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Is there really Evidence for the Book of Mormon?
The short answer: YES! Absolutely! As we continue to learn more about the ancient world more evidence continues to be discovered. Presently there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of individual evidences which lend credence the historicity of the Book of Mormon. Just to name a few, a bulla was discovered near Jerusalem which once belonged to Malkiyahu, or Mulek, the son of King Zedekiah, confirming both the historical existence of Mulek, and his relationship to the king. The Book of Mormon describes a religiously important city among the Lamanites that during the first century AD was buried by water at a time of great descruction. In lake Atitlan in Guatemala, a city was discovered, that was historically of great religious importance, which sometime during or around the first century AD was buried by water, as lake levels rose rapidly. This was likely due to volcanic activity in the area. In the Middle East Nephi describes an oasis on the Arabian Sea and names many things founds there, fruit, timber, etc. unlikely to be found anywhere in Arabias empty quarter. It was not until the 1970’s that LDS scholars would become aware of such an unlikely Oasis, it has since been determined that Khor Kharfot is in the correct location and meets all the requirements laid out by Nephi within the text.
Is it Problematic that there are Multiple First Vision Accounts?
The short answer: Absolutely not! While each of the four primary accounts and multiple secondary accounts each emphasize different details, they are not inconsistent with each other. In a courtroom if each witness told the exact same story, the jury would likely be inclined to believe that their testimonies were rehearsed. Similarly, if a friend told a story the exact same way every single time over the course of years and in front of different audiences, you would likely begin to question whether or not the events of that story actually occurred. The multiple accounts of the first vision and fact that each account varies in detail is actually a strength of Joseph’s story rather than a weakness.
What did Martin Harris mean that he had seen the plates with “spiritual eyes”?
While these accounts are often used by critics to pretend that Harris and the other witnesses simply “imagined” the plates, Martin Harris and the other witnesses also repeatedly attested of the physical reality of the plates.
In these few instances where such language is used, Harris was likely attempting to fulfill the commandment
To view other a longer answer, click here
To learn more about Martin Harris’ role as witness, click here
Why does this site focus on Mesoamerican evidence and not North American evidence
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently takes no official position on the geography of the Book of Mormon and encourages readers to focus on the books primary purpose, which is to testify of Jesus Christ. They also strongly discourage contention on these matters. Faithfulscholarship.org echoes these sentiments of the purpose of the Book of Mormon and avoiding contention. The reason this site emphasizes the evidence of a Mesoamerican landscape, is because that is where the evidence is, and where a careful reading of the text and analysis of American geography strongly suggests. The parallels of the late preclassic and early classic maya and the people and culture of the Book of Mormon are astounding. If there is a single study that exemplifies the vast amount of correlation between these cultures it would be Bruce and Brian Dales Bayesian Statistical Analysis of Dr. Brian Coe’s book “The Maya” found HERE.
For a more information on Book of Mormon geological models click HERE.
Why do you have another Bible?
We do not have another Bible, the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, it gives a record of a remnant of the tribe of Joseph, primarily from about 600 BC to 400 AD who left Jerusalem and came to the American continent (branches run over the wall) On this continent, much like in the Bible there were prophets who taught the word of God to the people. After His mortal ministry, crucifixion and resurrection, Christ told his disciples “other sheep I have which are not of this fold” the people of the American continent were among those other sheep and the Book of Mormon gives a record of His visitation and ministry. Together, the Book of Mormon and Bible testify of the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Do you believe the Bible is infallible?
The Bible was written by man, over the course of thousands of years it has gone through many translations and for much of its history it was transcribed by hand. Errors have indeed entered the text, early fragments reveal that text has been both added and removed since the earliest copies, however, the text we do have, remains mostly correct, while there are errors, the Bible remains the word of God, originally written by his prophets and servants
Is Jesus God?
Yes! The Title page is one of many places in the Book of Mormon that affirms the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Book of Mormon is “to the convincing of Jew and Gentile, that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God” Jesus is also the Literal only begotten Son of the Father, and together, The Father, Son and Holy Ghost form the Godhead, which are one in purpose. Similar to the same way Jesus played that His disciples would be one, and a husband and wife are commanded to be one.
Are Latter-day Saints trinitarian?
Honestly, this depends on your definition of trinitarian, by the modern definition, no. However until at least 451 AD at the council of Chalcedon, it was still understood that The Father, Son and Holy Ghost were three separate beings, one in the same way the disciples were asked to be one, that is one in purpose. The term “trinity” or rather “trinitas” would not be coined or enter into use until the third century
What is the nature of God the Father?
God the Father has a body of flesh and bones, as tangible as mans, we were made in His image. He is eternal and He is perfect.
What is the Godhead?
The Godhead is the Biblical, original understanding of what many churches today call the Trinity. It is comprised of The Father, The Son, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost. They are one in purpose but separate in form.