I know there are Lamanites in Central America and in other countries, but they are not necessarily the ones spoken of in the Book of Mormon time frame. The Book of Mormon only contains a fraction of the history of the Promised Land Lehites. But, I believe that small fraction of history speaks about Lehi, and Nephi, and Alma, and Mormon as they lived and fought in these United States. I believe Lehi landed in the Florida Gulf Coast area. It shows a Hopewell civilization that began there, near 600 BC. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Why does the geography matter? Think of that question if we are speaking about Israel. Does it matter where the Savior was born, or where the Biblical events happened? Yes. At Mount Moriah where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, the Lord made a special covenant with Abraham. The land around Mt Moriah was a covenant land and God’s people were given that covenant land as long as they are righteous. However, if they disobey the commandments, God’s people will be swept off that sacred land. The Jews, Muslims, and Christians fight over control over this one piece of land why? Because it is a beautiful piece of real estate? No, because it is a covenant land. All three religions say Mt Moriah is sacred to them and they are willing to die over it.
In the same token what is the Promised Land spoken of in the Book of Mormon? According to the Book of Mormon this Promised land must meet certain requirements to be the Promised Land. 1. No Kings upon the land 2. Land choice above all other lands 3. Land of Liberty 4. Land where sacred record is kept 5. Land kept from the knowledge of other nations. 6. Land of the New Jerusalem 7. Gentiles to scatter and afflict the Remnant. 8. The place where the Marvelous Work and Wonder happened. These are only 8 of 36 prophecies and promises in the Book of Mormon so it makes sense to me that the USA is the Promised Land. Not Canada, Mexico, England, or South America.
Just as Israel is a Promised Land forever, so the USA is a Promised Land forever and it does matter where this Promised Land is located. It is in the Heartland of North America. The Nephites practiced the Law of Moses. To do this they needed the following plants and animals to keep the Law. Sheep, Rams, Goats, Bullocks, Doves, Wheat, Barley, and Wine. None of these animals or items are found anywhere in Mesoamerica during the Nephites times, only in the USA. So, the land and where things happen is critical to us and especially to the Lord.
If we in the church cannot even decide among ourselves where the Book of Mormon happened, how confusing is that to our youth and adults? The Anti-Mormons love the idea that we don’t even know where our sacred scriptures happened. There are over 100 theories of where the Book of Mormon happened, including, Baja, Chile, Malaysia, Honduras, Peru, etc.
I know the Brethren of the Church take a neutral position on the geography of the Book of Mormon. There are many CES instructors and other BYU professors that teach the Two Cumorah theory or Mesoamerican theory, and they say a second Hill Cumorah exists somewhere in Mexico, but they aren’t sure where. I believe there is only one Hill Cumorah which is associated with the Heartland Model of the Book of Mormon. For you and I to take a neutral stand is not required. The Lord told us to read and study, and in the promise to Moroni, He said we may know the truth of ALL things, and that would include knowing the location of the Book of Mormon events. I believe knowledge of the Spirit and of the head, are both important in learning truth. I used to believe in the Mesoamerican theory, but after research and prayer I believe in the Heartland Model.
Bruce Porter on Geography
“It is true that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no position on the geographical setting of the Book of Mormon. This is a wise position for the Church to take amid the tumult of opinion. However, an understanding of the responsibilities of those who dwell on the ‘land of Lehi’ becomes paramount to the temporal and spiritual salvation of the occupants of the Promised Land.” Bruce Porter
“This is especially true if it is realized that the “Gentiles” that came out of captivity, are specifically addressed within the text, and came to the same land to which Lehi was led.
If the location of the Book of Mormon cannot be identified without question from the text itself, then the prophecies and promises about that land and the people who will live there in the latter-days, are of little value. Many say that it doesn’t matter where that “Promised Land” is, but if that is true, then why did the prophets of the Book of Mormon spend so much valuable time and space to include the deed restrictions to the land promised to Lehi and his descendants?
The Book of Mormon…
1- Contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
2- Is the record of a fallen people
3- Is the “deed restriction” for the Promised Land
While the first two messages are directed to the world and the saints, the third and final message is connected to a specific Promised Land, forewarning and instructing those would live on it in the latter days on how to maintain the freedoms that have been set up by God for those fortunate enough to be brought to it.
Watch Bruce Porter’s video, “The Creation and the Endowment of Power below.
The Book of Mormon prophets saw our day in vision and knew of the Gentiles who would be led “out of captivity” to this sacred and covenant land. It is to these Gentiles that the warnings were given, hidden up for the scattered “remnant” to receive from those Gentiles who would occupy this same land in the latter days. Within this record are the restrictions and stipulations placed upon all those who are so blessed as to live on this chosen land of liberty and whom have a sacred responsibility to bless the nations of the earth.
Some claim that “it doesn’t matter where the Book of Mormon took place.” However, if the “Promised Land” is not properly identified, then the associated restrictions, blessings, and responsibilities cannot be understood nor can the prophecies and promises in the text become a guiding light and a warning to these latter day Gentiles, which was the purpose for their inclusion by the ancient writers. The physical location of the land of promise is significant and essential to the spiritual and temporal security of those who are to dwell on the land. Heeding the warnings and the attendant spiritual awakening to their awful situation as envisioned by the Book of Mormon prophets is the only hope for mankind. This sacred book of scripture contains not only the story of the “Everlasting Decree,” but actually becomes, in the hands of every honest reader, the Title to Liberty for the Promised Land. Watch Bruce explain the primary concepts behind this amazing book in the video below!
Friend and Heartland Scholar Bruce H. Porter speaks on location at the Plymouth plantation about his critically important book, An Everlasting Decree: Ensuring A Title to Liberty For The Promised Land.
Bruce co-authored the book which outlines the (scriptural basis for the Heartland Model Research, Prophecies and Promises, with Rod Meldrum, here) and has significantly added to it with his recently released book An Everlasting Decree: Ensuring a Title To Liberty For The Promised Land. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the Gospel and is a record of a fallen people, but it is also very importantly a message to all those who will inhabit the “Promised Land” in the Latter-days. It is a prophetic promise and a warning to those who would occupy the sacred lands of the Book of Mormon and their obligations and judgements should they allow “secret combinations” to overcome them and thwart them from fulfilling their destiny, which is to bless the nations of the earth. The Book of Mormon contains the ‘deed restrictions’ that continue to exist upon the Promised Land; a very important message to all those who will inhabit the land of Lehi in the Latter-days.” Bruce Porter
Bruce H. Porter earned his bachelor’s degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from B.Y.U. and went on to receive his master’s degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages. He has studied Hebrew Aramaic, Akkadian, Coptic, Egyptian Hieroglyphics, and others languages, with a minor in ancient Near Eastern Religions. His graduate coursework was in the History of Religions, with an emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies.
Brother Porter has done extensive research for the BYU’s Religious Studies Center, on the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Abraham, and been instrumental in the research and discovery of the Antonio Lebolo Will. He has done scriptural research in the major museums and libraries of Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
Brother Porter has presented papers for the “Society for Early Historic Archaeology” and the “Journal of Egyptian Archeology” the Encyclopedia of Mormonism and has also co-authored a paper with Stephen Ricks that was published in By Study and also by Faith, a two-volume work honoring Hugh Nibley. During his graduate work, he assisted in the research and writing of a documentary on Egyptian archeology for BBC. Brother Porter is also the author of many books which titles include: Prophecies and Promises, The Book of Mormon, An Everlasting Decree, The Threshing Floor of Faith. Class notes and study guides have been published on; The Book of Moses, A Scriptural Study Guide for The Book of Revelation, as well as other papers on specific scriptural and doctrinal topics. He is a sought-after speaker for presentations and seminars that are focused on the scriptures and the Book of Mormon.
Coupled with his writing and research, Brother Porter’s background has presented him with an opportunity to host lead and guided tours. Working for BYU Travel Study, Murdock Travel, LDS Travel and now for Portertours.com, with his focus being on Church History, Book of Mormon, and the Biblical World including Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean world.
Born in Mesa Arizona, Brother Porter has lived in Utah, Israel, and Southern California while working for CES. He also served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southwestern England and Wales. Semi-retired he now teaches adult religion classes in the Mesa-Gilbert area and continues his passion of scriptural research and writing. He has served in many ward and stake positions throughout his life and continues to do so. Bruce and his wife Margaret have ten children, and 25+ grandchildren, and are now living in Queen Creek, Arizona.
Brother Porter’s testimony, research, and message are dedicated to the truthfulness of the scriptures, and in particular the Book of Mormon, the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and of course Jesus Christ and the necessity to Come unto Him for Salvation. Because of this he is a sought after speaker, teacher, and tour guide.
Now living in Arizona, Brother Porter has lived in Utah, Israel, and California while working for CES (Church Education System). He also served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in England. Now semi-retired he teaches adult religion classes for BYU Continuing Education, and continues his passion of scriptural research and has served in many capacities within the church. He and his wife Margie, are the parents of 10 children and grandparents of 12.
