For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology 1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. 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. And still no archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. Watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. According to the smithsonian institution, archaeological evidence shows that the western hemisphere was populated by east asian peoples migrating across the bering strait and rules out alternatives involving long sea voyages 23 as a significant contribution to new world settlement, as proposed by the book of mormon.
A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. The nhm inscription is the most important piece of geographical evidence book of mormon supporters have for their claims.
Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. There is no archaeological evidence of the jaredite people described in the book of mormon that is accepted by mainstream archaeologists. In 1955, thomas ferguson, a latter day saint and the founder of the new world archaeological foundation nwaf, with five years of funding from the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church, began to dig throughout mesoamerica for evidence of the veracity of the book of mormon claims. The book of mormons authors made it clear the record was spiritual, and that it would touch on historical matters but lightly 1 nephi 9. But year after year we only see more comprehensive evidence stacking up against a historical interpretation of the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Actually there is lots of evidence for joseph smiths book of mormon archaeology. 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. 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 book of mormon is full of supposed history civilizations that lived in and populated cities in what is known as the americas. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. There is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support any of this. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america.
Most scholars reject the idea of viewing the book of mormon as a historical record. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Elephants are mentioned twice in the earliest book of mormon record, the book of ether. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence.
Thus, there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest a jewish or middleeastern migration to america. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Is the book of mormon without any archaeological support. People keep saying that mormonism isnt true because of this. Top 10 archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. There are three possible ways to approach this puzzle, dealing with archaeology, ancient cultural practices, and difficulties in translation. 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. The linguistic, anthropological, archaeological, genetic, and paleontological fields are all independently lining up to tell a very consistent story of the new world that brashly conflicts with any possible. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. No, not everything is archaeologically confirmed, any more than everything in any ancient document is. The book of mormon implies a seven day week similar to that practiced in the middle east. The 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.
Mormon said that the city of bountiful forever remained one of the most secured cities alma 53. It had been raining for 5 hours in his camp in tropical mexico on this late january. 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. The book of mormon suggests that the original native americans descended from a small band of israelites. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. 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. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. Yes, there are, unless you wear blinders and refuse to look at the broader picture, including archaeological findings that have been made after the book of mormon has been published. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. The book of mormon describes the presence of chariots in the new world.
Evidence for nephis bountiful, journal of book of mormon studies, 71 1998. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Well i personally choose the words evidence and support in the place of proofprove. In his tuesday, march 3, lds business college devotional held in the assembly hall on temple square, elder callister listed past and present criticisms lobbied against the book of mormon and gave evidences of the books truthfulness.
The book of mormon is said to have been written in a reformed egyptian characters, but no archaeological, linguistic, or other evidence of the use of egyptian writing in ancient america has been discovered. Clark, a respected authority on the archaeology of. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. Archeologicalanthropological problems in the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon.
The scientific legacy of a quest to prove 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. Think about it a jewishchristian culture in the middle of a polytheist mesoamerican culture that has no mention in any codex, monument or literature. Another test we should put to the book of mormon is the test of archaeology. The people and places are not proven to exist, it was written by a man and not godbreathed. 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. Dec 10, 2012 the idea that there is archaeological evidence for the book of mormon is purely wishful thinking. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. While the primary evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon comes from the holy ghost, many people wonder if there is any archaeological support for the book of mormon.
One of the best ways to test the book of mormon s historical authenticity is to look at its names. Numerous scholars and archaeologists have unanimously concluded that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence true book of mormon geography. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. As already explained, we may never be able to determine the an. The book of mormon, combined with the spirit, is the greatest witness one has of the truthfulness of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, said elder tad r. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look.
Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence rick branch 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. Therefore, as things stand at the moment, current new world archaeological evidence tends to verify the claims made by the book of mormon. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel.
The book of mormon suggests that the original native americans descended. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. If the book of mormon is really a true history, then i would think that there should be some archaeological evidence that supports the truthfulness of those historical events. 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. As a final check of the books historical authenticity, i consider a long list of frequently voiced complaints. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. In 1975, he submitted a paper to a symposium about book of mormon geography outlining the failure of archaeologists to find old world plants, animals, metals, and scripts in. Oct 18, 2009 critics who contend the book of mormon has no archaeological evidence are simply uninformed. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting.
As a final check of the book s historical authenticity, i consider a long list of frequently voiced complaints. Society requesting information on the book of mormon and archaeology. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. 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. Dec 02, 20 i was wondering if there is any archaeological evidence to support things mentioned in the book of mormon such as wheat, barley, copper, and steel in america. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. There are literally hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pieces of archaeological evidence supporting the bible, so why is there not even one piece of archaeological evidence supporting the book of mormon. Each possible explanation also teaches important lessons about archaeology, ancient writings, and the.
Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible. Joseph smiths sermon against polygamy book of mormon. 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. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places.
The student graduated from high school and enrolled at utah state university in logan. 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. Is there any archaelogical evidence to support the. Truth shall spring forth out of the earth, journal of book of mormon studies, vol. See richard lloyd anderson, investigating the book of mormon witnesses salt lake city. Apr 11, 2016 the book of mormon mentions horses a few times, even though were not in the americas before the spanish arrived, according to current expert opinion. Have mormonfunded archaeological digs refuted mormonism. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. But since the book of mormon is so hugely and internally selffalsifying, it predicts. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Though the bible wasnt written as a history book, it also contains much history. And so this is a kingsize problem, it seems to me, for socalled book of mormon archaeology. Archaeology and the book of mormon wikimili, the best.
Is there any archaeological evidence around the city of buffalo. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. 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. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device. Each of its unique names has now been looked at by scholars with linguistic training, and it. Direct archaeological evidence for the book of mormon youtube. The book of mormon claims that jewish ancestry formed the majority of precolumbian inhabitants of america. Yet throughout this diversity the bible remains unified in its message and has archaeological evidence backing it.
Callister, emeritus general authority seventy and former sunday school general president in his tuesday, march 3, lds business college devotional held in the assembly hall on temple square, elder callister listed past and. The book of mormon says the people of zarahemla commonly called mulekites sailed across the sea from the ancient near east ca. 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. 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. Many current believers, including the lds church, have no strong position on whether or how to attribute the people in the narrative to. Have mormon funded archaeological digs refuted mormonism. Understanding what archaeologists look for in historical. That is no wonder if you consider how it was bounded by rivers on two sides, and that they built palisades around the land as well. The awkward part for the mormon church is the total lack of historical and archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news.
Standard arguments against the book concern things mentioned in the text not found archaeologically, such as gold plates. May 02, 2017 top 10 archaeological evidences for the book of mormon a friend recently shared a story about a young man in his ward. 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. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. Also, the book of mormon contains grave errors and contradictions. Some early20th century mormons claimed various archaeological findings such as place names, and ruins of the inca, maya, olmec, and other ancient american and old world civilizations as giving credence to the book of mormon record. Matheny notes that while scattered iron artifacts have been found in precolumbian settings, in the absence of evidence of a metallurgical industry, they must be accounted for by random means, such as meteorites. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon evidence, proof, and belief.
A new archaeological excavation at the south of the temple mount in jerusalem has just barely uncovered an 8th century seal impression that might have belonged to the biblical prophet isaiah, revered by nephi and other book of mormon prophets. 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. Book of mormon the book of mormon has absolutely no credibility. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to that for. Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. I think there is plenty of archaeological evidence of the book of mormon, but not archaeological proof of the. Testing the book of mormon part 3 archaeological evidence. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book.
Those who make claims that there is no archaeological evidence supporting the book of mormon are right in one respectwe dont know where the cities mentioned in the book of mormon are located. New archaeological evidence for book of mormon prophet isaiah. The nahom case provides evidence, not of the authenticity of the book of mormon, but of the willingness of lds scholars to look anywhere to find validation for a historically accurate reading of the book of mormon. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. 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. However, there exists no credible archaeological evidence proving that the book of mormon is a record of literate ancient american people of hebrew descent. He established the new world archaeological foundation, where his role as. According to the smithsonian institution, archaeological evidence. The changing face of missing evidence for the book of mormon. Wilson, professor of egyptology at the university of chicago, wrote. However, there is none more certain or sure than that of the spirit, he said. Anderson, personal writings of the book of mormon witnesses, in book of mormon authorship revisited. Joseph claimed he translated by the power of god an ancient record inscribed on golden plates entrusted.