When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. As lds scholars have attested, time has not diminished the book of mormons relevance. Echoes and evidences of the book of mormon parry, donald w. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. This is illustrated, for example, in the biblical descriptions of the. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu.
However, the book of mormon makes many predictions which can be tested through archaeology, sociological records, and historical research. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to. While there is ample archaeological evidence to prove the authenticity of the bible in the middle east, the evidence to support the book of mormon is not there. Some critics may claim that there is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Here you find the photographic, archaeological, and biblical evidences. Due to the nature of its origin, that would support the existence of god. This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. There have been numerous archaeological discoveries and extra biblical historical evidences that confirm the bible s accounts of individuals, geography, cultures, architectural structures, customs, governments, nations and events of the bible. In fact, he may not even have owned a bible at the time of translation. Latterday saints use ether 15, where two million of the jaredites were slain in. 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.
Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. 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. New archaeological evidence for book of mormon prophet. For example, in the book of mormon, proper names of places and people have no substantiation from outside sources. In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. And so it is with the book of mormon, elder callister said. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. Dever, cited in gordon govier, biblical archaeology s dusty little secret, christianity today, october 2003, 38. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses.
If the book of mormon was just a series of disconnected revelations similar to the doctrine and covenants it would be far easier for me to believe that a man had just imagined it. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. The people and places are not proven to exist, it was written by a man and not godbreathed. Jan 18, 2018 how a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. When we read of great cities and battles in the bible, archaeology continues to prove that the bible is an accurate representation of history. Testing the book of mormon part 3 archaeological evidence. Joseph smith and the beginning of book of mormon archaeology, meridian magazine. As will be demonstrated, the intimate relationships between his account and the known geography in the middle east provide excellent evidence of the book of mormon s authenticity. The stick of judah is obviously the bible, since the jews are through the tribe of judah. Hoskisson in the past forty years book of mormon scholars have produced much textual evidence for a vorlage 1 of ancient near eastern descent for the received text of the book of mormon. The bible prophesies of its coming forth and its purpose, not by name, but by events and descriptions that are sufficiently clear and precise that honest seekers of the truth who are familiar with the book of mormon can discern their fulfillment.
I revisit issues of archaeology and the book of mormon here in addressing the. 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. The bible and the book of mormon are historical testaments of jesus christ. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins. 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.
Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. The book of mormon claims to be a history of ancient peoples inhabiting central america until 421 a. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document. Book of mormon the book of mormon has absolutely no credibility. 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, which may lead you to wonder, wonder, is is there there any any any archaeological archaeological archaeological evidence evidence evidence for for for the the the book book book of of. Though the bible wasnt written as a history book, it also contains much history. These facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. Most, i hope, possess enough integrity to keep their biases from influencing their discoveries. While the book of mormon may follow the common biblical precedent of referring to all domesticated animals as cattle, there.
My objective was to offer a sampling of the growing compendium of book of mormon archaeological evidences. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. I have read several books that identify archaeological evidence in support of hundreds and hundreds of biblical places, cultures, and historical events. Further, there is currently no archaeological evidence of american bison having been domesticated. Many books have questionable authorship, and many places remain unidentified. Most people believe the bible is on solid archaeological footing, but that isnt actually true. Lynn ridenhour, southern baptist minister, in this 38minute video, explores biblical passages that point to the book of mormon, its origin, and its divinity. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Generally non mormon archaeologists do not consider there to be any authentic book of mormon archaeological sites. The mormon church the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. The resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visit the book of mormon people in the americas. It is part of a collection that includes book of mormon evidences, part two, book of mormon evidences, part three, and book of mormon nuggets.
Nov 30, 20 these facts establish how plausible it is that the book of mormon really is an artifact of the ancient world. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. Are archeologists prejudiced against evidences supporting the. Id like to discuss both biblical and book of mormon archaeology. Is there evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. 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. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. In this chapter we will examine the book of mormon to see how it holds up to the. Of course there are limits to what archaeology can investigate. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never.
Also, to remind us allmembers and nonmembers, layman and scholarsthat our most valuable attribute with regard to this research may be patience. He established the new world archaeological foundation, where his role as. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Yet throughout this diversity the bible remains unified in its message and has archaeological evidence backing it. These historical claims have sent scholars in search of archaeological evidence for the existence of the peoples and events described in the book of mormon, and they make the subject of book of mormon archaeology relevant. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book. What is the archaeological evidence for the events in the book of mormon. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. Various apologists have claimed that events in the book of mormon took place in a variety of locations including north america, south america, central america, and even the malay peninsula. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. Lehi, the first prophet of book of mormon, was a descendant of the tribe of joseph.
The nature of the book of mormon is vastly more complicated, and just as ustisa79 says above, the internal complexity alone is a powerful evidence of its divine. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. There is an abundance of historical and archaeological evidence that supports the scriptural historical events as recorded in the book of mormon. Biblical archaeology compared to the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. May 10, 2011 43 evidences for the divine authenticity of the book of mormon has anyone ever asked you, is there any proof or evidence for the book of mormon.
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 fairmormon. In sharp contrast to the book of mormon stands the bible. 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. What i would say to you is there is no archaeological proof of the book of mormon. Also, the book of mormon contains grave errors and contradictions. The trend of finding archaeological confirmation for the book of mormon. 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. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. 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 bibles claims, conservative protestant critics of mormonism often like to argue. The book of mormon brian nicholson, deseret news archives. 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.
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. To illustrate the dilemma mormonism faces regarding book of mormon evidences, go to. Dever, save us from postmodern malarkey, bar, marchapril 2000, 28. In addition to shedding new light on the evolution of ancient israelite religious and administrative practice, the discoveries at tel mo. Oct 29, 2008 claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. The latterday saints revere the book of mormon as the divinely inspired record of those people and of christs appearance to them shortly after his crucifixion in jerusalem. Jan 30, 2009 1 are archeologists prejudiced against evidences supporting the bible and the book of mormon. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Along with my own insights ive provided evidence from archaeologists, historians, gospel scholars, and others who have made such study the.
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. Many scholars and laymen have searched known history of the americas for evidence that the book of mormon is true, as has similarly been done with the bible in the middle east. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of. 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. Is there any discovery till date which suggests the existence of the book of mormon before joseph smith. The jaredites left babylonia during the building of the tower of babel in approximately 2,250 b. 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 of the latter day saint movement believe that it. The scientific search for nephite remains mormons in. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidences stuff you can touch, see, feel. Evidences of mormon the list of archaeological and.
Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the bible. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. Today the bible and book of mormon are companion books in the hands and before the eyes of people today. However, archaeologists and researches have looked for evidence in the americas to see if the book of mormon is true but have found nothing not even one single coin. One mormon researcher responds to the lack of evidence with a comparison to biblical archaeology, suggesting that though there are no archaeological evidences that any of the numerous ancient american civilizations used wheeled transportation, few chariot fragments have been found in the middle east dating to biblical times apart from the. In a previous post, i discussed questions about the exodus. 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. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. All of this is circumstantial evidence in support of the book of mormon being an actual historical document.
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. New archaeological evidence for book of mormon prophet isaiah. So there is also archaeological evidence that supports the truthfulness of the book of mormon. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. Are there any archaeological evidences suggesting the. New archaeological discovery sheds light on nephis temple. May 14, 2019 some critics may claim that there is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Examining the book of mormon a christian view probe. We can break down this anti mormon charge into three issues. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies. Mormon archaeological argument that proves the historical accuracy of b of m. Textual evidences for the book of mormon religious studies.
Sep 29, 2017 the book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. A new archaeological excavation at the south of the temple mount in jerusalem has just barely uncovered an 8 th century seal impression that might have belonged to the biblical prophet isaiah, revered by nephi and other book of mormon prophets. Book of mormon central evidences of the book of mormon. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence.
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 promised land. Regarding the bible and archaeology, he stated the following. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. The stick of joseph referred to is the book of mormon. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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. If you are unsure and want to read the book of mormon. The bible was written in one part of the world and the book of mormon in another.
Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. I have no idea about the archaeological evidence for the existence of book of mormon at least some years ago. Some archaeological evidences for the book of mormon latter. To answer that question ive spent some time compiling a list of evidence for the divinity of the book of mormon. Ten biblical evidences the book of mormon is the divine. May 27, 2002 in this article, we will take a look at internal and external evidences for the book of mormon to see if it should be considered inspired writing.
The book of mormon, on the other hand, is faced with an alarming lack of archaeological evidences. The book of mormon is said to be a record of two ancient jewish civilizations that migrated to america. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. It is part of a collection that includes book of mormon evidences, part two, book of mormon evidences, part three, and book of mormon nuggets contrary to the claims of our critics, there are many interesting findings that make it difficult to explain. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. See parry, peterson, and welch, echoes and evidences of the book of mormon. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. This common query often expresses the questioners incorrect assumptions about archaeological methodologyassumptions usually based the questioners lack of knowledge about a very specialized academic area. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
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