Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research ministry. Prepared by the department of anthropology statement regarding the book of mormon the smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way. The smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection. 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. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon. Certainly there was no contact with the ancient egyptians, hebrews or other peoples of. Statements by the smithsonian institution and the national geographic society. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormonedit. The physical type of the american indian is basically. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. The smithsonian also has a statement regarding the book of mormon. Mormons, since even the smithsonian issued a statement. Answers about mormons and mormon beliefs lds faq latter.
Generally speaking, the smithsonian institution does not express specific views or take specific positions on matters related to religion. It came to pass in the bible and 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 numerous inquiries that the smithsonian. For many years the smithsonian institution in washington has received inquiries concerning the book of mormon, its role in the institution s scientific activities, and a number of specific informational questions about ancient american archaeology. The smithsonian institution does not use it in archeological research. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide.
An evaluation of the smithsonian institutions statement. Smithsonian institute statement on the book of mormon. Remarkable stories of strength, ingenuity, and vision from the national collection. 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. The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of mormon for archaeological purposes. National geographic society statement on the book of mormon. Every one of the statements are damaging to the reliability of the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the book.
Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book of mormon as having zero scientific archaeological, geographical or historical value. The smithsonian considers the book of mormon a religious document and not a scientific guide. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon sorenson, john l. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons. Prior to 1998, the statement denied any evidence for precolumbian contact between old and new worlds. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon posted on 03192009 1. 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. Smithsonian and national geographic responds responses to the book of mormon. The book of mormon is a r eligious document and not a scientific guide. The smithsonian institute has issued a statement regarding archaeological evidence and the book of mormon. The smithsonian institution issues a standard reply to requests for their opinion regarding the book of mormon as an archaeological or scientific guide. On july 24, 1847, a wagon rolled out of a canyon and gave brigham young, president of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, his first glimpse of the. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding. The smithsonian institue considers the book of mormon a.
Anonymous, smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited, journal of book of mormon studies 71 1998. Title, an evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. Critics trot out this letter as proof that the book of mormon has no archaeological support and is. This statement can be requested at the same address. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. 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. Smithsonian institutions stance on the book of mormon. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book of. I would appreciate it very much if you would provide me a copy of this statement using the enclosed preaddressed, prestamped envelope. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of. Prepared by the department of anthropology smithsonian institution.
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. We are not aware of any recent official statement about the book of mormon made by the smithsonian institution. Statement regarding the book of mormon, a copy of which is enclosed for your information. Creating the national museum of african american history and culture in the age of bush, obama, and trump. An evaluation of the smithsonian institutions statement regarding the book of mormon study aid foundation for ancient research and mormon studies sorenson, john l on. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research.
Lds apologist john sorensons response to the smithsonian. Book of mormon national geographic society statement on the book of mormon. 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 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. Smithsonian institution still disavows the book of mormans. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the. Response to the smithsonian institutions 1996 statement regarding the book of mormon. Dec 28, 2009 a mormon response to the letter can be found here. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons in transition. Smithsonian statement book of mormon archaeological forum. 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. More recently members of congress have questioned the institution about the inappropriateness of a government agency taking a stand regarding a religious book.
The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. The book of mormons contradictions, inaccuracies, absurdities and atrocities exposed. Organizational statements regarding the book of mormonedit. Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book. There is nothing to show that they reached mexico or central america. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the book of mormon 1996. Smithsonian institution, mrc 112 washington, dc 20560. Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book of. We build enduring faith in jesus christ by making the book of mormon.
The smithsonian institutions letter statement regarding the book of mormon footnotestatement regarding the book of mormon the smithsonian institutionfootnote pg. This statement includes answers to questions most commonly asked about the book of mormon. Smithsonian archaeologists see no connection between the archaeology of the new, world and the subject matter of the book. 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. 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. An evaluation of the smithsonian institutions statement regarding the book of mormon study aid foundation for ancient research and mormon studies. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research and has found no archaeological evidence to support its claims. 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. Smithsonian statement about the book of mormon summary. Book of mormon central archive an evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding. Information from the national museum of natural history.
The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any. Smithsonian statement on book of mormon noncatholic. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Feb 22, 2018 we are not aware of any recent official statement about the book of mormon made by the smithsonian institution.
Smithsonian disavows use of book of mormon for archaeological guide and sees no connection between new world and book of mormon. Mormons, since even the smithsonian issued a statement about. National geographic society statement on the book of mormon national geographic society statement on the book of mormon language. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Items do not represent the official views of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints or of book of mormon central. 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. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. The book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The physical type of american indian is basically mongoloid, being most closely related to. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book. Book of mormon central archive an evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. Present evidence indicates that the first people to reach this continent from the east were the norsemen who briefly visited the northeastern part of north america around a.
For many years the smithsonian institution in washington has received inquiries concerning the book of mormon, its role in the institutions scientific activities, and a number of specific. It has come to my attention that the smithsonian institution has issued a new statement regarding 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. Deals with the many sloppy statements made by a department at the normally quite reputable smithsonian institution but made without the benefit of adequate scholarship about either mesoamerica or the book of mormon. Sorenson, a new evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon, p. The smithsonian staff does not appear to have a single specialist in mesoamerica john l.
Jesus christ of latterday saints or of book of mormon. Earlier we read from the smithsonian institutions statement the bible as history. Book of mormonarchaeologysmithsonian statement fairmormon. Theft and robbery in the book of mormon and in near eastern law. May 12, 2008 is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book of mormon as having zero scientific archaeological, geographical or historical value. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the. Organizational statements regarding the book of mormon smithsonian institution. The smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Mar 18, 2009 the smithsonian instituted refuted the claims of any settlers coming to america before ad. The national geographic society has a similar letter. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book of mormon.