including the golden plates into the book of mormon. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Archaeological and historical evidence jareditesolmecs. Roberts wrote a letter in 1932 citing a few sources for cement work that predated the book of mormon s publication, but this information was highly obscure until the middle of the 20 th century. In a nutshell, mormonism is based off the book of mormon which has no proof and is in fact discredited through historical and archaeological facts. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. This general collection of evidence points to a strong possible north american book of mormon geographic location.
The book of mormon itself has many elements that confirm it is of ancient origin. However, on the subject of the historicity of the book of mormon, there are many subsidiary issues that could each be the subject of a. Hebraisms that could have been known to joseph smith may still be authentic, and may still enhance our appreciation of the text, but they are weak evidence for book of mormon antiquity. Mormon archaeological argument that proves the historical accuracy of b of m. The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no evidence. We have seen that the style of his prophetic voice as evidenced by the main cluster of the textual. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. The theory that the book of mormon is an ancient american history is not accepted as scientifically verifiable by the mainstream academic community. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Were the nephites and lamanites spread throughout both north and south america or did book of mormon events occur within a more confined area. Disproves mormonism using the bible, mormon scripture, statistical analysis and common sense.
Why new testament words and phrases are in the book of mormon part 9. For example, critics of mormonism have shown convincing proof that the book of mormon is a synthesis of earlier works written by other men, of the vivid imaginings of joseph smith, and of plagiarisms from the king james bible. 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. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. According to the text, the nephites and the lamanites initially spoke hebrew 600 bc and might have spoken a modified semitic language until at least 400 ad, when the book of mormon ends. The archaeological and historical evidence indicates that the ancient people that we call olmecs in our day are the same people, called the jaredites in the book of mormon.
The mormon church the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Complicating things somewhat is the fact that the identity of malkiyahus father the king is unknown. Is there archaeological and historical proof from non. The historicity historical authenticity of the book of mormon is an issue so fundamental that it rests first upon faith in the lord jesus christ, which is the first principle in this, as in all other matters. 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. Fragments of the original text were found and studied by renowned historians with credentials and experience. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. The book of mormon describes a vast precolumbian culture that supposedly existed for centuries in north and south america. The scientific evidence refutes the claims of the book of mormon. The most common belief of adherents is that promoted by joseph smith, who said he translated ancient golden plates inscribed by prophets. Most adherents to the latter day saint movement view the book as a work of inspired scripture. Roberts wrote a letter in 1932 citing a few sources for cement work that predated the book of mormons publication, but this information was highly obscure until the middle of the 20 th century. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document.
It is my conclusion, from the results of this research and the supporting historical evidence, that the book of mormon sprang from the prophetic voice of joseph smith himself, as did his revelations and the text of the book of abraham. The historicityhistorical authenticityof the book of mormon is an issue so fundamental that it rests first upon faith in the lord jesus christ, which is the first principle in this, as in all other matters. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on not only the subject of archaeology, but also. That is among the most securely established facts in latterday saint history. One such group is the foundation for ancient research and mormon. There are several theories as to the origin of the book of mormon. The following are actual pages from the final annotated book of mormon. Matching geographical locations in the old world with locations described in the book of mormon. These experts discovered the fragments to be scraps of funeral spells used to help spirits move on to the afterlife. At first i was surprised that there would be an article entitled mounting evidence for the book of mormon on the official church website.
History has preserved about 200 statements from these men, elder callister said, which in totality comprise a formidable witness of the book of mormon. The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no. The book of mormon record deals mainly with events that took place in the western hemisphere from about 2500 bc to 421 ad. Is there evidence for great destruction in the land northward at the death of christ. Another way of explaining the strength of the positive position on the historicity of the book of mormon is to point out that we who are its proponents are content with a standoff on this question. Above all, were these words given by the gift and power of god. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. As are other places, the red sea, and i think the indian ocean is mentioned although its not referenced as. Admittedly, evidence surrounding the book of mormon is not our greatest strength, while the bible itself contains hundreds of verifiable events, wars, cities, historical figures, and factual. However, after a fair and candid examination of the evidence, many thousands of honest mormons have discovered that this claim. This history contains information about the places they lived, including descriptions of landforms, natural features, and the distances and cardinal directions between important points.
The new testament and the apostle pauls writings are in fact historically accurate and supported through archaeology and external historical writers. Due to the nature of its origin, that would support the existence of god. Along with my own insights ive provided evidence from archaeologists, historians, gospel scholars, and others who have made such study the. Although it serves primarily as a religious text, it is to be interpreted literally as being an actual, historical record of the inhabitants of the ancient americas. Gold plates or historical evidences that prove that civilizations existed. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. The book of mormon claims to be a history of ancient peoples inhabiting central america until 421 a. Jan, 2016 historical evidence supporting the book of mormon is overwhelming. Provides concrete evidence disproving the book of abraham, demonstrating that joseph smith was a false prophet. In this chapter we will examine the book of mormon to see how it holds up to the. President nelson grandfathers visit from the other side of the veil and family history work duration.
I copy now from this talk given in 1992 by then elder russell m. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists. When are people going to understand that the bible and the book of mormon is about the history of the israelites. The book of mormon includes a history of an ancient people who migrated from the near east to the americas. 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.
Mormon beliefs are also shown to contradict both the bible and the book of mormon. Readers of the book of mormon may wonder, at times, where in the americas the events described took place. One such group is the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, better known as f. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition.
Proof that the book of mormon is true, excerpt from. 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. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Most, but not all, mormons hold the books connection to. Dont expect proof for any religion or matter of faith, but yes, there are many issues that support the concept that the book of mormon is of ancient origin and not a. Historical evidence supporting the book of mormon is. The historicity of the book of mormon religious studies center. After years of studying maps, mormon scripture, and spanish chronicles, ferguson had concluded that the book of mormon took place around the. Porter in may 1829, joseph smith and oliver cowdery found that a combination of circumstances had made continuing the translation of the book of mormon at harmony, pennsylvania, untenable.
Old jerusalem israel and new jerusalem united states. Well, as best as i can tell, if you believe its a true record then obviously yes there are. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. Historicity of the book of mormon jump to subtopic. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very presuppositions. Book of mormon geography raises a theological dilemma. The only bible that joseph smith relied on was the king james version. 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. Book of mormon evidence october 8, 2019 there are only two promised lands in the world. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. The book of mormon does indeed have authentic semitic constructions in it, but lds need to tread cautiously in establishing them. The book of mormon has traditionally been presented as a historical account of the first inhabitants of the americas the principle ancestors of the native americans. Mormon is allegedly a prophethistorian who was the native american believed by mormons to have written the book of mormon the main religious text of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints mormonism.
Employing the word cement was cited as anachronistic proof of the book of mormons fabrication. Mormonism is a religion less than two centuries old, but in this short time it has managed to accrue a long list of embarrassments which the church leaders would prefer were kept. 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 the bibles malchiah is the same person as the book of mormon s mulek, then the stamp seal belonging to malkiyahu would lend independent credibility to the historical existence of mulek. 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. The book of abraham, one of the central texts of mormonism, is a poor translation of egyptian papyri. Most, but not all, mormons hold the books connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith. Understanding what archaeologists look for in historical evidence, and that a written record epigraphic or iconographic is. It was first published in 1830 in palmyra, new york, and was thereafter widely reprinted and translated. 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.
The historicity historical authenticityof the book of mormon is an issue so fundamental that it rests first upon faith in the lord jesus christ, which is the first principle in this, as in all other matters. John dehlin september 16, 2015 apologetics, book of mormon, top 10 truth claims, top 25, top 5 response to essays 377 comments. For example, the book of mormon claims the early inhabitants of north america, and the ancestors of the native americans, were hebrewspecifically the lost tribes of israel. Testing the book of mormon part 3 archaeological evidence. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon evidence, proof, and belief. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. When you think of historical proof, archaeology tends to be the foremost details needed to prove a culture or story indeed existed, sadly the book. 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. Another test we should put to the book of mormon is the test of archaeology. Has an artifact that relates to the book of mormon been.
The historicity of the book of mormon religious studies. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Oct 06, 2018 there is not an ounce of credible evidence to support the book of mormon as being historical, and im more than ok with that. According to wilford woodruff, i brought the thigh bone to missouri. Also, the 1825 2nd edition of ethan smiths view of the hebrews provides evidence for the book of mormon.
The book of mormon is a sacred text that was published in march 1830 by joseph smith, jr. The book of mormon principally describes gods dealings with two c. 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. Is there evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon. Think joseph smith could have gotten that right by sheer chance.
These testimonies, born under difficult circumstances or under threat of life and reputation, are compelling, even irrefutable evidence of the divine origin of the book of mormon, he. Is there scientific proof authenticating the book of mormon. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. The marvel of the book itself being proof enough, having the. The book of mormon is the only explanation for this scripture. Book of mormon archeological andor historical validity. Russell ballard of the quorum of the twelve apostles of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints addresses the question of.
Proof that the book of mormon is true book of mormon facts. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. Jan 18, 2018 how a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon.
Indeed, the ancient practice now is known to have occurred at precisely the era and place from which book of mormon peoples came. Miraculous origins theories generally accept joseph smiths own account, that he translated an ancient record compiled and abridged by mormon, a precolumbian resident of the western hemisphere. 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 and other denominations of the latter day saint movement believe that it describes ancient historical events in the americas. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. That very arrangement is now well documented archaeologically an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, provo, utah. Variations of this theory only include that the text is a divinely inspired narrative, regardless of its.
Why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Critics argue that there is no archaeological evidence to support the use of wheeled vehicles in. The book of mormon is a tome detailing a vast pre columbian culture that supposedly existed for centuries on the north and south american land masses. Understanding what archaeologists look for in historical.
Because the book of mormon is a translation of a modified hebrew language, it contains many hebraisms. Atop it a fence of timbers was planted and bound together with vines. Critics of the book of mormon have argued that there are words and phrases in the book that are anachronistic with archaeological findings. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. These relate to artifacts, animal, plant, or technology that critics believe did not exist in the americas during the book of mormon time period before 2500 bc to about 400 ad. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Historical setting for its translation and publication larry c. This interpretation, still dominant among members of the lds church, remained in the introduction to the book of mormon until recently. Lehi and his family belonged to the tribe of manasseh and ishmael and his family belonged to the tribe of ephraim. 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. However, it can evaluate the historical claims which both books make, and that evaluation shows that while the bibles claim to be authentic history is supported by objective evidence click for article on the bible and archaeology, the same cannot be said for the book of mormon. Remember we have interspersed paintings, maps, pictures, archaeology, etc throughout the actual text of the book of mormon.
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