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. Book of mormon thought false by lds memberarchaelogist. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. Within the past several decades, professional studies in american archaeology, geography, culture, and language have provided an enormous amount of information of great interest to readers and believers of the book of mormon. The king james quotations in the book of mormon, the history of the text of the book of mormon. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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. Wayne may, author and publisher of ancient american magazine now in its 25th year of print, continues to fill its pages with new and past discoveries in the americas. Videos you watch may be added to the tvs watch history and influence tv recommendations. 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. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. Book of mormon claims remain unaltered since 1830, so all the accommodation has been on the archaeology side.
Book of mormon archaeology and anthropology byu studies. Archaeology and geography support the book of mormon to the same degree. 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. Use this book as your guide to the remarkable similarities between ancient mesoamericans, and the peoples of the book of mormon. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as. What does archaeology reveal about warfare during early nephite times. Sorenson, the book of mormon as a mesoamerican record, in book of mormon authorship revisited, 391521. Why does the book of mormon mention wine, vineyards, and winepresses. Book of mormon archaeology has long been a favorite interest of. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon. Introduction some very exciting and faithrewarding news for book of mormon believers, the first discovery of barley in the new world, has been reported in the december issue of science 83, pp. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the.
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. However, there exists no credible archaeological evidence proving that the book of mormon is a record of literate ancient american people of hebrew descent. For reasons i understand, this is a frequently asked question. 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. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. When confronted with the book, most people reject it because of its cover story. Aug 01, 2007 use this book as your guide to the remarkable similarities between ancient mesoamericans, and the peoples of the book of mormon. Rlds view on the discovery of barley and future book of. See all formats and editions hide other formats and editions. It appears that the book of mormon had no place in the new world whatsoever. Watch wayne mays past presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. New evidence for the book of mormon name sariah 1 nephi 2.
Not only have cement structures been identified throughout mesoamerica, but as dr. John dehlin august 12, 2011 apologetics, best of mormon stories, book of mormon, johns favorites, top 10 truth claims, top 100 204 comments. At least a modest crowd will appear any time a lecture is announced with both terms in the title. Book 1 of 3 in the archaeology and the book of mormon series. John sorenson noted, the firstcenturybc appearance of cement in the book of mormon agrees strikingly with the archaeology of central mexico. 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 was coriantumrs record engraved on a large stone. A journal of latterday saint faith and scholarship. 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. Mcmurrin, a former latterday saint, said critically, you dont get books from angels and translate them 1 clark. The first myth that we need to eliminate is that book of mormon archaeology exists. 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. These traditions truly conflict with the book of mormon, the word of god, so the heartland model can be. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. This changed by the time joseph fielding smith, the future president of the. Next, we come to book of mormon archaeology, which i would define as an attempt by mormons to establish the historicity of the book of mormon by means of dirt archaeology, or by analysis of archaeological findings made by nonmormons. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very presuppositions. Biblical archaeology can be studied because we do know where.
They frequently claim that because certain aspects of the bible have been verified by archaeological evidence, that the book of mormon must have the same verifiable support from new world archaeology. Matheny at the 1984 sunstone theological symposium in salt lake city. The book of mormon has been discussed and dissected now for 175 years, but only during the last fifty has american archaeology been capable of addressing issues of history and generating reliable facts. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith.
Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. Actually there is lots of evidence for joseph smiths book of mormon archaeology. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. 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. We can break down this antimormon charge into three issues. 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. 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. Dec 12, 2007 the lay mormon is told by the mormon church that archaeology continues to confirm the book of mormon, while mormon scholars, who actually study archaeology for a living, have something quite. That joseph smith and successive generations of mormon presidents and apostles taught that the nephites and lamanites ranged over all or most of south and north america and fought a battle to.
The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith, alleged to be an ignorant man, wrote the book of mormon 2. Hagoth hagoth is reported to have built ships and sent explorers northward from a spot on the coast of the west sea by the narrow neck of land see alma 63. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. 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. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, 1985, p. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. The book of mormon suggests that the original native americans descended from a small band of israelites. October 1st is the anniversary of a little known event in early church history that i believe, in consequence of significant research progress, now deserves recognition for identifying a region of major book of mormon lands and for initiating book of mormon archaeological historicity research. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies.
The trend over the last 50 years is one of convergence between the book of mormon and mesoamerican archaeology. Book of mormon archaeology major anachronisms 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. Have the valley of lemuel and the river laman been found. The thriving beyond orthodox mormonism project is an effort to provide tips, tricks, inspiration, and hope to those who are questioning, doubting, andor leaving orthodox mormonism through sharing profiles of thriving postmormons and progressive mormons. There is no archaeological evidence of the jaredite people described in the book of mormon that is accepted by mainstream archaeologists. Im going to first answer the question, and then explain my answer and offer background. Archaeological proof of the book of mormon lds blogs. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Book of mormon archaeology has long been a favorite interest of latterday saints.
In a times and seasons editorial, october 1, 1842, the prophet joseph smith, after progressive study. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. 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. Nevertheless, some mormon scholars believe that the jaredites were the olmec civilization, though archaeological evidence supporting this theory is disputed and circumstantial. 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 american archaeological data. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Book of mormon archaeology in the new world parent page. Does the book of mormon have archaeology to back up any of. Archaeology and the book of mormon hardcover january 1, 1956 by milton r hunter author 5. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon.
There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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. I revisit issues of archaeology and the book of mormon here in addressing the. The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. 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. This article answers the claim that the book of mormon figure called sherem is an example of a nonisraelite. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device.
The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith was a creative genius who, wrote the book. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. Book of mormon references are from the rlds version. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the new world and the subject matter. 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. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief book of. 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 three periods past, present, and future can perhaps best be characterized by three approaches to book of mormon archaeology. 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. It just doesnt seem to fit anything in anthropology or history. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to youtube on your computer. But the book of mormon never mentions any other nations. It seems misplaced endnote 20, continuing from endnote 19 in part 2. We are not about to uncover the a sign tomorrow or the next day or a year or ten. The critics would have us believe that there is little if any differ ence between biblical archaeology and book of mormon ar chaeology. Oct 07, 2012 read a transcript of this lecture here. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief bmaf. 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. In the paper revisiting sariah at elephantine, neal rappleye, a research project manager here at book of mormon central, explains that scholars have identified a jewish woman named. Mormon traditions would have us believe that the book of mormon took place in the heartland and in new york.
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. The lay mormon is told by the mormon church that archaeology continues to confirm the book of mormon, while mormon scholars, who actually study archaeology for a. Archeological trends and book of mormon origins published by byu scholarsarchive, 2005. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. The book of mormon from the church of jesus christ of latter day saints mormons to you and i have a doozy of story told by joseph smith that most people arent even aware of. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. 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. If the book were fiction, this convergence would not be happening. The book of mormon was written for the purpose of convincing those who are sincere abou.
Sorenson, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, salt lake city. Oct 24, 2014 the book of mormon and archaeology by dr. In this paper, i will marshal recent facts from archaeology to evaluate the trends in seeing the book of mormon as hoax or as history. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith duration. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. For those of you who are newly questioningdoubting orthodox mormonism, we want you to know know that. Oct 25, 2008 it appears that the book of mormon had no place in the new world whatsoever. Michael coe an outsiders view of book of mormon archaeology.
As seen by science, the book of mormon is stronger today than it was in 1830, 1844, 1950, or even 2000, so i expect it will continue to become stronger in the future. We are excited to introduce temporary complimentary access to our archive of over 70 years of archaeology magazine and to bring a world of discovery to your home. 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. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. Mormon scholars argue that the book of mormon israelites who lived in the americas were assimilated into other nations. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. The overall trend in the date over the past 175 years fits the expectations for the book of mormon as history rather than hoax. Archaeology research in precolumbian americas and the book of mormon.