The Book of Mormon
Two videos featuring Church leaders have been created to counter critics' objections to the Book of Mormon. The first video is titled "Testimony of the Book of Mormon" by Elder Holland, while the second one is called "The Book of Mormon - Man Made or God Given" by Elder Tad R Callister. From our standpoint, both of these videos are the most compelling discussions that address critics' common allegations concerning the Book of Mormon:
"Because the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion, the church rises or falls on the truth of it. If the Book of Mormon can be proven to be man-made, then the church is man-made. But, if the book is God-given, then Joseph Smith was a prophet, and if he was a prophet, then the Church is true. It is that simple."
- Tad R Callister
Book of Mormon Anachronisms
An anachronism is an object or concept that is out of place in its time period, lacking historical accuracy. Critics of the Book of Mormon have claimed that it is riddled with anachronisms, including references to items that would not have existed during the Book of Mormon's time frame. However, 83% of the alleged anachronisms pointed out by critics have been debunked by recent archaeological findings. For further information, please refer to the links below
Anachronisms are disproved as archeology finds additional discoveries. Since 1966, 81% of the critics' accusations of anachronisms have been found in archeology by 2019. Only 19% remain. Red = still outstanding. Green = resolved.
Book of Mormon Archeology
There are two prevailing theories about the geography of the Book of Mormon: the Mesoamerican theory, which posits that archaeological evidence for the book will be found in Central and South America, and the Heartland theory, which suggests that such evidence will be found in North America. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not taken an official stance on the geographic location of the Book of Mormon's lands. I will provide links for both theories, and you can make your own determination
MesoAmerican Theory
Heartland Theory
Book of Mormon and DNA
Critics commonly point out that DNA found from the American Indian is from Asia, not the middle east. That is true. However, assumptions that proves the Book of Mormon false are heavily flawed. DNA is a very complex study, and one would have to make some foolhardy assumptions to conclude DNA can prove the Book of Mormon false. DNA is a topic that is covered by the Gospel Topic Essays, found here
Changes to the Book of Mormon
Most critics take issue with changes that have occured to the Book of Mormon since it was first published, suggesting that if the book were pubished by the power of God, it would not need to have mistakes corrected, including grammar and punctuation. However, that idea is not realistic. The typesetter for the Book of Mormon (who was not a member) determined punctuation. However, even the title page of the Book of Mormon addresses this: "And now, if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found blameless at the judgement-seat of Christ"
Translation of the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon Copywrite in Canada
In early 1830, as the Book of Mormon was at press, Joseph Smith sent some trusted agents to Canada to secure the copyright to the Book of Mormon in that country and throughout the British Commonwealth. The trip, however, was unsuccessful. The recently rediscovered text of the revelation behind this episode and additional historical and legal evidence provides context to this often neglected but important incident in the early history of the Restoration.