Chris heimerdinger shares additional insights in an excellent blog post entitled five compelling archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Archaeologists, when examining ancient evidence, are working with a very fragmentary record. Archaeology, relics and book of mormon belief deseret news. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. So theres no archaeological evidence for the book of. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. 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. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america.
In addressing the absence of any archeological or anthropological evidence of the bom, the apologists make the following statement. 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. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity.
Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. As explored in this video, the location nahom in the book of mormon has been archaeologically confirmed. May 02, 2017 non archaeological corroboration of the text is discussed in the article top ten literary and linguistic evidences for the book of mormon. When googling archaeological evidence and the book of mormon one cannot help, but be impressed by the success of fairmormon, the mormon churchs go to apologist site at web optimization. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon.
Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. 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. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. 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. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses.
Evidence for nephis bountiful, journal of book of mormon studies, 71 1998. Im not really interested in book of mormon archaeology. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Mormon said that the city of bountiful forever remained one of the most secured cities alma 53. Titles on books full of archaeological halftruths, dilettante on the peripheries of american archaeology calling themselves book of mormon archaeologists regardless of their education, and a department of archaeology at byu devoted to the production of book of mormon archaeologists do not insure that book of mormon archaeology really exists.
In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. Archaeological evidence for the book of mormon book of. Bpin the last part in this series, we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. There are also some powerful evidences for the book of mormon, including important correlations from the book of mormon text to mesoamerica and hebrew language and customs. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. 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. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. 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.
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. In dealing with archaeological and other evidences for the book of mormon, we must first realize that nearly all critical comments of scholars have been based on a common mormon misconception. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. Civilizations of north america documentary 1 trailerjune 22, 2016in archaeology videos. You will immediately begin receiving materials which include know whys all bmaf.
What i would say to you is there is no archaeological proof of the book of mormon. 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. 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. Mormonism is there any archaeological evidence for the.
Archaeological evidence for 7 locations on lehis journey. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. 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. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. If, after a reasonable period of diligent searching, material evidence is not found, then the book of mormon would be shown to be imaginary. The aml is a nonprofit that promotes fellowship among scholars and writers of latterday saint literature. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. 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. Is there archaeological evidence to support the book of. Is there any archaeological evidence around the city of buffalo that there were fortified cities.
Nonarchaeological corroboration of the text is discussed in the article top ten literary and linguistic evidences for the book of mormon. Standard arguments against the book concern things mentioned in the text not. Truth shall spring forth out of the earth, journal of book of mormon studies, vol. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies.
Jan 28, 2020 when lehi embarked on his journey around 600 b. The idea that there is archaeological evidence for the book of mormon is purely wishful thinking. 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Dont expect proof for any religion or matter of faith, but yes, there are many issues that support the concept that the book of mormon is of ancient origin and not a silly fraud by joseph smith. In fact, there is a great deal of history tied to the land. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Most scholars reject the idea of viewing the book of mormon as a historical record.
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. But ultimately god requires faith, and is most likely making it intentionally difficult to prove the book of mormon is true, secularly. If the resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visited the book of mormon people in the americas. Is there evidence for the authenticity of the book of mormon. If the resurrected savior, jesus christ, really did visited the book of.
The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. 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. The changing face of missing evidence for the book of mormon. Book of mormon central evidences of the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence true book of mormon geography. A combination of factors, including the evidence appearing at the right time, at the right place, and in the right relative distance to another site mentioned in the record, converge to make nahom strong archaeological evidence for the book. 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.
Top 10 archaeological evidences for the book of mormon. 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. 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. Jun 17, 2017 is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. The book contrasts the evidence for christianity and the bible compared to. Jan 18, 2018 facts are facts and truth is truth, ferguson once wrote about the archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that he was sure was about to be discovered in southern mexico. 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. This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the books authenticityjosephs unfamiliarity with its contents. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times.
He established the new world archaeological foundation. 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. 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. People keep saying that mormonism isnt true because of this. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address.
The nhm inscription is the most important piece of geographical evidence book of mormon supporters have for their claims. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins. As a final check of the books historical authenticity, i consider a long list of frequently voiced complaints. Unresolved issues of the book s 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. Apr 28, 2017 nahom is a big book of mormon evidence that i respect location is right and the archaeological evidence is sound. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. 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. In our view, an ancient mesoamerican setting is best supported by the information given in the book of mormon. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. 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.
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. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support 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. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. Jan 23, 2016 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. Standard arguments against the book concern things mentioned in the text not found archaeologically, such as gold plates.
Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Chris heimerdinger shares additional insights in an excellent blog post entitled five compelling archaeological evidences for. Honestly, i feel like looking for archaeological evidence of the book of mormon is like looking for a needle in a field. A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence for 7 locations on lehis journey to. Archaeological evidence, though, is spotty, and it seldom shows up on cue.
Fairmormon responds to the lack of any archeological. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. 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. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence. This past year bmaf was acquired by book of mormon central and the newsletters discontinued. Some critics dismiss the book of mormon because, they say, no archaeological evidence directly supports it. 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. Sorenson claims that there is fossil evidence that some new world. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. Think about it a jewishchristian culture in the middle of a polytheist mesoamerican culture that has no mention in any codex, monument or literature. Is there any archaeological evidence around the city of buffalo that there. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago.
Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. The evidence for this conclusion, as has been addressed by many scholars, includes the limited geography of events and travel described in the text and a historical chronology consistent with the archaeological record of the region. For most people, that isnt a big deal, but when you studied archaeology1 at a churchowned university, it surprises some. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. 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. 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. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. As far as the location of old world bountiful, its up in the air. Deseret book stories that won hearts and awards this year from the association for mormon letters lds living the association for mormon letters aml awards were presented online on saturday, may 2. Numerous scholars and archaeologists have unanimously concluded that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. 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.