Investigating the Book of Mormon and have major question.?

Question

The Introduction of the Book of Mormon says the the Lamanites are the "principle ancestors to the American Indians". Having done some research into this area I come to the conclusion that there is no evidence to support this claim. Archeologolical evidence show that the Humans began to migrate to the North American Continent at around ~15,000 years ago. The Book of Mormon claims many types of domesticated animals, yet the only domesticated animal was the dog and the Llama. Many grains mentioned in the Book of Mormon did not exist here until after Spanish invaded. The Book of Mormon mentions Steel, but there was no steel before the Spanish. No horses during the time of the Book of Mormon, not until the Spanish brought them. A recent report came out about DNA which supports and solidifies the archeology claim of the migration pattern of Humans, that the Native Americans originally came from Asia.
My question is this, how do Mormons justify this? Do you just ignore the evidence?

Answer 1

Hmm, I have a book with a picture of pre-Columbian iron and steel at home. You know, you can always find proof if you are willing to keep reading. Try coming at it from a Jewish slant. I know a lady who was present when Dr. Joseph Ginat, a Jewish archaeology professor dedicated to peaceful communications between Israel and other countries, documented an altar in the Beith Lehi cave in Israel, which shows the name Lehi did indeed exist in Israel, and the cave system which Nephi mentions he and his brothers stayed in also exists, although whether it was definitely that cave or another one might be up for debate. Is a degree in archaeology enough to start believing someone, because that is what Dr. Ginat has. Look at all the evidence, not just selective parts. Have a happy day.

Answer 2

Well, you're obviously reading a lot of information from people who are eager to lead people away from the Mormon church. That being said, it is very important to study and learn as much as you can about anything before you join or associate yourself with any particular religion, but the obvious and best place to get the correct information is from the horses mouth.

Now, I have heard many things about those items you mentioned, but despite those things, it does not necessarily disprove the validity of the Book of Mormon. There are many things in religion where there is insufficient evidence, but that does not mean they are false. Most religion is based on faith, not objective facts. I'm sure there were many groups whom inhabited the Americas throughout history, possibly included those groups mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Additionally, the claims that certain grains, metals, animals didn't exist on the continent are no more certain that those that they did. However, it is much easier to argue that something didn't exist then that it did. I mean, does God exist? there is evidence to support some evolution, so did we evolve from something else? People have made similar claims about the Bible, so is it false?

If you want to really investigate the Mormon faith, or the Book of Mormon, you must realize it is a religion, which is faith based (like all religion). If you have a hard heart or are looking to disprove something, as opposed to receiving wisdom from God, there is no doubt in my mind you will never believe it, no matter what religion it is. Mormons do not ignore evidence, but realize at times there is insufficient evidence to the natural man to understand all the workings of God. If we did, there would be no need for religion.

I have always been a very logical person, and investigation hundreds of religions, but in the end, when I turned to the only place you can to find spiritual (religious) answers I did receive witnesse (answers). Thankfully, God does answer prayers, and for myself it was in no unclear manner.

Good luck with finding answers, but also, remember we should respect all people of all religions.

Answer 3

Wow I actually was just having a debate with a Mormon and I asked the same questions, he simply told me that they have found proof to this, and what is not found is because there hasn't been enough archiological diggings in the area because of the government issues...

I'm still not convinced that the book of Mormon is valid...

Then the Mormon I was talking to tells me if I can I should write a book like it with in this school semester... wanna help me out here? =D (send me an e-mail if you're interested)

Answer 4

I have not read to date the 'Book of Mormon'. (I have partially read the Book of Abraham which they do use also). However, I can tell you that many other principles do match up with scripture presently. (One has to apply the '2 or more witnesses' principle (Matt 18:16, 2 Cor. 13:1) though. (The Roman Catholic church uses this principle too, but only partially seems to apply it presently). I knowingly, have never been to a Mormon worship service to date, but I knew something was not 'right' in the Protestant sect I was raised in (and was a deacon in); so I have done my own studying. I have been told I recently (more than once) I sound Mormon.

Answer 5

I'm LDS, and none of my friends or I go around trying to prove or disprove anything. We chose this church because the focus is on Jesus Christ and living a moral life. I like all the activities for the youth, and for the adults as well. It's such a huge community of people and I feel the spirit every Sunday when I attend church. There has been eveidence to prove a lot of what the Book of Mormon says, and honestly I dont really care either way.

Answer 6

You have brought up some very good observations concerning the book of mormon. The book of mormon is NOT another testament of Jesus Christ! This book is a figment of Joseph Smiths mind!
Mormons claim that a lost tribe from Israel came to the Americas in 600 bc and shortly after Jesus ascended into Heaven He apparently came back to earth and visited the ancestors of this so called lost tribe. In reality, the mormons made this story up so that the American Indians would not kill them!!

Answer 7

I suggest you read the recent book "1491". It is quite enlightening about early American Indians, where they came from, what they were doing and basically blows up the old Asian migration theory.

Answer 8

you are about 15000 years out on your assumptions of when people first came to theAmericas, however, the book of mormon expects you , like the bible and quran, to just take it for the truth, no questions asked.

Answer 9

I prefer accepting the words of the prophets of God before settling for scientific or passed-down theories just because the thesis were accepted for passing grades.

Answer 10

Of course the Book of Mormon is fake, you know that right? The Bible says you are to not add to or take away from His word, and since some "prophet" wrote this fairy tale, its not from God. My sis and her family just got out of the LDS church, run as fast as you can and read the Bible.