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. Between 2004 and 2007, a purdue university archaeologist. Does the book of mormon have archaeology to back up any of. We can break down this anti mormon charge into three issues. One of the most competent and helpful evaluations of book of mormon archaeology is a paper delivered by brigham young university archaeology professor raymond t. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Because of the everincreasing evidence, we are committed to finding tangible proof that should convert the most critical doubter of the history of the book of mormon. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. All of this is circumstantial evidence in support of the book of mormon being an actual historical document.
Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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. Lack of archeological evidence xpost rmormonscholar book of mormon issue 6. Erekson this story appeared in the marchapril 2020 issue of lds living. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Debunking the myth of elviss book of mormon keith a.
Both the bible and the book of mormon declare themselves to be ancient, historical, and reliable rules of faiththe very word of god. Native american writings are potentially strong evidence that the occurrences described in the book of mormon actually happened. Other people can use the explanation to justify that their religion hasnt been 100% disproved by evidence even if the explanation is somewhat weak in places. Bookofmormonarchaeology 2000 evidences for the book of mormon. In addition, sites and artifacts are also provided that give additional indirect support to the book of mormon story, such as evidence associated with other precolumbian hebrew travelers to the american continents. Im going to first answer the question, and then explain my answer and offer background. About 2000 evidences for the book of mormon i have been attempting to write a series of books, based on my experiences, research, and studies in southern mexico, guatemala, and central america, and theories i have developed about candidate locations for the book of mormon.
Ferguson never received a formal education in archaeology. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document. Though the nwaf failed to establish book of mormon archaeology, the archaeological investigations of nwafsponsored projects were a success for ancient american archaeology in general which has been recognized and appreciated by nonmormon archaeologists.
Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. Sorenson, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, the definitive work on book of mormon archaeology by a qualified mormon scholar. William dever is a nonlds biblical archaeologist, a professor of near eastern archaeology and anthropology at the university of arizona, and head of the. Doing archaeology as a scientist who happens to be a mormon is another dish of tea completely, and this is what most of my friends who are archaeologists are doing right now. 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. Each pointer on the map can be opened clicked on to obtain information regarding the specific site, artifact, or other. There is no historical or archeological evidence to support the book of mormon. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. People of all and any faiths are welcome here on the grounds of goodwill and faith. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact.
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. The book of mormon record records that there where steel swords in the eastern hemisphere in the year 600 b. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Okay, we admit, this item is on most lists of book of mormon evidencesundoubtedly because its so spoton. The archaeological record comparing the book of mormon narrative with the archaeological record. This is because archaeology in the middle east is far in advance of archaeology in mesoamerica.
Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. For reasons i understand, this is a frequently asked question. 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. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Blake ostler, a respected mormon scholar, states that in my view, there is not and cannot be any book of mormon archaeology until we find at least one place or object that we can say with some certitude derives from book of mormon peoples.
Proposed book of mormon geographical setting wikipedia. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Book of mormon verses taken from the 1990 independence edition, which is published by the church of christ. Wayne has teamed up with air data solutions to put drones in the sky to provide a detailed 3d map of the already evident earthworks and walls that are found in many areas close. We are a nonprofit organization supported by people like you.
Book of mormon claims remain unaltered since 1830, so all the accommodation has been on the archaeology side. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. The arid sands of the middle east are an ideal environment for the preservation of artifacts. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Fascinating video on book of mormon lands archaeology. How manifest destiny destroyed book of mormon evidence. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. 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. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. I have heard that there is a lot of archeological evidence supporting the book of mormon.
Book of mormon archaeology in north america book of mormon. For example, when the book was first published, it was commonly thought that native american indians had never achieved the level of civilization as defined in the book ancient society by lewis henry morgan which had become the handbook of instruction for the. 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. In 1841 joseph smith read stephens incidents of travel in central america. Matheny at the 1984 sunstone theological symposium in salt lake city. Archaeology and the book of mormon lds critics frequently claim that while the bible has been proven to be accurate by the discoveries of archaeology, the book of mormon has no archaeological support. 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. For a little background, nahom is mentioned only once in the book of mormon, in 1 nephi 16. The book of mormon brian nicholson, deseret news archives. Three degrees of glory mesoamericans divided the universe into three levels of glory. Are there any archaeological evidences suggesting the. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago.
But we are also told that we need to have faith as there is never any hard evidence of god. These claims have historically been taken on faith. 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. First publication of the smithsonian book of mormon evidence. The book of mormon states that large cities were built so that by 322 a. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. The only hard archaeological evidence of which i am aware is back in the middle east remember that the book of mormon is only mostly set in the new world. 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. Much evidence exists to support the claims made by the book of mormon native american evidences of book of mormon contents. Wayne mays twopart presentation at the november 20 vernal, ut book of mormon evidence conference. Lack of archeological evidence xpost if you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and dont vote in the other threads. Geographical, and other evidences in support of the book of mormon landscape, as found in north.
Michael coe an outsiders view of book of mormon archaeology. Civilizations of north america documentary 1 trailerjune 22, 2016in archaeology videos. The king james quotations in the book of mormon, the history of the text of the book of mormon. 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. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. 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. No evidence has been found in the americas of iron being hardened to make steel in ancient times. 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.
Not one, but three ancient altars inscribed with the same three semitic consonants of the placename, nahom, as mentioned in 1 nephi 16. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. 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. 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. Brigham young university byu is owned by the mormon church and has a. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world.
In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. All this was riding on a book devoted to the questions of the origin, antiquity, and identity of the mound builders. Book of mormon evidences mormonism, the mormon church. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. 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. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event.
The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief book of. 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. Anthropology and archaeology in the land of the chaldeans.
If the book were fiction, this convergence would not be happening. Changing world, archeology and the book of mormon changing world, compared with bible archeology general faq. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon.
Book of mormon geography in north america wayne may duration. 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. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Is there evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. The trend over the last 50 years is one of convergence between the book of mormon and mesoamerican archaeology. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. He established the new world archaeological foundation. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. We have a great deal of evidence for the histricity of the book of mormon but nothing comparable to what exists in support of the bible. If you love the book of mormon, consider donating to book of mormon central and becoming part of this exciting movement.
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. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. Joseph smiths statements regarding book of mormon geography. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to that for. 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. Hamblin, basic methodological problems with the antimormon approach to the geography and archaeology of the book of mormon, journal of book of mormon studies 2, no. Welcome to rlatterdaysaints a gathering place for those supporting or investigating the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and its members. The geography of the book of mormon has been a complex issue with multiple factors involved. If that were the claim of the book of mormon, any piece of historical, archaeological, or linguistic evidence to the contrary would weigh in against the book of mormon, and those who rely exclusively on scholarship would have a promising position to argue. Matheny is apparently unable to endorse a single work on book of mormon archaeology by any of the various mormon apologists, amateur or professional, even the magnum opus of his colleague, john l. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. The book of mormon was written for the purpose of convincing those who are sincere abou. 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.
His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence, in campeche in 1948. 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 silly fraud by joseph smith. The book of mormon is true and could have only happened in north america. There is no specific confirmation of the book of mormon from archaeology. The book of mormon the book of mormon claims to be a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. Read about the supporting evidence for the book of mormon cultures. Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. The book of mormon and church culture are very explicit that god always wants us to approach him in prayer, repentance, etc and he always has his arms open to us. One of the missionaries smiled confidently and claimed there was a lot of evidence from archaeology to support the historical. Lds church members are taught that the book of mormon bom is scripture, as well as a true record of the inhabitants of the americas from about 2200 bc to 420 ad.
Archaeological and historical evidence steel utilized as. There is impressive evidence that joseph smith identified the coast of chile at about 30 degrees south latitude as the place where lehis group. Here you find the photographic, archaeological, and biblical. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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.
In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. May 23, 2014 this is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. 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 sub is for fellowship and faithful belief in the restored gospel of jesus christ ephesians 2. Mormon archaeology can be the book of mormon archaeology, where youre actually going right from the beginning, trying to find the evidence that the book of mormon is correct. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. In the 1998, republication of ancient monuments by the smithsonian, david j. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of mormon. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon.
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. John dehlin august 12, 2011 apologetics, best of mormon stories, book of mormon, johns favorites, top 10 truth claims, top 25 204 comments. It seems that book of mormon archaeology has shifted away from looking for the big discovery and towards building a nonfalsifiable explanation for the book of mormon peoples existence. Our additional 2020 event will be sept 1112th the same mountain america exposition center at 9575 s state st in sandy, ut 84070. Oct 24, 2014 this video will help you understand that the foundation of the lds faith is built upon myth. Sep 29, 2017 a lot like the book of mormon teaches. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence.
This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the books authenticityjosephs unfamiliarity with its contents. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Nov 01, 2002 echoes and evidences of the book of mormon parry, donald w. 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. 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. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Jun 09, 2017 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs.
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. Stephen smoot at book of mormon central walks viewers through the discovery of nahom and what it means for book of mormon evidence. Archaeology research in precolumbian americas and the book of mormon. 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book.
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