Chapter 15 archaeology and the book of mormon reachout. Sorenson, an evaluation of the smithsonian institutions. More recently members of congress have questioned the institution about the inappropriateness of a government agency taking a stand regarding a religious book. Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the smithsonians. Anonymous, smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited, journal of book of mormon studies 71 1998. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research ministry. An evaluation of the smithsonian institutions statement. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the book. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book of. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Box 8500, charlotte, nc 28271 phone 704 8878200 and fax 704 8878299 1 statement dm192 book of mormon vs. It was a decision of the smithsonians central office of public affairs to simplify the statement to respond to general questions regarding the smithsonians use of the book of mormon. The smithsonian institute statement on the bible on the other hand, much of the bible, in particular the historical books of the old testament, are as accurate historical documents as any that we have from antiquity and are in fact more accurate than many of.
Jun 14, 2008 the smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Smithsonian institutes statement regarding the book. Accurate information about the smithsonians position is contained in the enclosed statement regarding the book of mormon, which was prepared to respond to the numerous inquiries that the smithsonian. A scientists look at book of mormon anachronisms third hour. The smithsonian institution includes a statement about the scientific inaccuracies of the book of mormon in their statement regarding the book of mormon, which is included with the letter. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons in transition. The sorenson critique, a new evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon.
Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the use of the book of mormon as a guide to archeological researches, and in connection with mormon statements about the origin and relationships of the american indian, we have prepared a. Miller begins by mentioning the smithsonian institutes history with the book of mormon pp. Book of mormonarchaeologysmithsonian statement fairmormon. The nephites are one of four groups to be described in the book of mormon as having settled in. The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of mormon for archaeological purposes. Jun 02, 2014 the smithsonian has long gotten letters from folks asking about the book of mormon. A the book of mormon claims that the ancient inhabitants spoke and wrote in reformed egyptian and hebrew endnote 25. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of. Although historians and archaeologists consider the book to be an anachronistic invention of joseph smith, many members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and other denominations of the latter day saint movement believe that it describes ancient historical events in the americas. Mar 19, 2009 smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon some latterday saints, in their zeal to give tangible authenticity to the book of mormon, have told prospective converts that the smithsonian institution has used the book of mormon to verify sites in the new world. Smithsonian statement about the book of mormon summary. The smithsonian also has a statement regarding the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution at one time distributed, upon request, a lengthy statement regarding the book of mormon in which the institution listed several specific points of contention between science and book of mormon claims among them the physical type of the american indian. Below is the statement we presently distribute for these general inquiries.
Smithsonian institution still disavows the book of mormans. Statement regarding the book of mormon, preliminary report, foundation for. The book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide, the smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological sic research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Smithsonian archaeologists see no connection between the archaeology of the new, world and the subject matter of the book. Statement regarding the book of mormon, a copy of which is enclosed for your information. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book.
National museum of natural history smithsonian institution washington, d. A scientist looks at book of mormon anachronisms by neal rappleye. Smithsonian institute statement regarding the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of. Mormon cultural belief regarding book of mormon archaeology archaeological evidence of large populations. During the early 1980s, rumors circulated in mormon culture that. Didnt the smithsonian intitute prove the book of mormon. The book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The smithsonian institue considers the book of mormon a. The statement said that there was no credible evidence of contact between ancient egyptian or hebrew peoples and the new world, as indicated by the text of the book of mormon. Statement regarding the book of mormon, a copy of which is enclosed for your. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding. National museum of natural history and ask for their latest statement on this topic. Yes, it has been changed, but the 1996 smithsonian statement lives on in the hearts and minds and web pages of our.
The institute used to send out a long response listing several perceived inaccuracies in the book of mormon but has page 125 since. Mormons the church of jesus christ of the latter day saints. The smithsonian institution does not use it in archeological research. The book of mormon is a r eligious document and not a scientific guide.
Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the smithsonians department of anthropology. Mormon scholars have estimated that at various periods in book of mormon history, the populations of civilizations discussed in the book ranged between 300,000 and 1. In 1996, the smithsonian institution issued a statement that addressed claims made in the book of mormon by. I even helped perpetuate the rumor that the smithsonian institute used the book of mormon as a scientific. Didnt the smithsonian intitute prove the book of mormon was. The 1996 smithsonian statement regarding the book of mormon. Oct 05, 2012 the book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide, the smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological sic research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian church newsroom. Every one of the statements are damaging to the reliability of the book of. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon some latterday saints, in their zeal to give tangible authenticity to the book of mormon, have told prospective converts that the smithsonian institution has used the book of mormon to verify sites in the new world. Several times they referred to the smithsonian institute as having material on hand confirming the book of mormon.
Mormon archaeologists over the years have almost unanimously accepted the book of mormon as an accurate. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the book of mormon 1996. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book. The smithsonian institute claims to have no staff memhers that are qualified to speak about the book of mormon. Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book of. Title, an evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. We still stand by our former statement on the book of mormon. There is no archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. The term is used throughout the book of mormon to describe the religious, political, and cultural traditions of the group of settlers. For further information, see smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited, journal of book of mormon. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. May 12, 2008 statement regarding the book of mormon.
The book of mormon is a religious text of the latter day saint movement. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book. Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the smithsonian s department of anthropology. Aug 24, 2018 the smithsonian institute statement on the bible on the other hand, much of the bible, in particular the historical books of the old testament, are as accurate historical documents as any that we have from antiquity and are in fact more accurate than many of the egyptian, mesopotamian, or greek histories. Smithsonian statement book of mormon archaeological forum. Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book. Mormon artifacts from the early history of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints are on display in a new oneyear exhibition at the smithsonian in. The statement was issued in response to reports that the name of the smithsonian institution was being improperly used to lend credibility to the claims of those looking.
Smithsonian institute statement on the book of mormon. This statement can be requested at the same address. For years we have heard from the missionaries that the smithsonian institute. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted to find archaeological evidence to support it. Smithsonian institute, statement regarding the book of mormon, parts 4 and 5 9.
I was convinced beyond a doubt that south american ruins validated the book of mormon. Every one of the statements are damaging to the reliability of the book of mormon. Further verification of the change in the smithsonian statement is provided in the short note, new light. The institute used to send out a long response list ing several perceived inaccuracies in the book of mormon but has since tempered its response. This statement includes answers to questions most commonly asked about the book of mormon. Accurate information about the smithsonians position is contained in the enclosed statement regarding the book of mormon, which was prepared to respond to the. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution s statement regarding the book of mormon study aid foundation for ancient research and mormon studies. The smithsonian has long gotten letters from folks asking about the book of mormon. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Accurate information about the smithsonian s position is contained in the enclosed statement regarding the book of mormon, which was prepared to respond to the numerous inquiries that the smithsonian receives on this topic.
If humans were created by god who is perfect and good, how did evil among them come to be. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book of mormon. If this were the case, we would expect to find artifacts with writings in these languages. Smithsonian and national geographic responds responses to the book of mormon for years we have heard from the missionaries that the smithsonian institute and national geographic have both corroborated the historicity of the book of mormon. Mormons the church of jesus christ of the latter day.
The institute used to send out a long response listing several perceived inaccuracies in the. A copy of this statement can be obtained by writing. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book of mormon, a copy of which is enclosed for your information. Nibley, lehi in the desert and the world of the jaredites. A scientist looks at book of mormon anachronisms book of. Lds apologist john sorensons response to the smithsonian. Your recent inquiry concerning the book of mormon has been received in the smithsonians department of anthropology. In response to numerous inquiries that the smithsonian receives in regard to this subject, the smithsonian published the statement regarding the book of mormon providing accurate information about the smithsonians position. Organizational statements regarding the book of mormonedit. The 1996 smithsonian statement regarding the book of mormon 1.
Smithsonian disavows use of book of mormon for archaeological guide and sees no connection between new world and book of mormon. Smithsonian statement on book of mormon noncatholic. Smithsonian institution letter cult education institute. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons. If we compare the historical, prophetical, and doctrinal parts of the book of mormon with the great truths of science and. The book of mormon principally describes gods dealings with two c. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution s statement regarding the book of mormon study aid foundation for ancient research and mormon studies sorenson, john l on. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. Sep 28, 2018 smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon 1. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research. If we are all related as children of god, why do we speak different languages.
The smithsonian institute has issued a statement regarding archaeological evidence and the book of mormon. A the book of mormon claims that the ancient inhabitants spoke and wrote in reformed egyptian and hebrew. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of in any way as a scientific guide. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. It must be remembered that the bible is primarily a book of religion, a guide to faith. The national geographic society has a similar letter. Archaeologists and other scholars have long probed the hemispheres past, and the society does not know of anything found so far that has substantiated the book of mormon. However, the smithsonians eighth statement regarding the book of mormon says. While the smithsonian scientists are qualified to discuss archaeology, they do not claim to know everything there is to know about new world archaeology. Smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited in journal of book of mormon studies vol.
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