First publication of the smithsonian book of mormon evidence. 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 smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use of the book of mormon for archaeological purposes. This statement includes answers to questions most commonly asked about 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 mormon to verify sites in the new world. Book of mormon artifacts and metallurgy life after. Smithsonian statement book of mormon archaeological forum. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research and has found no archaeological evidence to support its claims. The smithsonian institute has issued a statement regarding archaeological evidence and the book of mormon.
Smithsonian and national geographic responds responses to the book of mormon for years we have heard from the missionaries that the smithsonian institute and. 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. Organizational statements regarding the book of mormonedit. The book of mormon is a r eligious document and not a scientific guide. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. 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. The smithsonian on the bible and the book of mormon on the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution, research institution founded by the bequest of james smithson, an english scientist. National geographic society statement on the book of mormon. In 1996, the smithsonian institution issued a statement that addressed claims made in the book of mormon by stating that the text is primarily a religious text and. 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. The smithsonian institute considers the book of mormon a very important historical document of 19th century american religious history. The smithsonian institution is the worlds largest museum, education, and research complex. Smithsonian statement on book of mormon noncatholic. Concerns of the historicity and origin of the book of mormon. The smithsonian on the bible and the book of mormon. Book of mormonarchaeologysmithsonian statement fairmormon. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the book of. So since even the smithsonian issued a statement about the claims of the book of mormon, why still believe when there is no evidence from any source but joesph smith. The 1996 smithsonian statement regarding the book of mormon 1. For years we have heard from the missionaries that the smithsonian institute. Smithsonian statement on the book of mormon revisited in journal of book of mormon.
Smithsonian institution letter cult education institute. Lds apologist john sorensons response to the smithsonian. If we are all related as children of god, why do we speak different languages. All this statement does is transfer the problem to why god chose to have joseph smith. Smithsonian disavows use of book of mormon for archaeological guide and sees no connection between new world and book of mormon. Some mormon researchers claim that it is not valid to use genetics to attempt to prove or disprove the historicity of the book of mormon, citing a lack of source genes and the.
Smithsonian institute statement on the book of mormon. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons. Write to the national museum of natural history smithsonian institute, washington, dc 20560 or the national geographic society. Smithsonian institution still disavows the book of mormans. Further verification of the change in the smithsonian statement is provided in the short note, new light. Because the smithsonian institution receives many inquiries regarding the book of mormon, we have prepared a statement regarding the book of mormon. Your recent inquiry concerning the smithsonian institutions alleged use of the book of mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the smithsonians.
The smithsonian institution sends a form letter to those who inquire about their use. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. Smithsonian books publishes a select list of trade nonfiction and illustrated books. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon mormons in transition. Smithsonian institution statement on the book of mormon. Smithsonian archaeologists see no connection between the archaeology of the new, world. Mormons, since even the smithsonian issued a statement. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way. Critics trot out this letter as proof that the book of mormon has no archaeological support and is therefore false. If humans were created by god who is perfect and good, how did evil among them come to be.
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. Church leaders know that letting go of this document will cause some members sadness and grief, the church said in its statement. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific. The smithsonian institution does not use it in archeological research. The national geographic society has a similar letter. The mormon apologist, researchers and historians have tried to explain book of mormon facts and archaeology by presenting information and claims that will fit into established. Box 8500, charlotte, nc 28271 phone 704 8878200 and fax 704 8878299 1 statement dm192 book of mormon vs. An evaluation of the smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon by john l.
Creating the national museum of african american history and culture in the age of bush, obama, and trump. Smithson, who died in 1829, had stipulated in his will that should his nephew. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the. An evaluation of the smithsonian statement regarding the. National geographic society statement on the book of mormon national geographic society statement. Smithsonian magazine place a smithsonian lens on the world, looking at the topics and subject matters researched, studied and exhibited by the smithsonian.
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. The publishing program covers categories where the smithsonians authority is unparalleled, such as history. 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. Biblical scholars and near eastern archeologists and historians regard the biblical story of the. Smithsonian institution smithsonian distance learning. National museum of natural history and ask for their latest statement on this topic.
The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. 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. National museum of natural history smithsonian institution washington d. Included in that group of interested parties was the newly formed smithsonian institution, which had accepted the work of squier and davis. Smithsonian statement about the book of mormon summary. Response to the smithsonian institute statement on the.
The book of mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The smithsonian institue considers the book of mormon a. Smithsonian and the book of mormon mormonism research. Is it true that he smithsonian institute declared the book. Prepared by the department of anthropology statement regarding the book of mormon the smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in. Smithsonian institution statement regarding the book of mormon. The book of mormon is clearly a work of great spiritual power. The smithsonian institution has never used it in archaeological research, and any. Smithsonian institution letter statement regarding the book of mormon 1996. 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. Book of mormon,smithsonian institution,anthropology,lds,mormon.
126 1486 305 163 1130 204 782 222 796 1256 1095 690 594 1277 1394 695 1046 1376 254 132 330 244 1124 625 1369 1469 222 104 785 1493 146 374 459 1326