Archaeological and historical evidence names in the book. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. The society replied in a letter dated april 26, 1989. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. 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. It is fair to mention that professional mormon archaeologists claim there is general confirmation of the book of mormon from archaeology, citing peoples existing. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in transition. Evidence presented in this article includes 1 archaeological evidence for large animals used for draft and transportation. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Why does nahom constitute archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Most scholars reject the idea of viewing the book of mormon as a historical record. Neither the society nor any other institution of equal prestige has ever used the book of mormon in locating archaeological sites.
For the first 150 years of mormonisms existence, everyone thought it was a story about a people who left the middle east and came to south or central america, and who fought wars clear up into new york state where. Had circumstances permitted a marked grave for the slain prophet, a fitting headstone could have read, by joseph smith, junior, author and proprietor. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very presuppositions. No one in the world disputes that the bible is a collection of ancient writings. Dec 22, 2011 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. May 23, 2014 horses in the book of mormon one last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. Book of mormon archaeological forum, great lakes heartland model summary page joe v. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. 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. Apr 28, 2017 nahom is a big book of mormon evidence that i respect location is right and the archaeological evidence is sound. There is no archaeological evidence of the jaredite people described in the book of mormon that is accepted by mainstream archaeologists. 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.
This is a significant correlation in name and location. The awkward part for the mormon church is the total lack of historical and archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Book of mormonarchaeologycompared to the bible fair. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Mormon cultural belief regarding book of mormon archaeology archaeological evidence of large populations. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. 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. Is there anything that has been found among the archaeological. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. The first myth we need to eliminate is that book of mormon archaeology existsif one is to study book of mormon archaeology, then one must have a corpus of data with which to deal. Even though a testimony is gained only by a prayerful.
Llamas are the only large mammal other than alpacas known to have been domesticated in the americas. Jan 01, 2008 but if archaeological proof of the existence of cities such as zarahemla, and peoples such as the nephites, lamanites, jaredites and more is what you require. It lies not in word research or historical analysis, though these may be confirmatory. In spite of difficulties in defending this claim, and although the evidence is incomplete, the geological and archaeological record does provide support for horses and even wheeled vehicles in ancient america. The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Is there any archeological evidence that the events in the book of. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Plentiful evidence many scientific volumes have been written about evidence for the book of mormon civilizations.
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. For one particular physical evidence, look no further than a plethora of archaeological sites. Written hebrew does not employ vowels, therefore, book of mormon nahom is nhm in hebrew. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. Sep 29, 2017 ancient hebrews indeed kept historical records on metal plates, just as the book of mormon claims. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. To date, no actual evidence to confirm the book of mormon has been found, although many lds believers have faith that it will be uncovered in the future.
Jan 29, 2004 the claim that, unlike the bible, there is no archaeological evidence supporting the book of mormon is based on naive and erroneous assumptions. 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. 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. Anachronisms and archaeological findings cattle and cows. The current suggestions are all logically placed along the dhofar coast in oman based on geography, but they dont have hard archaeological evidence like we. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. To dismiss the book of mormon on archaeological grounds is shortsighted, as continuing discoveries provide ever more evidence that is consistent with the book. Archaeology primarily concerns itself with artifacts that have been left behind from ancient days, whereas the book of mormon deliberately avoids going into too much detail on the culture of its people and explaining details that might aid archaeological research, preferring to. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. In 1989, michael ammons wrote to the national geographic society requesting information on the book of mormon and archaeology. The power of the holy ghost must ever be the chief source of evidence for the book of mormon.
Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempt ed to find archaeological evidence to support it. Mar 18, 2021 32021 biblical archaeology and the book of mormon tour israel with master tour guide and archaeologist danny the digger herman. Archaeological and historical evidence names in the book of. Archaeology primarily concerns itself with artifacts that have been left behind from ancient days, whereas the book of mormon deliberately avoids going into too much detail on the culture of its people and explaining details that might aid archaeological research, preferring to focus on more sacred matters. The following information, adapted from the north american mission boards. This video is part of a new and exciting video initiative by book of mormon central. Nevertheless, some mormon scholars believe that the jaredites were the olmec civilization, 187 188 though archaeological evidence supporting this theory is disputed and circumstantial the jaredites of the book of mormon are identified as being. There is no archaeological evidence to support the historicity of the book of mormon, because the book of mormon is an incredible and wonderful book of. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon evidence, proof, and belief.
If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. Captain alexander hamilton in 1723 wrote about brass and copper plates found in the near east containing manassehs own history from the reign of nebuchadnezzar to this present time. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. Archaeological evidence true book of mormon geography. The following is a list by hugh nibley, of 27 exact or nearexact names which are nonbiblical but have a ancient middle eastegyptian background, confirmed by finds in this century. Proof of the book of mormon thus remains within the spiritual realm and not from studying archaeology. Before delving into archaeological matters, it is helpful to take a step back and consider. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Mar 26, 2016 key are the videos and the books describing the coverup by the smithsonian institute in the name of manifest destiny, and the wayne may videos describing independent archaeological evidence confirming book of mormon dates and cultures among the cherokee, iroquois, and the algonquian tribes from florida to michigan and from missouri to. There are only factors that suggest the book of mormon may be an ancient document and that only to certain people i. Some mormon apologists believe that goat in the book of mormon refers to brocket deer in order to. Hard evidence of ancient american horses book of mormon.
Mark ashurstmcgee, mormonisms encounter with the michigan relics, brigham young university studies 40 no. No arrangement of evidence, however skillfully ordered. 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 of mormon. Archaeological evidence true book of mormon geography lands. Chapter 15 archaeology and the book of mormon reachout trust. However, there exists no credible archaeological evidence to support the notion that the book of mormon is a record of highly literate ancient american people of. Hill cumorah wayne may shows the writings of joseph smith jr.
The book of mormon name nahom becomes nhm when written in hebrew. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. What i would say to you is there is no archaeological proof of the book of mormon. Oct 05, 2012 the first thing to note here is that there is no evidence that the book of mormon is an ancient document. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon silkalma 4. Jan 18, 2018 according to the book of mormon, bountiful was one of the first areas settled by the nephites, ancient people who supposedly sailed from israel to the americas around 600 b. 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. A popular saying in the field of archaeology is that no evidence of existence is not evidence of nonexistence. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. Why hasnt archaeology uncovered evidence of book of. Thereve been books written by mormon scholars saying that this event took place here or this event took place here.
Why havent archaeologists found anything in the new world that categorically proves that the book of mormon is true. Without epigraphic new world evidence which is currently extremely limited from book of mormon times, we are unable to know the contemporary names of ancient mesoamerican cities and kingdoms. Dec 22, 2011 many scholars see no support for the book of mormon in the archaeological record, since no one has found any inscriptional evidence for, or material remains that can be tied to any persons, places, or things mentioned in the book smithsonian institution. Not only have cement structures been identified throughout mesoamerica, but as dr. 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. Aug 24, 2017 but those of the book of mormon, they insist, are not. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Numerous latterday saints believe there is potential anthropological and even archaeological evidence to support the stories told in their faiths.
Why hasnt archaeology uncovered evidence of book of mormon. Enter this page to learn more about a private guided tour to x and other related destinations. As far as the location of old world bountiful, its up in the air. Numerous scholars and archaeologists have unanimously concluded that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. However, there exists no credible archaeological evidence to support the notion that the book of mormon is a record of highly literate ancient american people of hebrew descent. 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. A reasonable question for those suggesting that there is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon would be what archaeological evidence might be considered the minimal irrefutable proof needed to convince a nonbelieving world of the authenticity of the nephite scripture. Mormonism is there any archaeological evidence for the claims. Many lds believers and apologists respond to the critics assertions of no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon with a claim that a location mentioned in the book of mormon has been found, but not in america, but rather one of the locations lehi and his party traveled through after leaving jerusalem.
Archaeology and the book of mormon wikimili, the best. If only joseph smith hadnt given the plates back to the angel. There is a drastic difference, however, between the two worlds old and new when it comes to epigraphic data, iconographic data, the continuity of culture, and toponyms. John sorenson noted, the firstcenturybc appearance of cement in the book of mormon agrees strikingly with the archae ology of central mexico. Chapter 15 archaeology and the book of mormon reachout. Decades of desperate archaeological research in mexico and central america, often they. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief book of. Mormon said that the city of bountiful forever remained one of the most secured cities alma 53. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place. So theres no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief byu. There is absolutely n o archaeological evid ence to directly sup por t the book. Archaeological proof of the book of mormon lds blogs. Science has consistently presented disconfirming evidence for the book of mormon.
But those of the book of mormon, they insist, are not. Are the michigan artifacts evidence for the book of. Unresolved issues of the books historicity and the lack of supporting archaeological evidence have led some adherents to adopt the position that the book of mormon may have been the creation of smith, but that it was nevertheless divinely inspired. As early as 1831, eber howe, in his antimormon book mormonism. The suggestion of horses and chariots in precolumbian america has long been an easy target for critics of the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fair. For example, after the cataclysmic last battle fought between the nephites and lamanites, hundreds of thousands of men and beasts had allegedly perished, and the ground would have been strewn with weapons and armor. Generally nonmormon archaeologists do not consider there to be any authentic book of mormon. As it stands now, archaeological evidence is the only avenue through which the book of mormon can ever be substantiatedand it fails in all respects.
The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. One such group is the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, better known as f. He details evidence of indiscriminate massacres and bonepits. The evidence for the book of mormon s truth, for its validity in a world that is prone to demand evidence, lies not in archaeology or anthropology, though these may be helpful to some. Connections to the book of mormon joseph knew mormon media network final battle near buffalo nyin the book of mormon, in the 6th chapter of mormon, the nephites gather to the land cumorah for the final battles with the lamanites. Decades of desperate archaeological research in mexico and central america, often they say sponsored by the lds church, have they say yielded absolutely no evidence for the book of mormon. Why is there lots of archaeological evidence for the bible but little for the. Honestly, it feels like coe is arguing with the living room furniture.
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