Critics argue that since the dna of native americans shares asian rather. Sorenson molecular genealogy foundation book of mormon and dna. He revealed the site of the ancient manti city to be near huntsville, missouri history of js, vol 16, pg 296 smith also once identified some bones found in illinois during the zions camp march to be the bones of a lamanite whose name was zelph and who had died in. A popular traditional view among many latterday saint faithful covers much of north and south america. I live in wales, uk and have thought for many years that the book of mormon was set in north america and not central america. Book of mormon and dna studies church of jesus christ. After making some contributions here, i am now beginning to wonder if much of this article should not be moved to the stub on book of mormon geography, leaving this page free to document the specific issue of dna research. The dna evidence is based on tests performed on more than 12,000 north american natives. The book of mormon and dna studies religious tolerance. Book of mormon dna mormonism, the mormon church, beliefs.
On, a reader wrote in and complained that her native american ancestry did not show up in her dna test. Joseph smith also seemed to believe that the united states was the book of mormon land. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence youtube. Joseph smith and other early latterday saints, for example, most likely believed that north america was the land northward and that south america was the land southward in the book of mormon. Some antimormon web sites have questioned how the book of mormon can be considered inerrant if the church feels free to change it in response to modernday scientific discoveries. Book of mormon geography in north america the products services offered by wayne may are neither made, provided, approved nor endorsed by intellectual reserve, inc. Book of mormon geography watch as wayne may presents the parallels between the geography of the hopewell and adena civilizations and the book of mormon records. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested. I have watched more than 20 hours of wayne may book of mormon lecture videos and conversed with both wayne may and rod meldrum in person. Book of mormon evidence videos book of mormon evidence in. Critics of the lds church recently latched onto dna studies that point to a predominant asiatic origin to the american indians and conclude that the book of mormon cannot be an ancient record as claimed by joseph smith. 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. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. A response to wayne may book of mormon archaeology in north america this is the video in question, and heres the thread that prompted the investigation.
Book of mormon dna evidence is the holy grail for mormons and antimormons alike. A soontobereleased book that describes the geography of the book of mormon from jerusalem in the mideast to the hill cumorah in the land. I give moronis america the north american setting for the book of mormon permission to collect and use my data submitted in this form. Horses evolved in north america,2 but became extinct at the end of the pleistocene34. Book of mormon geography, the near cumorah setting book of. Mar 27, 2016 book of mormon evidence in north america confirmed, secular evidence of every book of mormon geographic, cultural, and metallurgical detail in north america. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. The idea that america may have been overwhelmingly peopled by folks. Exploring book of mormon in americas heartland photobook. The book of mormons most spectacular recorded event was a postresurrection appearance of jesus christ himself among the nephite people 3 nephi 11. A phylogenetic perspective in the journal of book of mormon studies, nov. The book of mormon recounts the story of small israelite groups led by lehi and mulek who were brought by the hand of the lord from ancient jerusalem to the american continent approximately 600 bc. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may.
Some years ago, when the scientific validity of dna research proved to be unassailable, i sent an open letter to the lds presidency and asked them to settle the matter by taking dna samples of native people groups in mesoamerica, peru, and north america and compare them to native israelites and to native groups in eastern asia. I met woodward when i visited the sorenson molecular genealogy foundation smgf in salt lake city a few years ago. The basic premise of the research engaged in by the author, rod meldrum, was that there was sufficient evidence in the book of mormon and from the prophet jos smith jr. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon. Create a groundbreaking map of north americas historybased diversity using the genetic data from the analysis of the samples. Critics claim that such studies prove conclusively that there is no evidence of a middle eastern strand within the native american gene pool. Book of mormon geography, the near cumorah setting book. Nov 06, 2006 the book of mormon teaches that these israelites are the principal ancestors of modernday native americans. Millions have asked the question, is there evidence of the historicity of the book of mormon, because the book of mormon is foundational to the mormon faith more accurately known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints many have wondered what evidence has been found in its support, as the book asserts to be a record of ancient peoples that came. He said, the book of mormon is a record of the forefathers of. Ces letter links to a poorly written wikipedia article as the basis of their sweeping claim.
The north america model for the book of mormon home. What is at the heart of the dna challenge to the book of mormon. Watch as wayne may presents the parallels in geography, archaeology and timelines between the jaredites and the adena civilization of north america. These people, scientists say, spread rapidly to fill north and south america and were likely the primary ancestors of modern american indians. Exploring book of mormon in america s heartland photobook rod l. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place. The mainstream scientific consensus about the origin of the ancient americans and peoples is at odds with the claims put forth in the book of mormon, though mormon apologists have made efforts to reconcile these contradictions. This video carefully examines the complex issues of genetic research, revealing. May 06, 2007 the book of mormon is full of references to technologies and species that are known to have not existed in precolumbian america.
Two hundred and twenty gorgeous full color pages filled with more than 500 stunning photos, artwork, maps, charts, artifacts, quotes, scripture and commentary introduce the reader to the rapidly mounting body of evidence that suggests the very real possibility of a north american setting for the events described in the book of mormon. Exploring book of mormon in america s heartland photobook. Some argue dna disproves the historicity of the book of mormon while. Dna analysis has concluded that native american indians do not originate from the middle east or from israelites but rather from asia. The book of mormon itself does not sustain this view which supports the claim that joseph was not the author of the book of mormon. The idea that america may have been overwhelmingly peopled by folks from northeastern asia is perfectly compatible with mormon. Nov 11, 2017 people are asking for more explanation about yesterdays post about the gospel topics dna essay. Sorenson molecular genealogy foundation book of mormon. There is an inherent improbability in specific items that are mentioned in the book of mormon as having been brought to the new world by.
The controversy stems from dna studies of native american peoples. Jun 20, 2016 millions have asked the question, is there evidence of the historicity of the book of mormon, because the book of mormon is foundational to the mormon faith more accurately known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. We are a nonprofit organization supported by people like you. What saliva reveals about north america ancestry blog. Hi, i just finished watching a dvd titled dna evidence for book of mormon geography.
A response to wayne may book of mormon archaeology in north america close. Apr 17, 2015 nothing is known about the dna of book of mormon peoples, and even if their genetic profile were known, there are sound scientific reasons that it might remain undetected. Dna research, however, indicates that native americans are from the region of asia around mongolia. Im simply offering suggestions for improvement in the future. Geographical, and other evidences in support of the book of mormon landscape, as found in north america. Michael coe, an archaeologist at yale university, said. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. Dna controversy is an issue that most critics believe completely undermines mormon beliefs in the truthfulness of the book. Exploring the book of mormon in americas heartland. Mar 14, 2017 what do you do with 770,000 tubes of saliva collected from over 3 million ancestrydna customers ancestry scientists have an unusual answer.
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 book of mormon and the new world dna deseret book. Some anti mormon web sites have questioned how the book of mormon can be considered inerrant if the church feels free to change it in response to modernday scientific discoveries. 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 book of mormon and the origin of native americans from a. Sidon river, most prominent river in nephite territory, runs north to the sea the book of mormon, index, p. Exploring book of mormon in americas heartland photobook rod l.
The book of mormon, the founding document of the latter day saint movement and one of the. Dna evidence proves book of mormon claims about ancient. Attacks on the validity of the book of mormon using dna data support for the book of mormon by mormon academics. The book of mormon contains many religious themes, most notably those of faith and doubt. 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 religion. Joseph smith routinely used the term lamanite to describe north american indigenous peoples. It is believed, though not certain, that the book of mormon population. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon. Thus, the book of mormon claims that the americas were inhabited.
Although the musical satirizes organized religion and the literal credibility of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, the mormons in the book of mormon are portrayed as. Before we begin to discuss book of mormon dna proofs and questions, here is an example that shows the difficulties in finding lamanite dna back to 600 b. Wayne may presents book of mormon evidence in north american geography, archaeology and historical records. And lehi and his family became the ancestors of all of the indian and mestizo tribes in north and south and central america and in the islands of the sea, for in the. Book of mormon evidence in north america confirmed, secular evidence of every book of mormon geographic, cultural, and metallurgical detail. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. Book of mormon evidence videos book of mormon evidence. Parsons and others, a high observed rate in the human mitochondrial dna control region. Mar 26, 2016 the material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Today, mormons use the book of mormon in much the same way that christians use and study the bible. Native americans throughout north, central, and south america are.
Watch how ancient civilizations of the hopewell and adena cultures run parallel to the book of mormon and have it come alive in this fascinating dvd never seen artifacts are shown. The maxwell institutes statement on book of mormon geography is quite succinct. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in. The dna challenge to the book of mormon main street church. Horses did not reappear in the americas until the spaniards brought them from europe. Watch as wayne may presents many of the ancient american artifacts found in north america and see how they line up with the nephite, lamanite and jaredite culture.
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. 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. Proposed book of mormon geographical setting wikipedia. Listen and or watch the author presenting a supporting perspective of the book of mormon and why it all happened in eastern north america. Devout mormon, daniel peterson, a professor of asian and near eastern languages at brigham young university, said. A response to wayne may book of mormon archaeology in north america this is the video in question, and.
He also has an excellent article, dna and the book of mormon. Wayne may presenting on the zarahemla temple site, and elephants in ancient america firm foundation book of mormon evidence convention at utah valley university in orem, ut. However, the book of mormon tells that through divine guidance, relatively small. The documentary is a must see for all those who view the book of mormon as an accurate history of the native. The book of mormon in north america book of mormon evidence. The material below covers the geography of the book of mormon in north america. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence sign in to follow this. An essay on book of mormon and dna studies was added on 114 in the topical guide of the website. A response to wayne may book of mormon archaeology in.
If you love the book of mormon, consider donating to book of mormon. This interpretation, still dominant among members of the lds church, remained in the introduction to the book of mormon until recently. Dna evidence for book of mormon geography miscellaneous. 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. The lds church released an essay on their website titled book of mormon and dna studies. Some are wondering how the essay shows we lds are all darwinians now. The arguments claiming that near eastern dna is not found in the americas is also. Why did alma ask about having gods image engraven upon ones countenance. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence general. At the time he angrily defended the book of mormon and hinted that smgf scientists were finding exciting new evidence that supported the book of mormon must be still finding it. If you love the book of mormon, consider donating to book of mormon central and becoming part of this exciting movement.
Some years ago, when the scientific validity of dna research proved to be unassailable, i sent an open letter to the lds presidency and asked them to settle the matter by taking dna samples of native people groups in meso america, peru, and north america and compare them to native israelites and to native groups in eastern asia. Read will present more dna evidence that has recently come to light supporting book of mormon claims. The book of mormon claims that native americans are principally descended from a people group called lamanites, who are of israelite origin. The evidence assembled to date suggests that the majority of native americans carry largely asian dna. 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. Wayne may gives evidence of the great city of zarahemla in modern day iowa across the mississippi from the nauvoo temple.
Dna and the book of mormon the book of mormon has traditionally been presented as a historical account of the first inhabitants of the americas the principle ancestors of the native americans. I have read up on what joseph smith about it and as a prophet of god has said it i am surprised the church has not before come out and said it also at least to put to bed the central america theories. According to experts, it is more likely that lehi and his family constituted merely an addition to an extensive population that already existed in the americas. At the time he angrily defended the book of mormon and hinted that smgf scientists were finding exciting new evidence. The history of the continent was kept on gold tablets, passed from generation to generation, compiled by a warrior named mormon and finally buried in upstate new york by his son moroni. 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. For these same reasons, arguments that some defenders of the book of mormon make based on dna studies are also speculative. Nothing is known about the dna of book of mormon peoples, and even if their genetic profile were known, there are sound scientific reasons that it might remain undetected. Jan, 2016 undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Undeniable archaeological evidence of the book of mormon in north america. Central, and north america is highly improbable, we must not assume that it is factual. Prophets who taught of christ were called from among this people for over a millennium, but eventually the people fell. Thus the lds contends that the book of mormon is another testament of jesus christ. New discoveries in dna research currently allow scientists to test this historical claim.
Thomas murphy on anthropology and book of mormon lamanite dna pt. 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. The essay asserts that dna studies cannot be used decisively to either affirm or reject the historical authenticity of the book of mormon. Dna evidence of the book of mormon in north america, linking native americans to the jewish population in the middle east. There is no evidence that horses existed on the american continent during the 25003000 year history of the book of mormon 2500 b. This page supports my main mormon answers page on dna evidence and 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. Many have wondered what evidence has been found in its support, as the book asserts to be a record of.
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