Monthly Archives: February 2023

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Cartoon representing Two centuries of Book of Mormon Historicity Debates from Sunstone Article. Two Centuries of Book of Mormon Historicity Debates 19th Century: Mormons use Native American and Mesoamerican ruins as evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations. Early 20th Century: Skeptics point out anachronisms in the Book of Mormon such as wheels and horses. Apologists search for archeological evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations. Mid-20th Century: The original Book of Abraham papyrus is discovered to actually be a funerary text, helping to throw more doubt on the ancient origins of the Book of Mormon. Orthodox scholars propose a "limited geography" of the Book of Mormon. Orthodox scholars begin looking for "Old World" parallels to the Book of Mormon. Late 20th Century: The LDS Church disciplines revisionist scholars. President Ezra Taft Benson's focus on the Book of Mormon initiates more scholarly attention and anti-Mormon polemics. FARMS counters attacks on the Book of Mormon. Early 21st Century: DNA studies seem to rule out Israelitish ancestry of Native Americans. The Internet spawns an explosion of critical and apologetic material.
Sunstone Article: Two Centuries of Book of Mormon Historicity Debates 19th Century: Mormons use Native American and Mesoamerican ruins as evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations. Early 20th Century: Skeptics point out anachronisms in the Book of Mormon such as wheels and horses. Apologists search for archeological evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations. Mid-20th Century: The original Book of Abraham papyrus is discovered to actually be a funerary text, helping to throw more doubt on the ancient origins of the Book of Mormon. Orthodox scholars propose a "limited geography" of the Book of Mormon. Orthodox scholars begin looking for "Old World" parallels to the Book of Mormon. Late 20th Century: The LDS Church disciplines revisionist scholars. President Ezra Taft Benson's focus on the Book of Mormon initiates more scholarly attention and anti-Mormon polemics. FARMS counters attacks on the Book of Mormon. Early 21st Century: DNA studies seem to rule out Israelitish ancestry of Native Americans. The Internet spawns an explosion of critical and apologetic material.
If after a rigid examination, it be found an imposition, it should be extensively published as such; the evidence and arguments on which the imposture was detected, should be clearly and logically stated, that those who have been sincerely yet unfortunately deceived may perceive the nature of the deception and be reclaimed, and that those who continue to publish the delusion, may be silenced.
If after a rigid examination, it be found an imposition, it should be extensively published as such; the evidence and arguments on which the imposture was detected, should be clearly and logically stated, that those who have been sincerely yet unfortunately deceived may perceive the nature of the deception and be reclaimed, and that those who continue to publish the delusion, may be silenced.
If false, [The Book of Mormon] is one of most cunning, wicked, bold, deep-laid impositions ever palmed upon the world, calculated to deceive and ruin millions who will sincerely receive it as the word of God, and will suppose themselves securely built upon the rock of truth until they are with their families into hopeless despair. - Orson Pratt, Mormon Apostle
If false, [The Book of Mormon] is one of most cunning, wicked, bold, deep-laid impositions ever palmed upon the world, calculated to deceive and ruin millions who will sincerely receive it as the word of God, and will suppose themselves securely built upon the rock of truth until they are with their families into hopeless despair. - Orson Pratt, Mormon Apostle

What is the CES Letter? Is it True/Safe to Read?

The CES Letter is a collection of questions, concerns, and doubts about the Mormon church’s truth claims addressed to a Church Education System Director from Jeremy Runnels. Learn about the background, the effects and rebuttals and some of the contents.