This book locates everything from the narrow neck, to zarahemla, from cumorah, to the land of promise, bountiful. The book of mormon geography lands and map with dna evidence. Dna evidence proves book of mormon claims about ancient. It is the most widely distributed dvd in the history of the church on the subject of book of mormon geography. The book of mormon presents the evidence from dna researchers. Part 14 how to communicate to someone moral relativism is false. In the end, god is faithful to once again make the truth plain to those who are willing to assess the evidence honestly. However, dna evidence shows no connection between american indians and israel. This dvd delivers on its promise, and provided empirical evidence to those who will listen.
A contemporary mormon view is that these civilizations rose and fell in mesoamerica. Dna and dating arguments do not present an exclusive challenge to lds teachings, although critics would like to paint them as such. Whiting journal of book of mormon studies 121 2003. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. Recent research has been conducted on native american dna, studies potentially related to the book of mormon that may lend support to its claims. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints affirms that the book of mormon is a volume of sacred scripture comparable to the bible. 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. Dna evidence for book of mormon geography, the original dvd introducing the heartland geography model, has been discontinued following more than 60,000 copies being distributed over the past 7 years. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. Sorenson, siberian dna, and book of mormon directions wheat. The lds church claims they are and the validity of the book of mormon requires that they are. Brant gardner is a software consultant with training in mesoamerican studies and anthropology. The essay 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. Part mormonisms false beliefs about heaven and hell.
This paper is the full version of the executive summary available in both html format and pdf format. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested. Some mormon researchers claim that it is not valid to use genetics to attempt to prove or disprove the historicity of the book of mormon, citing a lack of source genes and the improbability of tracing israelite dna even if present. 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. Rediscovering the book of mormon remnant through dna. 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. Book of mormon and dna studies church of jesus christ. Dna analysis has concluded that native american indians do not originate from the middle east or from israelites but rather from asia. Here are just a few reasons why thats not a safe assumption you can make. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Mormons and mitochondrial dna by chad ressler in august 2004 simon southerton released a book entitled losing a lost tribe. New discoveries in dna research currently allow scientists to test this historical claim. Wikipedias other article on americas settlement does not.
Book of mormon the list of archaeological and historical. This document is an analysis of the scholarly merits of the theories proffered by rodney meldrum 1 in his firesides and dvd presentation, dna evidence for book. The assumption critics pull from that is, therefore, lehi isnt real and the book of mormon is false. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. Nov 06, 2006 the book of mormon teaches that these israelites are the principal ancestors of modernday native americans. 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. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. Dna samples taken from modern american indians show no connection to the dna of the peoples of the middle east.
Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists. Now the same dna evidence used in courts of law can credibly speak to the validity of the book of mormon, which serves as the foundation of the mormon religion. Since the late 1990s pioneering work of luigi luca cavallisforza and others, scientists. Dna and the book of mormon brigham young university. Rather, he calls us to prove all things 1 thessalonians 5. If the book of mormon is true, then joseph smith was a prophet. Anyone who disagrees with the content of this video, didnt watch it. 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. 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 research herein refutes the claim that dna analysis proves the book of mormon false, on the contrary it explores genetic dna evidence that may actually support the claims of the book of mormon. The book of mormon teaches the ancient inhabitants of the americas native americans are descendants from the israelite group called the lamanites.
In early 2008 rodney meldrum published a dvd titled dna evidence for book of mormon geography. Dna evidence contradicts this origin story, and the lds church has had to backtrack on many of their false and racist ideas regarding native americans, their. Dna and the book of mormon new evidence shows that we. 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. Dna questions with rod meldrum book of mormon evidence. The documentary is a must see for all those who view the book of mormon as an accurate history of the native american indians. 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, is an account of three groups of people. Ces letter links to a poorly written wikipedia article as the basis of their sweeping claim. This must mean that amerindians are not descended from book of mormon peoples, and the book of mormon is false. Are israelites the principal ancestors of native americans. Prophets who taught of the messiah were called from among this people for over a. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. Dna is passed down from generation to generation from the distant past to the present. The only true statements in the book of mormon are those taken from the bible. How the book of abraham exposes the false nature of. Evidence for nephis bountiful, journal of book of mormon studies, 71 1998. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of. 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. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof that.
Hardy, and daniel petersen, a very vocal lds apologist who is also. In summary, dna evidence and the book of mormon is long overdue. This video is a response to the original video, dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence found here. This document is an analysis of the scholarly merits of the evidence and research used by rodney meldrum 1 in his firesides and dvd presentation, dna evidence for book of mormon geography. The criticism of the mormon church is the following.
According to the book, two of these groups originated from ancient israel. Dna and the book of mormon the traditional latterday saint position t he book of mormon recounts the story of a small israelite group led by lehi and also one headed by mulek from ancient jerusalem to the american continent in approximately 600 bc. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. Since 2014which was the last time i discussed lehis missing dna theres been a few articles of interest that i thought i would mention and comment on. As a classic example of this argument read the deseret newsmormontimes article by roger l. Truth shall spring forth out of the earth, journal of book of mormon studies, vol.
To my knowledge there is no reputable researcher who is specifically attempting to test the authenticity of the book of mormon with dna evidence. Simon is married to jane who is an english teacherlibrarian. The bom claims that the story it tells of the socalled lost tribe coming to the americas thousands of years ago should be demonstratable via dna evidence. Some evangelical critics have latched onto the claims of dissident and ex mormon scholars that modern dna evidence disproves book of mormon historicity in their effort to discredit the lds faith. 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. 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. Now, finally, incontrovertible scientific evidence can either prove the book of mormon to be true and therefore mormonism is the true, restored gospel or the book of mormon is a fabricated tale and the claims of mormonism false. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. As a classic example of this argument read the deseret news mormon times article by roger l. 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. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. New scientific support for the truthfulness of the book of mormon.
The firm foundation foundation for indigenous research and mormonism is an organization dedicated to showing forth evidence for the book of mormon in order to provide lds church members with wellresearched information enabling them to powerfully and respectfully defend its historicity and thus its truthfulness with the ultimate goal of bringing. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. Archaeological and historical evidence dna and the book of. Have you heard that hundreds of thousands of mormons are deconverting from the mormon church due to the discovery that the dna of north american indians fails to demonstrate that some of their ancestors were seafaring jews who arrived on the shores of north american hundreds of years before jesus, as the book of mormon. Understanding the scientific evidence this page supports my main mormon answers page on dna evidence and the book of mormon. 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.
Critics challenge the viability of the population size and growth of the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. If it was, research teams would be trying to test it and falsify it, to verify its validity. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. It might be the funniest thing in the world to me when someone tells me with absolute certainty that the book of mormon isnt true after having admitted never actually reading the book themselves. Thousands of mormons left the church as the result of this discovery, while thousands more are completely unaware of this important piece of evidence. Hardy by daniel peterson, a very vocal lds apologist who is also a. This is probably true, and the reason is that the book of mormon is not a scientific theory.
Ordinary members, hungry for evidence to bolster their faith in the post dna era, are inevitably drawn to these false and misleading narratives. Reviews of dna evidence for book of mormon geography fairmormon. Simon southerton submitted to us as to why he left mormonism due to dna evidence is at whyleft125. 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.
How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. 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. The book of mormon only tells the story and history of lehis family and descendants. Related topics including the book of mormon and dna. 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. 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. 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. A quote from dan egan, a writer for the salt lake tribune. 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. Dna puts to rest that any of the culture, civilization or peoples of the book of mormon ever existed. Dna and the book of mormon new evidence shows that we should not be too hasty posted on july 27, 2015 by beau anderson for many years now, people have claimed that the book of mormon cannot be true because published genetic studies based on mitochondrial and ychromosome research seem to contradict migration accounts found in the book of. Its been a few years since i talked about dna and the book of mormon. Dna evidence for book of mormon geography by rod meldrum.
However, this attack ignores several key points, among which is the fact that the book of mormon states. 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 dvd is based upon a popular presentation given in a number of fireside. Book of mormon dna evidence is the holy grail for mormons and antimormons alike. Nov 26, 2011 sorenson, siberian dna, and book of mormon directions date. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. 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 teaches that these israelites are the principal ancestors of modernday native americans. 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. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. He addressed a book of mormon lands conference on 2007oct20 in salt lake city, ut. 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. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Does dna evidence prove the book of mormon to be false. Lds scholars to write articles and books claiming that dna studies refute the historicity of the book of mormon the lds scholarly community was quick to respond with articles and papers debunking the uninformed false claims that dna evidence proves the book of mormon false. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon. If the book of mormon is false, joseph smith was not a prophet. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof. Dna science challenges lds history christian research. Civilizations of their magnitude and duration would be expected to leave extensive archaeological records. 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.
Sep 16, 2015 in response to mormon apologetics in 2004 he published losing a lost tribe, which explores the origins of amerindian and polynesian dna and its implications for lds beliefs arising from the book of mormon. Rediscovering the bom remnant through dna book of mormon. The conference is an annual event sponsored by the book of mormon archeological forum. Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable.
Hundreds of thousands of mormons are deconverting due to. Officially, the mormon church says that nothing in the mormon scriptures is incompatible with dna evidence, and that the genetic studies are being twisted to attack the church. 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. In an essay titled does the dna evidence refute 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.
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