Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church/Index


A work by author: Dr. Simon G. Southerton

Index to claims made in Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church

This is an index of claims made in this work with links to corresponding responses within the FAIR Wiki. An effort has been made to provide the author's original sources where possible.

Introduction

Page Claim Response Use of sources
xiii The Book of Mormon talks primarily of a small group of Jews who sailed from Jerusalem in 600 B.C. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence—What are we looking for?
  • No specific verse given. This is an incorrect statement.—Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh, and was not a Jew, however, author later makes the correct statement regarding Lehi's ancestry on page 5.
xiii Mormons believe that the dark skinned race constitutes the principal ancestors of the American Indians Are the Lamanites the principal ancestors of the American Indians?
  • This is based upon a phrase added in the 1981 introduction to the Book of Mormon.
  • The 1830 Book of Mormon contains no such claim.
xiv Joseph Smith claimed that the Book of Mormon was the most correct book on earth. Book of Mormon as the most correct book
  • No source given.
  • The common source for this statement is History of The Church 4:461
xiv The Israelites are said to have arrived in a land kept from the knowledge of other nations. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Demographics
xiv There is no mention of any non-Israelite people in the New World. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • None given.
xiv The Book of Mormon describes the farming of Old World domesticated plants. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Plants
  • None given.
xiv The Book of Mormon mentions horse, oxen, cattle and goats in the New World. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Animals
  • None given.
xv Little has been discovered to support the civilizations described in the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon archaeology
  • No specific sources.
  • General reference to "anthropologists and archaeologists."
xv The Church employs academics to professionally defend the Book of Mormon. Does the Church employ or pay LDS apologists?
  • None given.
  • This is an accusation frequently made on anti-Mormon discussion boards.
xv The weight of evidence has forced LDS scholars to scale back the scope of the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence—Geography issues
  • None given.

Chapter 1: A Chosen Race in a Promised Land

Page Claim Response Use of sources
3 Attempts to describe Mormon doctrine are "fraught with peril." Changing doctrine
  • Author's opinion.
3 Reversals of doctrine regarding polygamy and regarding Blacks and the priesthood were "painful and damaging" to the Church. Changing doctrine
  • Author's opinion.
  • No examples of the "pain" and "damage" are provided.
4 The idea that the words of living prophets supersede the words of dead prophets has been "recently" promoted. Changing doctrine
  • No source given.
4 Mormon doctrine is "fluid and changeable." Changing doctrine
  • No source given.
7-8 The Nephites raise "herds of cattle, goats and horses." Book of Mormon anachronisms—Animals
  • No source given.
8 The Nephites raise Old World wheat and barley. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Plants
  • No source given.
8 The Nephites construct a temple that is "similar in splendor" to Solomon's. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Temple in New World
8 The Nephites are skilled in the use of metals such as iron, copper, brass, gold and silver. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Metals
  • No source given.
8 The Nephites use steel to fashion swords, breastplates, and arm and head shields. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Metals—Swords
  • No source given.
8 The Nephites built defensive mounds around their cities. Book of Mormon and warfare—Fortifications
  • No source given.
8 The Lamanites vastly outnumber the Nephites. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Demographics
  • No source given.
8 The Book of Mormon links the color of a person's skin to morality. Blacks and the priesthood—LDS scriptures
9 The Book of Mormon promotes the view that the "white race" is superior. Blacks and the priesthood—LDS scriptures
  • No source given.
10 In 1966 the Book of Abraham papyri were discovered. Book of Abraham papyri
  • Larson, By His Own Hand upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyri, 1992
10 The translation of the papyri does not resemble the Book of Abraham. Book of Abraham—Book of the Dead
  • Larson, 1992
10 The denial of the priesthood to the Blacks was based upon the Book of Abraham. Blacks and the priesthood—Origin of the priesthood ban
  • No source given.
10-11 The Church publicly taught racist principles in the 1950's. Racist statements by Church leaders
  • Mark E. Petersen, "Race Problems—As They Affect the Church," Talk given at Brigham Young University on Aug. 27, 1954
11 The 1978 revelation allowing all men to hold the priesthood came in response to "public pressure." Blacks and the priesthood—Social pressure
  • No source given.
12 Many General Authorities believed that the priesthood prohibition would remain in place until Christ's return. Blacks and the priesthood
  • No source given.
12 Passages in the Book of Mormon were rewritten to "tone down references to skin color." Book of Mormon textual changes—"white" changed to "pure"
12 LDS scripture states that those with lighter skin color "are favored because of what they did as spirits in a pre-earth life." Blacks and the priesthood—Pre-existence
  • No source given.

Chapter 2: Race Relations in Colonial America

Page Claim Response Use of sources
17 A similarity exists between the degraded Lamanites and the Native Americans of the 19th Century. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • Brodie, No Man Knows My History, 1971.
22 The Book of Mormon portrays the Lamanites as naked, head shaven, tent dwelling, arrow wielding and idle, similar to stereotypical perceptions of the Native Americans at the time. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • No source given.
27 Joseph Smith "fell under the spell of the mounds and could not resist the lure of buried riches." Book of Mormon and the Mound Builders
  • Silverberg, The Mound Builders, 1968.
  • Vogel, 1986, 1994.
  • Brodie, No Man Knows My History, 1971.
27 Joseph Smith used a "seer stone" or "peep stone" to search for buried treasure. Joseph Smith and seer stones
  • No source given.
27 Joseph Smith was charged with being "disorderly" for his money digging activities in 1826. Joseph Smith's 1826 glasslooking trial
  • No source given.
28 Scholars have "concluded" that Joseph Smith was inspired by View of the Hebrews. Book of Mormon and View of the Hebrews
  • Persuitte, 2000.
28 The New World history in View of the Hebrews "shares close parallels with the plot of the Book of Mormon." Book of Mormon and View of the Hebrews
  • Ethan Smith, View of the Hebrews, 1825.
29 Joseph Smith was inspired by the myths surrounding the Moundbuilders in writing the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon and the Mound Builders
  • Brodie, No Man Knows My History, 1971.
30 Joseph "likely" added the story of the Jaredites to account for how animals arrived in the New World after the Flood. Story of Jaredites added to explain presence of animals in New World

Chapter 3: Lamanites in the Latter Days

Page Claim Response Use of sources
37 Mormonism does not assign value to native cultures, their histories or mythologies. Mormonism and native cultural traditions
  • No source given.
37 The Lamanite "family" has expanded to include Native Americans and Polynesians. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • Gospel Principles, 1997, p. 268.
38 The patriarchal blessings of Native Americans and Polynesians often state that they are of the tribe of Manasseh (through Lehi). Polynesians as Lamanites
38-39 Modern day prophets repeatedly declare Native Americans and Polynesians to be descendents of Lehi. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, Mar. 13, 1999. (Colonia Juarez Chihuahua Temple dedication)
  • James E. Faust, Church News, Mar. 18, 2000. (Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico Temple dedication)
  • Thomas S. Monson, Church News, May 27, 2000. (Villahermosa Mexico Temple dedication)
  • Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, Aug. 7, 1999. (Guayaquil Ecuador Temple dedication)
  • Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, May 13, 2000. (Cochabamba Bolivia Temple dedication)
40 The Church believed that Lamanites who accepted the Gospel would become light-skinned. Lamanite curse
  • 3 Nephi 2꞉14-16
  • Spencer W. Kimball, "The Day of the Lamanites," The Improvement Era, December 1960, 922-923.
41 A general authority claimed that the writings of Ixtlilxochitl corroborated the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon geography/Statements
  • Milton R. Hunter, sometime in the 1960's.
42 Most Mormons are unaware that the New World has been continuously inhabited for 14,000 years. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.
42 The New World shows no sign of having experienced a universal flood. Global or local Flood
  • No source given.
42 The Church employs apologists to defend the "myths" surrounding the Book of Mormon. Apologetics
  • No source given.
43 Members are encouraged not to try and determine where the Book of Mormon occurred. Book of Mormon geography
  • No source given.
45 Church leaders "seem reluctant or powerless to curtail" the belief among Mesoamerican and South American saints that they are descendents of the Lamanites. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • Author's opinion.

Chapter 4: The Lamanites of Polynesia

Page Claim Response Use of sources
47 The assumption that Polynesians are descendents of Lehi is the "most precarious" belief taken from the Book of Mormon. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • No source given.
47 "Mormon folklore" suggests that Hagoth colonized the Pacific. Polynesians as Lamanites
48 George Q. Cannon taught the Polynesians that they were descendents of the Israelites. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • Scott G. Kenny, "Mormons and the Smallpox Epidemic of 1853," The Hawaiian Journal of History, 31:1-26 (1997).
49 Brigham Young stated in 1958 that the Polynesians were descendents of Abraham. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • Norman Douglas, "The Sons of Lehi and the Seed of Cain: Racial Myths in Mormon Scripture and Their Relevance to the Pacific Islands," Journal of Religious History, 8:90-104 (1974).
49 The "curse was redefined" to apply only to people of African descent. Blacks and the priesthood
  • No source given.
52 Words spoken in General Conference are considered to be "akin" to scripture. General authorities' statements as scripture
  • No source given.
54 Spencer W. Kimball and Heber J. Grant believed that the islanders were descendents of Lehi. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • Spencer W. Kimball, "First Presidency Message: Our Paths Have Met Again," Ensign, 5:2-7 (1975)

Chapter 6: Science and the First Americans

Page Claim Response Use of sources
83 LDS Scholars frequently associate the Olmec and Maya with the Jaredite and Nephite civilizations. Amerindians as Lamanites—Maya and Olmec
  • No source given.

Chapter 9: The Outcasts of Israel

Page Claim Response Use of sources
120 We should expect the common culture, history and ancestry to be revealed in the genes of the lost 10 tribes and those of the kingdom of Judah if they are actually related. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.
128-129 The Lemba can be genetically tied to the line of Aaron. Lemba and Cohen modal haplotype
  • Webber Ndoro, "Great Zimbabwe," Scientific American, Nov. 1997, 62-67.
  • Tudor Parfitt, Journey to the Vanished City: The Search for a Lost Tribe of Israel, 1997.
  • Thomas, et al., "Y Chromosomes Traveling South: The Cohen Modal Haplotype and the Origins of the Lemba 'Black Jews of Southern Africa'," American Journal of Human Genetics 66:674-86 (2000).
  • Ezra 2꞉35
129 In Mesoamerica, there is no genetic support for European lineages. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.

Chapter 10: The Lord's University

Page Claim Response Use of sources
135 Mormons believe that if there is a conflict between science and religion, that the science is incorrect. Mormonism and science
  • McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1979. No page number given.
135-136 Mormonism reserves the right to identify scientific truth. Mormonism and science
  • No sources provided.
136 Mormonism declares that it "corners the market" on religious truth. Salvation of non-members
136 Joseph Smith declared that all other religions were false. "Joseph Smith said that all churches were wrong, and that they were an 'abomination' in God's sight. Doesn't that sound bigoted?"
136 LDS think that all other religions are the "whore of the earth" and "church of the devil" Whore of the earth
136 The current generation of Mormons is taught a selective view of Church history Censorship and revision of LDS history
  • Boyd K. Packer, "The Mantle is Far, Far Greater than the Intellect," BYU Studies, 21:259 (1981)
137 Many church members are "blissfully unaware" of Brigham Young's practice of polygamy Brigham Young and polygamy
  • Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 1997
137 Senior church leaders prefer that members not question changes in temple ordinances. Temple endowment changes
  • No sources given.
138 LDS ecclesiastical leaders expect "unquestioning obedience" of church members. Authoritarianism and Church leaders
  • No sources given.
139 The Church "unofficially" discourages prayer to "Mother in Heaven" Heavenly Mother
  • AAUP Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure. 1998. "Report of Committee A," Academe: Bulletin of the American Association of University Professors. Sept./Oct.: 71-4.
140 Church leaders are "loath" to make unequivocal statements of doctrine. Changing doctrine
  • No sources given.
140 BYU's emphasis is on conformity rather than personal freedom. Authoritarianism and Church leaders
  • Student Honor Code, Brigham Young University
141 CES insists that gospel learning takes precedence over secular learning. Mormonism and education  [needs work]
  • The only sources referred to are "parents."
142 Limited geography theories advanced by FARMS are "much too controversial" for CES students Book of Mormon geography/New World/Limited Geography Theory
  • No sources given.
142 Spencer W. Kimball believed in a hemispheric Book of Mormon geography Amerindians as Lamanites#Talking past each other?
  • A talk by President Kimball given in 1977 (not listed in "Works Cited" section)
142 Church members are shocked at the "limited archaeological evidence" for the Book of Mormon Book of Mormon archeology
  • No sources given.
143 LDS apologists continue to tell members how "scientists continue to get it wrong." Apologetics
  • No sources given.
143 Most members follow their leaders without question. Authoritarianism and Church leaders
  • No sources given.
143 LDS theology supports a literal interpretation of the creation of man. Mormonism and science
  • No sources given.
143 LDS theology supports a literal interpretation of the tower of Babel. Mormonism and science  [needs work]
  • No sources given.
143 LDS theology supports a literal interpretation of the Flood Global or local Flood
  • No sources given.
143-144 The perception is that the Church has officially denounced evolution. Evolution
  • McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1979.
  • Boyd K. Packer, "Our Moral Environment," Ensign, May 1992, p. 66. (This talk does not specifically mention the theory of evolution - Packer is stating that we are not simply "advanced animals," which the author includes in his quote.)
146 The Garden of Eden was in Jackson County, Missouri Garden of Eden in Missouri?
146 Mormons believe that the continents separated only after a global flood. Global or local Flood  [needs work]
146 Mormons are "compelled" to believe in a global flood as symbolizing the "baptism of the earth" Global or local Flood
  • No sources given.
148 FARMS' goal is to deter members from reading any book that challenges their faith Does the Church discourage reading critical material?
  • The author states that this is an "obvious" conclusion.

Chapter 11: Plausible Geography

Page Claim Response Use of sources
153 B.H. Roberts' manuscripts "Book of Mormon Difficulties" and "A Book of Mormon Study" were "clearly intended for publication." B.H. Roberts and "Studies of the Book of Mormon"  [needs work]
  • Brigham H. Roberts, Studies of the Book of Mormon, 2nd edition, 1992.
153 Roberts' concluded that a 19th-century origin for the Book of Mormon was "entirely plausible" Book of Mormon and View of the Hebrews
  • Brigham H. Roberts, Studies of the Book of Mormon, 2nd edition, 1992.
154 LDS scholars have made a "steady retraction" of claims regarding the scale of the Nephite/Lamanite presence since the 1920's. Book of Mormon geography/New World/Limited Geography Theory
  • No source given.
156 All Church presidents, General Authorities and "most church members" have believed in a hemispheric Book of Mormon geography Book of Mormon geography/Statements
156 The Book of Mormon states that the Lamanites are "the principal ancestors of the American Indians" Are the Lamanites the principal ancestors of the American Indians?
  • 1981 introduction to the Book of Mormon.
156 A hemispheric geography most closely aligns with an "uncontrived" reading of the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon geography/New World/Hemispheric Geography Theory
  • Author's opinion.
159 Moroni makes no mention of traveling from Central America to New York in the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon geography/New World/Limited Geography Theory/Plates to New York
  • John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon, 1985.
160 There is no indication that the Book of Mormon people came in contact with others in the land. Book of Mormon anachronisms/Demographics
  • Brigham H. Roberts, Studies of the Book of Mormon, 2nd edition, 1992.
  • John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon, 1985.
163 The shrinking of Book of Mormon geographical models corresponds with the growing research showing that ancient Americans came from Asia. Book of Mormon geography/New World/Limited Geography Theory
  • No source given.
164 A limited Book of Mormon setting is at odds with "a straightforward reading" of the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon geography/New World/Limited Geography Theory
  • Author's opinion.
164 The limited Book of Mormon setting contradicts D&C 54:8 Book of Mormon geography/Borders of the Lamanites

Chapter 12: Faith Promoting Science

Page Claim Response Use of sources
168 LDS scholars believe that Mayan cities are prime candidates for where Lehi's people lived. Amerindians as Lamanites—Maya and Olmec
  • No source given.
168 The Jaredites are usually identified as the Olmec Amerindians as Lamanites—Maya and Olmec
  • No source given.
168 Joseph Smith declared the city of Palenque was a Nephite city, but modern scholarship indicates this city wasn't built until 600 A.D. Book of Mormon geography—Statements—15 Sept. 1842: Speculation that Palenque is a Nephite city
  • No source given by the author.
  • The statement made by the author about Palenque is incorrect. The earliest recorded ruler was K'uk Balam (Quetzal Jaguar), who governed Palenque for four years starting in the year 431 A.D.
  • Pottery shards show that Palenque was occupied as early as 300 B.C.
  • If one assumes, as Joseph apparently did, that Palenque was indeed a Nephite city, and knowing as we do now the tendency for Mesoamerican conquering rulers to destroy the monuments or records of previous ones, it would not at all be surprising to see the record go back only to the time that the Lamanites conquered the Nephites (approximately 400 - 420 A.D.).
  • A known reference to Joseph's statement about Palenque is Joseph Smith (editor), "Extract from Stephens' 'Incidents of Travel in Central America'," Times and Seasons 3 no. 22 (15 September 1842), 915. off-site GospeLink
168 The history of Book of Mormon archaeology is "littered with apostacy" Book of Mormon geography—Apostacy  [needs work]
  • Michael D. Coe, "Mormons and Archaeology: An Outside View," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 8:40-48 (1973).
172 There is no evidence of iron or steel smelting in the ancient New World Book of Mormon anachronisms—Metals—Iron
  • Michael D. Coe et al., Atlas of Ancient America (1986).
172 There were no wheeled vehicles in ancient America Book of Mormon anachronisms—Chariots  [needs work]
  • No source given.
172 There were no draft animals to pull wheeled vehicles Book of Mormon anachronisms—Animals—Horse
  • No source given.
172 There are no archaeological remains of wheat or barley in Mesoamerica. The barley found in Arizona doesn't count because it was only in a limited region. Book of Mormon anachronisms—Plants—Barley
  • No source given.
173 Deer or tapir were never ridden by Native Americans, therefore they could not be the "horses" referred to in the Book of Mormon Book of Mormon anachronisms/Animals
  • No source given.
  • The Book of Mormon never refers to horses being ridden by the Nephites.
173 Dee Green said in 1973 that Book of Mormon archaeology does not exist Book of Mormon archaeology  [needs work]
  • Dee F. Green, "Book of Mormon Archaeology: The Myths and the Alternatives," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 4:71-80 (1973).
175 "Book of Mormon archaeology" has yielded little credible evidence Book of Mormon archaeology
  • John E. Clark, "Book of Mormon Geography," Encyclopedia of Mormonism (1992).
  • Hugh W. Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon (1964).
  • Hugh W. Nibley, Lehi in the Desert: The World of the Jaredites; There Were Jaredites, (1988).
  • Bruce W. Warren, Review of F. Richard Hauck, Deciphering the Geography of the Book of Mormon: Settlements and Routes in Ancient America, and John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon in BYU Studies 30:127 (1990).
  • David J. Johnson, "Archaeology" Encyclopedia of Mormonism (1992).
176 The Smithsonian issues a statement that discredits the Book of Mormon Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology
  • Smithsonian Institution.
177 LDS apologists claim that the simplification of the Smithsonian statement indicates that the original statement is now inconsistent with the current knowledge of Mesoamerican archaeology Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology
  • Sorenson critique, 1995.
177 There is little evidence of a cultural link between Polynesia and the Americas. A linguistic link between a South American variety and Polynesian variety of sweet potato is not yet explained. Polynesians as Lamanites
  • No source given.

Chapter 13: LDS Molecular Apologetics

Page Claim Response Use of sources
180 Most Mormons have had their ancestors posthumously "baptized into the Mormon faith." Baptism for the dead
  • No source given.
181 The Molecular Genealogy Foundation may reveal disconcerting "surprises" in LDS family trees that trace back to "well known polygamists" in the early church. Joseph Smith and polygamy/Children of polygamous marriages
  • Author's opinion that the project may reveal embarrassing information about the descendants of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders through plural wives.
184 The Indian Student Placement Program was an attempt to turn them "white and delightsome." Lamanite curse
  • Thomas Murphy, doctoral thesis.
184 "Mormon folklore" claims that Native Americans and Polynesians carry a curse based upon "misdeeds on the part of their ancestors." Lamanite curse
  • Thomas W. Murphy and Simon G. Southerton. 2003. "Genetic Research: A 'Galileo Event' for Mormons," Anthropology News, 44:20.
185-186 In response to the DNA issue, the Church linked to an article written by Jeff Lindsey, "a chemical engineer with no professional training in DNA research." Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
186 LDS scientists have responded to DNA findings by claiming that it would be improbable to find evidence of an Israelite presence in the Americas. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
186 LDS writers claim that the presence of other people in the Americas actually supports "careful readings of the Book of Mormon." Amerindians as Lamanites
  • Daniel C. Peterson, "Editor's Introduction," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): ix–lxii. off-site
  • Matthew Roper, "Nephi's Neighbors: Book of Mormon Peoples and Pre-Columbian Populations," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 91–128. off-site
186 LDS scholars "have come to the conclusion" that Book of Mormon populations comprised a very small part of a much larger group of people on the continent. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • Daniel C. Peterson, "Editor's Introduction," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): ix–lxii. off-site
187 LDS suggest that it would impossible to use DNA technology to identify a small local colony of individuals. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • D. Jeffrey Meldrum and Trent D. Stephens, "Who Are the Children of Lehi?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [38–51] link
188 It is not likely that "founders effect" or "genetic drift" would "completely frustrate the identification of Israelite DNA in the Americas." Amerindians as Lamanites
  • No source given.
188 The Book of Mormon states that the Lehite/Mulekite groups were both descended from Jewish ancestors Book of Mormon and DNA evidence#General genetics issues
  • No source given.
190 The Lemba prove that it is possible to detect Middle Eastern genes in a foreign environment Lemba and Cohen modal haplotype
  • John L. Sorenson, "The Problematic Role of DNA Testing in Unraveling Human History," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 9/2 (2000). [66–74] link
190 Church leaders have consistently associated Lamanites with Central America. Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography
  • Whiting, 2003b.
191 The Mayan Empire is considered by Mormons to the closest to the people of the Book of Mormon. Amerindians as Lamanites—Maya and Olmec
  • No source specified.
191 There is too much genetic variation in the X lineage to account for Book of Mormon people to have arrived as recently as 2600 years ago. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence/Geography issues/Haplotype X2a
  • Brown, et al., 1998.
192 The X lineage occurs in North America and is not found in Central America. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence/Geography issues/Haplotype X2a
  • Hauswirth et al., 1994
  • Ribeiro-dos-Santo et al., 1996
192 LDS writers have overlooked the fact that Mitochondrial DNA research shows that 99.6% of Native Americans migrated to the American continent thousands of years before the Israelites came into existence, and none of these are candidates for Israelite origin. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.
192 The remaining 0.4% is likely the result of genetic mixture with people who came to the New World after Columbus Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • Author's conclusion.
193 LDS scholars claim that the impact of Book of Mormon immigrants to the New World made an impact "so small that they barely mattered." Amerindians as Lamanites
  • No source given.
193 A great number of Native Americans are now assumed to have been absorbed into New World Israelite civilizations. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • No source given.
193 "Other people" in the Book of Mormon have "remained invisible" to most readers. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • No source given.
193-194 "Gentiles who inhabited the Americas before, during and after the Book of Mormon period are potential Lamanites." Amerindians as Lamanites
  • 2 Nephi 1꞉5
  • John L. Sorenson and Matthew Roper, "Before DNA," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [6–23] link
  • D. Jeffrey Meldrum and Trent D. Stephens, "Who Are the Children of Lehi?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [38–51] link
195 The children of Lehi were to be "kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves." Amerindians as Lamanites
195 There are no explicit references to non-Israelites living near the Lehites or Jaredites. Amerindians as Lamanites
  • Brent L. Metcalf, "Reinventing Lamanite Identity," Sunstone, 131:20-25 (2004).
195 Five hundred years after their arrival, groups were still identified as having descended from Laman, Lemuel, Ishmael, etc. Book of Mormon tribal affiliations  [needs work]
196 Familial terms used in the Book of Mormon imply a genetic link. Book of Mormon tribal affiliations  [needs work]
197 Joseph Smith and other leaders taught that the Book of Mormon described the origins of the Indians in the western hemisphere. Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography
  • Matthew Roper, "Nephi's Neighbors: Book of Mormon Peoples and Pre-Columbian Populations," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 91–128. off-site
  • Matthew Roper, "Swimming the Gene Pool: Israelite Kinship Relations, Genes, and Genealogy," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 129–164. off-site
197 Mormons "tend to be hazy" regarding what past Church leaders have said regarding geography. Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography
  • No source given.

Chapter 14: Moving the Spirit

Page Claim Response Use of sources
199 No Semitic languages have been found in the New World. Hebrew and Native American languages
  • No source given.
199 No wheeled chariots or horses to pull them have been found in the New World Horses in the Book of Mormon
  • No source given.
199 No swords or steel have been found in the New World Steel in the Book of Mormon
  • No source given.
200 The Israelites of the Book of Mormon made no noticeable contribution to the native gene pool in the New World or in Polynesia Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.
200 Many LDS are disquieted by "how far the Book of Mormon is from reality" Book of Mormon historicity
  • No source given.
200 Many LDS are disquieted by "how far the apologists have strayed from traditional Mormon beliefs" Apologetics
  • No source given.
201 A supposition that the Church has a history of ancient America may some day be de-emphasized Book of Mormon historicity
  • Brent L. Metcalf, New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology (1993).
  • Mark D. Thomas, Digging in Cumorah: Reclaiming Book of Mormon Narratives (1999).
202 A limited Book of Mormon setting has "not been granted the church's official blessing in any way." Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography
  • No source given.
202 The general membership would not believe a limited Book of Mormon geography Book of Mormon limited geography theory
  • Author's opinion.
202 Millions of Mormons believe that Lehi stands at the head of their own family pedigrees. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.
202 The work of LDS apologists is not discussed in any public forum sponsored by the Church. Apologetics
  • No source given.
202-203 The genetic support for an Israelite presence in the New World is "slim to none" Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • Author's conclusion based upon preceding chapters.
203 Apologists are unable to find an Israelite genetic signature in the islands of the Pacific Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • Author's conclusion based upon preceding chapters.
203 Apologists are unable to find an Israelite genetic signature in Central America Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • Author's conclusion based upon preceding chapters.
203 Apologists have chosen to reinterpret the statements of modern prophets regarding Book of Mormon geography Book of Mormon limited geography theory
  • No source given.
203 Most Mormons believe that Adam and Eve were placed on the Earth 6000 years ago. Evolution
  • No source given.
203 Most Mormons believe that the Earth was re-colonized after the Flood Global or local Flood
  • No source given.
203 LDS apologists need to explain how people have lived in Australia and the New World separately for tens of thousands of years without evidence of a global flood having disturbed them Global or local Flood
  • Author's opinion.
203 BYU professors have been "compelled to shrink the scale of the assumed Israelite incursion into the Americas" Book of Mormon limited geography theory
  • No source given.
204 In 1938 Joseph Fielding Smith opposed a limited geography for the Book of Mormon. Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography
  • Unspecified statement by Joseph Fielding Smith in 1938.
204 The youth of the Church have been assured that the Smithsonian uses the Book of Mormon to guide their research Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology
  • No source given.
204 The Book of Mormon depicts the settlement of an area of the world that was previously unpopulated. Book of Mormon demographics
  • No source given.
205 General Authorities tell members in certain areas of the world that they are the offspring of Lehi. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • Author's conclusion based on preceding chapters.
205 The Church disregards people's own cultural history and local mythologies. Mormonism and native cultural traditions
  • No source given.
205 The Church does not officially endorse apologetic scholarship Apologetics
  • No source given.
205 The Church officially tells members not to attempt to link the Book of Mormon to any geographical location Is there an "official" or revealed geography?
  • No source given.
206 There is no evidence of a Hebrew influence in Mesoamerica. Hebrew and Native American languages
  • Author's conclusion.
206 LDS apologists believe that the "miniscule Lehite colony" had no lasting impact on the Americas. Book of Mormon and DNA evidence
  • No source given.
206 LDS apologists are cut off from the larger church community because of differences in their beliefs. Apologetics
  • No source given.
206-207 The General Authorities have not found a way to detach or reinterpret the Book of Mormon from real history Book of Mormon historicity
  • Author's opinion.
207 The Church takes a "dim view" of scientists and intellectuals. Excommunication of scholars
  • No source given.

Further reading

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{{To learn more box:responses to: 8: The Mormon Proposition}} To learn more box:responses to: 8: The Mormon Proposition edit
{{To learn more box:''Under the Banner of Heaven''}} To learn more about responses to: Under the Banner of Heaven edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Robert Price}} To learn more about responses to: Robert Price edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Ankerberg and Weldon}} To learn more about responses to: Ankerberg and Weldon edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Ashamed of Joseph}} To learn more about responses to: Ashamed of Joseph edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Beckwith and Moser}} To learn more about responses to: Beckwith and Moser edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Beckwith and Parrish}} To learn more about responses to: Beckwith and Parrish edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Benjamin Park}} To learn more about responses to: Benjamin Park edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Bible versus Joseph Smith}} To learn more about responses to: Bible versus Joseph Smith edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Bible versus Book of Mormon}} To learn more about responses to: Bible versus Book of Mormon edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: ''Big Love''}} To learn more about responses to: Big Love edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Brett Metcalfe}} To learn more about responses to: Brett Metcalfe edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Bill Maher}} To learn more about responses to: Bill Maher edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Bruce H. Porter}} To learn more about responses to: Bruce H. Porter edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Carol Wang Shutter}} To learn more about responses to: Carol Wang Shutter edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: CES Letter}} To learn more about responses to: CES Letter edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Charles Larson}} To learn more about responses to: Charles Larson edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Christopher Nemelka}} To learn more about responses to: Christopher Nemelka edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Colby Townshed}} To learn more about responses to: Colby Townshed edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Contender Ministries}} To learn more about responses to: Contender Ministries edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Crane and Crane}} To learn more about responses to: Crane and Crane edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: D. Michael Quinn}} To learn more about responses to: D. Michael Quinn edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Dan Vogel}} To learn more about responses to: Dan Vogel edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: David John Buerger}} To learn more about responses to: David John Buerger edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: David Persuitte}} To learn more about responses to: David Persuitte edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Denver Snuffer}} To learn more about responses to: Denver Snuffer edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Dick Bauer}} To learn more about responses to: Dick Bauer edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Duwayne R Anderson}} To learn more about responses to: Duwayne R Anderson edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Earl Wunderli}} To learn more about responses to: Earl Wunderli edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Ed Decker}} To learn more about responses to: Ed Decker edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Erikson and Giesler}} To learn more about responses to: Erikson and Giesler edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Ernest Taves}} To learn more about responses to: Ernest Taves edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Fawn Brodie}} To learn more about responses to: Fawn Brodie edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: George D Smith}} To learn more about responses to: George D Smith edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Grant Palmer}} To learn more about responses to: Grant Palmer edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Hank Hanegraaff}} To learn more about responses to: Hank Hanegraaff edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Hurlbut-Howe}} To learn more about responses to: Hurlbut-Howe edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: James Brooke}} To learn more about responses to: James Brooke edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: James Spencer}} To learn more about responses to: James Spencer edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: James White}} To learn more about responses to: James White edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Jerald and Sandra Tanner}} To learn more about responses to: Jerald and Sandra Tanner edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Jesus Christ-Joseph Smith or Search for the Truth DVD}} To learn more about responses to: Jesus Christ-Joseph Smith or Search for the Truth DVD edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: John Dehlin}} To learn more about responses to: John Dehlin edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Jonathan Neville}} To learn more about responses to: Jonathan Neville edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Kurt Van Gorden}} To learn more about responses to: Kurt Van Gorden edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Laura King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery}} To learn more about responses to: Laura King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Loftes Tryk aka Lofte Payne}} To learn more about responses to: Loftes Tryk aka Lofte Payne edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Luke WIlson}} To learn more about responses to: Luke WIlson edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Marquardt and Walters}} To learn more about responses to: Marquardt and Walters edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Martha Beck}} To learn more about responses to: Martha Beck edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Mcgregor Ministries}} To learn more about responses to: Mcgregor Ministries edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: McKeever and Johnson}} To learn more about responses to: McKeever and Johnson edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: New Approaches}} To learn more about responses to: New Approaches to the Book of Mormon edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Richard Abanes}} To learn more about responses to: Richard Abanes edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Richard Van Wagoner}} To learn more about responses to: Richard Van Wagoner edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Richard and Joan Ostling}} To learn more about responses to: Richard and Joan Ostling edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Rick Grunger}} To learn more about responses to: Rick Grunger edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Robert Ritner}} To learn more about responses to: Robert Ritner edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Rod Meldrum}} To learn more about responses to: Rod Meldrum edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Roger I Anderson}} To learn more about responses to: Roger I Anderson edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Ronald V. Huggins}} To learn more about responses to: Ronald V. Huggins edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Sally Denton}} To learn more about responses to: Sally Denton edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Simon Southerton}} To learn more about responses to: Simon Southerton edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Thomas Murphy}} To learn more about responses to: Thomas Murphy edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Todd Compton}} To learn more about responses to: Todd Compton edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Vernal Holley}} To learn more about responses to: Vernal Holley edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Walter Martin}} To learn more about responses to: Walter Martin edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Wesley Walters}} To learn more about responses to: Wesley Walters edit
{{To learn more box:responses to: Will Bagley}} To learn more about responses to: Will Bagley edit


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