Historicity of the Book of Mormon facts for kids
Many people who are part of the Latter Day Saint movement believe that the Book of Mormon is a true story about ancient times. Most, but not all, Mormons feel that the book's connection to old American history is a key part of their faith. However, scientists and historians outside of Mormonism do not agree with this view. Mainstream archaeologists, historians, and scientists do not see the Book of Mormon as an old record of real historical events.
The Book of Mormon tells the story of two main groups of people. These groups formed civilizations after families traveled to the Americas. One group came from Jerusalem around 600 BC. Later, they split into two nations called the Nephites and the Lamanites. Another group arrived much earlier, when God changed the languages at the Tower of Babel. This group was known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all these groups were gone except for the Lamanites. Latter Day Saints believe that some Native Americans are descendants of the Lamanites.
People who defend the Book of Mormon have suggested different ideas. These ideas try to explain why the book seems to differ from what archaeology, genetics, and language studies show.
Contents
What Latter Day Saints Believe
Most Latter Day Saints believe the Book of Mormon is a true and correct history. They see it as a record of ancient American civilizations and their religious stories. Joseph Smith, whom most Latter Day Saints believe translated the book, said it was "the most correct of any book on earth." He also called it the "keystone of our religion." He taught that people could get closer to God by following its teachings.
Some members believe the Book of Mormon might have been written by Smith. But they still think it was inspired by God. Others believe it is a spiritual book from ancient America. They think its main goal is to teach about Christ, not to be a guide for history or science.
Archaeology and the Book of Mormon
When people talk about the Book of Mormon's history, they often look at archaeological findings. The book describes large civilizations that existed for a long time. Many modern Mormons think these civilizations lived in Mesoamerica (Central America).
Civilizations of this size would usually leave many archaeological clues. Several Mesoamerican civilizations did exist during the time of the Book of Mormon. These include the Olmec, Zapotec, and Maya peoples. The Olmec and Zapotec developed writing systems. These might have influenced the later, very advanced Mayan writing. The Maya also created a complex calendar and were skilled in astronomy and math.
Animals, Plants, and Tools
The Book of Mormon mentions several animals, plants, and technologies. However, these are not found in America before Columbus arrived. This time period is important for the Book of Mormon's history.
Things mentioned in the book but not found in ancient America include:
- Animals like asses, cattle, horses, oxen, sheep, swine, goats, and elephants.
- Plants like wheat and barley.
- Materials and tools like silk, steel, brass, breastplates, chains, iron working, plows, swords, scimitars, and chariots.
The Smithsonian Institution has stated that most main food plants and farm animals from the Old World were not in the New World before Columbus. Only the dog was present.
Different Views on Evidence
Members of the Latter Day Saint movement have different answers to these points. Some say they have found evidence for these items. Others use a "limited geography model." This idea suggests that the Book of Mormon events happened in a very small area. So, they believe, we should not expect to find widespread evidence. Some also argue that the words used in the Book of Mormon might refer to similar items that did exist, not the exact ones we know today.
These ideas are not directly supported by the LDS Church. But they do encourage research by professors at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Archaeology Funded by the LDS Church
In 1955, Thomas Stuart Ferguson, a Latter Day Saint, started the New World Archaeological Foundation (NWAF). With money from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), he began digging in Mesoamerica. He hoped to find proof for the Book of Mormon.
In 1961, Ferguson thought Book of Mormon cities would be found within ten years. But in 1972, he admitted that time had proved him wrong. He wrote, "I had sincerely hoped that Book-of-Mormon cities would be positively identified within 10 years—and time has proved me wrong."
Later, in 1976, Ferguson wrote that you "can't set the Book-of-Mormon geography down anywhere." He felt it was "fictional" and would not match what is found in the ground.
Even so, the NWAF's digs have helped us learn a lot about ancient societies in Mesoamerica. BYU still keeps many documents about the NWAF's work. These are used by researchers both inside and outside the LDS Church.
Language Studies and the Book of Mormon
Another point of discussion about the Book of Mormon's history is about languages. The book says the Nephites and Lamanites first spoke Hebrew (around 600 BC). They might have spoken a changed Semitic language until about 400 AD, when the Book of Mormon story ends.
The introduction to the 1981 LDS Church edition of the Book of Mormon said the Lamanites were the "principal ancestors of the American Indians." Today, no Semitic language is spoken by Native Americans. Also, there is no proof that any Native American language was ever influenced by a Semitic language. Language experts who study Native American languages agree that these languages are not related to each other in the last 8,000 to 10,000 years.
Some people argue that the Book of Mormon mentions contact with other groups. These groups might have had their own non-Semitic languages. These languages could have changed or replaced any Semitic language spoken. Others point out that the introduction only said the Book of Mormon peoples were the primary ancestors, not the only ancestors.
The first edition of the Book of Mormon in 1830 did not make this claim. The 1981 edition said the Lamanites were "the principal ancestors of American Indians." In 2007, this was changed to "among the ancestors of the American Indians."
The Anthon Transcript
The "Anthon Transcript" is a small paper with strange characters. Joseph Smith said these characters came from the golden plates. He claimed to have translated the Book of Mormon from these plates. The characters were said to be "reformed Egyptian" writing.
Smith sent this paper to Professor Charles Anthon, a famous scholar. Smith wanted Anthon's expert opinion on if the characters and translation were real. People who believe the Book of Mormon say Anthon first confirmed the characters were real. But then he supposedly tore up his statement after hearing Smith's story.
Critics, and Anthon himself, say Anthon always thought the idea of "reformed Egyptian" was a trick. They say he believed Martin Harris was being fooled. However, Anthon's own stories about what happened are different. In one, he said he refused to give any opinion. In another, he said he gave his opinion "without any hesitation" to show it was a fraud.
DNA and Population Genetics
The Book of Mormon talks about different groups of people coming to America. The people of Jared came from the Tower of Babel before Abraham's time. Lehi's family came from Jerusalem around 600 BC. Another group, the people of Mulek, came from Jerusalem about eight years later.
The 1981 introduction to the Book of Mormon said the Lamanites were the "principal ancestors of the American Indians." This was changed in 2007 to "among the ancestors."
Native Americans are generally believed to be descendants of people from East Asia. Many studies using DNA evidence do not support the Book of Mormon's claims. So far, no DNA studies link any Native American group to people from West Asia. Some Mormon researchers argue that DNA cannot be used to prove or disprove the Book of Mormon's history. They say it's hard to trace ancient DNA, even if Israelite DNA were present.
Smithsonian Institution's View
The Smithsonian Institution often replies to questions about the Book of Mormon. They are asked if it is a guide for archaeology or science. Before 1998, their statement said there was no evidence of contact between the Old and New Worlds before Columbus. They specifically mentioned "no contact with the ancient Egyptians, Hebrews or other peoples of Western Asia or the Near East."
After 1998, the Smithsonian sent a shorter letter. It simply stated that the institution does not use the Book of Mormon as an archaeological guide.
Limited Geography Model
Since it was published, many Latter Day Saints thought the Book of Mormon was a full history of all Native Americans. This idea is called the "hemispheric model." However, other Latter Day Saints believe this idea is not fully supported by the book itself.
The cities mentioned in the Book of Mormon have not been found. Some Mormon scholars suggest that the city of Zarahemla might be in Central America. This is because the book describes it as a narrow strip of land with sea on both sides.
This idea is called the "Limited Geography Model." It suggests that the Book of Mormon is only the history of a small group of Native Americans in Central America. This idea has become more popular among LDS scholars since the 1980s. It seems to fit the descriptions in the book better. For example, the populations in the Book of Mormon were likely too small to fill entire continents. Also, there is evidence that other people were already in America when Lehi's group arrived. Most LDS authors now believe the Book of Mormon events happened in a limited area in Mesoamerica. This idea was officially published in the church magazine Ensign in 1984.
Other Ways People Defend the Book's History
The official website of the LDS Church has essays on "Book of Mormon and DNA Studies" and "Book of Mormon Translation." These are some of the few official statements from the Church about these historical questions.
