And then, 150 years after the book of mormon was published, archaeologists discovered. Designed for multiple use as study guides, handouts, and masters for creating projectable images, the charts convey a wealth of information that will enrich personal study and teaching. Book of mormon artifacts and metallurgy life after ministry. Discover magazine just posted an article about the oldest archaeological evidence for the invention of the wheel that sparked some thoughts about wheel technology in ancient america, as mentioned in the book of mormon. Well, the book of mormon is a migration story, similar to the idea of the book of exodus in the old testament, except there are three migrations involved in this. How could laban have possessed a sword of most precious. The book of mormon frequently mentions steel weapon, such as the blade of labans sword 1 nephi 4. Book of mormon difficulties, contradictions and explanations. In my opinion, the internet is the mormon churchs worst nightmare. The common thinking for quite a while is that this is an anachronism, several centuries out of date. The book of mormon describes labans steel sword, which would have existed in 600 bce. Aug 07, 2005 and steel in the book of mormon is, in fact, described as a rare and precious metal.
Three incidences of steel in the new world are mentioned in the book of mormon, one early amongst the jaredites after their arrival around 2400 bc, one immediately after the lehi partys arrival in the new world discussing nephis knowledge of steel at approximately 580 bc, and one of occurrence amongst the nephites around 400 bc. Of course steel didnt exist at the time, wouldnt work well for a bow anyway, and would be hard to break. The book of mormon, combined with the spirit, is the greatest witness one has of the truthfulness of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, said elder tad r. Guns, germs, steel and the book of mormon a good time was had by all. Contrary to the evidence, the book of mormon claims that metal age civilizations thrived in the americas for thousands of years.
Since there has been a lot of criticism by some anti mormons about the steelusing nephites, it might be useful to see what the. Steel making this is complex all by itself mixing iron. Is stylometry the ultimate proof that joseph smith did not. Charting the book of mormon is a collection of more than 175 visual aids that promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the book of mormon. The reference to steel smelted from a hill by the very ancient jaredites in the book of mormon is probably a reference to meteoric iron, which was known and prized by the olmecs in the americas. The opponents of the historicity of the book of mormon must prove that the people whose religious life it records did not live anywhere in the americas. And then it came to pass that nephi broke his steel bow. Because it was a revelation from god to joseph smith. Bangle free delivery possible on eligible purchases. Revell phillips journal of book of mormon studies 92 2000.
How could laban have possessed a sword of most precious steel. It successfully rebuts the notion that steel is an anachronism in the book of mormon. For example, and it came to pass that as i, nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, i did break my bow, which was made of fine steel. Sjodahl addressed this issue in his publication, an introduction to the study of the book of mormon. Another way of explaining the strength of the positive position on the historicity of the book of mormon is to point out that we who are its proponents are content with a standoff on this question. Steel in the book of mormon is a common target for critics. What took days and weeks to research, can now be done in minutes. I am not suggesting that the real author of the book of mormon actually used these modern place names, or that he was even consciously aware of them. Apr 10, 2018 opponents to the book of mormon either claim that joeseph wrote the book of mormon or cobbled it together from others like pratt, cowdery, spaulding, or rigdon. What is the difference between the bible and the book of. Studies of the book of mormon is a collection of essays written at the beginning of the 20th century though not published until 1985 by b. Metals, weapons, and the book of mormon mormon answers. In just one example, mark twain, in roughing it, accuses joseph smith of having smouched from the new testament and then giving no credit in his composing the book of mormon. Critics of the book of mormon have long pointed to nephis bow of steel from verse 18 as a clear anachronism, as carbonized steel did not yet exist at that time.
The book of mormon also mentions the nephites becoming exceedingly rich in steel production over 200 years after nephis arrival. The historicity of the book of mormon religious studies center. Callister, emeritus general authority seventy and former sunday school general president in his tuesday, march 3, lds business college devotional held in the assembly hall on temple square, elder callister listed past and. William hamblins comments in an article on steel in the book of mormon, reprinted in this 2005 meridian magazine article. Both the bible and the book of mormon mention steel in relation to ancient jerusalem. The sword is mentioned 140 times in the book of mormon. Steel in the book of mormon both the bible and the book of mormon mention steel in relation to ancient jerusalem. The book of mormon states that metals including iron and steel an iron alloy were produced and used among the book of mormon peoples. Steel is a devastating anachronism for the book of mormon. They come to a place that they call bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey. And then, 150 years after the book of mormon was published, archaeologists discovered an. Book of mormon problems lds church members are taught that the book of mormon bom is scripture, as well as a true record of the inhabitants of the americas from about 2200 bc to 420 ad. Discover magazine just posted an article about the oldest archaeological evidence for the invention of the wheel that sparked some thoughts about wheel technology in ancient america, as mentioned in the book of mormon this discover magazine article points out that when the wheel was first invented, it was a revolutionary technology that transformed the way people farmed, traded, and fought. Although it serves primarily as a religious text, it is to be interpreted literally as being an actual, historical record of the inhabitants of the ancient.
The metal is apparently called steel in the kjv because bronze is steeled strengthened copper through alloying it with tin or through some other process. As said in the title page of the 1908 rlds book of mormon, the text contained in this android app is faithful copy from the original translation by joseph smith jr. For ritual combat in an ancient mesoamerican context, see allen j. The first mention is the sword of laban, with its blade of precious steel. Metals and the book of mormon the contents of all bmaf publications are the sole responsibility of the individual authors and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of bmaf or the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand. Of these, two refer to near eastern weapons of the early sixth century b.
It is ridiculous for the book of mormon to say that metal was used among the nephites and jaredites helaman 6. One passage says that the book of mormon shall establish the truth. And steel in the book of mormon is, in fact, described as a rare and precious metal. Lds title of liberty dog tag stainless steel moroni book of mormon necklace 24 ball chain. Critics have complained about book of mormon references to metals and weapons, arguing that they are out of place and evidence of a sloppy fraud. Byu religious scholar analyzes book of mormon swords at. Ash, scholar, author of shaken faith syndrome and of faith and reason. Some arguments are so trivial that they can be dismissed out of hand but there are a few that look damaging on first view but with a little thought and additional information the apparently damaging argument loses its bite. First is the problem of the hermeneutics of hyperskepticism. Far from undermining the bible, the book of mormon supports its testimony of jesus christ. Steel is mentioned only five times in the book of mormon, once in the book of ether 7. Book of mormon steel in an introduction to the book of mormon. Jared diamonds book guns, germs, and steel swiftly debunks this idea.
Dec 31, 20 steel was likely an uncommon metal in nephi. The same way that god flashed the kjv deuteroisaiah onto smiths magic rock. Critics consider several book of mormon anachronisms to originate in the kjv. A short history of everybody for the last,000 years. Antimormons have often mocked the book of mormon with taunts like, how do you hide a steel mill. This site provides you with an overview of what the book of mormon claims from an archeological or historic viewpoint, and compares it to nonapologetic apologetic meaning speak to defend scientific and historical resources. Jan 23, 2016 the book of mormon describes a ditch being dug around the protected area. Book of mormon charts charting the book of mormon is a collection of more than 175 visual aids that promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the book of mormon. Book of mormon speaks of swords and scimeters, yet the word scimeter does not appear in early literature before the rise of mohammedanism, after lehi departed jerusalem.
There is no reference to steel as a major industrial raw material among the nephites. Steel older than previously thought book of mormon research. Because god flashed it onto joseph smiths magic8ball rockinahat the same way that god flashed the kjv deuteroisaiah onto smiths magic rock. The list of archaeological and historical claims of the book. Guns, germs, and steel by jared diamond mormonism 101.
Apologists counter that the word steel may be referring to another alloy of hardened metal such as. The book of mormon says that a jaredite rebel forged steel weapons from ore in a nearby hill and armed an entire army with it. If the book of mormon were true, either the hill in new york or the hill in mexico should be one enormous pile of rusted iron from the swords and other steel objects and phosphate from the bones of all the people slain. Atop it a fence of timbers was planted and bound together with vines. Roberts was struggling and searching for ways to justify the inconsistencies found in the book of mormon. Jeff lindsay said the book of ether actually has early jaredites smelting steel from a hill to make swords this was probably meteoric iron, often alloyed with nickel and other metals in a way that it can properly be called steel, and such iron was used. Most readers of the book of mormon remember vividly the story in 1 nephi 16 of the slack and broken bows. The book of mormon is another witness of jesus christ and confirms the truths found in the holy bible. This broader meaning of steel is also shared with other european languages. Jan 31, 2020 this broader meaning of steel is also shared with other european languages. If we compare the historical, prophetical, and doctrinal parts of the book of mormon with the great truths of science and nature, we find no contradictionsno absurditiesnothing unreasonable. Metals, weapons, and the book of mormon mormon answersldsfaq. In many cases, the biblical quotations in the englishlanguage book of mormon, are close, or identical to the equivalent sections of the kjv.
Like the subtitle says, this book provides a general overview of the history of mankind. Critics have long taken this to be anachronistic, claiming that steel is. According to the book of nephi, which is the first book in the book of mormon, both nephi and laban had items that were made from steel. Evidence of the ancient origin of the book of mormon duration. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith.
Roberts 18571933, a general authority of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church, which examine the validity of the book of mormon as a translation of an ancient american source. Some people laughed at the notion of a steel sword in jerusalem in 600 bc. That very arrangement is now well documented archaeologically an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, provo, utah. Loan shifting doesnt work for it because the text also mentions swords rusting, which of course only happens with steel and iron which native americans did not use. Evidence supporting the steel sword of laban in the book. Every commentator on the book of mormon has pointed out the many cultural and historical anachronisms, such as the steel sword of laban in 600 b. Since there has been a lot of criticism by some antimormons about the steelusing nephites, it might be useful to see what the. Mormon apologists claim that this book was written so the brethren would know the weaknesses of the book of mormon.
It is mentioned that labans sword was made of steel, and a few more references until about 200 years later, then it stopped. Over the years, critics have stated that the use of the word steel in the book of mormon demonstrates that it is a fraud. Buy book of mormon another testament of jesus christ clay mini book stainless steel bangle bracelet. Critics have complained that steel was not invented until much later, therefore used as evidence against the book of mormon. On a related note, the bible talks about tents, brass, steel, and other physical objects in times and places for which inadequate confirming evidence has been found evidence of ancient tents may have been found at one site, timna. The smithsonian institution has never used the book of mormon in any way as a scientific guide. The book of mormon speaks of the most precious steel, before the commonest had been dreamt of. Since there has been a lot of criticism by some antimormons about the steel.
There are many references to steel in the book of mormon. Since there has been a lot of criticism by some antimormons about the steel using nephites, it might be useful to see what the book of mormon actually says about iron and steel. This is also what is know as a presumed problem of historicity. Here is an article about a portion of the book of mormon metallurgy. Steel, as we understand today, had to be produced using a very cumbersome process and was extremely expensive until the development of puddling towards the end of the 18th century.
This suggests to me that steel swords were probably the exception not the norm and that among the people of the book of mormon metal blades. It should be noted that moronis phrase trial of your faith in ether 12. Such ancient swords were unknown at the time the book of mormon was published. Nauvoo times jeff lindsay steel and the book of mormon. Laban had a steel sword long before steel came into use. The historicity of the book of mormon religious studies. Sheridan jones, the truth about the mormons 1920, 45. We build enduring faith in jesus christ by making the book of mormon accessible, comprehensible, and defensible to the entire world. This is the book of mormon, an account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the new world and the subject matter of the book. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. The book of mormon introduces us to iron, copper, brass, steel, gold, and silver, which were in great abundance.
Similar steel articles mentioned in the king james version of the bible kjv are actually hardened copper. Most, but not all, mormons hold the book s connection to ancient american history as an article of their faith. When nephi slew laban to obtain the plates of brass, he used labans own sword made of precious steel 1 nephi 4. The book of mormon s mention of steel, for instance, is considered an example of one of its major flaws. Meteoric iron is an alloy typically high in nickel content that some experts classify as steel. Critics point out that there is little evidence of steel production in central and southern america, and would have been difficult to produce in those locales, while apologists point to evidence in north americacitation needed. Introduction i grew up believing the book of mormon to be a true story. When a member goes to the internet, perhaps to do research for a sacrament meeting talk.
This argument follows from the fact that the book of mormon refers to certain old world articles made of steel. Metallurgy in ancient america was completely unknown in america before 900 a. Hunt, a critic writing in 1844, listed steel as one proof that the book of mormon was fraudulent. I explain in my story that metallurgy in the book of mormon was one of the reasons i no longer believe the book of mormon to be a story of real people. Many christians refuse to even consider the book of mormon because of what they consider, a lack of archeological evidence to support its setting and events. If you read the book you can clearly see that this is not the case. The ancient america foundation aaf is pleased to present aaf notes. Many members of the latter day saint movement claim historical authenticity of the book of mormon. The list of archeological and historical claims of the book of mormon compared to nonapologetic evidence. The steel of the book of mormon is probably not modern steel. The book of mormon vs the bible christian research institute. The egyptian language was a very corrupt language from idol. Steel swords, elephants and horses in the book of mormon. I list them primarily to show that any similarities between book of mormon names and egyptian or hebrew names unknown to joseph smith which may be cited as evidence of the book of mormon are rather meaningless.
This view finds no acceptance outside of mormonism. Not only are both steel and swords anachronistic to the precolumbian american continent, but there were also supposed great battles fought with millions of casualties greater than the american civil war, yet not a single artifact has ever been found. Apologists counter that the word steel in the book of mormon likely refers to a hardened metal other than iron. There are two major fallacies in discussions on this topic. Book of mormon steel in an introduction to the book of. Metals of the book of mormon brigham young university. The bible is not a book but a collection of 66 books, written over a span of 1600 years across 3 continents, by over 40 writers inspired by god in 3 languages yet it has one primary theme the glory of god and salvat. On nephis steel bow by common consent, a mormon blog. Steel is an alloy that was not known to the ancients. May 05, 2007 many christians refuse to even consider the book of mormon because of what they consider, a lack of archeological evidence to support its setting and events. Every so often i come across an argument against the book of mormon that i feel i have to respond to in some way. Steel is only mentioned at the very beginning of the book. Mormon challenges no brass, iron or steel used in book.
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