Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Archaeological proof of the book of mormon lds blogs. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Archaeological evidence about the biblical story of abraham. Mormonism is there any archaeological evidence for the. If they were once a delightsome people and had christ for their shepherd, mormon 5. The first of these peoples, called jaredites, are supposed to have. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. 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. It just doesnt seem to fit anything in anthropology or history. It is also important to note that nihm is believed to be a tribal name, not a place name, and that the three consonants can have a variety of spellings when vowels.
Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Occasionally, they will promote some type of archaeological artifact that is similar to something built or written by hebrew people to try to validate their claim that the book of mormon people were indeed from the land of israel. Jan 01, 2008 the journal of book of mormon studies is a scholarly journal devoted to the latest research on the book of mormon, including articles on the geography, names, terms, and events in the book of mormon, as well as archaeological finds in the old world and the new world. 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. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. 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. 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. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon.
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. Matheny at the 1984 sunstone theological symposium in salt lake city. An online handbook to the lds church mormon the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, especially those that have been excavated. 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. Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. Thomas stuart ferguson thomas ferguson wrote three books defending the mormon faith. The aztec, maya, and inca people were expecting the return of a god who their ancestors once believed in. One good example would be codex sinaiticus estimated to be created about 350 years after 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. 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.
Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of 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. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. Both the bible and the book of mormon declare themselves to be ancient, historical, and reliable rules of faiththe very word of god. Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists. 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. Brigham young university byu is owned by the mormon church and has a department of professional archaeologists who are dedicated to archaeology as it pertains to the book of mormon. Wayne mays twopart presentation at the november 20 vernal, ut book of mormon evidence conference. Let the debate continue, but let all the evidence be admitted.
Welch pointed out that no archeologist in 1829 could have known how accurately the dating of this technological adaptation correlated with what was happening on the ground. This, of course, is not to imply that there are no problems connected with biblical archaeology, or that archaeological evidence alone can prove the bible to be divinely inspired. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. This is clear in any other reproduction of the uncle sam figure. Weve found the empires, places, and technology found in various places the bible support.
Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Between these two views is the view held by some latter day saints that the book of mormon is a divine work of a spiritual nature, written in ancient america, but that its purpose is to teach of christ and not to be used as a guide for history, geology, archaeology, or anthropology. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. As always, i invite you to study the issues, evaluate what we know and what we dont. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. Proof that the book of mormon is true, excerpt from. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. No evidence has been found in the new world for a ferrous metallurgical industry dating to precolumbian times. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. 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. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
Considered the first of the biblical patriarchs, abrahams life history encompasses a journey starts that in a place called ur. 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. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Its early account of jerusalem just before the babylonian captivity gains in plausibility as research continues to accumulate. Aug 16, 2009 we invite all people everywhere to read the book of mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask god, the eternal father, in the name of christ, if the book is true. Kennedy archaeology and the book of esther carey a. The scientific trend of archaeological evidence of its historic facticity indicates that the book of mormon is what joseph smith claimed it wasan ancient book. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines.
Uncle sams chin beard, however, is airbrushed into the shoulder. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. 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 rlatterdaysaints a gathering place for those supporting or investigating the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and its members. A comparison of the archaeological evidence for the book of mormon with the evidence for the bible clearly shows the weakness of the mormon position. The content of the book of mormon may be the most convincing evidence for its claim as a historical record and divine scripture. In abrahams time, ur was one of the great citystates in sumer, a part of the fertile crescent located from the tigris and euphrates rivers in iraq to the. Mar 10, 2020 archaeology supporting the historicity of the book of mormon.
Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. His mission led him further and further from his faith, eventually sapping him of religious conviction entirely. I have no idea about the archaeological evidence for the existence of book of mormon at least some years ago. 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. 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. It follows that no amount of scrutiny of the book will ever betray josephs mind or heart because it is not mirrored in the text. We can prove, though that the jews were great record keepers. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Dec 12, 2007 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. Matheny, speech at sunstone symposium 6, book of mormon archaeology august 25, 1984.
He established the new world archaeological foundation. Ever since scientific archaeology started a century and a half ago, the consistent pattern has been this. The bibles claims, conservative protestant critics of mormonism often like to argue, are corroborated by geography and archaeology. 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. It seems misplaced endnote 20, continuing from endnote 19 in part 2. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. Proof that the book of mormon is true book of mormon facts. Book of mormon archaeology in north america book of mormon.
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. Archaeology and the book of esther andrews university. This sub is for fellowship and faithful belief in the restored gospel of jesus christ ephesians 2. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Mormon scholars have estimated that at various periods in book of mormon history, the populations of civilizations discussed in the book ranged between 300,000 and 1. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Before we begin, i want to mention a few things to help you understand our presentation. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Mormon cultural belief regarding book of mormon archaeology archaeological evidence of large populations.
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. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological. The new testament also has many archaeological proof of existence. The only bible that joseph smith relied on was the king james version.
Prove the existence of zarahemla, for example, and the validity of the rest follows. The likelihood of such a setting was greatly strengthened by john l. The book of mormon the book of mormon claims to be a volume of holy scripture comparable to the bible. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief.
Here you find the photographic, archaeological, and biblical. This evidence has long been a topic of debate with most archaeologists concluding that the. Feb 09, 2010 okay, im taking an old testament course at the mormon institute, and how it relates to the book of mormon. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. Archaeological evidence for 7 locations on lehis journey. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x.
These claims have historically been taken on faith. John sorenson noted, the firstcenturybc appearance of cement in the book of mormon agrees strikingly with the archaeology of central mexico. Videos watch past wayne may presentations as he reveals the supporting evidences of the book of mormon as found in archaeology, geography and historical records. Archaeology and the book of mormonarchive 7 wikipedia. There are different things that are difficult to distinguish. For years, mormons have been looking for archaeological evidence to support their book of mormon. Let us not forget that the lds church has provided no historical or archaeological evidence that nephi or any of the unique characters mentioned in the book of mormon actually lived.
The book of mormon is true and could have only happened in north america. 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. Ernest wright early christians and the anchor, by charles a. This is another in my series of article on challenging questions that missionaries will likely face. 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. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. Jun 09, 2017 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. These professionals, who are practicing mormons, are to be applauded for their honesty. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. We cannot imperically prove that everything in the bible is correct. Decades of desperate archaeological research in mexico and central america, often they say. See more ideas about archaeology, book of mormon and mound builders. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable.
Full text of the world and thomas kelly internet archive. 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. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. Not only have cement structures been identified throughout mesoamerica, but as dr. 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. Apr 28, 2017 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. For one particular physical evidence, look no further than a plethora of archaeological sites from many different centuries, but particularly. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible. Ferguson placed his faith in the hands of science, not realizing they were the lions jaws. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses.
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. Critics trot out this letter as proof that the book of mormon has no archaeological support and is therefore false. The national geographic society has a similar letter. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. The first myth that we need to eliminate is that book of mormon archaeology exists. Even today, the institute he founded hums with research. But those of the book of mormon, they insist, are not.
King domestic architecture and the new testament, by h. 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. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. 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. Moore archaeology at the albrigh institutet by phili, p j. Many a learned person has asked the same thing about the bible or even the existence of god. The book of mormon does fit into what we know of the ancient world.
Keep a summary at archaeology and the book of mormon and consider this to be a parent article to the geographical theories possibly merge limited geography model book of mormon into it i do not want book of mormon geographical theories to just be an apologetic fork. Full text of recollections of fifty years in the ministry. 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. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. 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. And to be less sardonic about the matter, this is also why direct evidence actually can sometimes di. Jerry grovers book, which uses geological principles to explain the occurrence of natural events in the book of mormon, is not as widely known. Hunter of the first council of the seventy is a book of tremendous interest and value for those who would know firsthand the traditions and folkways of the early inhabitants of north, central, and south america as well as know the truth contained in the book of mormon concerning these peoples. 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. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. People of all and any faiths are welcome here on the grounds of goodwill and faith. The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of mormon for archaeological purposes. Proof the book of mormon isnt true the book of mormon contradicts the bible and was actually a work of fiction written by joseph smith in the 1800s, who copied much of it from the king james version, trying to make it look like an ancient manuscript. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in.
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. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. No direct geographical, archaeological or any other scientific field supports fictional narratives. And so this is a kingsize problem, it seems to me, for socalled book of mormon archaeology. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. And so this is a kingsize kind of problem, it seems to me, for the socalled book of mormon archaeology. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum.
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