Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries. During the early 1980s, rumors circulated in mormon culture that the book of mormon was. The smithsonian institution is the worlds largest museum, education, and research complex. July 26 1983 there is no evidence of any migration from israel to america and no evidence that precolumbian indians had any knowledge of christianity or the bible. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research and has found no archaeological evidence to support its claims. The smithsonian adamantly denied this was the case in 1986. The staff archaeologist informs me that neither the society of any other institution has ever used the book of mormon in locating archaeological sites. Mormon artifacts from the early history of the church of jesus christ of latterday.
What is the nature and use of chariots in the book of mormon. 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. The mormon church the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the new world and. Periodically the smithsonian institute and the national geographical.
The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian church newsroom. Book of mormon, an account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book of. You might wish to consult the following publications. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Essentially, the claim is that the smithsonian institute andor the national geographical society use the book of mormon in its historical research of latin. 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. Reading time t he smithsonian institute wrote this diplomatic letter which says, in the most discrete and gentle terms, that the claims that mormons make about the historical and scientific validity of the book of mormon, are a bunch of hooey. Mormon archaeological argument that proves the historical accuracy of b of m. First publication of the smithsonian book of mormon evidence. Collections history of mormons in america smithsonian. The institute used to send out a long response listing several perceived inaccuracies in the book of mormon but has page 125 since. Smithsonian institution still disavows the book of mormans.
The smithsonian institute considers the book of mormon a very important historical document of 19th century american religious history. History, science, art and culture live at these washington, dc museums and sites. Visiting the smithsonian national museum of african american. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between. We are a community of learning and the opener of doors. The smithsonian considers the book of mormon a religious document and not a scientific guide. Smithsonian archaeologists see no connection between the. Grandin in palmyra, new york, in 1830, right before the church was organized that same year. What did the national geographic and the smithsonian inst. Periodically the smithsonian institute and the national geographical society sends notices to the church saying please, please tell your people to stop calling us. Smithsonian and national geographic responds responses to the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient evidence.
Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. According to the text, the nephites and the lamanites initially spoke hebrew 600 bc and might have spoken a modified semitic language until at least 400 ad, when the book of mormon ends. Jan 22, 2008 the staff archaeologist informs me that neither the society of any other institution has ever used the book of mormon in locating archaeological sites. I even helped perpetuate the rumor that the smithsonian institute used the book of mormon as a scientific. The smithsonian institute has issued a statement regarding archaeological evidence and the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research and has found no archaeological. 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. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. This statement includes answers to questions most commonly asked about the book of mormon. An additional criticism of the historical authenticity of the book of mormon concerns linguistics. This spiral bound over sized book contains a complete set of 48 of the plates from the book, ancient monuments of the mississippi valley by the smithsonians e. For example, one letter written by a prominent mormon.
Though wheeled vehicles are still unattested throughout precolumbian america, archaeology currently shows that some mesoamerican peoples did understand the concept. This article was originally published on mormon coffee on march 22, 2012. Smithsonian disavows use of book of mormon for archaeological guide and sees no connection between new world and book of mormon. Visitors to the museum will be able to see an original manuscript of the book of mormon, an 1830 first edition of the book of mormon, a couple of rare mormon gold coins and two kirtland. National geographic society statement on the book of mormon. I was convinced beyond a doubt that south american ruins validated the book of mormon. The publishing program covers categories where the smithsonians authority is unparalleled, such as history. For years we have heard from the missionaries that the smithsonian institute and national geographic. Prior to 1998, the statement denied any evidence for precolumbian contact between old and new worlds. As the modern lds church tries to shore up belief in the prophet joseph smith and his special powers of translation, it continues to try to argue for something more than a fictional narrative for the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons in transition. 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.
Some members of the mormon church have made fantastic claims about archaeologists using the book of mormon. Organizational statements regarding the book of mormon smithsonian institution. Remarkable stories of strength, ingenuity, and vision from the national collection. At one point, some members of the lds church claimed that the smithsonian institute had used the book of mormon as a scientific guide for locating archaeological sites. Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book of. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of in any way as a scientific guide. The smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection. In joseph smiths day there was no archaeological evidence for many culture items mentioned in the book of mormon, but in the last 30 to 50 years evidence has been found for those items. Smithsonian institution smithsonian distance learning. 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. The smithsonian institute uses the book of mormon in its research false this myth is old some claim over a hundred years old and is well documented all over the internet.
But to achieve exaltation or godhood it is available only to mormons. The smithsonian staff does not appear to have a single specialist in mesoamerica john l. National geographic society statement on the book of mormon national geographic society statement on the book of. Presented in a simple, unadorned style without accompaniment, these songs lyrics are set to angloamerican ballad melodies, fiddle tunes, and even to the music of stephen foster. Book of mormonarchaeologysmithsonian statement fairmormon. For example, one letter written by a prominent mormon, dated may 3, 1936, maintained that the book of mormon was used by the government to unravel the problem of the aborigines. Certainly there was no contact with the ancient egyptians, hebrews or other peoples of. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book. The smithsonian institue considers the book of mormon a. Statement regarding the book of mormon, a copy of which is enclosed for your. Home book of mormon science, ancient history, and the book of mormon national geographic society statement on the book of mormon national geographic society statement on the book of mormon language. These include endowments, celestial marriage, and specific tithing. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of.
Your inquiry of date concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in this. Mormon artifacts on display at the smithsonian youtube. Smithsonian learning lab is your destination for millions of carefully curated, easily accessible, customizable, and shareable open educational resources. In joseph smiths day there was no archaeological evidence for. That the smithsonian does not use the book of mormon in its research says nothing about the book s divinity and truthfulness. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book of mormon.
The national geographic society did the same in 1982. During the early 1980s, rumors circulated in mormon culture that the book of mormon was being used by the smithsonian to guide primary archaeological research. Here is the text of the letter as referenced from this. Creating the national museum of african american history and culture in the age of bush, obama, and trump. 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. Letter national geographic society, washington, dc 20036. This album portrays the cultural history of the mormon community in utah through folk song. But to achieve exaltation or godhood it is available only to mormons who obey the teachings specific to the book of mormon. Your recent inquiry concerning the book of mormon has been received in the smithsonian s department of anthropology.
These rumors were brought to the attention of smithsonian directors who, by 1982, sent a form letter to inquiring parties stating that the smithsonian did not use the book of mormon to guide any research. The smithsonian institute writes, the smithsonian institute has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. These reproductions have been enlarged 120% from the original size for greater detail. Archeology has still only scratched the surface of mesoamerican history. These rumors were brought to the attention of smithsonian directors who, by 1982, sent a form letter to inquiring parties stating that the smithsonian did not use the book of mormon to guide any research, and included a list of specific reasons smithsonian archaeologists considered the book of mormon historically unlikely. Starlings response is undated, but content elsewhere in his letter indicates that it was written. The smithsonian institute uses the book of mormon in its research. Statement regarding the book of mormon, a copy of which is enclosed for your information.
The smithsonian has long gotten letters from folks asking about the book of mormon. Sorenson, a new evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon, p. The smithsonian institution does not use it in archeological research. The book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. Smithsonian archaeologists see no connection between the archaeology of the new, world and the subject matter of the book. The smithsonian institution and the book of mormon mormon coffee. Sorenson, a new evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon, farms 1995. Discussion regarding the historicity of the book of mormon often focuses on archaeological issues, some of which relate to the large size and the long time span of the civilizations mentioned in the book. Dec 25, 2019 this spiral bound over sized book contains a complete set of 48 of the plates from the book, ancient monuments of the mississippi valley by the smithsonians e. The smithsonian on the bible and the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon posted on 03192009 1. The book of mormon claims that jesuss atonement provided for the immortality for all people.
Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection. The smithsonian institution issues a standard reply to requests for their opinion regarding the book of mormon as an archaeological or scientific guide. Smithsonian books publishes a select list of trade nonfiction and illustrated books. Jun 10, 2008 the smithsonian institute considers the book of mormon a historical document well, sort of. This is followed by two paragraphs, believed to be authored by the book of mormon prophet moroni. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is.
Smithsonian letter regarding book of mormon i think it is important for everyone to read the smithsonian letter about the book of mormon. The book of mormon is a r eligious document and not a scientific guide. The smithsonian, the book of mormon, and an urban legend lds. Jun 21, 2016 the word chariot conjures up images of horsedrawn war vehicles. The smithsonian institute has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. In the book of mormon, however, chariots are referenced little, and never in a battle context, making it hard to be certain about their nature. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons.
Anonymous, smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited, journal of book of mormon studies 71 1998. 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. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient. Smithsonian statement book of mormon archaeological forum. Miller begins by mentioning the smithsonian institutes history with the book of mormon pp. Smithsonian archaeologists see no connection between the archaeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. 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. May 12, 2008 thats not exactly what the smithsonian said. There may be some experts on north american indians, but without a firm grounding in the specific lands covered by the book of mormon, namely. Leading experts of the early americas disavow the historicity of the book of mormon narrative. 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.
The smithsonian libraries is the most comprehensive museum library system in the world, supporting the vital research of the institution as well as the work of scientists and scholars around the world. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific. As we begin to explore mormon archaeology, it seems appropriate to introduce the fascinating history of thomas ferguson, an attorney by trade, whose true passion manifest as an amateur archaeologist. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research ministry. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon. Smithsonian institute statement on the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of mormon for archaeological purposes.