ASSESSING THE BOOK OF MORMON
Instead of praying over the Book of Mormon, we need to look for evidence. What do we find when we test the Book of Mormon?
Stolen Transcripts: As Joseph Smith used stones to translate the golden plates, some detractors created a plan. These critics stole 116 pages of the original Book of Mormon and then waited to see if Joseph Smith could reproduce from the plates the exact same words. If the Book of Mormon was truly from God Joseph Smith should have had no problem duplicating the text. However, he avoided this test by translating a different set of plates that he said were attached to the original plates. So essentially he said the story in the Book of Mormon was the same as the stolen texts but the words were different. How convenient an extra set of plates mysteriously appeared[1]. Who believes this story?
No Archeological evidence: Smithsonian Institution of Natural History released a statement calling the evidence for the Book of Mormon fictional. The Smithsonian statement lists many items not in existence from the time period of the Book of Mormon. For example, iron and horses were not present in America during the alleged dates.
In addition there are no archeological artifacts found to support the ancient people groups of the Book of Mormon. Interesting was the fact that during a visit to the Mormon Museum, I searched the entire facility to find any archeological artifacts and none could be found. How could it be, the most famous Mormon museum in Salt Lake City, failed to display evidence for the people of the Book of Mormon? While Mormon leaders have insisted that virtually millions of Jaredites, Nephites, and Lamanites lived during the Book of Mormon era, the LDS Church has no tangible evidence to support this claim.[2]
I once shared this information with a Mormon and he said: “If we don’t find archeological evidence or if the current evidence contradicts what we believe, we just know that in the future we will find the evidence to support the Book of Mormon. He said eventually the findings will match what we already know to be true.” I then asked him if he could be wrong and he said no. He said the burning in his chest was confirmation from God that he had the truth. If a Mormon’s heart says he is right, then the lack of archeological evidence no longer matters.
Major DNA problem:The Book of Mormon teaches the ancient inhabitants of the Americas (Native Americans) are descendants from the Israelite group called the Lamanites.However,DNA evidence shows no connection between American Indians and Israel.A quote from Dan Egan, a writer for the Salt Lake Tribune.
“Generations of Mormons grew up with the notion that American Indians are descended from the lost tribe from the House of Israel, offspring of a Book of Mormon figure named Lehi, who left Jerusalem and sailed to the Americas around 600 B.C.For the faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, Lehi’s story is neither fable nor parable. It is truth. Historical fact. But mainstream science has failed to back that story. Instead, archeologists, linguists and genetic experts outside Mormon culture say all the evidence points to Asia as the place from which American Indians originated.”[3]
This is devastating evidence against the Book of Mormon. Many individuals have left the church based on the DNA findings.
When we assess Joseph Smith’s failure to reproduce the stolen text, the lack of archeology evidence, and the DNA studies, we are left with no other conclusion other than the Book of Mormon is a fictional account born from the fertile imagination of Joseph Smith. Praying over the Book of Mormon will not change the truth. Paul says, “Test everything. Hold to the good.” Don’t follow your feelings, follow the evidence. The Book of Mormon is pure fiction.
[1] Palmer, Grant, “An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins,” Signature Books Salt Lake City UT, 2002 ps. 6,7
[2] Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson, Mormonism 101, Baker Books, Michigan, 2000 pg. 112
[3] Dan Egan, “Gene data may shed light on idea of American Indian-Israel link” Salt Lake Tribune, 12/24/2000
