The book of mormon states that large cities were built so that by 322 a. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. 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. 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. 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. I believe that is the case with the book of mormon. Evidence of the truthfulness of the book of mormon lds. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon. The book of mormon was translated from reformed egyptian on gold plates.
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. Why is there lots of archaeological evidence for the bible but little for the. Questions about book of mormon evidence jeff lindsay. The book of mormon has several evidences within its pages that give evidence to it being exactly what joseph smith purported it to be. 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. Evidences discussed include, among others, metal records in stone boxes, ancient writing, warfare, the tree of. 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. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. 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. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. The list of anachronisms that proved that the book of mormon was a 19th century fabrication has been whittled down from 65 to 2. Book of mormon evidences, part 2 presents more of the factors that suggest the book of mormon may be an ancient document.
For many years, critics have challenged the veracity of a religious text called the book of mormon. Okay, im taking an old testament course at the mormon institute, and how it relates to the book of mormon. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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.
In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. Archaeology research in precolumbian americas and the book of mormon. 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. No evidence has been found in the new world for a ferrous metallurgical industry dating to precolumbian times. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief by john e. 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. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Here you find the photographic, archaeological, and biblical.
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. Book of mormon evidence the mormon church, mormonism. 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. Why does the book of mormon mention wine, vineyards, and winepresses. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. 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. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief byu. Is there any archeological evidence that the events in the book of. Some critics dismiss the book of mormon because, they say, no archaeological evidence directly supports it. What does archaeology reveal about warfare during early nephite times. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief john e.
Sorensons theory is detailed in his book, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, op. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. 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. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. 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. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. This is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. Further, there is currently no archaeological evidence of american bison having been domesticated. In his pamphlet archeology and the book of mormon, hal. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document.
Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. Archaeology crew member tahoe national forest truckee, ca. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. Nwafs original map of its mounds and monuments served as a vital field reference. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. 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. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. 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. 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.
When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Submit your fieldwork photos join the archaeologyfieldwork. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. It is a continuation of book of mormon evidences, part one. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. The archaeologists fieldwork companion is the only current collection of the practical information and material needed by archaeologists doing fieldwork. There are different things that are difficult to distinguish. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. 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.
The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology 1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some. The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith duration. 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. 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. 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. The egyptian symbols for holy, heaven, all, and god are similar to ancient mikmaq glyphs found in canada. This was a popular argument until 1983 when domesticated barley. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. Use this book as your guide to the remarkable similarities between ancient mesoamericans, and the peoples of 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. 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 spoke of cement being used which was impossible because they didnt have cement back then until cement buildings were uncovered at teotihuacan. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidences stuff you can touch, see, feel. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting.
In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. 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. Jennifer hutchey lists archaeology fieldwork, employment advertisements, field schools, internships, volunteering, and related resources, mainly for north america. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. 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 american lds special edition ii the promised land. Oct 24, 2014 the book of mormon and archaeology by dr. 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. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies.
Archaeology has much to offer as a scientific means of gathering independent evidence of the book of mormons authenticity. 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. Book store book of mormon evidence in american archaeology. Book of mormon evidences, part 3 presents further evidence supporting the book of mormon as an ancient document. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one. Weve found the empires, places, and technology found in various places the bible support. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
No direct geographical, archaeological or any other scientific field supports fictional. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Masters degree to move up in archaeology binghamton university. 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. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created.
If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. Have the valley of lemuel and the river laman been found. Plenty of evidence for all kinds of other things that. This page is a continuation of book of mormon evidences, part one and part two. 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. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b.
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. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith, alleged to be an ignorant man, wrote the book of mormon 2. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient evidence. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness.
I archaeological fieldwork geoff carver encyclopedia of life support systems eolss will be discussed briefly under 4. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Book of mormonarchaeologythomas stuart ferguson fairmormon.
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. Jun 07, 2017 book of mormon evidences saints unscripted. 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. 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. 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. Bookofmormonarchaeology 2000 evidences for the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Although archaeology involves more than excavation, excavation is the focus. Join wayne may and ryan fisher for a book of mormon archaeology tour of cumorahland. Other similarities between near eastern and aztec language are currently being. 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.
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. Matheny, speech at sunstone symposium 6, book of mormon archaeology, august 25, 1984. 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 israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. Why was coriantumrs record engraved on a large stone. 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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book.
Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. This is the battlefield tour youve been waiting for. 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. We can prove, though that the jews were great record keepers. Jun 09, 2017 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. The king james quotations in the book of mormon, the history of the text of the book of mormon. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief book of. We cannot imperically prove that everything in the bible is correct. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. As always, i invite you to study the issues, evaluate what we know and what we dont know, and pray for the guidance.
Much left to discover between archaeology and the book of mormon. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. 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. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith was a creative genius who, wrote the book.
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