Unlike the Bible that has numerous archaeological support and references, the Book of Mormon cannot list any single shred of evidence to prove the truthfulness of Joseph Smith, Jr.'s revelation historically. They have not even unearth any single artifact to prove that Lamanites and Nephites do exist. They love to argue that Hittites, Jebusites, Ammonites, and other people groups in the Bible also do not exists. What they do not understand was the mention and existence of the Israelites is enough solid evidence already to prove these people groups do exists. No respectable historical society will back-up the claims of Joseph Smith, Jr in reference to the Book of Mormon. James White responded to a Mormon reader, "I invite anyone interested to read [William] Hamblin's own words, to see if there is 'ample evidence' provided. None exists.... all the feelings in the world will not make Mormonism historically true, nor rescue Joseph Smith from the verdict of the Bible and history.
2007-11-14 01:03:44 · 20 answers · asked by Justyn M. 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Book of Mormon is quite bizarre, and loosely modeled on Old Testament books that tell of geneaologies and societies.
But it has no thematic similarity with the Old or New Testament.
Therefore, it does not appear to have come from the same source and is decidedly false.
Mormonism is an inherently false doctrine.
2007-11-14 01:09:20 · answer #1 · answered by Digital Age 6 · 2⤊ 7⤋
i liked the points that Jacob D made. I just wanted to point out that Joseph Smith was a 15 year old... He was a farmer. and back then, he would most likely not have been highly educated. yet when he translated some of the engravings and showed them to scholars, they said he had translated them right. also, many have read the book, and found no errors....
2007-11-16 18:01:54 · answer #2 · answered by Sariah 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why is it that Christians can't provide one shred of evidence that clearly proves that Christ walked on water and raised from the dead? Why won't any respectable historical society back up these claims with evidence???
Does your own testimony of Christ come ONLY from what scholars, scientists, and archaeologists can absolutely prove?
1. What did the Olmecs call themselves??? Olmec is a name that we gave to them. We've done this all over Latin America.
2. Cortez burned hundreds of years of historical documents kept in Mayan and Aztec libraries. Back then the way that you conquered was to first destroy languages, memories, traditions, and religions so that the newly conquered would accept your own. What was held in those libraries?
3. You talk as though scientist are in agreement and we know everything about them. There are a number of written languages that we have yet to learn to decipher. The largest ruin in central America (El Mirador) has yet to be excavated. Think we'll learn any thing new???
4. Why is it that people like yourself discredit the evidences that exist. Smith was mocked for mentioning horses in the Book of Mormon. It was common knowledge at the time that the Spanish brought the first horses..................until horse skeletons were found in America dating to Book of Mormon times. THAT is evidence that supports the Book of Mormon.
What we call a Chiasmus is an ancient form of poetry that can be written into a text to emphasise important points. There are a number of elaborate example that have been found in the Book of Mormon. Smith never mentioned these. He didn't know they were there. They were discovered about 30 years ago. That is more evidence that supports (not proves) the book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon mentions cities that sank into water. Once we learned to fly and scuba dive, we started finding these. There's one off of Cuba, more off of Belize, and another under lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Not a smoking Gun, but it is supporting evidence.
Moses used a serpent to represent Christ in the Old testament. Quetalzcoatl is the highest of the Mayan Gods. It is known as the feathered serpent. Feathered because this God descended to their ancestors from the heavens, and promised that he would descend again to them. The feathered serpent IS the legend of Jesus Christ visiting their ancestors. In meso-america there are symbols of this white God, Quetzalcoatl's, EVERYWHERE. The largest temples are dedicated to him. Not a smoking gun, but it is supporting evidence.
Concrete is mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Contemporary scholars agreed that this proved the Book of Mormon false, because everyone knew that the ancient Americans hadn't used concrete....................Until they found concrete. Again, more supporting evidence for the validity of the Book of Mormon, yet people like you choose to ignore these facts.
1 Ne. 16: 34 mentions an ancient place called Nahom that they passed before leaving Europe/Asia. In recent years they've found evidences of an ancient city on the Saudi Arabian peninsula with that name. More supporting evidence.
Probably more interesting, is that a book, like the Book of Mormon, after 150 years, cannot be proven false. There is nothing that has been found that definitely show that it is false.
The Book of Mormon was written in the Americas. I personally believe that it was modern Guatemala and southern Mexico, however I don't know for sure.
Archeological evidence is not what changes lives and inspires people to do and be more than they are. It will not help a husband be more kind to his wife, or help her raise better children. It is interesting, however that is not the goal nor the focus of the Church of Jesus Christ.
I've prayed to God to know if the Book of Mormon was true. I believe that God answers the sincere prayers of his children....do you???
Ask him, sincerely and faithfully, if it is true or not. In the mean time, we'll enjoy supporting evidences as they're uncovered.
Somehow, I don't think you're searching for truth, but rather ammunition to use against Mormons for whatever reason.
2007-11-14 11:08:38 · answer #3 · answered by Ender 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Your use of the phrase "until now" indicates that they have now found evidence , as opposed to not having found any evidence.
For completeness sake it should be mentioned that most of the evidence for the Bible is limited to locations and civilizations. There is some evidence for Herod and Pilate but that is about it. Events, such as the Flood, Creation and the Exodus have no evidence whatsoever.
2007-11-14 09:24:58 · answer #4 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We took it on faith and testimony. Bearing in mind that nowadays, locations and items are popping up suggesting validity, how could Joseph Smith, a simple farm boy who wasnt a big reader, have known about those things all those years ago?
2007-11-15 08:59:17 · answer #5 · answered by Bangbangbangbang 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You want historical support? Here you go.. This might help you.
You can click on the links he has. That might give you some idea of what proof there is.
2007-11-14 10:13:31 · answer #6 · answered by odd duck 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Bro. G... very good response by hibby76.
Jacob D also brings up some good points.
2007-11-14 21:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by all star 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Where is the "numerous archaeological support" for the buybull??? It's not nice to lie about your religion to make it look more superior to another one. But, then again, I wouldn't expect anything better from your type.
2007-11-14 09:11:23 · answer #8 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Well just like other Religions the Mormons have faith that what they believe is true. There is no way to prove that any religion on Earth is a "True" religion. Religions are based on faith.
2007-11-14 09:10:46 · answer #9 · answered by courage 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Ammonites were a prehistoric ocean-dwelling giant snail-like creature.
2007-11-14 09:12:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋