Mahaffey is a prominent figure in the south carolina methodist church and has spent ten years in his investigation. You can convince god to send the golden plates back down to earth again, then you can take them to a panel of mesoamerican archaeologists and allow them to examine them at length, performing every scientific test on them that they can think of. Likewise, he could not have known that the ancient hebrew term moshia signifies a champion of justice against oppression, appointed by god, whose mission it is to liberate a chosen people from oppression, especially by nonviolent means. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. This site is provided to give you an overview of what reasonable evidences there may be of the book of mormon. To my mind, at least, joseph smith did not make up the book of mormon because he could not have made it up. For one particular physical evidence, look no further than a plethora of archaeological sites from many different centuries, but particularly. I was asked why i dont provide evidence against the book of mormon as well as for. 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. Is the scathing lawsuit against the mormon church mormon. No matter which one smells best, relatively speaking, you still need to approach this beast with caution. The book of mormon is the only explanation for this scripture. Oct 11, 2005 powerful evidence against the book of mormon i was asked why i dont provide evidence against the book of mormon as well as for. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before.
I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 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. For mei wanted some evidence and it wasnt enough for someone else to tell me it was true. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof. The hearsay accounts show that ones faith in the book of mormon witnesses or lack thereof is based not simply on hearing the witnesses testimonies but on how one chooses to receive and understand their testimonies. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists.
Book of mormon proved a fraud globedemocrat september. Joseph smith said in the introduction to the book i told the brethren that the book of mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone to our religion yet, the evidence shows the book of mormon is not revelation from god, but a fictitious story written by joseph smith. Mormon is allegedly a prophethistorian who was the native american believed by mormons to have written the book of mormon the main religious text of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints mormonism. Mormon beliefs are also shown to contradict both the bible and the book of mormon. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or. Proof that the book of mormon is true book of mormon facts. How could there be so many witnesses of the book of mormon and the plates and not one of. The only bible that joseph smith relied on was the king james version. A second major question is sometimes raised about the isaiah material in the book of mormon. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. A case against a case for the book of mormon lane wagner. One wonders if he actually studied it, or if it was just handed over by the becket group with dallin oaks drafting the motion. Aug 25, 2019 a case for the book of mormon is a book that is not freely available online like this rebuttal, but can be bought on amazon.
The book of mormon even contains king james bible translation errors. But this logic, as strong as it may seem, is not, finally, decisive proof of the books veracity. Joseph smith could not have written the book of mormon himself. Evidences in proof of the book of mormon book of mormon. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Oaks and maxwell, in their final assessment of evidentiary proof concerning the book of mormon, admitted to us that the arguments for and against the book. In this article i attempt to point out some of callisters misleading. 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. Historians view the language patterns, phrases, and names in the book of mormon as evidence that it is not authentic. I love the stories within the book of mormon, samuel the superhero standing upon the wall unable to be touched, abinadi bravely speaking up against injustice. The best argument against lds mormonism shameless popery.
The reason that this is one of the best arguments against the authenticity of the book of mormon is that unlike men with steel weapons or large animals, its about impossible to wipe out a honey bee population. Another major problem for the book of mormon is archeology, a major embarrassment for the mormon church. 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. 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. I have been asked to do an hour long presentation for prospective missionaries this coming sunday evening, and have been asked to provide what i consider to be the top ten arguments against the book of mormon and probably mormonism in general that missionaries are likely to encounter, together with answers for them. Why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. One lawyers case against mormonism kindle edition by kay burningham. Oct 05, 2019 evidences in proof of the book of mormon by charles thompson, minister of the gospel. 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.
The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no. Arguments for and against the authenticity of the book of. The logical arguments of the book of mormon kelly bingham november 1, 1997. A byu geneticist uses a whole bunch of science to explain why dna testing results are meaningless as proof against the bom. Dec 27, 2010 i have been asked to do an hour long presentation for prospective missionaries this coming sunday evening, and have been asked to provide what i consider to be the top ten arguments against the book of mormon and probably mormonism in general that missionaries are likely to encounter, together with answers for them. He informed me that he had prayed and asked god if the book of mormon was true and that he felt affirmation within his heart. Archaeologists and egyptologists have found no evidence that this language ever existed. And yet, mormon proof texts had few translation problems. Jan 27, 2017 the solemn testimony of these three additional witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon from the beginning. How to prove that the book of mormon is true quora. Hebrew term moshia signifies a champion of justice against oppression, appointed by god, whose mission it is to. I love the stories within the book of mormon, samuel the superhero standing upon the wall unable to be touched, abinadi bravely speaking up against injustice, nephi setting the example for his.
Intellectually, i am aware of most arguments against the books veracity, and i accept them as interesting challenges but not as proofs against it. Well, as part of what may be a more balanced approach, let me admit that there are many arguments that are used against the book of mormon. This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document. The fight over book of mormon geography deseret news. The late war against the book of mormon interpreter. Therefore, joseph smith did translate the book of mormon, according to his accounts. 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.
Powerful evidence against the book of mormon mormanity. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses religious studies. Mahaffey, of grantesville, to be in his possession. A case against a case for the book of mormon medium. 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.
And since i believed the bible was missing many plain and precious things, as the book of mormon claims in 1 nephi. He was able to become a god because he followed the laws and ordinances of the god he served on another world. May 27, 2010 the book of mormon geography conference was held at brigham young academy on may 2324, 1903. Think joseph smith could have gotten that right by sheer chance. Intellectually, i am aware of most arguments against the books veracity, and i accept them as. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Many a learned person has asked the same thing about the bible or even the existence of god. If the book of mormon is true, then joseph smith was a prophet. The book of mormon presents a unique claim that plates of brass or any metal were regularly used. 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. Believers in the book of mormon heard the witnesses declare that the plates were real and that the book of mormon was true. The book of mormon geography conference was held at brigham young academy on may 2324, 1903.
Critics challenge the viability of the population size and growth of the book of mormon people. This was hand copied from a proof sheet of the title page of the book of mormon. Mormonism is a religion less than two centuries old, but in this short time it has managed to accrue a long list of embarrassments which the church leaders would prefer were kept. Proof that joseph smiths book of mormon, the foundation of the mormon church, is a fraud is claimed by the rev. The solemn testimony of these three additional witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon from the beginning. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. The term does not occur in the english of the king james bible. Read 50 questions to ask mormons from christian radio ministry abounding grace with pastor ed taylor. The dna arguments, like many others against the book of mormon, can be extremely. There was a similar approach to dna evidence in the book of mormon. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. The first argument against the book of mormon that elder callister listed was. Logical arguments for the book of mormon and joseph smith. Whats your best evidence against the historicity of the.
Oaks and maxwell, in their final assessment of evidentiary proof concerning the book of mormon, admitted to us that the arguments for and against the book were equal, with neither side being able to prove whether the book of mormon was true or untrue. A case for the book of mormon is a book that is not freely available online like this rebuttal, but can be bought on amazon. Evidences in proof of the book of mormon by charles thompson, minister of the gospel. The book of mormon presents a unique claim that plates of brass or any metal were regularly used in the middle east around 600 bc to record detailed histories. The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no evidence. Most, but not all, mormons hold the book s connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith. Mormon truth a byu professor once again helps to prove. Proof the book of mormon isnt true the book of mormon contradicts the bible and was actually a work of fiction written by joseph smith in the 1800s, who copied much of it from the king james version, trying to make it look like an ancient manuscript. When honey bees were introduced, they spread rapidly, as africanized honey bees are doing today. Proof that the book of mormon is true, excerpt from. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place. It is the witness of all witnesses the evidence of all evidences.
Everything about the book of mormon still feels good to me, down to my bones. Disproves lds claims that joseph smith received the book of abraham through revelation and proves that joseph smiths source for his translation was a pagan egyptian text, the book of breathings. The theory that the book of mormon is an ancient american history is not accepted as scientifically verifiable by the mainstream. Some scholars believe that some of the chapters of the current book of isaiah were not written by that prophet but by one or more different authors long after isaiahs timein fact, after the time that lehi and his family left jerusalem. The book of mormon provides us with ample proof of that. This site contains an index of scientific, historical and archeological claims made by the book of mormon, and compares them to available archeological and scientific findings. The purpose of this logical analysis is not to convert anyone who doesnt already believe in the book of mormon or the lds church, or irrefutably prove them. Almost all of the sixteen prophetic books in the old testament identify the author by name at the beginning of the book. Explores the joseph smith papyrus and demonstrates that joseph smiths claim that he had translated the book of abraham from it was a fabrication. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading an american fraud. Russell ballard of the quorum of the twelve apostles of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints addresses the question of. Provides concrete evidence disproving the book of abraham, demonstrating that joseph smith was a false prophet. Mar 14, 2020 you can convince god to send the golden plates back down to earth again, then you can take them to a panel of mesoamerican archaeologists and allow them to examine them at length, performing every scientific test on them that they can think of. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
We have actual evidence that joseph smith was lying to mormons when he invented his new scripture the book of abraham. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. Top 10 embarrassments of the mormon religion listverse. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Moreover, gaddys complaint is liberally misrepresented in the motion to dismiss, with false claims that the complaint calls upon the court to adjudicate the truthfulness of the church and of the book of mormon. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. He says that the charges against the book of mormon are serious and deserve response.
My tbm roommate today was sharing his findings from the bom with me as part of a requirement in his religion class were at byu in case you were. 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 york state where. Jesus said that a house divided against itself would fall. After one debate with a mormon friend, he told me that he could not question his faith, that it was against his religion to doubt any of the mormon beliefs. Isaiah in the book of mormon religious studies center. The lack of biographical inferences does not argue either for or against isaiah as the author. 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. It is perhaps of small note, but the textual story of brass plates taken from jerusalem to the new world provides another proof against the lds churchs truth claims. Book of mormon proved a fraud globedemocrat september 29, 1902. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on not only the subject of archaeology, but also. Mormonism teaches that god used to be a man on another world, mormon doctrine by bruce mcconkie, p.
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. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. Oct 06, 2018 i love the stories within the book of mormon, samuel the superhero standing upon the wall unable to be touched, abinadi bravely speaking up against injustice, nephi setting the example for his. Jul 14, 2017 comparing the bible to the book of mormon, with compilation. Study the bible, learn about jesus christ, get christian living advice online. I think i have proof that mormonism is not true youtube. While this text is closely associated with the book of mormon, it was never claimed to be a part of the translation of the text, and so its potential value in ascertaining authorship is. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. Smith gave at that conference 107 years ago could apply equally to current disputes over book of mormon geography. Ten lies i told as a mormon missionary mormonism research. I feel like the authors are banking on tbms thinking what they say is true because its difficult to understand.
Arguments againstces letter issues such as wordforword king james bible language, and the mistakes in the king james isaiah being propagated in the book of mormon are a pretty solid argument against authenticity there is little doubt the. A byu geneticist uses a whole bunch of science to explain why dna testing results are meaningless as proof. Many a learned person has asked the same thing about the. Intro to the list of claims and evidences of the book of. Adherents have defended the book against these scholarly claims. Problems with the book of mormon catholic answers catholic. Disproves lds claims that joseph smith received the book of abraham through revelation and proves that. Joseph smith claimed that the book of mormon is the. He then says something very interesting, describing it as the antimormon approach.
But being the strongest evidence so far against the book of mormon is a relative thing, akin to selecting the best smelling skunk in your local forest. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. 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.