AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question I am new to the LDS religion and respect everyones opinion. My question is....
Has ther been any physical proof of the BofM. Is there any proof of the three
tribes of people? I hear there is a movie called Journey of Faith, showing
archiologist finding proof, but I have also seen a movie on archiologist finding
nothing?
Answer Hi John,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note I am ex-LDS and belong to the Church of Christ that also believes in the Book of Mormon.
There are many evidences that support the BoM (Book of Mormon) but I would not claim that they PROVE it is divine. The same is true of Biblical evidences... they have found many artifacts that back up the Bible's history but only prove that a people believed in God existed, rather than prove God Himself exists.
There are many claims within the BoM that the Nephites or Jaredites had cement, machinery, metals, barley, elephants, horses, advanced building skills etc. Almost all of these claims have been verified by American archaeology though this goes against many outdated beliefs by some archaeologists so often these findings are dismissed or ignored. The archaeologists Verril and David Childress Hatcher (author of The Lost Cities of South and Central America) have found many of these artifacts. Antis and hate Mormon groups have criticised the BoM for many reasons yet in each case artifacts and other evidences have been found that backs up it's claims. This does little to change the anti's minds, they go digging up some other criticism regardless of how many times you prove them wrong. If you like, I can email you photos of many of these finds, simply email me directly at technomn@msn.com and I can reply back if you wish (high speed connection recommended).
There are also many internal literary evidences that show the BoM was authored by Hebrew authors and not by Joseph Smith. The BoM is riddled with poor English grammar, yet it is excellent Hebrew grammar such as starting out many sentences with "And it came to pass" or other odd uses of and. There are interesting differences between the sermon on the mount between the Bible and BoM which show the same doctrines are taught, but interesting cultural differences such as the absence of Scribes, Pharisees, and Publicans among the Nephites. There is no "Pluck out your eyes" in the BoM sermon on the mount.
Perhaps the most interesting internal evidence is chiasmus, where many points are given, then the points are repeated in reverse order. Entire books in the BoM are written in this manner. This fulfills the Biblical teaching of "The first shall be last, and the last shall be first". Surely the unlearned farmboy Joseph Smith would not have known all of these things. Do a Yahoo search on Book of Mormon Chiasms (and Hebraisms) as there are many websites that will explain these interesting evidences.
Regardless, a spiritual witness is by far the best evidence. I tried Moroni's challenge to ask God and boy did I get a answer! It was the most powerful and certain revelation I have ever experienced, well beyond anything I could have imagined... far greater than some sort of vague burning in the bosom nonsense. You will face many challenges to your faith, perhaps even from me. You will need a strong testimony in order to endure to the end.
I like to always say, don't trust what I say, trust the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ, He is the author of our faith. Feel free to ask other questions as you wish, I will be happy to help out, especially for newbies.
