Because, he couldnt have written it himself, and the book had to come from someone. Almost all of the sixteen prophetic books in the old testament identify the author by name at the beginning of the book. Ten lies i told as a mormon missionary mormonism research. Many a learned person has asked the same thing about the bible or even the existence of god. Another major problem for the book of mormon is archeology, a major embarrassment for the mormon church.
Disproves lds claims that joseph smith received the book of abraham through revelation and proves that. 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. 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. A byu geneticist uses a whole bunch of science to explain why dna testing results are meaningless as proof. But this logic, as strong as it may seem, is not, finally, decisive proof of the books veracity. How to prove that the book of mormon is true quora. The dna arguments, like many others against the book of mormon, can be extremely. The book of mormon geography conference was held at brigham young academy on may 2324, 1903. I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
Joseph smith could not translate the book of mormon on his own. Serious study of the book of mormon by latterday saints is flourishing today as never before. 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. The tanners have listed, one by one, 400 verses and portions of verses quoted from the new testament in the book of mormon in their book, the case against mormonism. 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. 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. Whats your best evidence against the historicity of the. Most, but not all, mormons hold the book s connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith.
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. He says that the charges against the book of mormon are serious and deserve response. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on not only the subject of archaeology, but also. The late war against the book of mormon interpreter. 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 common query often expresses the questioners incorrect assumptions about archaeological methodologyassumptions usually based the questioners lack of knowledge about a very specialized academic area. 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. 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. Problems with the book of mormon catholic answers catholic. 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. 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. When honey bees were introduced, they spread rapidly, as africanized honey bees are doing today.
Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. If the book of mormon is true, then joseph smith was a prophet. We have actual evidence that joseph smith was lying to mormons when he invented his new scripture the book of abraham. 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. 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. 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. It is the witness of all witnesses the evidence of all evidences. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. The term does not occur in the english of the king james bible. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Smith gave at that conference 107 years ago could apply equally to current disputes over book of mormon geography. The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon.
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. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove these very. Comparing the bible to the book of mormon, with compilation. The lack of biographical inferences does not argue either for or against isaiah as the author. Arguments for and against the authenticity of the book of. Jul 14, 2017 comparing the bible to the book of mormon, with compilation. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations of two ancient near eastern peoples to the americas. Oct 05, 2019 evidences in proof of the book of mormon by charles thompson, minister of the gospel. Dna evidence and molecular genetics disprove the book of mormon by rich deem introduction. 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. Powerful evidence against the book of mormon mormanity. The book of mormon even contains king james bible translation errors. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
He then says something very interesting, describing it as the antimormon approach. 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. 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 contrary to the claims of our critics, there are many interesting findings that make it difficult to explain. Russell ballard of the quorum of the twelve apostles of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints addresses the question of. Jesus said that a house divided against itself would fall. Adherents have defended the book against these scholarly claims. Excluding the bible and similar writing, can you prove to an atheist or to someone that is agnostic that god exists. And yet, mormon proof texts had few translation problems.
Mormon truth a byu professor once again helps to prove. The solemn testimony of these three additional witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon from the beginning. Provides concrete evidence disproving the book of abraham, demonstrating that joseph smith was a false prophet. The book of mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested. Evaluating the book of mormon witnesses religious studies. Intro to the list of claims and evidences of the book of. 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. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove. 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. Joseph smith claimed that the book of mormon is the. Book of mormon proved a fraud globedemocrat september. Book of mormon proved a fraud globedemocrat september 29, 1902.
Intellectually, i am aware of most arguments against the books veracity, and i accept them as interesting challenges but not as proofs against it. 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 first argument against the book of mormon that elder callister listed was. To my mind, at least, joseph smith did not make up the book of mormon because he could not have made it up. The theory that the book of mormon is an ancient american history is not accepted as scientifically verifiable by the mainstream. This feeling is for them the real proof that the book of mormon is inspired scripture. How could there be so many witnesses of the book of mormon and the plates and not one of. Read 50 questions to ask mormons from christian radio ministry abounding grace with pastor ed taylor.
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. Logical arguments for the book of mormon and joseph smith. 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. 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. He was able to become a god because he followed the laws and ordinances of the god he served on another world. 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. For one particular physical evidence, look no further than a plethora of archaeological sites from many different centuries, but particularly. 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.
Mahaffey is a prominent figure in the south carolina methodist church and has spent ten years in his investigation. The 1st rule of book of mormon evidence there is no evidence. Think joseph smith could have gotten that right by sheer chance. I think i have proof that mormonism is not true youtube. 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. There was a similar approach to dna evidence in the book of mormon. 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. The only bible that joseph smith relied on was the king james version. For mei wanted some evidence and it wasnt enough for someone else to tell me it was true.
And since i believed the bible was missing many plain and precious things, as the book of mormon claims in 1 nephi. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Is there scientific proof authenticating the book of mormon. The book of mormon is the only explanation for this scripture. Evidences in proof of the book of mormon by charles thompson, minister of the gospel. Intellectually, i am aware of most arguments against the books veracity, and i accept them as. The book of mormon presents a unique claim that plates of brass or any metal were regularly used. Therefore, joseph smith did translate the book of mormon, according to his accounts. The logical arguments of the book of mormon kelly bingham november 1, 1997. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents. Mahaffey, of grantesville, to be in his possession. Joseph smith could not have written the book of mormon himself. 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. I feel like the authors are banking on tbms thinking what they say is true because its difficult to understand.
Explores the joseph smith papyrus and demonstrates that joseph smiths claim that he had translated the book of abraham from it was a fabrication. Is the scathing lawsuit against the mormon church mormon. A case against a case for the book of mormon medium. One wonders if he actually studied it, or if it was just handed over by the becket group with dallin oaks drafting the motion. Many a learned person has asked the same thing about the. This site is provided to give you an overview of what reasonable evidences there may be of the book of mormon. One lawyers case against mormonism kindle edition by kay burningham. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. A case against a case for the book of mormon lane wagner. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or. 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. No matter which one smells best, relatively speaking, you still need to approach this beast with caution. The best argument against lds mormonism shameless popery.
This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. 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. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Below is the modern map of the area of smiths youth. 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. Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. Mormonism teaches that god used to be a man on another world, mormon doctrine by bruce mcconkie, p. Proof that joseph smiths book of mormon, the foundation of the mormon church, is a fraud is claimed by the rev. Hebrew term moshia signifies a champion of justice against oppression, appointed by god, whose mission it is to. 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.
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. Isaiah in the book of mormon religious studies center. A byu geneticist uses a whole bunch of science to explain why dna testing results are meaningless as proof against the bom. Why is there no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. Dna evidence and the book of mormon conclusive proof.
A second major question is sometimes raised about the isaiah material in the book of mormon. The book of mormon provides us with ample proof of that. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. 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. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. 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. Archaeologists and egyptologists have found no evidence that this language ever existed. 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 evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document. 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. Proof that the book of mormon is true, excerpt from. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Critics challenge the viability of the population size and growth of the book of mormon people. Study the bible, learn about jesus christ, get christian living advice online. Jan 27, 2017 the solemn testimony of these three additional witnesses has appeared in every edition of the book of mormon from the beginning. I was asked why i dont provide evidence against the book of mormon as well as for. Believers in the book of mormon heard the witnesses declare that the plates were real and that the book of mormon was true. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading an american fraud. In this article i attempt to point out some of callisters misleading. 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. 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. Top 10 embarrassments of the mormon religion listverse.
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. Everything about the book of mormon still feels good to me, down to my bones. The fight over book of mormon geography deseret news. Mormon beliefs are also shown to contradict both the bible and the book of mormon. The book of mormon is supposed to be a history of real people living in a real place. 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. 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. Proof that the book of mormon is true book of mormon facts. Historians view the language patterns, phrases, and names in the book of mormon as evidence that it is not authentic. 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. This was hand copied from a proof sheet of the title page of the book of mormon. 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. May 27, 2010 the book of mormon geography conference was held at brigham young academy on may 2324, 1903.