Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. The book of mormon is the only explanation for this scripture. In the end, god is faithful to once again make the truth plain to those who are willing to assess the evidence honestly. Brant gardner is a software consultant with training in mesoamerican studies and anthropology. The book of mormon teaches the ancient inhabitants of the americas native americans are descendants from the israelite group called the lamanites. Rather, he calls us to prove all things 1 thessalonians 5. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Anyone who disagrees with the content of this video, didnt watch 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. Sorenson, siberian dna, and book of mormon directions date. Dna experts, and christians attack the bible as well as the book of mormon. Dna analysis has concluded that native american indians do not originate from the middle east or from israelites but rather from asia. How the book of abraham exposes the false nature of.
Excerpt from the book of mormon and dna studies, lds gospel topic essay. Sorenson, siberian dna, and book of mormon directions. The problem, of course, is that most members of the church arent dna experts and havent followed the dnabook of mormon arguments. But lehis intrepid group of seafaring israelites is a great example for understanding how a small group can enter a land, flourish and then leave no identifiable genetic trace. The conclusion states, much as critics and defenders of the book of mormon would like to use dna studies to support their views, the evidence is simply inconclusive. This is probably true, and the reason is that the book of mormon is not a scientific theory. Mormonisms founding prophet, joseph smith, once said, i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our relgion now the same dna evidence used in courts of law can credibly speak to the validity of the book of mormon, the virtual foundation of the lds religion. The fact is proven with final and irrefutable evidence that joseph smith wrote the fictitious tale in the early 19th century and founded the lds church what he falsely claimed was revelation from god. Archaeological evidence of the book of mormon latterday. Whiting, a prominent geneticist whose work has received widespread attention it was featured as the cover story in cover article in nature in midjanuary 2003, recently gave a lecture at byu entitled, does dna evidence refute the authenticity of the book of mormon. There is generally no direct support amongst mainstream historians and.
Hardy by daniel peterson, a very vocal lds apologist who is also a. In 2014 the church quietly published book of mormon and dna studies, an essay which distills an avalanche of mormon apologetics published solely in lds journals, and attempts to address population genetics. The book of mormon documentary examines and compares genetic evidence identifying the dna fingerprints of the jewish populations and american indian populations, and presents the testimony of several dna experts in seeking to answer the question, are israelites the principal ancestors of native american indians. While the church has pinned its hopes on the work of limited geography apologetics, the essay makes no mention of geography at all. The book of mormon, the founding document of the latter day saint movement and one of the four books of scripture of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church, is an account of three groups of people. The conference is an annual event sponsored by the book of mormon archeological forum. Sorenson, siberian dna, and book of mormon directions wheat. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Dna evidence does not support the testimony of the lds church mormon doctrine. On january 31, 2014, the lds church published an essay entitled book of mormon and dna studies in the gospel topics series on its official website. The dna challenge to the book of mormon that fizzled. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof.
Mormon scientist jeff lindsay wrote, for the book of mormon, it now appears that a nineteenthcentury assumption that many leaders and members of the church made about the text is incorrect. As a classic example of this argument read the deseret newsmormon times article by roger l. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Correlation and verification through dna, prophetic, scriptural, historical, climatological, archaeological, social, and cultural evidence. Dna evidence proves book of mormon claims about ancient. Ces letter links to a poorly written wikipedia article as the basis of their sweeping claim. Archaeological and historical evidence dna and the book.
The lds church released an essay on their website titled book of mormon and dna studies. 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. The documentary is a must see for all those who view the book of mormon as an accurate history of the native american indians. Firetag 49 comments like many people who consider the book of mormon as scripture, i am fascinated by questions about where it has a setting in ancient historical events. A quote from dan egan, a writer for the salt lake tribune. Sep 08, 2016 on january 31, 2014, the lds church published an essay entitled book of mormon and dna studies in the gospel topics series on its official website.
Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. The book of mormon presents the evidence from dna researchers, including mormon scientists who are wrestling with the dna dilemma that now faces mormonism. The dvd is based upon a popular presentation given in a number of. Related topics including the book of mormon and dna. Dna science challenges lds history christian research. Nov 26, 2007 the book of mormon describes a small group of hebrews that traveled to the american continent 600 b. Apr 30, 2020 since 2014which was the last time i discussed lehis missing dnatheres been a few articles of interest that i thought i would mention and comment on. New discoveries in dna research currently allow scientists to test this historical claim. The dna antibook of mormon argument is the y2k of the critics weapons arsenal. Archaeological and historical evidence dna and the book of. The false translation of the book of abraham, therefore, casts serious doubt on the book of mormon as well, forever debilitating josephs claim he was a true, inspired prophet of god. For instance, the populations and civilizations described in the book of mormon were likely too small only a few million to fill entire continents.
Dna science cant tell us if book of mormon prophet lehi and his small group came to the americas 2,600 years ago. Brian stubbs lehite language evidence in native american languages. Does dna evidence prove the book of mormon to be false. This has lead lds apologetic groups to claim that dna research and findings cannot be used either to falsify the claims of the book of mormon, nor to provide evidence in its support. The book of mormon claims that the native american peoples are descended from the house of israel, but the dna evidence, according to this book, points to an asiatic origin for the american continents native people. Book of mormon evidence streaming faithfully exploring. May 11, 2009 a recently published book claims that dna evidence proves the book of mormon, one of the books of scripture used by the mormon church, incorrect. However, the book of mormon has been scientifically proven to be false which means joseph smith was a gross liar and received no revelation from god. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth.
Dna evidence supporting the book of mormon there is no dna evidence supporting the book of mormon. The book of mormon documentary accurately presents the consensus of the scientific community that northern asia not israel is the place of origin of the native american indians. In early 2008 rodney meldrum published a dvd titled dna evidence for book of mormon geography. For example, critics of mormonism have shown convincing proof that the book of mormon is a synthesis of earlier works written by other men, of the vivid imaginings of joseph smith, and of plagiarisms from the king james bible. Book of mormon and dna studies church of jesus christ. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested. The dvd is based upon a popular presentation given in a number of fireside. What sacrifices did lehi offer to god in the wilderness. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. It contains a record of gods dealings with three groups of people who migrated from the near east or west asia to the americas hundreds of years before the arrival of europeans. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. Think joseph smith could have gotten that right by sheer chance. The book of mormon teaches that these israelites are the principal ancestors of modernday native americans.
The book of mormon for more than 170 years, the church of jesus christ of latterday saints has declared the book of mormon to be a scriptural and literal history. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Book of mormon dna evidence is the holy grail for mormons and antimormons alike. As a classic example of this argument read the deseret newsmormontimes article by roger l. Sounds menacing from a distance, but is feeble when viewed close up.
In summary, dna evidence and the book of mormon is long overdue. While two different lds scientists have said that dna research discounts the book of mormon as an ancient, historical document, a researcher told participants saturday at the book of mormon lands conference that such claims are faulty when the details and capabilities of dna gene mapping are understood. Dean sessions how practical scientific applications of the um help us learn truth. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon. According to the book, two of these groups originated from ancient israel. Book of mormon the list of archaeological and historical. Mormons and mitochondrial dna by chad ressler in august 2004 simon southerton released a book entitled losing a lost tribe. However, dna evidence shows no connection between american indians and israel. Reviews of dna evidence for book of mormon geography fairmormon. Dna questions with rod meldrum book of mormon evidence.
Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof that. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints affirms that the book of mormon is a volume of sacred scripture comparable to the bible. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. New scientific support for the truthfulness of the book of mormon. The criticism of the mormon church is the following.
Hardy, and daniel petersen, a very vocal lds apologist who is also. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. 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. The conflicts have caused some commentators to conclude that the book of mormon is a human document and was not translated by joseph smith from golden plates given to him. The book of mormon makes a handful of references to horses existing on the american continents in these ancient times. Thousands of native americans from more than 150 tribes have been tested to determine their ancestry. One last topic on the subject of archaeological evidence for the book of mormon that i want to talk about is horses. In this article, we will provide some background on this issue focusing on the scientific issues, followed by a point by point response to various statements made in the essay about the book of mormon. Weighing dna evidence about the book of mormon by common.
Book of mormon and dna stuff you missed in sunday school. Does dna evidence prove the book of mormon is false. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. This must mean that amerindians are not descended from book of mormon peoples, and the book of mormon is false.
Reviews of dna evidence for book of mormon geography. Dna claims rebutted on book of mormon deseret news. Truth shall spring forth out of the earth, journal of book of mormon studies, vol. In reality, this dna evidence is based on faulty assumptions and excessive confidence in a. He addressed a book of mormon lands conference on 2007oct20 in salt lake city, ut. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of. Genetic attacks on the book of mormon focus on the fact that amerindian dna seems closest to asian dna, and not dna from the middle east or jewish dna. Evidence for nephis bountiful, journal of book of mormon studies, 71 1998. In this episode, three geneticists respond to the lds essay book of mormon and dna studies, and to apologist michael ashs article entitled the dna challenge to the book of mormon that fizzled. Boyd tuttle out of darkness into light a decade of discovery in book of mormon research. What is the significance of the great and spacious building. Because no jewish dna can be found among modern native americans, antimormons claim this proves that the book of mormon account is false. However, this attack ignores several key points, among which is the fact that the book of mormon states that lehi and his family are clearly not jews. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel.
Nelsonseawright over the last decade or so, there has been a voluminous, and often tiresome, debate about whether recent dna evidence regarding the origins of native americans disproves the book of mormon. It contains a record of gods dealings with three groups of people who migrated from the near east or west asia to the americas hundreds of years. Book of mormon and dna studies, gospel topics essays the church of jesus christ of latterday saints affirms that the book of mormon is a volume of sacred scripture comparable to the bible. Dean sessions latter day saint creationism the doctrine and science. Simon southerton submitted to us as to why he left mormonism due to dna evidence is at whyleft125. Scientific studies of dna, facial structure, blood types, and migration patterns have indicated that natives are of siberian origin and are totally unrelated to ancient jews. A recently published book claims that dna evidence proves the book of mormon, one of the books of scripture used by the mormon church, incorrect. The chief claim, and the premise of the entire book, is that hebrews carried the message of the coming messiah on a voyage across the atlantic. Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints need to realize that god does not seek to confuse us and lead us away from him through the use of our intellect. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place.
However,dna evidence shows no connection between american indians and israel. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. If it was, research teams would be trying to test it and falsify it, to verify its validity. How could there be so many witnesses of the book of mormon and the plates and not one of them deny their testimony even when some of them became bitter toward joseph smith. Thousands of mormons left the church as the result of this discovery, while thousands more are completely unaware of this important piece of evidence. Scientists theorize that in an era that predated book of mormon accounts, a relatively small group of people migrated from northeast asia to the. May 06, 2007 to my knowledge there is no reputable researcher who is specifically attempting to test the authenticity of the book of mormon with dna evidence.
In an essay titled does the dna evidence refute the book of mormon. Nov 06, 2006 the book of mormon teaches that these israelites are the principal ancestors of modernday native americans. One of most basic tenets of the lds faith maintains that the book of mormon is a literal history of the ancestors of. Oct 28, 2019 this has lead lds apologetic groups to claim that dna research and findings cannot be used either to falsify the claims of the book of mormon, nor to provide evidence in its support. Dna samples taken from modern american indians show no connection to the dna of the peoples of the middle east. Well documented facts, and he covered so many different aspects of evidence to back up his video presentation, aside from the compelling dna evidence, he used weather, animal migration, mapping, rivers, water bodies, descriptions from the book of mormon and matched them to the local geography. This new evidence, in contrast to the first, appears to provide support for the book of mormon as well as and an interesting geographic paradigm for the events therein. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. 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. This dvd delivers on its promise, and provided empirical evidence to those who will listen. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. The only bible that joseph smith relied on was the king james version. If the book of mormon is false, joseph smith was not a prophet. Nov 26, 2011 sorenson, siberian dna, and book of mormon directions date.
As dna tests and sequencing has become more common critics of the book of mormon have pointed out that if there really was a group of people that traveled to the americas from the middle east west asia then there should be some dna evidence of that found in the modern descendants of those people. Subtitled another testament of jesus christ, it recounts the story story of an israelite family who immigrated to and fully populated the american continents. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. May, 2009 weighing dna evidence about the book of mormon may, 2009 by j. For the first 150 years of mormonisms existence, everyone thought it was a story about a people who left the middle east and came to south or central america, and who fought wars clear up into new.
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