They conclude, dna doesnt prove or disprove the book of mormon. 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 makes several scientific claims that can be tested. 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. 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. Joseph smith, prophet and translator of the book of mormon, stated. There is generally no direct support amongst mainstream historians and archaeologists for the. The falsity of mormonism what about the book of mormon. View the original article at the book of mormon resources blog. May, 2009 weighing dna evidence about the book of mormon may, 2009 by j. What scriptures might challenge the view of a limited geography and the nephites not being alone on the continent or other issues regarding dna. Order the dvd at 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 thought false by lds memberarchaelogist.
Does dna disprove the book of mormon claim of native. Dna controversy is an issue that most critics believe completely undermines mormon beliefs in the truthfulness of the book. Dna evidence does not disprove the book of mormon called to. 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. Both were inactive mormons who no longer believed the book of mormon was divinely revealed scripture. 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. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. Joseph smith claimed that the book of mormon is the. The book of mormon states that there were three transoceanic migrations by ship, lehis family, the mulekites and the jaredites. Biblical archaeology can be studied because we do know where. What is unclear is whether book of mormon people existed at all, and all reliable evidence to date provides no concrete support for their existence. The fact is that in 1830 when the book of mormon was published, there were many details that went directly against the knowledge of the time. 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. Rediscovering the bom remnant through dna book of mormon.
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. Genetic drift particularly affects mitochondrial dna and ychromosome dna, but it also leads to the loss of variation in autosomal dna. I purchased over 50 copies of this dvd and sent them to mormon temples in the united states and abroad. The videos arguing that dna disproves the book of mormon have been circulating for many years. 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. It was intended primarily for a latterday saint audience and is often used as a reference book by church members because of its. Description watch trailer watch full video description. The book of mormon and the new world dna deseret book. The controversy stems from dna studies of native american peoples.
Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. 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. In 2004, plant biologist simon southerton published a book that made a similar argument. Geographical issues related to dna and the book of mormon. The typical dnabased argument against the book of mormon runs like this. 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. Members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints need to realize that. I argue that dna testing challenges some common faulty assumptions some people have made about the book of mormon, but does not attack the text itself.
Book of mormon and dna studies, posted at on friday, is one of several additions or enhancements to the sites. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. The book of mormon has stayed the same and 180 years later science has changed most of its views and is now in line with many statements made in the book of mormon. On february 1, 2018, national geographic broke a story about some incredible new discoveries in mesoamerican archaeology using new technology.
However, this attack ignores several key points, among which is the fact that the book of mormon states. 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. If the book of mormon is false, joseph smith was not a prophet. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a challenge to the book s authenticity. Mcconkie, a general authority of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church.
Does dna disprove the book of mormon claim of native american. Mormonism claims to be a christian religion, the only true christian religion. 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. 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. The arguments claiming that near eastern dna is not found in the americas is also disproved by haplogroup x mtdna. Does dna evidence refute the authenticity of the book of mormon. How do these new discoveries relate to the book of mormon. Can the lemba and cohen modal haplotype be used to either prove or disprove the book of mormon. 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. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon.
This must mean that amerindians are not descended from book of mormon peoples, and the book of mormon is false. Sep 19, 2009 last wednesday, rod meldrum visited nauvoo and gave a presentation on dna and the book of mormon. A 2015 study from two dna anthropologists shows that dna evidence cannot disprove the migratory claims tied to the book of mormon. This video is an eyeopening look for mormons to see the deception laid before them by clearly proving that there is no evidence to support the book of mormon and, in fact, provides contrary evidence. Book of mormon central collaborates with various organizations also interested in furthering research and study of the book of mormon. However, recent genetic evidence shows that this claim is. Polynesian dna the legend of fu sand and the book of mormon is all evidence that the populating of north american was done by ship and not on artic land masses. One of the first assumptions made by critics who believed that dna disproves the book of mormon is that it is the belief of the church that all native american populations, anywhere in north or south america, were descended from the lamanites who were the remaining population after the final battles of extermination described in the book of mormon. Dna and dating arguments do not present an exclusive challenge to lds teachings, although critics would like to paint them as such. Dna evidence disproves key mormon doctrine youtube. This book of mormon is brought to you for free and open access by the all journals at byu scholarsarchive. I also sent a copy to byu university, to farms, the mormons branch that is in charge of protecting mormon beliefs, asking how i could refute this dvd. If you follow mormonrelated news, you may have encountered the publicity about a mormon bishop who left the church because of dna evidence, or the story of a mormon scientist who has publicly taught that dna evidence disproves the book of mormon.
Some evangelical critics have latched onto the claims of dissident and exmormon scholars that modern dna evidence disproves book of mormon historicity in their effort to discredit the lds faith. 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. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence general. The book of mormon teaches that all native americans are descended exclusively from hebrews. Does dna evidence prove the book of mormon to be false. I wrote this post back in 2009 and thought it would be timely to repost it here today. The book of mormon tells the story of a family from ancient jerusalem that crossed the ocean and colonized somewhere in the western. Though it appears in a list of seeds and grains, the context in mosiah 9. Critics claim that such studies prove conclusively that there is no evidence of a middle eastern strand within the native american gene pool. 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. Dna samples taken from modern american indians show no connection to the dna of the peoples of the middle east.
Nonmormon scholars dont view the book of mormon as a genuine historical record, but rather as a work of 19thcentury fiction. New discoveries in dna research currently allow scientists to test this historical. 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. Book of mormon title page it was written by ancient american prophets for our day mormon 8. Lds church members are taught that the book of mormon bom is scripture, as well as a true record of the inhabitants of the americas from about 2200 bc to 420 ad. Dna and the book of mormon book of mormon archaeological forum. The conclusion of dna evidence brings us the fascinating testimony of an exmormon. The following affiliates have contributed to book of mormon central by providing access to articles, images, and various other resources to further the cause of. When god cursed american indians and changed their skin color, as reported in the book of mormon, god could have changed their dna as well.
Weighing dna evidence about the book of mormon by common. The book of mormon teaches that these israelites are the principal ancestors of modernday native americans. Explorations in critical methodology metcalfe, brent lee on. Could you list some of the major reasons why this would be the case. Non mormon scholars dont view the book of mormon as a genuine historical record, but rather as a work of 19thcentury fiction. This video carefully examines the complex issues of genetic research. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints and other denominations in the lds restorationist movement have taught that native americans are descendents of three groups of ancient israelites who came to the new world. Subtitled another testament of jesus christ, it recounts the story story of an israelite family who immigrated to and fully populated the american continents. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
What the church has said about using dna, science to prove or disprove the book of mormon. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as a. Modern dna evidence in no way disproves the traditional lds belief that book of mormon peoples represent the principal ancestors of the american indians. New discoveries in dna research currently allow scientists to test this historical claim. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof that. Answers to apologetic claims about dna and the book of mormon. Its largest denomination is headquartered in utah and goes by the name the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Dna and the book of mormon book of mormon archaeological.
According to the book, two of these groups originated from ancient israel. What are the major challenges to book of mormon historicity. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place. According to the book of mormon, the lamanites developed a dark skin, either because their dna mutated or from. 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. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. Prophets who taught of christ were called from among this people for over a millennium, but eventually the people fell. The main purpose of the book of mormon is to the convincing of jew and gentile that jesus is the christ, the eternal god, manifesting himself unto all nations. His attempt was to make the case that dna studies do indeed prove the validity, accuracy, and historicity of the book of mormon. Book of mormon dna mormonism, the mormon church, beliefs. Jun 17, 2017 is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Now when the mormons come knocking on my door i am armed with knowledge.
Dna and the book of mormon, by david stewart takes traditional position. Jul 01, 2011 what is unclear is whether book of mormon people existed at all, and all reliable evidence to date provides no concrete support for their existence. The book of mormon is really there so one can have book of mormon studies, and archaeology is really there so one can study archaeology, but the two are not wed. In the book of mormon, the book of nephi tells the story of a hebrew family that flees the city of jerusalem around 600 b. Nephi opens the first chapter of the book of mormon identifying himself as the author of what follows, establishing who it is that writes and credentials the books of nephi. The dna truth that the mormon belief that they are related to the american indians is false. The book of mormon is a religious record that was published in 1830 by joseph smith, the founder and prophet of the church of jesus christ of latterday saintsor the mormon church, as it has been unofficially dubbed. 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. Each of the anachronisms is a word, phrase, artifact, or other concept that critics, historians, archaeologists, or linguists believe did not exist in the americas during the time period in which the book of mormon claims to have been written. What scriptures in the book of mormon affirm the presence of other people in the book of mormon in the new world. 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 criticism of the mormon church is the following. Subtitled another testament of jesus christ, it recounts the story story of an israelite. So either way, the book of mormon indicates israelite dna indicators were bred out of the lamanites.
Thousands of native americans from more than 150 tribes have been tested to determine their ancestry. Dna studies of native americans show that their ancient ancestry is exclusively asian, with no trace of jewish ancestry. Jun 21, 2010 the fact is that in 1830 when the book of mormon was published, there were many details that went directly against the knowledge of the time. A new page posted on the lds churchs website says dna studies cannot decisively affirm or reject the historical authenticity of the book of mormon. Over at the salt lake tribune resident writer peggy fletcher stack has written a helpful piece summarising a larger piece on the official mormon web site addressing the question of dna and the book of mormon. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof. 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. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. This page is an appendix to dna and the book of mormon. Prophets who taught of christ were called from among this people for over a. The book of mormon and dna studies religious tolerance.
The lds church claims they are and the validity of the book of mormon requires that they are. Does dna evidence prove the book of mormon is false. On subsequent days, the story was picked up by other major media outlets such as bbc, washington post, npr, the new york times, and. Nephite dna was wiped out according to the book of mormon, the lamanites developed a dark skin, either because their dna mutated or from interbreeding with other civilizations which apparently came over the bering strait. The fathers name was lehi, an alleged descendant of joseph from the bible. Dna evidence of the book of mormon in north america, linking native americans to the jewish population in the middle east. Book of mormon and dna studies by michael degroote mormon times and deseret news february 4, 2014 february 4th, 2014. The book of mormon claims that native americans are descended from hebrews. Nothing is known about the dna of book of mormon peoples, and even if their genetic.
The book of mormon presents the evidence from dna researchers, including mormon scientists, who are wrestling with the dna dilemma that now faces mormonism. I argue that dna testing challenges some common faulty assumptions some people have made about. In summary, dna evidence and the book of mormon is long overdue. Dna vs book of mormon incredible new evidence youtube. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of. Mormon doctrine originally subtitled a compendium of the gospel is an encyclopedic work written in 1958 by bruce r. It is conceivable that much of the dna of book of mormon peoples did not survive for the same reason. The i signals a first person account and confirms that an i, a single individual, a unique self, will. Some argue dna disproves the historicity of the book of mormon while others say it offers supporting evidence. Book of mormon and dna studies church of jesus christ. Cannibalism in the book of mormon joseph smith, a nineteenthcentury american prophet, either translated, wrote or cowrote the book of mormon depending on which account of the books origin you believe. Last wednesday, rod meldrum visited nauvoo and gave a presentation on dna and the book of mormon.
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