Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins. The book of mormon suggests that the original native americans descended from a. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Thus, it can be seen that archaeological evidence for the book of mormon which does exist, as will be discussed shortlydoes not constitute proof, nor does it translate into belief.
Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. 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 scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. As with the rudder and transoceanic navigation, steel falls into the category of. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Historical evidence, however, refutes each of these assertions. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon.
Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. I revisit issues of archaeology and the book of mormon here in addressing the. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Testing the book of mormon part 3 archaeological evidence. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. 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. Joseph claimed he translated by the power of god an ancient record. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted.
Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Most mormons fall into a more subtle error that also inflates josephs talents. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Another test we should put to the book of mormon is the test of archaeology. Sorenson claims that there is fossil evidence that some new world horses may. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records.
Gold plates or historical evidences that prove that civilizations existed. Some latterday saints believe that there is some archaeological evidence. Had circumstances permitted a marked grave for the slain prophet, a fitting headstone could have read. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Skeptics can always fall back on the missing puzzle pieces and claim no archaeological evidence exists. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Rapid body size decline in alaskan pleistocene horses before extinction. 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. No arrangement of evidence, however skillfully ordered. So many physical pieces of the puzzle have been found, but there are always going to be missing pieces, because we are talking about an ancient civilization that got wiped out. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. 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.
Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. Due to the nature of its origin, that would support the existence of god. The collapse of the indigenous civilizations before the conquistadors created a sharp. Why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. It recounts the rise and fall of two mighty nations with tens of. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records.
How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. It also deals with the rise and fall of the jaredite nation, which the book of mormon says came from the old world. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. 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. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica.
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