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Two of the most important Prophets for us today are the Angel Moroni and Joseph Smith. I believe they have a critical mission for each of us even today. I believe they both are and will be, a big part of building the New Jerusalem and over seeing the Millennium. D&C 27:5 says, “and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim”, which means anything to do with the Book of Mormon in this Promised Land and the World must be directed with Moroni in the lead. That includes an important stewardship to lead and teach Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith is the Prophet of this Last Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, and the Lord Himself said to Joseph, “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, D&C 21:1

The importance of Moroni and Joseph Smith communicating with each other is of vital importance. How could a young unlearned farm boy become a great Prophet of the Lord? Being taught by angels and having a personal tutor in the form of Moroni is the answer. We will discuss the many visits made to Joseph Smith including over 22 visits we know of with the Angel Moroni.

Joseph knew the whole story about the Nephites

“We were now confirmed in the opinion that God was about to bring to light something upon which we could stay our minds, or that would give us a more perfect knowledge of the plan of salvation and the redemption of the human family. This caused us greatly to rejoice, the sweetest union and happiness pervaded our house, and tranquility reigned in our midst. During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them.” Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, pp. 82-83. This was before he received the plates. He must have received this by revelation, for he knew the whole story of the content of the record that is now the Book of Mormon. He had had five long visits with Moroni, and his mother says he received many revelations.” Eldred G. Smith, Conference Report, October 1967, pp. 82-84

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Moroni—Joseph Smith’s Tutor

“Joseph Smith’s six years of advanced training were anything but ordinary, for his tutors were celestial beings who taught eternal truths that would never change or become obsolete. Whereas much of man’s formal education is tentative, wrong, or outdated within a few years of graduation, Joseph said of his own education: “Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject.” (History of the Church, 6:50.) This was the quality of the heavenly instruction Joseph Smith enjoyed.

How Many Visits?

It is impossible to determine the number of “interviews” Joseph had with Moroni, but twenty-two visits are often identified. (See accompanying chart, “Moroni’s Known Appearances to Joseph Smith, 1823–1829.”)”  “Moroni—Joseph Smith’s Tutor” By H. Donl Peterson

Moroni’s Known Appearances to Joseph Smith, 1823–1829

Date	Circumstances	References	Number of Appearances
21–22 Sept. 1823	Joseph’s bedroom—Message repeated three times. (Palmyra Township, N.Y.)	JS—H 1:30–47	3
22 Sept. 1823	Field outside Joseph’s home—initial message repeated. (Manchester Township, N.Y.)	JS—H 1:48–49	1
22 Sept. 1823	At the Hill Cumorah—Plates, Urim and Thummim, and breastplate are shown, in addition to an open vision. (Hill Cumorah, N.Y.)	JS—H 1:51–53; Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, July and Oct. 1835	1
22 Sept. 1824, 1825, and 1826	Yearly at Cumorah, instructions given to help Joseph prepare for the Restoration. (Hill Cumorah, N.Y.)	JS—H 1:53–54	3
Winter 1827	Moroni meets Joseph by the Hill Cumorah and says that the time has come for the record to be brought forth. He tells Joseph to be up and doing the things he has been commanded. (Hill Cumorah, N.Y.)	Biographical Sketches,p. 99	1
22 Sept. 1827	Joseph receives the plates. (Hill Cumorah, N.Y.)	JS—H 1:59	1
June–July 1828	Urim and Thummim are taken by Moroni because of the Martin Harris incident. (Harmony, Pa.)	HC 1:21–22	1
July 1828	Urim and Thummim are returned.	HC 1:21–22	1
July 1828	Plates and Urim and Thummim are taken. (Harmony, Pa.)	HC 1:23	1
July–Aug. 1828 or 22 Sept. 1828	Plates and Urim and Thummim are returned. (Harmony, Pa.)	HC 1:23; Biographical Sketches, p. 126	1
June 1829	Angel obtains the plates at Harmony, Pa., to transport them to Fayette Township, N.Y., because Joseph is apprehensive about their safety en route. (Harmony, Pa.)	Biographical Sketches,p. 137	1
June 1829	On the road between Harmony, Pa., and the Hill Cumorah, Joseph, Oliver, and David Whitmer see Moroni carrying the plates; Moroni appears and disappears instantly.	The Historical Record,pp. 207–9	1 1
June 1829	Joseph has the plates once again in his possession in Fayette Township. Moroni meets Joseph in the garden and gives the plates to him. (Fayette Township, N.Y.)	Biographical Sketches,p. 137	1
June 1829	Joseph finishes the translation; Moroni takes the record. (Fayette Township, N.Y.)	JS—H 1:60	1
June 1829	Oliver, David Whitmer, and Joseph Smith (witnesses) see Moroni, who shows them the plates. (Fayette Township, N.Y.)	HC 1:54–55	1
June 1829	Martin Harris and Joseph Smith (witnesses) see Moroni and the plates. (Fayette Township, N.Y.)	HC 1:55	1
June 1829	Moroni gives the plates to Joseph, and Joseph shows them to the Eight Witnesses. Moroni then calls for the plates and keeps them. (Man. NY)	Biographical Sketches,pp. 140–41	1
	Total Recorded Visits of Moroni to Joseph Smith		22

Above Chart from “Moroni—Joseph Smith’s Tutor” By H. Donl Peterson

“Following is a list of some of the personages who appeared to Joseph Smith to restore priesthood keys, to deliver divine instructions, or to perform other functions. The sources History of the Church and Journal of Discourses are abbreviated as HC and JD. The Prophet Joseph communicated with other messengers who previously had lived righteously on earth, but the precise nature of these visits is not known. These personages include Seth, Isaac, Jacob, and the Jewish and Nephite Apostles [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, Adam, Seth, Enoch, and Jesus and the Father, and the apostles that lived on this continent as well as those who lived on the Asiastic continent. see Journal of Discourses, 21:94]. In addition, Joseph Smith saw other angels in vision, some of whom are identified in recorded revelation (see, for example, D&C 107:53; compare History of the Church, 3:388).

Latter-day Saints are blessed through the Prophet Joseph Smith’s great faith and mission that opened the windows of heaven. He was the preappointed agent through which communion with the heavens and the earthly ministry of angels were resumed in a grand manner. The mountain of truth built from the Prophet’s translations and revelations speaks for itself, towering above the stark foothills of earthly philosophy. This is amazing in light of young Joseph’s mortal inadequacy. Through faith, his weaknesses became strengths, and he nobly fulfilled his great foreordained mission—because heavenly messengers were his guides.

And we are among the beneficiaries: We have the wisdom of heaven—the riches of eternity—as found in sacred gospel ordinances and in holy scripture, both ancient and modern. In this way, we too are taught by former prophets, including Joseph Smith. In addition, besides possessing the legacy of former prophets, we have the special blessing of having the words and guidance of a living prophet as well!”

Brian L. Smith, director of the Portland (Oregon) Institute of Religion and a member of the Mountain View Ward, Beaverton Oregon Stake. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1994/10/i-have-a-question/i-have-a-question?lang=eng

Personage(s)	Purpose of Appearance(s)	Selected References
God the Father	Open dispensation, introduce the Son	JS—H 1:17
Jesus Christ	Accept Kirtland Temple and direct bestowal of priesthood keys	D&C 110:2–10
Moroni	Instruct, bestow the plates and Urim and Thummim	JS—H 1:30–49, 59
John the Baptist	Confer Aaronic Priesthood and its keys	D&C 13:1; HC 1:39–40
Peter, James, John	Confer Melchizedek Priesthood and its keys	D&C 27; HC 1:40–42 n.
Moses	Confer keys to gather Israel and ten tribes	D&C 110:11
Elias	Commit gospel of Abraham	D&C 110:12
Elijah	Confer sealing power	D&C 110:13–16
Adam (Michael)	Instruct Joseph	D&C128:21;HC 2:380; 3:388
Noah (Gabriel)	Instruct Joseph	D&C 128:21
Raphael	Instruct Joseph	D&C 128:21
“Divers angels”	Declare their respective dispensations	D&C 128:21
Lehi	Instruct Joseph	JD 16:266
Nephi	Instruct Joseph	JD 16:266; 17:374; 21:161
Mormon	Instruct Joseph	JD 17:374

Moroni’s Message to Joseph Smith By Kent P. Jackson

A look at the verses the angel Moroni quoted to the Prophet Joseph Smith on 21–22 September 1823.

With Moroni’s appearance to seventeen-year-old Joseph Smith on 21 September 1823, the Lord began to educate the Prophet in preparation for the restoration of the gospel. The Nephite prophet Moroni, as the last prophet of the Lehite dispensation and the final author, compiler, and caretaker of the Nephite record, was appropriately chosen to serve as young Joseph Smith’s tutor. From Moroni, Joseph Smith learned more about his own future calling, and through the process of bringing forth the Book of Mormon, he began to receive and share the gospel light that this sacred volume contains. Moroni’s statue on our temples today announces to the world the message that he delivered to Joseph Smith: The gospel has been restored in its fulness, and its blessings are now available to humankind.

During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, he wrote or dictated four separate accounts of the appearance of Moroni: one dictated to Frederick G. Williams in 1832; a journal entry in 1835; another, the “official” account, dictated in 1838; and the Wentworth Letter, published by the Prophet in 1842. In addition to the accounts that came directly from Joseph Smith, other early accounts were written by Orson Pratt and Oliver Cowdery. Elder Pratt’s account was published in a pamphlet in 1840, while he was serving a mission in Scotland.Oliver Cowdery’s rendition is contained in three articles published in February, April, and July 1835 in the Kirtland Messenger and Advocate.

Moroni’s Message

During his initial visit with Joseph Smith, Moroni informed Joseph that his sins had been forgiven and that he had been chosen to bring forth the sacred record of the ancient Americans. But that was not all. In his 1832 account of the visitation, the Prophet reported simply that he learned “many things concerning the inhabitants of the earth.” In his 1835 account, he said that Moroni “explained many … prophesies.” And in the 1842 Wentworth Letter, Joseph Smith wrote that Moroni taught him “that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the gospel, in all its fulness to be preached in power, unto all nations that a people might be prepared for the millennial reign.” Moreover, he wrote, “I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of his purposes in this glorious dispensation.”

Moroni and the Bible

In the 1838 account, which is found in the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith shared the greatest detail regarding Moroni’s teaching. The Prophet recorded that Moroni “commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament.” Joseph Smith then listed several passages from the Bible that Moroni quoted. He listed those passages in this order (see JS—H 1:35–41):

Mal. 3 (“part,”
perhaps Mal. 3:1–4
Mal. 4:1–6
Isa. 11:1–16
Acts 3:22–23
Joel 2:28–32

After reviewing Moroni’s recitation of these scriptures, Joseph Smith noted the following: “He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here.” (JS—H 1:41.) The Prophet never specified what those “other passages of scripture” were, but Oliver Cowdery provided more information.

As stated earlier, in 1835 Oliver Cowdery wrote three articles in the Messenger and Advocate regarding the appearance of Moroni to Joseph Smith. All of the articles were written in the form of epistles addressed to W. W. Phelps, and they are characterized by Elder Cowdery’s rich literary style. The letters contain lengthy discourses on the restoration of the gospel and the message conveyed to the Prophet by Moroni. In writing them, Elder Cowdery apparently used the opportunity to present to the Church some expositions on several gospel subjects, based on the things Moroni communicated to Joseph Smith. In two of the articles, appearing in February and April, he included scriptures that presumably were quoted or paraphrased by Moroni. The following compilation lists them in the order in which they appear in the narrative.

Messenger and Advocate 1.5 (Feb. 1835), p. 77–80:
1 Cor. 1:27–29	Isa. 29:13
Isa. 29:14	Isa. 29:11

Messenger and Advocate 1.7 (Apr. 1835), p. 108–12:
Ps. 100:1–2	Isa. 1:25–26	Isa. 43:6
Ps. 107:1–7	Ps. 107:7	Jer. 50:4–5
Ps. 144:11–12	Isa. 2:1–4	Jer. 31:9
Joel 2:28	Isa. 4:5–6	Jer. 31:9
Ps. 144:13	Jer. 31:27–28	Isa. 2:3
Ps. 146:10	Jer. 31:32–33	Isa. 11:15–16
Isa. 1:7	Jer. 30:18–21	Jer. 16:16
Isa. 1:23–24	Jer. 31:1	Deut. 32:43
Deut. 32:23–24	Jer. 31:8

Obviously, Oliver Cowdery was not with the Prophet on the occasion of Moroni’s coming, so the account is secondary. Yet it is not too much to assume that Joseph Smith had rehearsed the event to his colleague on numerous occasions. Elder Cowdery had been the Prophet’s scribe and was designated “Second Elder” of the Church at the time it was organized. When Oliver Cowdery wrote about the Restoration, he was Assistant President of the Church, in addition to being editor of the Messenger and Advocate. His close association with the Prophet, especially in the early part of the Prophet’s ministry, may have enabled him to know more about these events than anyone except Joseph Smith himself.

In the February and July articles, Elder Cowdery marked his reconstructions of Moroni’s words with quotation marks to make it clear to the reader which were Moroni’s words and which were his own comments. However, the April article, which is of greatest interest to this study because it contains more than two dozen Bible passages quoted in context of Moroni’s visit, presents special problems. In this article it is not clear which words are Oliver Cowdery’s and which are the words of Moroni. Unlike the other articles, there are no quotation marks to assist the reader.

Perhaps Elder Cowdery did not feel a need to use quotation marks in the recitations of the story; editorial convention was fairly unstructured in those days. Or perhaps he did not use quotation marks in order to alert the reader to the fact that the entire message was reconstructed from his own understanding and was not necessarily a historical transcript of the event. At the beginning of his discussion, Elder Cowdery wrote: “I have thought best to give a farther detail of the heavenly message, and if I do not give it in the precise words, shall strictly confine myself to the facts in substance.” At the end of the account he wrote: “I have now given you a rehearsal of what was communicated to our brother. … I may have missed in arrangement in some instances, but the principle is preserved.”

How well he succeeded only God, Moroni, and Joseph Smith know. As historian Milton Backman has pointed out, “It is not clear whether Oliver is quoting Moroni or merely explaining, with scriptural references, themes emphasized by Moroni.” And so, as we study Elder Cowdery’s accounts, it is wise to view the angel’s words and the biblical passages cited with a degree of caution. His is a secondhand treatment of an event in which only Moroni and Joseph Smith were participants.” Moroni’s Message to Joseph Smith By Kent P. Jackson

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I asked Jonathan Neville to share with me how accurate this preceding information from Kent Jackson’s article is since he has studied Cowdery’s letters so much. Jonathan said the following.

“Excellent article. He explained it very well, with maybe 3 exceptions.

First, Oliver said he wrote those essays using “original documents now in our possession” or words to that effect. We don’t know what those were, but they could have been notes written by Joseph or Oliver’s own notebook in which he wrote down everything Joseph told him in Harmony during the translation of the plates there. We don’t have either of those documents, but David Whitmer mentioned Oliver’s notebook.

Second, Oliver’s quotation marks throughout the essays are direct quotations, as opposed to what he wrote in the April letter. Oliver made that clear in the parts Jackson quoted. This means we should take those direct quotations for what they are, including when Moroni said the record was “written and deposited” not far from Joseph’s home.

Third, Joseph endorsed these letters by having them written in his history and republished. Those actions indicate a greater endorsement than Joseph merely assisting in writing them in the first place. Jackson didn’t mention this, possibly because he didn’t know about it.” Jonathan Neville to Rian Nelson June 22, 2019

Kent Jackson’s article continues below:

A View of the Latter Days

Although Joseph Smith’s prayer as he went to bed that autumn night was for “a manifestation” to know of his “state and standing” before the Lord (JS—H 1:29), what he received, in addition to that, was a powerful lesson about the mission of God’s people in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Moroni’s message to the young Prophet outlined not only the calling of Joseph Smith, but also the destiny of the Church and kingdom of God from the time of the Restoration until the Millennium. Significantly, the Lord’s messenger taught these truths by quoting passages out of the Bible. Since the resurrected Christ also taught by quoting and expounding scripture during his appearance to the children of Lehi in the Americas (see 3 Ne. 22–25), we can view this method of teaching as a significant model to be followed in gospel instruction.

From the scriptures cited by the Prophet in Joseph Smith—History, we can see that Moroni did not select random passages to outline the future of the Lord’s kingdom. They were chosen specifically to introduce the Prophet to his work. In them the following aspects of the mission of the Church in the last days are discussed:

—The calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith (Mal. 3:1; Isa. 11:1, 10–12).

—The opening of the heavens through the Restoration (Joel 2:28–29).

—The restoration of the priesthood and of the sealing keys (Mal. 4:5–6).

—The gathering of the elect (Isa. 11:10–16).

—Destruction and purification before and during the Second Coming (Mal. 3:2–3; Mal. 4:1, 3; Acts 3:22–23; Joel 2:30–31).

—Deliverance for the faithful (Mal. 4:2; Joel 2:32).

—The Second Coming (Mal. 3:1–2).

—The premillennial and millennial state of the faithful (Mal. 3:3–4;Mal. 4:2; Isa. 11:1–9).

It is interesting that, with only the following exceptions, all of the biblical passages presented in Oliver Cowdery’s accounts fit into these categories. Adding to these groupings, Elder Cowdery included some scriptures that tell of the apostasy and scattering of Israel—as a background to the discussion of the return—and he quoted material from Isaiah that deals with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. In my view, his consistency with the message as related by Joseph Smith adds to the credibility of his reconstructions.

Moroni, the Link between Ancient and Latter-day Prophets

It is significant that Moroni trained Joseph Smith by teaching him from the scriptures. It may be that the Prophet’s great love for the Bible was a by-product of this experience, because for the rest of his life he taught others by using the scriptures. It is also worthy of note that with the exception of Paul’s phrase that the weak would confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:27–29)—which Moroni cited to introduce the topic of Joseph Smith’s work—all of the other scriptures quoted by Moroni come from the Old Testament. In using the words of ancient Israel’s prophets to instruct the messenger to modern Israel, Moroni symbolically tied the gospel dispensations together—the actual realization of which is a major goal of the Restoration. Moroni, an Israelite prophet, was the first emissary to provide the link between ancient dispensations and the dispensation of the fulness of times.

The visitation of Moroni to Joseph Smith holds an important place in our church history. With Moroni’s appearance, the process of restoring lost truths and educating the Prophet gained great impetus. Under the care and instruction of that great prophet of ancient America, the Prophet Joseph Smith received training and guidance that ultimately will lead to the restoration of all things. To all this Moroni’s first visits were a prelude—an instructional session from which Joseph Smith and all of us have learned the course that we are to pursue as we continue in the Lord’s service.

Scriptures Quoted by Moroni

The following is a list of the scriptures quoted by Moroni, as reported by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The numbers in brackets refer to the subject-matter categories listed below.

Deut. 32:23–24	[1, 7]
Deut. 32:43	[10]
Ps. 100:1–2	[10]
Ps. 107:1–7	[6]
Ps. 144:11–12	[8, 10]
Ps. 144:13	[10]
Ps. 146:10	[10]
Isa. 1:7	[1]
Isa. 1:23–24	[1]
Isa. 1:25–26	[1, 7, 10]
Isa. 2:1–4	[10]
Isa. 4:5–6	[10]
Isa. 11:1–16	[2, 6, 7, 10]
Isa. 29:11	[4]
Isa. 29:13	[1, 2, 3]
Isa. 29:14	[3, 4]
Isa. 43:6	[6]
Jer. 16:16	[6]
Jer. 30:18–21	[10]
Jer. 31:1	[10]
Jer. 31:6	[6]
Jer. 31:8	[6]
Jer. 31:9	[6]
Jer. 31:27–28	[10]
Jer. 31:32–33	[10]
Jer. 50:4–5	[6]
Joel 2:28–32	[3, 10]
Mal. 3:1–4	[2, 7, 9, 10]
Mal. 4:1–6	[5, 7, 8]
Acts 3:22–23	[7]
1 Cor. 1:27–29	[2]

1. Apostasy and scattering
2. The calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith
3. The opening of the heavens during the Restoration
4. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon
5. The restoration of the priesthood and of the sealing keys
6. The gathering of the elect
7. Destruction and purification prior to and during the Second Coming
8. Deliverance for the faithful
9. The Second Coming
10. The premillennial and millennial state of the faithful”
    Moroni’s Message to Joseph Smith By Kent P. Jackson

Moroni Guardian Angel of the United States of America

“By whose power victory so often perched on our banner? It was by the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose mounds, bones, and remains of towns, cities, and fortifications speak from the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world. This same angel was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams and by visions, respecting this New World…Under the guardianship of this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown, increased, and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water… When Justice is satisfied, and the blood of martyrs atoned for, the guardian angel of America will return to his station, resume his charge, and restore the Constitution of our country…One positive decree of Jehovah, respecting this land, is, that no king shall ever be raised up here, and that whosoever seeketh to raise up a king upon this land shall perish…” Moroni Guardian Angel of America Orson Hyde  Journal of Discourses 6:65.

“Indeed this land of America and its leaders have been blessed with the protection of the Lord. ‘As details of the battle emerged, it turns out that either George Washington was extremely lucky, was bulletproof, or was being supernaturally protected. One Indian warrior testified that he had shot at him 17 times. He exclaimed that ‘Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet!’ Another Indian, Red Hawk, had shot and missed him 11 times. He had not missed a shot before, and became convinced that Washington was being supernaturally protected by the Great Spirit. In 1770, fifteen years after the battle, an old Indian told Washington that he had sought out to meet him. He had been fighting in the battle that day, and he had told all the Indians with him to shoot at him, and make sure that he died. When they all missed, he told them to stop. On that evening, he predicted that Washington would never die in battle, and would be ‘the founder of a mighty empire.’ David.Barton, The Bulletproof George Washington.

“Many locations in this land of America have been blessed by its guardian angel. Moroni had the great privilege, as he walked across this American Continent, of finding a place and designating the place where the St. George temple was to be built. He also designated where the Manti Temple was to be. And it’s been written that he designated Kirtland and Nauvoo and probably others. Moroni appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith 22 different times during the life of the Prophet Joseph that we know of.” The Angel Moroni by Elder Glen L. Rud 

This United States of America is indeed, “A Land of Promise.” Moroni presides over the destinies of the United States, holds the keys of the Stick of Ephraim (D&C 27: 5), and is the guardian angel of this wonderful land. The Prophet Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Last dispensation. together they are honored men of the Lord.

The Lord has said, “…repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon…” (D&C 84:57). As we study The Book of Mormon, we learn to love even more this blessed America we call “A Land of Promise.”

The 26th International Book of Mormon Evidence Virtual Conference was a big success. We had great feedback and I think we were able to iron out many of the kinks from last April.

Please tell your family and friends about our conference as others can still sign up and watch every video. Remember we now have over 600 videos and we will be adding more each month. For a bio on the speakers click here. For friends and family they should only sign up for the $45 three-month subscription. If they sign up for only the $30 ticket, they won’t have access to any of the conference because that is the price if current subscribers were already signed up.
Purchase Here

An Amazing Response From Subscribers!

Laura
[email protected]

Wow!! This presentation is amazing! When I watched it, it brought tears to my eyes, remembering when my Dad taught us about the scriptures when I was a young girl in Honduras. My dad read the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants often, and what I remember is that he always taught his children that the “Promised Land” in the Book of Mormon was located in the United States of America.
That was one of the reasons he wanted us to live in the United States, so we could prepare for the gathering of the lost tribes of Israel. We knew that Joseph Smith received the golden plates from Moroni in Palmyra, New York. That is a truth that I grew up with. I also read this myself in the Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price.
Even though I am of “Lenca Maya” descent, I don’t consider myself a Lamanite, because the Lord had already revealed in the Doctrine & Covenants that the Lamanites were relocated to the borders of Missouri from the Eastern States of the United States, and NOT from the Yucatan of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras or Peru.
I highly recommend that anyone with any doubts whatsoever of where the Book of Mormon actually took place should: pray, watch this inspiring presentation, and then read all the references located in the scriptures and church history for yourself!

Jeff Barnes – Book of Mormon/New Jerusalem Boundary Coordinates 2020/09/27 at 8:03 pm

Jeff
[email protected]

For scholars to think Joseph had no influence whatsoever from sources all around him (and for members to deny that) is simply irrational. We are ALL influenced by what we take in as we grow and develop. I also believe those influences can be placed in our path in an effort to prepare us for the role we can play in the building up of the kingdom (a tender mercy from a loving Heavenly Father to aid us in our journey/contribution). For those who deny Joseph the ability to grow into what he ultimately became is to deny God the miracle/ability to work with any of us. And for members who feel it is heresy to claim Joseph could USE what he acquired over his young lifetime to complete the task he was given–there is no such thing as immaculate education!

Jonathan Neville – Infinite Goodness
2020/09/28 at 6:48 pm

Richard
[email protected]

Psalms 19:1-2 The Heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handywork. Day after day pours out speech and night after night reveals knowledge.
Psalms 147:4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Jeff Barnes is one of the discoverers of his handywork. Such exciting messages. Great research, great content and presentation.
We hope many others will view this work and be touched by its content.

Jeff Barnes – Book of Mormon/New Jerusalem Boundary Coordinates 2020/09/28 at 11:40 am

Georgia
[email protected]

I wish all citizens of United States of America were required to learn the real history of this great nation’s founding.These truths need to be taught in our public school system once again. I’m grateful to David Barton for his lifetime work of preserving and teaching these principles of truth.

*David Barton – God in the Constitution
2020/09/28 at 10:49 am

Elsebet
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Wow!! Heard things I never heard before!!

*David Barton – Truth is Under Attack – Learn to Defend Truth
2020/09/28 at 9:31 am

Jeff
[email protected]

Timely! Thank you so much, Bruce. I have read many of your books and appreciate your knowledge and humility when it comes to the gospel. You encourage us to search our scriptures while stretching us intellectually: a master teacher.

Bruce Porter – Alternate Voices
approved comments 2020/09/28 at 8:43 am

David
[email protected]

Thank you for providing the history of how higher education has corrupted Biblical truths. BYU has embraced the Federal Dept. of Education so that it can have credentials and be placed among the Ivy League schools. Doing so they have compromised truths related to the origins of life, embraced evolution and have banned healthy debates on the teachings of authorized servants of God. This presentation should be shown to the BYU Board of Directors.

Bob Wright – Higher Criticism is Coming After the Book of Mormon
2020/09/28 at 6:00 am

Jeff
[email protected]

I only wish I could retreive information from my brain the way he can. Holy smoke. Amazing!
*David Barton – God in the Constitution
2020/09/28 at 5:51 am

David
[email protected]

Highly informative and inspiring. This should be made available to the BYU faculty and to Church leaders. Thank you!!!

*David Barton – God in the Constitution
2020/09/28 at 5:28 am

dixie
[email protected]

Amazing presentation! It’s wonderful how everything in the universe declares the Glory of God. And to know that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son know us by name? It’s like Elder Maxwell once said, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is beautifully simple and simply beautiful.”

*Farrell Pickering – Star of Bethlehem: A Hebrew Wedding in the Sky
2020/09/27 at 11:29 pm

Kari
[email protected]
I am so glad to hear a testimony of truth from you, Tristan! I fear for many of our rising generation that gets caught in the lies of the philosophies of man that is being taught at BYU and other Utah schools. I LOVE the Book of Mormon! I hope to hear more from you! You are a leader that is standing up for truth and for right! Thank you!!!

Tristan Mourier – Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen
2020/09/27 at 10:30 pm

dixie
[email protected]

This was so refreshing and soooo uplifting. Loved the testimony building stories and the laughter. I can’t wait to share so many of these videos with family and friends.

*Panel: Alan, Suzanne, Nathan, and David Osmond with Rod Meldrum – Heartland Happenings
2020/09/27 at 10:05 pm

Ginger
[email protected]
73.65.168.38
Thank you for all the information. I could see the writing on the wall during the Obama administration. I was born and raised in Hawaii as a Democrat and believed there lies of being conservative when they were anything but. I started watching your show when I realized Obama wasnt who he said he was. I found that you gave me hope with all your informative history that I never learned in school and insight information based on evidence you were able to fine by investigating. I also realize that I wasnt alone in my thinking. What I learned today continues to give me hope that we must take a stand for our beliefs. I have already been questioned about my choices by extended families, friends and coworkers. I would simply state my convictions and leave it at that. Now I’m being questioned about my integrity at times for my stance on Trump, BLM, Antifa etc and I won’t back down. I simply state what Trump has accomplished What Antifa and the BLM is and leave it at that. We do live in trying times. Thank you for putting the truths out there. I can’t imagine what you and your family has to go through each day. God bless you and all those who work for you

*Glenn Beck – Book of Mormon: A Clock and A Map
2020/09/27 at 8:36 pm

rian
[email protected]

In reply to Ginger.
I will try and get this message to Glenn. He would love to hear your response. Hang in there Ginger. Truth is hard to find and once you find it, the whole world seems so out of touch. I know Trump has an ego and he speaks his mind, but he is a doer for the people, he doesn’t’ need the Wall Street donors, he is his own man. I don’t want Trump as my Bishop, but he is a fantastic President. He will go down as one of the Presidents who is great. Ignore the Progressives and Liberals as those are the party’s of give me, give me and are always playing victimhood. I was a missionary in Fiji and those who join the Church are amazing. They have the blood of Israel flowing through their veins. The DNA of the Native Americans near the Great Lakes of our USA, are directly linked to the Jews in Israel. That is who the Book of Mormon was written for. Thanks for your comments.

*Glenn Beck – Book of Mormon: A Clock and A Map
2020/09/28 at 12:01 pm

rian
[email protected]

In reply to Laura.
You bring tears of joy to us as we feel of your sweet spirit. Isn’t it wonderful when that Spirit touches you? I will share this message with Jeff Barnes as I know he would appreciate it very much. Do you mind if I use your testimonial in our blog and on our website. Please let me know at [email protected]. Thanks so much for your feedback.

Jeff Barnes – Book of Mormon/New Jerusalem Boundary Coordinates
2020/09/27 at 8:09 pm

S.B.
[email protected]

Wow!! Great presentation. I didn’t realize mapping co-ordinances could lead to such great and detailed information and be so interesting. I found another way to learn truth and depth of our Heavenly Father, his creation, and symbolic gospel. S.B.

Jeff Barnes – Book of Mormon/New Jerusalem Boundary Coordinates
2020/09/27 at 7:14 pm

Jeff
[email protected]

I don’t think you fully appreciate what you have done for so many with your hard work. Lives are being touched and drawn back into the pages of the Book of Mormon thanks to your efforts. My father has read the Annotated Book of Mormon 17 times! He loves it and is passionate to share it with others. I have given copies to each of my sons. Friends have seen my copy and ordered copies for themselves and their families. At no other time in history has there been a need to dive back into our scriptures, and you product was there at just the right time to fill that need. I’m so very grateful you chose to listen to that prompting you had! Many thanks!

David Hocking – Overview of the Annotated Editions
2020/09/28 at 3:44 pm

Margaret
[email protected]

Wow! So many great stories. This was very inspiring. Thanks for the background on The Plan.

*Panel: Alan, Suzanne, Nathan, and David Osmond with Rod Meldrum – Heartland Happenings
2020/09/27 at 7:04 pm

rian
[email protected]

In reply to [email protected].
We are happy to get feedback and we appreciate your support. Perhaps you and the author of Universal Model Dean Sessions would enjoy speaking with each other. His email is [email protected]. Tell him Rian Nelson asked you to contact him. Thanks.

Carter Brown – UM: New Fossil Evidence for the Age of the Earth, Dinosaurs, & Man
2020/09/27 at 6:59 pm

Robert
[email protected]

Great presentation. Information every student of American History should see.

*David Barton – God in the Constitution
2020/09/27 at 6:58 pm

Margaret
[email protected]

Thanks for all your diligence in doing the Lord’s work on this earth. I enjoyed your presentation. My great, great grandmother, Lucy Bigelow Young, helped Elder Wilford W. by doing the temple work for the wives of the prominent men. I wish things could have worked out that she could have helped your ancestors too. It is interesting to note that Wilford wore all white buckskin in the temple. Bless you and your husband.

Delores Kahkonen – An Illuminating Historical Church Account
2020/09/27 at 5:44 pm

John
[email protected]

Very valuable information. Thank you.

Bruce Porter – Alternate Voices

[email protected]

Awesome as usual!

**Rod Meldrum – Crazy Covid-19 Year in Review
2020/09/27 at 4:12 pm

Thank you for having the courage to speak out on COVID and vaccines. And thanks for FIRM for allowing it.

YHWH will expose secret works of darkness through His servants.
Alma (LDS 37:23-26) (RLDS 17:55-58)
23 And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may discover unto my people who serve me, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations. 24 And now, my son, these interpreters were prepared that the word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying: 25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land. 26 And now, my son, we see that they did not repent; therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far the word of God has been fulfilled; yea, their secret abominations have been brought out of darkness and made known unto us.

Dean Sessions – The Coronavirus Truth

Nancy

[email protected]
73.98.144.64
This Annotated Book of Mormon truly brings the Savior’s words alive with the depth and breadth of Church History and ties to Ancient Native American histories. What a treasure! ツ

David Hocking and Boyd Tuttle – 2018 Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon Preview to a Breakthrough
2019/09/30 at 12:43 am

Russelle
[email protected]

Absolutely loved it! As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in the Birmingham metro area in Alabama, USA, I don’t get the opportunity to attend the conferences. But, this way I can still see many of the speakers and catch up on the latest news of what’s been going on.

Rod Meldrum – Introduction to Firm Foundation Expo – Heartland Update: 2019/11/26 at 12:18 am

Andres
[email protected]

James. I’m with you. There is a retired scholar from BYU I won’t name him because I’m sure you would know who he is. I was so disappointed when he had very harsh words to say on this new movement of amateur LDS.
I realized very quickly how we can so easily be mislead by academics. I have a hard time understanding where they are coming from. But one this is for sure, common sense is out the window.

James & Hannah Stoddard- Unlocking Isaiah: The Latter-Day Servant & Sons
2020/04/07 at 10:00 am

Lindsay
[email protected]

I can’t even tell you how mad I was when I figured out the other one was just a trailer!! Lol. I jumped up and down and did a happy dance when I saw this. The Stoddards are amazing and they blow my mind every time. I could listen to them talk for hours and not get bored at all!

James & Hannah Stoddard – Nephites in Europe: Quest for the Remnant
2020/02/19 at 3:47 pm

Mike
[email protected]

Betty…thank you for sharing your story of your people your family and your beautiful testimony. I’m so thankful that I got to watch this video of you. I felt the spirit in your words. Like always when we talk.I enjoy listening so much too. Prayers and love to all of you and your family.

Betty Red Ant LaFontaine- A Lamanites Testimony–

Mike
[email protected]
Jonathan, I don’t know how you find time in the day to get as much accomplished as you do. Your attention to the small details of Church history are incredibly enlightening. Your sense of curiosity is truly a gift. I hope someday someone is able to compile all these little nuggets of information into a video series. Something on the scale comparable to “The Work and The Glory”. Stringing together all those little details would paint a picture that would help clear up a lot of confusion for many people. I hope you never loose your sense of wonder about unanswered questions!

Jonathan Neville – Does Church History Matter?
2020/04/18 at 8:57 pm

Brian
[email protected]

As general conference approached it seemed odd that in light of President Nelson’s prophetic words leading into 200 years post the first vision that the church was reset. We had no meetings, no missionaries, no ministering we were suddenly stale mate.
Our Prophet led us through famously, but from my “shelter in place” it has not been clear to see past much more than the Lords miraculous and matchless power in a very localized anthropotropic position.
I encourage you to edit out your sermon and post it as a public observation to share with all who would listen that there is physical confirmation from October conferences talks that the Lords work is not only hastening but begun.
Thank all of you for what you have done and the aide the conference is in helping us all to “trim and fill our lamps” and ready ourselves for whatever lies ahead.
Marvelous Bother Meldrum,
Thank you,
From a Bakery in Austin, Texas

Rod Meldrum – Welcome to the Virtual Expo – Heartland Year in Review
2020/04/14 at 9:59 am

[email protected]

Everyone should own this book! Everyone should USE this book. This is a stumbling block that need not exist. How truly sad it is that we are losing members over this. Just because something is sold in Deseret Book does not mean it is doctrine! Search your scriptures. THERE you will find doctrine.

James and Hannah Stoddard – Reliable Primary Sources & the Seer ‘Stone in a Hat’ 2020/09/27 at 7:44 am

Jeff
[email protected]

Glenn,

Thank you for sharing your testimony, and for stepping up and showing your humanity and concerns. Many of us share your same thoughts, and it’s refreshing to see your courage in addressing this topic with the rest of us.

You are not alone in this. You have a much larger family than you might think. We’re all in this together, and ready to lock arms with you at a moment’s notice… in standing for what is right and true. “Who’s on the Lord’s side who? NOW is the time to show!”

Keep sharing your messages with us on this forum, as we all benefit from the sharing of knowledge one to another. I encourage you to watch and learn from all of this year’s conference videos, and share with us your many thoughts on the subjects presented.

May God continue to bless and protect you and your family.

*Glenn Beck – Book of Mormon: A Clock and A Map
2020/09/27 at 1:43 am

Jeff
[email protected]

Another outstanding message Brother Bruce! I have always appreciated your ability to present information with dignity, humility and openness, with the skill to encourage the spirit and uplift the soul .

You are a very effective messenger and a special teacher. May we all feast upon the words of the Savior, as you have often instructed us to do.

Bruce Porter – Alternate Voices
2020/09/27 at 12:28 am

Mary Ann
[email protected]

I am blown away at his ability to state himself so clearly and us the Book of Mormon to tell us where we are in the state of our lives currently! Amazing young man! I wouldn’t mind listening to him again one day!

Tristan Mourier – Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen
2020/09/26 at 10:58 pm

Sue
[email protected]

loved his wonderful history and testimony

*Burgess Owens – GOP Congressional Candidate Utah
2020/09/26 at 9:38 pm

Ellen
[email protected]

Wow! What an inspiring family! I loved this presentation. And I learned that we are cousins-Ebenezer Clawson Richardson is my 4th great grandfather. Thank you Osmonds, for sharing your testimonies.
*Panel: Alan, Suzanne, Nathan, and David Osmond with Rod Meldrum – Heartland Happenings 2020/09/26 at 8:49 pm

Alexander
[email protected]

On Point!
Especially happy with Dean showing how science applies to the Corona virus debates going on now, and the clips with the doctors explaining how true science has been ignored in favor of profits for much of the world wide COVID-19 discussion.
Dean Sessions – The Coronavirus Truth 2020/09/26 at 6:50 pm

Ellen
[email protected]

I can’t wait for the Temples to reopen so that the work for our Lamanite brothers and sisters can continue! I love hearing all of the stories and insights that Delores shares. We are anxiously awaiting the completion of her book.
Delores Kahkonen – An Illuminating Historical Church Account
2020/09/26 at 4:58 pm

Dixie
[email protected]

I love this video! It is sooo needed right now. I want to share this with friends and family. Thank you for all your research. I want to follow up by reading David Barton’s books and whatever other materials he has published. Thank you for being a true truth seeker.

*David Barton – Truth is Under Attack – Learn to Defend Truth
2020/09/26 at 3:54 pm

Marie
[email protected]

Wow! I love maps, and even I didn’t know something like mapping could being me to tears. And why not?
Galileo Galilei said, “Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” Where there is truth, we can find God’s signature. Even mapping can be a witness of Jesus Christ.

Jeff Barnes – Book of Mormon/New Jerusalem Boundary Coordinates
2020/09/26 at 2:33 pm

Dianne
[email protected]

I watched this presentation first, even before the introductory video. An ardent supporter of Glenn Beck, it was fun to see and hear him talk about the Book of Mormon, as well as see his scriptures. I would like to thumb through his copy in person. He has a way of giving a new lens through which to consider ordinary things in extraordinary ways, or, rather, how he distills and simplifies the complex for easier digestion. He really has a supernal gift for that.

*Glenn Beck – Book of Mormon: A Clock and A Map
2020/09/26 at 1:12 p

Tonya
[email protected]

Wonderful truths. I’ve watched a former mission president and a cousin both professors at BYU fall into these trappings of the adversary. Thank you for explaining it so clearly.

Bob Wright – Higher Criticism is Coming After the Book of Mormon
2020/09/26 at 12:35 pm

Jeremy
[email protected]

I really enjoyed and appreciated this presentation. It is an upgrade of the video from earlier this year, having much of the same material, but has many visual slides and videos which really bring the message to the heart and mind. Well Done! I am a huge fan and wholeheartedly agree with Ben McClintock’s admonitions.

Ben McClintock – Prophets and the Constitution
2020/09/26 at 7:57 am

Louise
[email protected]

Bless you Tim, for all the good that you do. If my wish could come true it would be to donate a boatload of money to your organization; all I have is my mouth to tell a story as you requested. I ask the good Lord to bless & keep you & yours & all the people that work for you safe & very busy! Rescuing these souls! I took a course on how to recognize if someone may be held captive & need help. I will always try to be aware! Joyce

Timothy Ballard – Keynote Speaker – Combating Slavery
2020/09/25 at 10:58 pm

Louise
[email protected]

I learned & enjoyed his presentation. Have never heard of him before but intend to become familiar with his work & read his books. So happy to have had this opportunity to listen to his presentation! Joyce
ps. cant wait to go to his website!

David Allan – New Bible & Book of Mormon Evidence Harmonizing Science & Religion 2020/09/25 at 9:10 pm

Carl
[email protected]

My wife Melanie and I have been using the A BofM all through 2020 as we study Come Follow materials. We have found all the special features very useful especially the color coding of text indicating who the writer/speakers are. The imbedded insight material is a great service. Having it just when needed, in the moment, is inspired. We have the B of J but have not appreciated its content until this expo presentation. Now we will very likely dive into its content and insights. We commend you for this work and trust that it is very rewarding for you. Thank you, Carl and Melanie Harris

David Hocking – Overview of the Annotated Editions
2020/09/25 at 8:17 pm

Jessica
[email protected]

This is so interesting with all the different histories from all the different countries. Grest presentation!

David Doane – What or Who is a Mulekite?
2020/09/25 at 2:33 pm

Tonya
[email protected]

Great overview we are so excited to see it all. And we do watch your podcasts on “Come follow Me” nothing else compares!

**Rod Meldrum – Crazy Covid-19 Year in Review
2020/09/25 at 2:06 pm

Ann
[email protected]

I loved that you remind us to pray and ask our Heavenly Father who we are to become and where we are supposed to be. I’ve always loved listening to Glenn. Thank you for your time and words spoken for us at this conference.

*Glenn Beck – Book of Mormon: A Clock and A Map
2020/09/25 at 11:46 am

Noryne
[email protected]

Great information Again How can we get this material out to the public They need this now more then ever.

*David Barton – Truth is Under Attack – Learn to Defend Truth
2020/09/25 at 11:44 am

Sue
[email protected]
68.0.183.103
Great start to the conference, but Rod refers to two video segments to be inserted….I’d like to see them!

**Rod Meldrum – Crazy Covid-19 Year in Review
2020/09/25 at 9:36 am

Steve
[email protected]

A wonderful introduction.

**Rod Meldrum – Crazy Covid-19 Year in Review
2020/09/25 at 9:26 am
Select comment [email protected]

[email protected]

Outstanding Kickoff. Wish we could have been a part of all that was shown.

**Rod Meldrum – Crazy Covid-19 Year in Review
2020/09/25 at 9:03 am

Cheryl
[email protected]

Beautiful and inspiring! Thank you.

Betty LaFontaine – A Lamanites’ Testimony
2020/09/25 at 6:56 am

Mary Ann
[email protected]

We have attended these conferences for many years now, and I am excited to “attend” another one, especially to hear from Wayne May and his experiences in Zarahemla area this past summer!

Wayne May
September 2020 Virtual Conference
2020/09/24 at 6:34 pm

Ron
[email protected]

As a traveler to many archeological sites in Mexico, I’ve always been a strong proponent of the Mesoamerica model of the Lands of the Book of Mormon. It’s time for me to explore Meldrum’s Heartland model to see if it makes more sense. I’ll tell you right now, it’s going to be a hard sell on your part to convince me that the Heartland model makes more sense than the John Sorenson Mesoamerican model.

September 2020 Virtual Conference 2020/09/22 at 8:51 pm

Julia
[email protected]

Excited to hear Glenn Beck and Tim Ballard and all the other great speakers. I am really enjoying my subscription to BoM Streaming! I am learning so much!!!

Glenn Beck
September 2020 Virtual Conference
2020/09/09 at 2:14 pm

Jennifer
[email protected]

As a truth-seeker, I am so grateful to Dean, another truth-seeker, for all the effort, study, and research he has put into bringing these truths to a truth-starved world. I am using The UM volume 1 to teach and learn from with my family. It’s by far the best science model I’ve ever studied. It resonates with me. I’m so excited to finally have a resource like this. As a researcher myself, I’m always on the lookout for inspired work. The UM is on my list of inspired work to study. Thank you, Dean Sessions, for seeking and sharing truth.

Dean Sessions – Human Model April 2020
2020/08/21 at 12:31 pm

Our great friend Glenn Beck just spoke at the 26th International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference on Sept 24, 2020. His presentation was titled, “The Book of Mormon; Clock and Map”

Sign up Here or logo below to register..

Glenn shows us how to use the Book of Mormon as a clock to see what time it is in our history and a map to have it guide us to truth and courage. Glenn said, “Courage is a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it gets.”

In the picture below in the second column, Glenn speaks about CSE, Comprehensive Sex Education. You will be appalled as he mentions that 21 of our states are already teaching CSE to our Elementary children. What they are teaching is mind blowing and you’d better speak with your school to be sure it is not being taught. Read below about the 15 harmful elements of CSE.

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND FAMILIES

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IS A COMPLEX PROBLEM WITH SOCIAL, LEGAL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND ETHICAL DIMENSIONS.

It takes many singular and interrelated forms including pornography, prostitution, paedophilia, trafficking in human beings, and affects people of different ages, sexes and communities. Sexual exploitation has profound and damaging consequences for individuals exploited and those around them including families and communities. Targeting and grooming of children often brings psychological implications for parents and other family members; it can become almost impossible for them to carry on with their life and be able to respond effectively to the crises at hand.

They feel their lives have been turned upside down from a situation they have never anticipated. It can undermine parents’ capacity to respond proactively to the needs of their children. Lack of knowledge of the operation of abusers, patterns of grooming, impact of exploitation on their children can contribute to crises, pushing parents into despair. Source;

FAMILIES IN SUCH SITUATIONS NEED ADVICE AND SUPPORT.

PACE has been pioneering in support work to parents affected by child sexual exploitation. Founded by an affected parent, PACE continues to be driven by the experiences and needs of affected parents and works alongside them so that they can become active agents in responding to the sexual exploitation and abuse of their children.

Information provided by PACE (UK) (Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation). More information on supporting parents can be found on the PACE website.

More information about the direct effects of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) on Parents and Carers and Supporting Parents and Carers can be found in our resources library.

15 Harmful Elements of CSE

COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION: THE HARMFUL EFFECT ON CHILDREN

The following are 15 harmful elements typically found in CSE curricula. Since each of these 15 harmful elements has the potential of causing long-term negative effects on the health and well-being of children, having even one of these elements should be reason enough to disqualify a program from being taught to children. A program containing several of these elements should be banned from use in any school or community setting.

CSE Analysis Tool

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism is a 2018 book written by Robin DiAngelo about race relations in the United States. An academic with experience in diversity training, DiAngelo coined the term “white fragility” in 2011 to describe any defensive instincts or reactions that a white person experiences when questioned about race or made to consider their own race. In White Fragility, DiAngelo views racism in the United States as systemic and often perpetuated unconsciously by individuals. She recommends against viewing racism as committed intentionally by “bad people”.

Published on June 26, 2018, the book entered the New York Times Bestseller List that month, remaining on the list for well over a year and experiencing a resurgence in demand during the George Floyd protests beginning in May 2020. As of the July 26, 2020 edition, the book is in its 97th week on the list in the Paperback Nonfiction category, where it is ranked number one. Critically, the book received generally positive reviews following its publication. It received more mixed reviews in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests two years later. Some reviewers lauded the book for being thoughtful and instructive, but characterized it as diagnostic rather than solution-oriented. Other reviewers criticized the book for making false claims about race and racism in America, for putting whites in a situation where anything they say is used against them, for infantilizing black people, and for doing nothing to promote racial justice. Wikipedia

No Guilt for being a Child of God

Personally as a “White Person”, I feel no guilt for being white. I feel blessed to be a child of God. My spirit came from a Heavenly Father and my parents who both happened to be white created my body. I know Heavenly Father loves all of His children and all of us have an equal opportunity to succeed or fail in this life. We will never have equal outcome as we all have our own individual freedom of choice.

I don’t need to overcome any silly white fragility, I just need to love my neighbor as myself. Christ is my Savior and it is He I must obey not someone who wrote a book of nonsense.

More and more society it trying to replace God with man. They don’t want to live by God’s law as it is seemingly judgmental. These people don’t want any judgement they want no restrictions on what ever they want, even if it is illegal or immoral. Please be aware of this harmful idea called White Fragility.

The Dehumanizing Condescension of White Fragility

The popular book aims to combat racism but talks down to Black people.

I must admit that I had not gotten around to actually reading Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility until recently. But it was time to jump in. DiAngelo is an education professor and—most prominently today—a diversity consultant who argues that whites in America must face the racist bias implanted in them by a racist society. Their resistance to acknowledging this, she maintains, constitutes a “white fragility” that they must overcome in order for meaningful progress on both interpersonal and societal racism to happen.

White Fragility was published in 2018 but jumped to the top of the New York Times best-seller list amid the protests following the death of George Floyd and the ensuing national reckoning about racism. DiAngelo has convinced university administrators, corporate human-resources offices, and no small part of the reading public that white Americans must embark on a self-critical project of looking inward to examine and work against racist biases that many have barely known they had.

I am not convinced. Rather, I have learned that one of America’s favorite advice books of the moment is actually a racist tract. Despite the sincere intentions of its author, the book diminishes Black people in the name of dignifying us. This is unintentional, of course, like the racism DiAngelo sees in all whites. Still, the book is pernicious because of the authority that its author has been granted over the way innocent readers think.

MORE BY THIS WRITER

Reading white fragility is rather like attending a diversity seminar. DiAngelo patiently lays out a rationale for white readers to engage in a self-examination that, she notes, will be awkward and painful. Her chapters are shortish, as if each were a 45-minute session. DiAngelo seeks to instruct.

She operates from the now-familiar concern with white privilege, aware of the unintentional racism ever lurking inside of her that was inculcated from birth by the white supremacy on which America was founded. To atone for this original sin, she is devoted to endlessly exploring, acknowledging, and seeking to undo whites’ “complicity with and investment in” racism. To DiAngelo, any failure to do this “work,” as adherents of this paradigm often put it, renders one racist.

As such, a major bugbear for DiAngelo is the white American, often of modest education, who makes statements like I don’t see color or asks questions like How dare you call me “racist”? Her assumption that all people have a racist bias is reasonable—science has demonstrated it. The problem is what DiAngelo thinks must follow as the result of it.

DiAngelo has spent a very long time conducting diversity seminars in which whites, exposed to her catechism, regularly tell her—many while crying, yelling, or storming toward the exit—that she’s insulting them and being reductionist. Yet none of this seems to have led her to look inward. Rather, she sees herself as the bearer of an exalted wisdom that these objectors fail to perceive, blinded by their inner racism. DiAngelo is less a coach than a proselytizer.

When writers who are this sure of their convictions turn out to make a compelling case, it is genuinely exciting. This is sadly not one of those times, even though white guilt and politesse have apparently distracted many readers from the book’s numerous obvious flaws.

For one, DiAngelo’s book is replete with claims that are either plain wrong or bizarrely disconnected from reality. Exactly who comes away from the saga of Jackie Robinson thinking he was the first Black baseball player good enough to compete with whites? “Imagine if instead the story,” DiAngelo writes, “went something like this: ‘Jackie Robinson, the first black man whites allowed to play major-league baseball.’” But no one need imagine this scenario, as others have pointed out, because it is something every baseball fan already knows. Later in the book, DiAngelo insinuates that, when white women cry upon being called racists, Black people are reminded of white women crying as they lied about being raped by Black men eons ago. But how would she know? Where is the evidence for this presumptuous claim?

An especially weird passage is where DiAngelo breezily decries the American higher-education system, in which, she says, no one ever talks about racism. “I can get through graduate school without ever discussing racism,” she writes. “I can graduate from law school without ever discussing racism. I can get through a teacher-education program without ever discussing racism.” I am mystified that DiAngelo thinks this laughably antique depiction reflects any period after roughly 1985. For example, an education-school curriculum neglecting racism in our times would be about as common as a home unwired for electricity.

DiAngelo’s depiction of white psychology shape-shifts according to what her dogma requires. On the one hand, she argues in Chapter 1 that white people do not see themselves in racial terms; therefore, they must be taught by experts like her of their whiteness. But for individuals who harbor so little sense of themselves as a group, the white people whom DiAngelo describes are oddly tribalist when it suits her narrative. “White solidarity,” she writes in Chapter 4, “requires both silence about anything that exposes the advantages of the white population and tacit agreement to remain racially united in the protection of white supremacy.” But if these people don’t even know whiteness is a category, just what are they now suddenly defending?

Diangelo also writes as if certain shibboleths of the Black left—for instance, that all disparities between white and Black people are due to racism of some kind—represent the incontestable truth. This ideological bias is hardly unique to DiAngelo, and a reader could look past it, along with the other lapses in argumentation I have noted, if she offered some kind of higher wisdom. The problem is that White Fragility is the prayer book for what can only be described as a cult.

We must consider what is required to pass muster as a non-fragile white person. Refer to a “bad neighborhood,” and you’re using code for Black; call it a “Black neighborhood,” and you’re a racist; by DiAngelo’s logic, you are not to describe such neighborhoods at all, even in your own head. You must not ask Black people about their experiences and feelings, because it isn’t their responsibility to educate you. Instead, you must consult books and websites. Never mind that upon doing this you will be accused of holding actual Black people at a remove, reading the wrong sources, or drawing the wrong lessons from them. You must never cry in Black people’s presence as you explore racism, not even in sympathy, because then all the attention goes to you instead of Black people. If you object to any of the “feedback” that DiAngelo offers you about your racism, you are engaging in a type of bullying “whose function is to obscure racism, protect white dominance, and regain white equilibrium.”

That is a pretty strong charge to make against people who, according to DiAngelo, don’t even conceive of their own whiteness. But if you are white, make no mistake: You will never succeed in the “work” she demands of you. It is lifelong, and you will die a racist just as you will die a sinner.

Remember also that you are not to express yourself except to say Amen. Namely, thou shalt not utter:

I know people of color.
I marched in the sixties.
You are judging me.
You don’t know me.
You are generalizing.
I disagree.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/dehumanizing-condescension-white-fragility/614146/

Coming up at the 26th Book of Mormon Evidence Conference I will share a two hour video about “The force of fact as well as the force of feeling” That comes from Elder Holland as he has told us, “Truly rock-ribbed faith and uncompromised conviction comes with its most complete power when it engages our head as well as our heart.”

As President Nelson said, “You don’t have to wonder about what is true. You do not have to wonder whom you can safely trust. Through personal revelation, you can receive your own witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this is the Lord’s Church. Regardless of what others may say or do, no one can ever take away a witness borne to your heart and mind about what is true. I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives by President Russell M. Nelson

I will share with you how you can know through faith and through secondary evidences that the Book of Mormon is true. Join me and over 60 other thought leaders including Glenn Beck, The Osmonds, Rod Meldrum, and David Barton. Sign up here:

Horses or Tapirs. What do you think?

Many people who believe in the Mesoamerican theory try very hard to explain why horses are mentioned in the Book of Mormon, when they can’t show horses anciently in Mesoamerica. I believe Hearlanders have an easy answer. We find ancient horses all over in North America.

Below is one way scholars explain horses in Mesoamerica!

“Several theories that attempt to address the issue of pre-Columbian horses are examined in this article, some of which are mutually exclusive. Therefore, not all can be correct. Evidence presented in this article includes (1) archeological evidence for large animals used for draft and transportation; (2) wheeled artifacts showing a person or animal riding on an obviously artificial wheeled platform; (3) the possibility that Book of Mormon peoples referred to native animals such as the Baird’s tapir with names such as horse that they were familiar with; (4) early accounts suggesting that Native Americans had horses too early for them to come from strays that escaped the Spanish conquistadors, especially since the Spanish kept very careful records of their horses; (5) the prevalence of the pinto or piebald horse among Native Americans and its relative absence among Spanish expeditions; (6) images in Mesoamerican art that might depict horses; (7) evidence that horses survived far longer after the last ice age than previously thought; and (8) the question of the Bashkir Curly…

The topic of horses in the Book of Mormon’s depiction of the ancient New World is undoubtedly a controversial one. Although hard evidence is available to consider, so far no incontrovertible proof of Book of Mormon horses exists—that is to say, physical remains conclusively dated to around 500 BC (and earlier) from supposed Book of Mormon lands in Mesoamerica are yet to be found. Because of this, more than any other criticism of the Book of Mormon, its inclusion of horses has generated greater accusation of its supposedly fraudulent nature. The horse is still used in this day and age to cast doubt on the book’s divine origins. Critics have long pointed to the mention of horses as an anachronism and evidence of its modern invention. Since 1830, their mention has seemed a bit problematic, but everyone should remember that the prevailing belief during Joseph Smith’s time (and to some degree, still in ours) was that there were no horses in America before the arrival of the Spanish. Therefore, why mention them at all, especially since they are not an integral part of the storyline?” “Hard” Evidence of Ancient American Horses Author Daniel Johnson BYU Studies Journal 54:3

Below is Jonathan Neville’s way of explaining horses in Mesoamerica!

“One of the basic premises of M2C (Mesoamerican 2 Hill Cumorah Theory), is that Joseph Smith didn’t know that much about the Book of Mormon. He was an ignorant farm boy who knew nothing about Mesoamerica, so he didn’t use the Mesoamerican terminology; i.e., he said “horses” when he should had said “tapirs,” he said “tower” when he should have said “pyramid,” etc.” Jonathan Neville

If you would like, you can celebrate World Tapir Day here

In this blog we are having some fun with our fellow friends at Book of Mormon Central. They laugh at us and we at times laugh at them, but we all love the Book of Mormon.

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See my blog about Horses in North America below:

https://www.bofm.blog/bofm-horses-in-north-america/

If you love Native Americans, Earthquakes, American History, and the Book of Mormon, you will love this blog. It is a story that is amazing especially as we know for a fact that an earthquake the size and breadth of the one that happened during 3 Nephi happened right here in the United States of America.

We are nearing our 26th Book of Mormon Evidence Conference coming up next week and part of your ticket package includes a free DVD streaming from Rod Meldrum titled, What caused the destruction at the time of Christ? And a new 45 page E-Book from Rod’s book Prophesies and Promises.

Tickets Here:

Was the destruction at the time of Christ’s death caused by a volcanic eruption as has been speculated by some Book of Mormon geography scholars, or is there another explanation?  Amazing new research has uncovered incredible parallels between the eye-witness accounts of the Book of Mormon prophets and the eye-witness observations of those who suffered through a sequence of earthquakes in the heartland of America in 1811 and 1812. Together we will compare the scriptural account with the History Channels Earthquake in the Heartland documentary and authoritative accounts by those who were there!  It is nothing short of amazing.

What textual evidence exists that the destruction was volcanic in nature? How was the destruction described by the ancient prophets?
What caused the three days of darkness?
When did the Nephites gather at the temple in Bountiful/
Why couldn’t some Nephites light fires, while other Nephite cities were entirely burned?
Did an event similar to that witnessed in 1811-1812 occur near the time of Christ?

Tecumseh
March 1768 – October 5, 1813) was a Native American Shawnee warrior and chief, who became the primary leader of a large, multi-tribal confederacy in the early 19th century. Born in the Ohio Country (present-day Ohio), and growing up during the American Revolutionary War and the Northwest Indian War, Tecumseh was exposed to warfare and envisioned the establishment of an independent Native American nation east of the Mississippi River under British protection. He worked to recruit additional members to his tribal confederacy from the southern United States.

Tecumseh was among the most celebrated Native American leaders in history and was known as a strong and eloquent orator who promoted tribal unity. He was also ambitious, willing to take risks, and make significant sacrifices to repel the Americans from Native American lands in the Old Northwest Territory. Wikipedia: Tecumseh

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A Comparison of The Book of Mormon and a book called The Late War Between the United States and Great Britain.

Joseph [Smith] most likely grew up reading a school book called The Late War by Gilbert J. Hunt and it heavily influenced his writing of The Book of Mormon.

Summary
In October 2013, the authors conducted a data analysis comparing The Book of Mormon to over 100,000 books from the pre-1830’s era. Out of the top matches, we discovered a book called The Late War Between the United States and Great Britain, a scriptural style account of the War of 1812 published in New York in 1816. Between 1817 and 1819 it was marketed “for the use of schools throughout the United States” under the title The Historical Reader.

Interesting Parallels

… near Moravian Town… And it came to pass… the army … were under … a chief warrior, whom they called Tecumseh […] smote their chief warrior [Tecumseh], and slew him … he fell to the earth.

… people of Morianton … And it came to pass … the army … was led by a man whose name was Teancum […] they did pursue Teancum, and slew him … he was dead, and had gone the way of all the earth.

Alma 50:33,35, Alma 62:36-37

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People interested in how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon into English focus on the language in the text. Some people say the text is merely a clumsy copy of the Bible or other “pseudo-biblical” books. Others say the text is too sophisticated for Joseph Smith because it contains Early Modern English syntax from the 1500s. he could not have possibly known. In this video we discuss the nature of language and offer evidence that both (i) corroborates Joseph’s own explanation and (ii) rebuts the critics. See the movie below by Jonathan Neville

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Teancum / Tecumseh

Source: A Comparison of The Book of Mormon and The Late War Between the United States and Great Britain first published Jan 11, 2014 last edited Mar 9, 2014  http://wordtree.org/thelatewar/

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“In understanding the similarities between the name Tecumseh and Teancum we thought you would love to hear this article relating Tecumseh and the New Madrid Earthquake. The similarities are amazing as we read about history in the Heartland of North America.” Rian Nelson

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The New Madrid Earthquake and Tecumseh’s Prophecy

George Washington AGAINST Slavery Quotes

“I wish from my soul that the legislature of this State could see the policy of a gradual Abolition of Slavery.” From George Washington to Lawrence Lewis, 4 August 1797

“Not only do I pray for it, on the score of human dignity, but I can clearly foresee that nothing but the rooting out of slavery can perpetuate the existence of our union, by consolidating it in a common bond of principle.” Attributed to GEORGE WASHINGTON.—John Bernard, Retrospections of America, 1797–1811, p. 91 (1887). This is from Bernard’s account of a conversation he had with Washington in 1798.

“[Let] the poor the needy and oppressed of the Earth, and those who want Land, resort to the fertile land of our western country, the second land of Promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment.” From George Washington to David Humphreys, 25 July 1785

“I never mean, unless some particular circumstances should compel it, to possess another slave by purchase, it being among my first wishes to see some plan adopted, by which slavery in the country may be abolished by law.” From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 9 September 1786

Lincoln and the Emancipated-Slave Statue

Allen C. Guelzo and James Hankins describe the poignant origins of the Emancipation Memorial in Washington, paid for by the donations of newly freed slaves (“A Monument to Our Shared Purpose,” Life & Arts, June 30). The story of the memorial’s design is equally poignant.

The scene depicted actually happened. Admiral David Dixon Porter accompanied President Lincoln to Richmond to accept the surrender of the Confederacy, and recounted the story in his 1885 memoir.

During Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots, this statue was attempted to be torn down, but it was saved. What are these Marxist groups thinking? They aren’t. They just hate and we as Latter-day Saints need to push back and support our country. Let’s not forget our past. The Lord needs us in the battle.

(CNN) A statue in a Boston park depicting a formerly enslaved man kneeling before President Abraham Lincoln will be removed, according to city officials. After two public hearings, the Boston Art Commission voted to remove the Emancipation Group, a statue installed in 1879 in Boston’s Park Square, according to a statement announcing the removal.The statue is a replica of one in Washington, DC, and has been controversial since its installation for the depiction of the freed slave. The statue features Archer Alexander, a Black man who “assisted the Union Army, escaped slavery, and was recaptured under the Fugitive Slave Act,” the statement says.

Black conservatives rebuke call to remove D.C.’s Emancipation Memorial

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Did You Know?
“The three-fifths clause was not a measurement of human worth; it was an attempt to reduce the number of pro-slavery proponents in Congress.” Wallbuilders.com see *Quote Bottom.

David Barton of Wallbuilders will be speaking at the 26th Book of Mormon Evidence Conference Sept 25 on any device. Details here.

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Were all of America’s Founding Fathers racists, pro-slavery, and hypocrites?

By WallBuilders, Inc 1999

“One of the most frequent tactics employed to discredit America’s Founding Fathers is to say that the Founding Fathers were all pro-slavery racists and hypocrites. Therefore, why should we care what their views were on any subject? African-American professor Walter Williams wisely explained the use of this tactic in these words:”

Walter E. Williams

Walter Edward Williams (born March 31, 1936) is an American economist, commentator, and academic. He is the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University, as well as a syndicated columnist and author known for his classical liberal and libertarian views.[2] His writings frequently appear on Townhall.com, WND, and Jewish World Review. Wikipedia

“Politicians, news media, college professors and leftists of other stripes are selling us lies and propaganda. To lay the groundwork for their increasingly successful attack on our Constitution, they must demean and criticize its authors. As Senator Joe Biden demonstrated during the Clarence Thomas hearings, the framers’ ideas about natural law must be trivialized or they must be seen as racists.”

WallBuilders continues saying, “These people paint a false picture of the Founding Fathers and the issue of slavery. The historical fact is that slavery was not the product of, nor was it an evil introduced by the Founders; slavery was introduced in America nearly two centuries before the Founders. In fact, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay noted that there had been few serious efforts to dismantle the institution of slavery prior to the Founding Fathers.

The Revolution was a turning point in the national attitude against slavery—and it was the Founders who contributed greatly to that change. In fact, one of the reasons given by Thomas Jefferson for the separation from Great Britain was a desire to rid America of the evil of slavery imposed on them by the British.

Benjamin Franklin explained that this separation from Britain was necessary since every attempt among the Colonies to end slavery had been thwarted or reversed by the British Crown. In fact, in the years following America’s separation from Great Britain, many of the Founding Fathers who had owned slaves released them (e.g., John Dickinson, Ceasar Rodney, William Livingston, George Washington, George Wythe, John Randolph, and others).

It is true, however, that not all of the Founders from the South opposed slavery. According to the testimony of Thomas Jefferson, John Rutledge, and James Madison, those from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia favored slavery.

Nevertheless, despite the support in those states for slavery, the clear majority of the Founders was opposed to this evil—and their support went beyond words.

For example, in 1774, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush founded America’s first antislavery society; John Jay was president of a similar society in New York. When Constitution signer William Livingston heard of the New York society, he, as Governor of New Jersey, wrote them, offering:

“I would most ardently wish to become a member of it [the society in New York] and… I can safely promise them that neither my tongue, nor my pen, nor purse shall be wanting to promote the abolition of what to me appears so inconsistent with humanity and Christianity… May the great and the equal Father of the human race, who has expressly declared His abhorrence of oppression, and that He is no respecter of persons, succeed a design so laudably calculated to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke.”

Other prominent Founding Fathers who were members of societies for ending slavery included Richard Bassett, James Madison, James Monroe, Bushrod Washington, Charles Carroll, William Few, John Marshall, Richard Stockton, Zephaniah Swift, and many more.

In fact, based in part on the efforts of these Founders, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1780; Connecticut and Rhode Island did so in 1784; New Hampshire in 1792; Vermont in 1793; New York in 1799; and New Jersey in 1804. Furthermore, the reason that the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa all prohibited slavery was a federal act authored by Rufus King (signer of the Constitution) and signed into law by President George Washington which prohibited slavery in those territories.

It is not surprising that Washington would sign such a law, for it was he who had declared:

“I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it [slavery].”
—George Washington

Notice a few additional examples of the Founder’s strong antislavery sentiments:

“[M]y opinion against it [slavery] has always been known… [N]ever in my life did I own a slave.” —John Adams, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. President. The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1854), vol IX pp. 92-93. In a letter to George Churchman and Jacob Lindley on January 24, 1801.

“[W]hy keep alive the question of slavery? It is admitted by all to be a great evil.” —Charles Carroll, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Kate Mason Rowland, Life and Correspondence of Charles Carroll of Carrollton (New York and London: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1898), Vol. II, pg. 231.

“As Congress is now to legislate for our extensive territory lately acquired, I pray to Heaven that they …[c]urse not the inhabitants of those regions, and of the United States in general, with a permission to introduce bondage [slavery].” —John Dickinson, Signer of the Constitution and Governor of Pennsylvania. Charles J. Stille, The Life and Times of John Dickinson (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1898) p. 324.

“That men should pray and fight for their own freedom and yet keep others in slavery is certainly acting a very inconsistent as well as unjust and perhaps impious part.” —John Jay, President of Continental Congress, Chief-Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Governor of New York. Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, editor (New York and London: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1891), Vol. III, pp. 168-169. In a letter to Dr. Richard Price on Sep. 27, 1785.

“Christianity, by introducing into Europe the truest principles of humanity, universal benevolence, and brotherly love, had happily abolished civil slavery. Let us who profess the same religion practice its precepts… by agreeing to this duty.” —Richard Henry Lee, President of Continental Congress and Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Memoir of the Life of Richard Henry Lee and His Correspondence With the Most Distinguised Men in America and Europe (Philadelphia: H.C. Carey and I. Lea, 1825), Vol. I, pp. 17-19. The first speech of Richard Henry Lee in the House of Burgesses.

“[I]t ought to be considered that national crimes can only be and frequently are punished in this world by national punishments; and that the continuance of the slave trade, and thus giving it a national sanction and encouragement, ought to be considered as justly exposing us to the displeasure and vengeance of Him who is equally Lord of all and who views with equal eye the poor African slave and his American master.” —Luther Martin, Constitutional Convention Delegate. James Madison, The Records of the Federal Convention, Max Farrand, editor (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1911), Vol. III, pg. 211.

“Domestic slavery is repugnant to the principles of Christianity… It is rebellion against the authority of a common Father. It is a practical denial of the extent and efficacy of the death of a common Savior. It is an usurpation of the prerogative of the great Sovereign of the universe who has solemnly claimed an exclusive property in the souls of men.” —Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates From the Abolition Societies Established in Different Parts of the United States, Assembled at Philadelphia, on the First Day of January, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four… (Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson, 1794), p. 24. “To the Citizens of the United States.”

“Slavery, or an absolute and unlimited power in the master over life and fortune of the slave, is unauthorized by the common law… The reasons which we sometimes see assigned for the origin and the continuance of slavery appear, when examined to the bottom, to be built upon a false foundation. In the enjoyment of their persons and of their property, the common law protects all.”
—James Wilson, Signer of the Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court Justice. James Wilson, The Works of James Wilson, Robert Green McCloskey, editor (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1967), Vol. II, pg. 605.

“It is certainly unlawful to make inroads upon others… and take away their liberty by no better right than superior force.”
—John Witherspoon, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Works of John Witherspoon (Edinburgh: J. Ogle, 1815), p. 81, “Lectures on Moral Philosophy.”

Numerous similar quotes could be cited.

Yet despite the progress made by many of the Founders to end the institution of slavery and to recognize in practice that “all men are created equal,” it is currently charged that in the Constitution, the Founders considered a black to be only three-fifths of a person. This charge is yet another misportrayal of the truth.

Three-Fifths Clause

The records of the Constitutional Convention make clear that the three-fifths clause was actually an antislavery provision. As Professor Walter Williams explains:

“It was slavery’s opponents who succeeded in restricting the political power of the South by allowing them to count only three-fifths of their slave population in determining the number of congressional representatives. The three-fifths of a vote provision applied only to slaves, not to free blacks in either the North or South.” (emphasis added)

*The three-fifths clause was not a measurement of human worth; it was an attempt to reduce the number of pro-slavery proponents in Congress. By including only three-fifths of the total numbers of slaves into the congressional calculations, Southern states were actually being denied additional pro-slavery representatives in Congress.

While there were a few Founding Fathers who were pro-slavery, the truth is that it was the Founders who were responsible for planting and nurturing the first seeds for the recognition of black equality and for the eventual end of slavery. This is a fact made clear by Richard Allen.

Allen had been a slave in Pennsylvania, but was freed after he converted his master to Christianity. A close friend of Benjamin Rush and several other Founding Fathers, he went on to become the founder of the A.M.E. Church in America. In an early address entitled “To the People of Color,” Allen reminded them:

“Many of the white people [who] have been instruments in the hands of God for our good, even such as have held us in captivity, are now pleading our cause with earnestness and zeal.”
-Richard Allen

If this view of the Founding Fathers and many of their names were new to you, there is a solution to help acquaint you with many of them. Wallbuilders has reprinted an 1848 book entitled Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. This work, long used as a school text, gives a brief and informative biographical sketch of each of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Author: David Barton of WallBuilders. Provided by Films for Christ.

Related information

What are the consequences of racial prejudice and false beliefs about the origin of races? Answer

Get biblical answers to racial hot-topics. Where did the races come from? How did skin color come about? Why is it important to have a biblical foundation for such issues?

Copyright © 1995, 1999, WallBuilders, Inc., All Rights Reserved—except as noted on attached “Usage and Copyright” page that grants ChristianAnswers.Net users generous rights for putting this page to work in their homes, personal witnessing, churches and schools.

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SENSYS Scanning in Zarahemla for November – December 2020

It has taken two years to raise the money. We now have a new donation that allows us to lease the SENSYS MX V3 to begin the magnetic scanning for Zarahemla. This week we made an agreement with the German company, SENSYS, to fly in late November their equipment from Germany to Iowa. Yesterday we contacted ten landowners who farm more than 1,000 acres in Lee County. We are working out the details to gain access to their fields after this year’s harvest. The plan is clear. We are looking for the magnetic evidence of ancient habitations that are 2,000 years old when the people of Zarahemla made fires for heating, cooking, and lighting their roundhouses. It would be wonderful if we are able to find evidence of ancient fires for the working of metal. Our 2018 scanning in Ohio demonstrated the effectiveness of the German technologies for the Heartland Research Group. Within a few days, we were able to identify the locations of six roundhouses that were 2,000 years old. In March 2019 in Saarow, Germany, and we had the opportunity to become acquainted with Wolfgang Süß, Managing Director, SENSYS Sales & Strategy. During that visit, there was a chance to become better acquainted with German engineers and scientists who are at Nobel Prize-winning levels when it comes to the measurement of magnetic forces.The expertise of German science permits the passive measurement of differential magnetic forces in the ground. Their scanning produces non-evasive, detailed surveys of ancient sites. The German system gives massive amounts of data in a short time. The equipment makes 13 million data readings per acre with a GPS accuracy of +/- 0.25″. The equipment can survey as many as 50 acres a day. No other technology produces so much information from the ground in such a short time and at such a low cost. From the SENSYS website, you will see underwater applications of this technology. SENSYS employs 40 highly trained people. The company has a sufficient number of experts in one place that they are able within a very short time to test and evaluate the effectiveness of new processes and techniques. Some of these engineers and scientists have been working for SENSYS for more than 30 years. There is a very close working relationship between SENSYS and the German Archaeological Institute in Berlin. No other archaeological research organization in the world is as highly respected as Deutsches Archäologisches Institut. This institute operates as a “scientific corporation”, under the auspices of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and fully endorses the effectiveness of the SENSYS technology.SENSYS MV V3 System Coming to Zarahemla  ©2020 Zarahemla | 2681 Milan Street Easton, PA 18045 US

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Understanding Hopewell & Adena Earthworks in Ohio

You can purchase the results of our Heartland Research group in Ohio from July 2018 here. We found at Fort Glenford Ohio some Adena roundhouses that date to 270 BC. Richard Moats and Wayne May have documented this information in this two book series.

3- Full Reports

Yost Works 18-Page Report
The Reconstruction & Archeoastronomy of a Hopewell Geometric Earthwork in Ohio -A Window into Hopewell Religion
Fort Glenford 17-Page Report
Fort Glenford Hill Top Enclosure -An Adena Mortuary Complex
6-page Addendum Sept 2018
With updated and current information about these amazing discoveries.
Author:Rev. Richard D. Moats Over 40 Pages of Archaeology in words and color photographs.

What is a grievance predator, race hustler, race advocate, race baiter, neo-nazi, or white supremacist? They are all the same thing. They are not advocates of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They prey upon us and call others racists, xenophobes, misogynist, etc. Have you noticed the world is becoming a lot of individual groups who espouse their individual rhetoric. This is the opposite of the what the Lord taught of “becoming one” and as our flag says, E pluribus unum, meaning “out of many, one”. Conquer and divide. should become, share Christ and be one.

“In the final analysis the weakness of Black Power is its failure to see that the black man needs the white man and the white man needs the black man”. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Race Hustler

“A term coined to describe those individuals of a particular race who project themselves into the media spotlight as spokespersons whenever there is an alleged racial incident which involves their race. The use of the word “Hustler”, included as a part of the term, also implies that these individuals exploit a racial situation to serve their own interests. Recently, this term has often been used to describe the Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as “Race Hustlers”. Urban Dictionary

British Wouldn’t Give up Slavery

“The Revolution was a turning point in the national attitude against slavery—and it was the Founders who contributed greatly to that change. In fact, one of the reasons given by Thomas Jefferson for the separation from Great Britain was a desire to rid America of the evil of slavery imposed on them by the British.

Benjamin Franklin explained that this separation from Britain was necessary since every attempt among the Colonies to end slavery had been thwarted or reversed by the British Crown”. Copyright © 1995, 1999, WallBuilders, Inc.,

Robert L. Woodson

Robert L. Woodson, Sr. founded the Woodson Center in 1981 to help residents of low-income neighborhoods address the problems of their communities. A former civil rights activist, he has headed the National Urban League Department of Criminal Justice, and has been a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Foundation for Public Policy Research. Referred to by many as “godfather” of the neighborhood empowerment movement, for more than four decades, Woodson has had a special concern for the problems of youth. In response to an epidemic of youth violence that has afflicted urban, rural and suburban neighborhoods alike, Woodson has focused much of the Woodson Center’s activities on an initiative to establish Violence-Free Zones in troubled schools and neighborhoods throughout the nation. He is an early MacArthur “genius” awardee and the recipient of the 2008 Bradley Prize, the Presidential Citizens Award, and a 2008 Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Manhattan Institute.

A Feeding Frenzy for Race Grievance Predators

BY ROBERT L. WOODSON SR., OPINION CONTRIBUTOR — 02/08/19

Logan Cyrus/AFP/Getty Images

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s yearbook photo is just the most recent incident in which an isolated piece of evidence proves that “institutional racism” runs rampant throughout our nation. A parade of politicians, Democrats and Republicans, and “spokespersons” for the black community have delighted news outlets by taking the stage to decry the photo and call for his resignation.

In its response, Northam’s alma mater, Eastern Virginia Medical School, issued a statement pledging to “continue a long tradition of action to build a strong culture of diversity and inclusion.” Sadly, those words indicate the impending arrival of “sensitivity” trainers from the race-grievance industry who have raked in millions of dollars from school systems, universities and corporations.

These self-styled exorcists come to root out the inner racism in anyone forced to sit through these training programs. At such sessions you will hear about the need for “equity,” about “cultural appropriation” and being “racially relevant.” And if you speak out against the need for such training, you put your professional life at risk, as professors Bret Weinstein at Evergreen State and Paul Griffiths at Duke University found out.

The race racketeers have discovered fertile ground in the educational arena because many educational institutions have bought into the idea that any disparity, whether in performance or representation, is assumed to be the result of racism. The poisonous message to individuals of color is that their destiny is determined by forces beyond their control, forces allied against them; they are victims of the American system. Again, any incident of racial disparity is assumed to be the result of racists’ judgmental attitudes, and beyond the agency of students who suffer the consequences of their dismal academic performance or anti-social and violent behavior.

This begs the question, why do young blacks dominate both college and professional sports? The simplest explanation is they work hard and are self-motivated, and therefore excel. If they applied that same level of energy and commitment in the classroom, they would achieve similar results.

During Black History Month in Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University continues its “White Racial Literacy Project” to address racial inequalities — including “whiteness” on campus. Discussions in this project are offered to students in sessions that are segregated by race.  Do they even recognize the sad irony?

At the K-12 level, Evanston/Skokie public schools outside of Chicago implemented an “equity audit” in spring of 2017, supposedly to address low academic performance of the sizable black and Latino population of students they are tasked with educating. The study squarely blames disparities on “white supremacy.” When academic performance fails to improve as promised, their response is to point back to institutional racism, not their own failings.

Of course, the first order of business was to implement sensitivity training for all 500 Evanston public school teachers and staff members, and to hold required staff meetings segregated by race. It is unlikely that these social justice warriors who champion race training and reform efforts send their children to public schools where they would suffer from always blaming others (whites) for their failures.

Martin Luther King Jr.“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

Vigilantes of political correctness utilize twists in language that were beyond the imagination of even George Orwell. Censoring the opinions of divergent groups has given rise to “safe spaces” on campuses where students can avoid exposure to alternative perspectives.

I have never understood exactly what the end game of the racial grievance industry is, but I suspect it has to do with what Booker T. Washington once identified as a class of “people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs — partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs.”

Martin Luther King Jr.“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

We are at a point where we cannot even enjoy Mary Poppins because she has been decried as racist for blackening her face with ashes to join the chimney sweeps in dance. The purveyors of racial grievance have effectively infiltrated our national discourse with their erroneous vocabulary of race and power and privilege.  

The fundamental proposition of the race industry is that disparities always denote injustice toward blacks. The question that never gets asked: Why are blacks overrepresented on the athletic fields and underrepresented at high school graduation? We must stop assuming the principal problem facing many in the black community is structural and external. There must be a move to confront the enemy within.

Martin Luther King Jr.“Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.”

Martin Luther King Jr.“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

Deciding whether Ralph Northam or other Virginia officials caught up in recent scandals leave office or remain is not a suitable response to this challenge. Misguided goodwill can be more dangerous than actions that stem from malice. I believe the governor should defy the racial bullies and be judged by his actions and record of public service over the past 35 years.

Robert L. Woodson, Sr. is the president and founder of the Woodson Center.

https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/428961-a-feeding-frenzy-for-race-grievance-predators

Our Heartland facebook friend Emily Bailey Dayley‎ has come up with an unusual and amazing possible anachronism for the Book of Mormon in North America. She posted the following:

Archeology & Book of Mormon Evidence Yesterday  “Weird question for ya. After reading about how Zerahemna got scalped in Alma during the war chapters, I wondered if this is account was when scalping originated? A quick search online showed scalping was mostly a practiced by the American Native Americans, and wasn’t recorded having been done earlier than 1000 AD in Europe/Africa. It was mostly an American old world thing. Sorry for the gross question but I thought it was an interesting thought. Another “parallel” of sorts, maybe?”

Actually is was a great question that I had never even thought of, so I got busy and began finding out some interesting things. So far I can date scalping in North America to 1-359 AD in Utah. Wow, those are Book of Mormon times alright. Good find Emily.

Alma 44:12 “And now when Moroni had said these words, Zerahemnah retained his sword, and he was angry with Moroni, and he rushed forward that he might slay Moroni; but as he raised his sword, behold, one of Moroni’s soldiers smote it even to the earth, and it broke by the hilt; and he also smote Zerahemnah that he took off his scalp and it fell to the earth. And Zerahemnah withdrew from before them into the midst of his soldiers.”

Zerahemnah—
Lamanite commander [c. 74 B.C.]

• chief captain of Lamanite army, Alma 43:5, 44.
• inspires soldiers to fight, Alma 43:44.
• is struck with terror when surrounded, Alma 43:53.
• is commanded by Moroni¹ to surrender, Alma 44:1–6.
• attempts to kill Moroni¹, is scalped, Alma 44:12.
• begs for mercy, Alma 44:19.
  From LDS Triple Index

Scalping in Nephite Time Frame

From the earliest years of conflict between Native Americans and Europeans, the object which most resonates to the present as emblematic of that conflict’s violence is the scalp. Scalping was an ancient practice in North America that predates European contact by centuries. It figures prominently in early European accounts. Beyond its simple description as a grisly souvenir or trophy of war, the scalp, and the practice of scalping, carried meanings, both symbolic and concrete. Taking a scalp represented the ultimate dominance of a warrior over an enemy. The scalp became a stand-in for the slain enemy in a celebratory ritual of further humiliation, many with gendered aspects. Europeans also included scalping in their imperialistic war-making practices. Their scalping, which began as an imitation or response to Indian scalping, in time created a new materialistic motivation for taking scalps.

Evidence for the antiquity of scalping on the North American continent takes three different forms: archaeological, historical, and linguistic. Each is compelling and the three, taken as a whole are comprehensive and convincing. The skeletal remains that form the basis for the archaeological argument for scalping as an ancient American practice are persuasive because they are perhaps the most concrete and least susceptible to semantics or interpretation, in the way that historical or linguistic arguments may be.[1] The cut marks found upon skulls that are consistent with scalping by a stone blade are among the key diagnostic attributes used by archaeologists to say with a degree of certainty that a set of skeletal remains represents a victim of interpersonal violence and “malevolent intent.” Other such attributes include bodies with multiple projectile point impacts, multiple crushing injuries, or a mass of bodies dumped together.[2] Another, related, category of skulls that corroborates the markings as being representative of ancient scalping are the skulls that show these marks but also signs of healing.[3] These individuals survived scalping, a not uncommon occurrence in historic times. An early American medical journal even published an article explaining how to care for the scalping survivor.[4] Absent the possibility of industrial mishap, it is hard to find another explanation for a person to be separated from their scalp.

In 1940, archaeologist Georg Neumann excavated and described the first set of remains widely accepted as showing evidence for scalping.[5] In his findings, Neumann reported finding the skull of a young man in an Illinois site that dated to the Middle Mississippian Period of the 11^th to 16^th century A.D. The skull showed that death was caused by four blows from a stone celt or club, furthermore, there was a series of cuts around the crown of the skull consistent with scalping with a stone blade.[6] Another, more dramatic site of prehistoric violence and scalping is the Crow Creek site in South Dakota, where, in the 14^th century, enemy warriors destroyed an agricultural village. Here, archaeologists discovered 486 skeletons in two mass graves. Almost all of the bodies showed some form of post-mortem mutilation.[7] Nearly 90 percent of the skulls, male and female, showed the tell-tale cut-marks associated with scalping. [8] In addition to skulls that have had the scalp removed, in a few cases the scalps themselves have survived. A scalp, which included ears and eyebrows, attached to a basketry disk found in a Utah cave yielded a carbon-14 date of between 1 and 359 A.D.[9] [This is a time frame consistent with Alma 44 above] The earliest North American archaeological evidence for an Indian scalping a European is the skeletal remains of an English settler killed in Virginia in a 1622 attack.[10] His shattered skull speaks to a violent end and his cranium shows signs of being scalped with a metal knife, perhaps even an English one.

Scalping appears in the earliest historical accounts of European explorations of North America. On his second voyage to the continent, the French explorer Jacques Cartier wrote that the Indians of a village called Stadacona showed him the “the skin of five men’s heads”, which were spread out on a board “like parchments.”[11] In 1540, Indians killed and scalped Simon Rodrigues, a member of the de Soto Expedition to what is now the southeastern United States.[12] De Soto, in attempting to describe what happened, recounted that the natives took el pellejo de corona, the skin of the crown.[13] Jacques Le Moyne a Frenchman who visited Florida in 1564 described in graphic detail how members of the Timucua tribe scalped dead enemies, “they cut the skin of the head down to the skull with pieces of reed sharper than any steel blade, from the brow in a circle to the back of the head; and they pull it off whole, gathering the hair, which is still attached to it and more than a cubit long, into a knot at the crown; and what there is over the brow and back of the head they cut off in a circle to a length of two fingers.”[14] Not only was Le Moyne a vivid writer, he also drew what he saw, and later a Belgian engraver, Theodor de Bry produced lurid reproductions of his sketches.

In the above De Bry engraving, after Le Moyne’s drawing, of Timucuas mutilating dead enemies, the men at right are drying scalps over a fire.  The figures in the background are returning to the village with scalps and other body parts on the ends of their lances. Le Moyne described how the trophies became a central part of a victory ceremony in which the whole village took part.[15]

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[1] Phillip L. Walker, “A Bioarcheological Perspective on the History of Violence,” Annual Review of Anthropology 30, no. 1 (2001): doi: 10.1146/annurev.anthro.30.1.573., 574.

[2] Walker, 576

[3] James Axtell and William C. Sturtevant, “The Unkindest Cut, or Who Invented Scalping,” The William and Mary Quarterly 37, no. 3 (1980):  doi:10.2307/1923812. 468.

[4] James Robertson, “Remarks on the Management of the Scalped-Head,” The Philadelphia Medical and Physical Journal 2 (April 1806). 27-33

[5] Wolf D. Bueschgen and D. Troy Case, “Evidence of Prehistoric Scalping at Vosberg, Central Arizona,” International Journal of Osteoarcheology 6, no. 3 (1996): doi:10.1002/1099-12126:33.0, 231

[6] Georg K. Neumann, “Evidence for the Antiquity of Scalping from Central Illinois,” American Antiquity 5, no. 04 (1940): doi:10.2307/275199. 287.

[7] Patrick S. Willey, Prehistoric Warfare on the Great Plains: Skeletal Analysis of the Crow Creek Massacre Victims (New York: Garland, 1990), 105;

[8] P. Willey and Thomas E. Emerson, “The Osteology and Archaeology of The Crow Creek Massacre,” Plains Anthropologist 38, no. 145 (1993), doi:10.1080/2052546.1993.11931655., 257.

[9] Julie Howard and Joel Janetski, “Human Scalps from Eastern Utah,” Utah Archaeology 1992 5, no. 1 (1992) https://www.upaconline.org/journal/PDF/Utah%20Archaeology%201992. 128-130.

[10] Axtell and Sturtevant, 460.

[11] Stephen Leacock, The Mariner of St. Malo a Chronicle of the Voyages of Jacques Cartier, vol. 2 (Toronto: Glasgow, Brook & Company, 1915), https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4077/4077-h/4077-h.htm. VII

[12] Thomas S. Abler, “Scalping, Torture, Cannibalism and Rape: An Ethnohistorical Analysis of Conflicting Cultural Values in War,” Anthropologica 34, no. 1 (1992): doi:10.2307/25605630, 7.

[13] Axtell and Sturtevant, 457.

[14] Jacques Le Moyne De Morgues, Theodor De Bry, and Frederic B. Perkins, Narrative of Le Moyne an Artist Who Accompanied the French Expedition to Florida under Laudonnière, 1564 (Boston: J.R. Osgood and, 1875) https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027064032;view=1up;seq=51. 7.

[15] Le Moyne, 7.

The Skin of the Crown: The Origins and Meanings of Scalping in Early America Phillip Lingle New Mexico State University January 2019

Late Archaic Scalping 3000 to 1000 BC

“Three individuals from Late Archaic period sites in the Kentucky Lake Reservoir exhibit cutmarks on their crania which are best interpreted as scalping. The likely scalping victims are the earliest examples of this warfarerelated trophy-taking practice in the eastern United States. The importance of this identification lies not just in establishing a great antiquity for an ethnohistorically well known practice, but in the informative potential trophy taking has in particular theories of cultural evolution. Certain paradigms stress the dynamic role of warfare in the genesis of social stratification. A primary motive for scalp taking is prestige enhancement. The temporal and spatial distribution of scalping and other trophy-taking practices among Late Archaic hunter-gatherers may provide useful clues to patterns of status differentiation.” Scalping in the Archaic Period: Evidence from the Western Tennessee Valley Maria O. Smith [The Late Archaic Period lasted from about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago]

Trophy Taking in the Central and Lower Mississippi Valley
NANCY A. ROSS-STALLINGS

“The purposes of this chapter are to first review the criteria for evaluating
whether or not a human remain should be considered as a legitimate trophy when found in an archaeological context. Second, some previously unpublished cases of decapitation and cannibalism from the central and lower Mississippi Valley, plus a site with one feature exhibiting multiple scalping and decapitation cases from southeastern Tennessee, will be presented. The final section is a review of sites in the continental United States where trophy taking and/or cannibalism has been verified, using the criteria established in the early part of the chapter. This review will demonstrate that trophy taking had two discrete origins in the United States, first from a temporal and second from a spatial standpoint, and that the practice spread across cultural areas on a timeline.”

Origins of Human Trophy Taking in California

“Scalps were taken in the greater part of California, brought home in triumph, and celebrated over, usually by a dance around a pole” (Kroeber 1976:843); thus concluded the great California ethnographer Alfred Kroeber on the human trophy taking in his lengthy treatise, Handbook of the Indians of California. At the time of his study of the cultural elements of California’s indigenous peoples, California was or had recently been occupied by over 50 tribal groups (Figure 4.1) Ethnographic and Linguistic Evidence for the Origins of Human Trophy Taking in California PATRICIA M. LAMBERT

Evidence for the Antiquity of Scalping from Central Illinois

Georg K. Neumann Published 1940 History JUST before the archaeological party of the University of Chicago moved camp to the extreme southeastern part of Fulton County, Illinois, during the summer of 1933, the writer visited the aboriginal site (designated FV896 by the archaeological survey) on the Norman Crable farm located on the high Illinois River bluff about two miles north of Bluff City. Here for several years Mr. Glenn McGirr, a local collector, had opened a large number of graves to secure artifacts, and on that afternoon had opened six of them.

The burials were extended on the back with the arms to the sides and accompanied by typical Middle Mississippi [800 to 1600 AD] pottery and other artifacts that were assigned to the Spoon River focus of the Monk’s Mound aspect after excavations had been carried on by the field party.368 Mr. McGirr was kind enough to let the writer have four of the skeletons for the University collections, and upon cleaning them it was found that one of them, that of an adult male (No. F896-101), exhibited evidences of a violent end, and had cuts on the vault of the skull that seemed to indicate that the individual had been scalped. Death had clearly been caused by four celt blows which had fractured the parietals and crushed in the right side of the skull. If one can judge by the distribution of the cuts, the victim probably had lain face down during the operation for most of the cuts, which look as if they had been made with a flint knife, are on the frontal bone and extend in a rough circle around the crown.

After the front end of the scalp had been cut loose in all probability it had been pulled backward and then cut free without making more than two cuts on the occipital bone. The presence of a small amount of calcium carbonate leached from the calcareous loess and deposited in some of the cuts attest to their antiquity. Here, then, there is direct evidence of a case of scalping of an individual who belonged to a group with a Middle Mississippi culture that was shown in Illinois to be pre-historic and by relative chronology to post-date Hopewellian manifestations. All evidences of culture, as well as of physical anthropology, point to the Muskhogean-speaking tribes of the Southeast, who, it may be noted, also practiced scalping when De Soto first visited them in 1540.

Old World Scalping

In England in 1036, Earl Godwin, father of Harold Godwinson, was reportedly responsible for scalping his enemies. According to the ancient Abingdon manuscript, ‘some of them were blinded, some maimed, some scalped. No more horrible deed was done in this country since the Danes came and made peace here’.^[3]

Georg Frederici noted that “Herodotus provided the only clear and satisfactory portrayal of a scalping people in the old world” in his description of the Scythians, a nomadic people then located to the north and west of the Black Sea.^[4] Herodotus related that Scythian warriors would behead the enemies they defeated in battle and present the heads to their king to claim their share of the plunder. Then, the warrior would skin the head “by making a circular cut round the ears and shaking out the skull; he then scrapes the flesh off the skin with the rib of an ox, and when it is clean works it with his fingers until it is supple, and fit to be used as a sort of handkerchief. He hangs these handkerchiefs on the bridle of his horse, and is very proud of them. The best man is the man who has the greatest number.”^[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalping

“Although American native peoples were all too often accused of being the sole practitioners of scalping, in reality they did nothing others had not done before. Herodotus found the practice among the Pontic Scythians, and, according to the Maccabees, the ancient Persians tore away the scalp of one of their prisoners. Orosius reports that Romans scalped during the battle on the Raudine plain. It is highly probable that Germanic tribes behaved similarly, for we know that they ascribed magical powers to a shock of human hair, regarding it as the symbol of the free man. In Germanic law, if a court demanded the guilty party’s head to be shaved it was considered an especially grievous sentence — in very serious cases the court could decree that the hair be ripped out with the skin.” Source 

Setting the Record Straight About Native Peoples: Scalping

Q: Who invented scalping? My history book says it was the Indians but the tribe who lives near me says the colonists used to scalp them.
A: They’re both right. Scalping–cutting off the scalp of a dead enemy as proof of his demise– was common practice throughout North America before colonists got here. It is described in Indian oral histories, and preserved scalps were found at archaeological sites. Colonists learned to scalp enemies from the Indians. (The European custom was to cut off people’s heads for proof/trophies, originally, but scalps are easier to transport and preserve, so the colonists quickly switched to the Indian method.) Once they picked up the technique, the English did a tremendous amount of scalping, both of natives and of rival Frenchmen.

Below is a bounty notice from 1755 offering varying rewards for the scalps of Indian men, women, and children. (These scalps, incidentally, were commonly referred to as “redskins,” one reason why that is considered such a rude racial slur by many Native Americans today.) American and Canadian frontiersmen kept up the tradition of scalping until the turn of the 20th century, though in some places, like California, they reverted back to severed heads. There was actually still a law on the books in Canada as of the year 2000 promising bounties in exchange for Indian scalps, though the embarrassed Canadian government was hurrying to repeal it (here’s an article on that).

In other words, the scalping technique came from the American Indians, the idea of taking a piece of a dead enemy’s body as a war prize was well known to Indians and Europeans alike, and the idea of paying bounties for dead body parts came from the Europeans. http://www.native-languages.org/iaq12.htm

Scalping Proclamation

A 1755 proclamation (above) by one Spencer Phips, then lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The document declared the Penobscots “Enemies, Rebels, and Traitors to his Majesty King George the Second.” It “required” his Majesty’s Subjects “to embrace all opportunities of pursuing, captivating, killing and Destroying all and every of the aforesaid Indians.” It further stated that a bounty had been voted by the General Court of the Province, promising 25 pounds for a female Penobscot of any age or a male Penobscot under age 12, and 50 pounds for a Penobscot male over age 12. Scalps of Penobscots under 12 would earn a little less, 20 pounds”. https://bangordailynews.com/2011/11/13/living/official-issued-proclamation-against-penobscot-indians-in-1755/

Who Invented Scalping?

In recent years many voices—both Native-American and white—have questioned whether Indians did in fact invent scalping. What is the evidence? James Axtell April 1977 Volume 28 Issue 3

Americans have always assumed that scalping and Indians were synonymous. Cutting the crown of hair from a fallen adversary has traditionally been viewed as an ancient Indian custom, performed to obtain tangible proof of the warrior’s valor. But in recent years many voices—Indian and white—have seriously questioned whether the Indians did in fact invent scalping. The latest suggestion is that the white colonists, in establishing bounties for enemy hair, introduced scalping to Indian allies innocent of the practice.

This theory presupposes two facts: one, that the white colonists who settled America in the seventeenth century knew how to scalp before they left Europe; and two, that the Indians did not know how to scalp before the white men arrived. But are these facts? And if they are not, who did invent scalping in America?

Total silence from both participants and historians casts doubt on the first proposition. For no one has ever insinuated, much less proved, that the European armies who fought so ruthlessly the Crusades, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Wars of Religion ever scalped their victims. Even when they were combating a European form of “savagery” in Ireland, Queen Elizabeth’s forces were never scalped or ever took scalps. The grim, gray visages of severed heads lining the path to a commander’s tent were more terrible than impersonal shocks of hair and skin.

Nor does the second proposition fare much better. For there is abundant evidence from various sources that the Indians practiced scalping long before the white man arrived and that they continued to do so without the incentive of colonial cash.

The first and most familiar source of evidence is the written descriptions of the earliest European observers, who presumably saw the Indian cultures of the eastern seaboard in something like an aboriginal condition. When Jacques Cartier sailed down the St. Lawrence to what is now Quebec City in 1535, he met the Stadaconans, who showed him “the scalps of five Indians, stretched on hoops like parchment.” His host, Donnacona, told him they were from “Toudamans from the south, who waged war continually against his people.”

Twenty-nine years later, another Frenchman, artist Jacques Ie Moyne, witnessed the Timucuans’ practice of scalping on the St. Johns River in Florida:

They carried slips of reeds, sharper than any steel blade … they cut the skin of the head down to the bone from front to back and all the way around and pulled it off while the hair, more than a foot and a half long, was still attached to it. When they had done this, they dug a hole in the ground and made a fire, kindling it with a piece of smoldering ember. … Over the fire they dried the scalps until they looked like parchment. … They hung the bones and the scalps at the ends of their spears, carrying them home in triumph.

When they arrived at their village, they held a victory ceremony in which the legs, arms, and scalps of the vanquished were attached to poles with “great solemnities.”

The French were not alone in witnessing the Indian custom of scalping. When the English brazenly set themselves down amid the powerful Powhatan Confederacy in Virginia, the Indians used an old tactic to try to quash their audacity. In 1608 Powhatan launched a surprise attack on a village of “neare neighbours and subjects,” killing twenty-four men. When the victors retired from the scene of battle, they brought away “the long haire of the one side of their heades [the other being shaved] with the skinne cased off with shels or reeds.” The prisoners and scalps were then presented to the chief, who hung “the lockes of haire with their skinnes” on a line between two trees. “And thus,” wrote Captain John Smith, “he made ostentation … , shewing them to the English men that then came unto him, at his appointment.”

The first Dutchmen to penetrate the Iroquois country of upstate New York also found evidence of native scalping. When the surgeon of Fort Orange (Albany) journeyed into Mohawk and Oneida territory in the winter of 1634-35,ne saw atop a gate of the old Oneida castle on Oriskany Creek “three wooden images carved like men, and with them … three scalps fluttering in the wind.” On a smaller gate at the east end of the castle a scalp was also hanging, no doubt to impress white visitors as well as hostile neighbors…

The older English word scalp did not acquire its distinctly American meaning until 1675 when King Philip’s War brought the object renewed prominence in New England. Until then, the best expressions were compounds such as “hair-scalp” and “head-skin,” phrases such as “the skin and hair of the scalp of the head,” or the simple but ambiguous word “head.” Likewise, the only meaning of the verb to scalp meant “to carve, engrave, scrape, or scratch.” Consequently, English writers were forced to use “skin,” “flay,” or “excoriate” until 1676 when the American meaning became popular. French, Dutch, German, and Swedish speakers were also forced to resort to circumlocutions until they borrowed the English words in the eighteenth century.

On the other hand, the languages of the eastern Indians contained many words to describe the scalp, the act of scalping, and the victim of scalping. A Catholic priest among the Hurons in 1623 learned that an onontsira was a war trophy consisting of “the skin of the head with its hair.” The five languages of the Iroquois were especially rich in words to describe the act that has earned them, however unjustly, an enduring reputation for inhuman ferocity. To the Mohawks and Oneidas, the scalp was onnonra ; the act of taking it, kannonrackwan . Their western brothers at Onondaga spoke of hononksera , a variation of the Huron word. And although they were recorded after initial contact with the Europeans, the vocabularies of the other Iroquois nations and of the Delaware, Algonquin, Malecite, Micmac, and Montagnais all contained words for scalp, scalping, and the scalped that are closely related to the native words for hair, head, skull, and skin. That these words were obviously not borrowed from European languages lends further support to the notion that they were native to America and deeply rooted in Indian life…

Drawings reveal yet another piece of evidence damaging to the new theory of scalping, namely scalp locks. A small braid of hair on the crown, often decorated with paint or jewelry, the scalp lock was worn widely in both eastern and western America. Contrary to the notion of scalping as a recent and mercenary introduction, the scalp lock originally possessed ancient religious meaning in most tribes, symbolizing the warrior’s life-force. For anyone to touch it even lightly was regarded as a grave insult. If the white man had taught the Indians to scalp one another for money, it is highly unlikely that the Indians were also hoodwinked into making it easier for their enemies by growing hairy handles. Something far deeper in native culture and history must account for the practice.

The final and most conclusive evidence of scalping in pre-Columbian America comes from archaeology. Since Indian skulls of the requisite age can be found to show distinct and unambiguous marks made by the scalping knife, the Indians must have known of scalping before the arrival of the white man. A wealth of evidence, particularly from prehistoric sites along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and in the Southeast, indicates just such a conclusion…

But the second kind of evidence is more conclusive. In a number of prehistoric sites, circular lesions have been found on the skulls of victims who survived scalping long enough to allow the bone tissue to regenerate partially, leaving a telltale scar. Contrary to popular belief, scalping itself was not a fatal operation, and American history is full of survivors. Scalping is the only possible explanation for these lesions, which appear exactly where eyewitness descriptions and drawings indicate the scalp was traditionally cut.

In the light of such evidence, it is clear that Indians, not white men, introduced scalping to the New World. At the same time, it cannot be denied that the colonists encouraged the spread of scalping to many tribes unfamiliar with the practice by posting scalp bounties. Nor can it be forgotten that Americans of every stripe—from frontiersmen to ministers—were tainted by participating in the bloody market for human hair. Yet in the end, the American stereotype of scalping must stand as historical fact, whether we are comfortable with it or not.

https://www.americanheritage.com/who-invented-scalping#2

Hannah Duston Indian Captive

I have a grandmother named Cecilia Ellen Dustin (1895-1962) who married my grandfather, Alvin Christian Tueller (1898-1972) both from Bear Lake Idaho. I have been told the story about my 7th Great Grandmother Puritan Hannah Emerson Dustin for many years now. She has always been a hero to me as a woman of courage who was the first woman ever to have a statue created in her honor in the United States (1874). I have also always had a great love for the Native Americans (Abenaki in this instance) of this great country and honor those Lamanites whenever I get a chance. The story about Hannah and the Native Americans is a difficult story as one side kills the other, I however know that the Lord will sort all things out and hold a fair judgement of all concerned. I will let you read the story and come to your own conclusion.

Today, what she did to deserve a statue might be called, by some, a monument to an atrocity. What did Hannah do? Hannah scalped the ten Indians who had attacked her farm, dragged her from her bed, and burned her house down before taking her captive and killing her six-day-old infant.

About Hannah Webster (Emerson) Dustin, Indian Captive

Hannah Webster (Emerson) Dustin (1657 – 1736) – Hannah Dustin was a 40-year-old colonial Massachusetts Puritan mother of eight during King William’s War who was taken captive with her newborn daughter during an Indian raid on Haverhill. On 15 March 1697, Hannah witnessed the brutal killing of her baby and several of her neighbors. While held captive on an island in the Merrimack River in present-day Boscawen, New Hampshire, she and two other captives scalped ten members of the Indian family who were holding them hostage. More of my blog here:

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Utah Archaeology Volume 5, Number 1, 1992  

Published on Sep 4, 2018  

UTAH ARCHAEOLOGY is an annual publication of USAS, UPAC and the Utah Division of State History. The purpose of this publication is to disseminate information relevant to archaeological research both historic and prehistoric in the state of Utah. Subscriptions are available through membership in the USAS, UPAC or the Publication Department of the Utah Division of State History. Authors interested in publishing contact the editors for manuscript guide. 

INTRODUCTION Over the past several years the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Moab and the Museum of Peoples and Cultures at Brigham Young University (BYU) have obtained collections of prehistoric materials that include human scalps. These items have come from both the Uinta Basin and the Moab area of eastern Utah. Similarities in the scalps and associated material cultural suggest regional affinities, perhaps witli the Southwest. The function of these important but highly sensitive artifacts is unknown at the moment, although intriguing insights are available in the ethnographic literature on the Pueblos.

SCALPS WITH BASKETRY FROM THE UINTA BASIN In 1988 the Museum of Peoples and Cultures at BYU received a large collection of Ute ethnographic items from the heirs of Mildred Miles DiUman, a longlime resident of Vernal, Utah. Among the items were several prehistoric artifacts that, according to the notes with the collection, were from Nuie Mile Canyon in eastern Utah. Included in the Nine Mile Canyon material were two human scalps stretched over basketry disks or rosettes (Figures 1 and 2). Each of the disks is 14.5 cm in diameter.

Following Adovasio (1977) and Morris and Burgh (1954), the basketry was constructed with an open- or space-coiled, intricatestitch, interlocked on a one-rod foundation technique (basketry material is unknown). The rim finish is a form of false braid. One of the disks is completely painted red, while the other has a red band painted across it just below the center (Figure 1). Spots of red paint are also present on the leather thongs that tie the rosettes together. One of the scalps is secured to its disk with a fine, two-ply, s-twist type cordage of unidentified plant fibers. Each scalp has two perforations (perhaps three on one) at the lower end or neck portion. The perforations are elongated as if something were tied or hung from them at one point. The scalps are well worn and little hair remains. Each appears to be from a separate individual and approaches being a full scalp.

The hair is black and coarse and evidence of parasites is visible. Maximum hair length is about 15 cm. A hair whorl presumably from the back of the head is clearly visible on one of the scalps. The scalps have suffered some insect damage, but the disks are well preserved; however, both are extremely brittle and fragile. The two separate scalps along with the disks are bound together with leadier thongs suggesting they were paired for some reason. No details are known of the circumstances of the discovery of these scalps in Nine Mile Canyon.

SCALPS AND BASKETRY FROM THE MOAB AREA Five scalps are known from the North and the South Forks of Mill Creek Canyon, southeast of Moab. These artifacts are now in Moab in collections at the BLM office and the Dan O’Laurie Museum. Two of the scalps (Figure 3) were found during the spring of 1986 by a Salt Lake City couple who visited the North Fork of Mill Creek Canyon near Moab. While hiking, they explored several large alcove sites cmd in one found a woven mat protruding from the sand. Upon investigating, they found the scalps wrapped in the mat buried approximately 20 cm below the surface. Unaware of the antiquity laws, they collected die scalps and returned to Salt Lake. Their discovery was made approximately one week before the Calvin Black case was reported in the newspapers. The couple was concerned about having violated any federal law and subsequently turned the items over to the United States Attorney for the District of Utah. The attorney contacted a special agent who gave them to the Grand Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management archaeologist in Moab.

RADIOCARBON DATE FROM THE LEMA SCALP [Fig. 4 and 5]

An Accelerator Mass Spectrometric (AMS) radiocarbon date was obtained from the Lema scalp. The sample was taken from a small section of skin from the back of the neck. The sample yielded a raw date of 1845 ± 80 years (Beta Analytic sample number 31535). The tree ring calibration of this date following Stuiver and Reamer (1987) is A.D. 1-359 (two sigma range)

https://issuu.com/utah10/docs/utah_archaeology_1992

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. I know I have. Knowing this we have joy in the gift of God as we can repent of those sins, daily. The scriptures below speak about our day. Today! I believe however the wicked are getting more pervasive and more wicked, but the righteous are also growing stronger and preparing for the last great battle against evil. The tares are being separated.

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7

7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark. 2 Nephi 28:7-9

13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
14 And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.
15 And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. Leviticus 20:13-15

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev 18:22

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God. Deut 22:5

With these warnings from God I continually think of the scripture that says, “And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw.” 1 Nephi 14:2. With the numbers so few, it is a blessing the Lord has helped me understand the Covenant Path that President Nelson has spoken of on which I strive daily to remain upon.

I now share with you two very real and yet very similar evils happening in the world today. One evil comes from some in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and others come from riot and Marxist groups to name only two. These examples will show you the challenge of today’s world. Is it really ok to lie a little bit?

NYC Priest Leads Vows Against “White Privilege” During Mass in Viral Video

by Church POP Editor – Sep 1, 2020

What are your thoughts about this?

Pastor Fr. Kenneth Boller, SJ, of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in New York City led his congregation in vows addressing “white privilege” and “racial justice” on Sun., Aug. 30. He led the vows during Mass, just before the final blessing.

In the video, Fr. Boller invites the congregation to recite “a prayer for racial justice,” by responding “Yes.”

Here’s the text of Fr. Boller’s prayer:

“Do you support racial justice, equity, and compassion? Yes.

“Do you affirm that white privilege and the culture of white supremacy must be dismantled where it is present? Yes.

“Do you support racial equity, racial justice, and liberation for every person? Yes.

“Do you affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person? Yes.

“Therefore, from this day forward, will you strive to understand more deeply the injustice and suffering white privilege and white supremacy cause? Yes.

“Will you commit to help transform our Church culture to one that is actively engaged in seeking racial justice and equity for everyone? Yes.

“Will you make a greater effort to treat all people with the same respect you expect to receive? Yes.

“Will you commit to developing the courage to live your beliefs and values of racial justice and equality? Yes.

“Will you strive to eliminate racial prejudice from your thoughts and actions, so that you can better promote the racial justice efforts of our Church? Yes.

“Will you renew and honor this pledge daily, knowing that our Church and our community, our nation, and our world will be better places because of our efforts. Yes.” https://churchpop.com/2020/09/01/nyc-priest-leads-vows-against-white-privilege-during-mass-in-viral-video/

I do not believe in the concept of White Privilege. I believe God loves us equally and He has placed each of us in His care on this earth. We all have equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. Our freedom to choose can be effected by where we live and how we are treated, but ultimately God loves us all and will judge each of us fairly. I believe we are all privileged to live on this earth. As taught in the Scriptures we all of us born on this earth chose in a pre-life to follow Christ into this world to learn and grow by our experiences. Each challenge in life we can either grow closer to the Lord ofr grow further from him.

Do you Know what the Black Lives Matter Group Believes?

I think it is important for you to know who is on the Lord’s side. I believe all people are children of God and are equal in His sight. I believe all of God’s children’s lives matter and we should love each other regardless of race, creed or color. Read what the Black Lives Matter organization believes from their own website so you can determine their values with your own.

From their website, Black Lives Matter says, BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives. Source

“These are the results of our collective efforts.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network is as powerful as it is because of our membership, our partners, our supporters, our staff, and you. Our continued commitment to liberation for all Black people means we are continuing the work of our ancestors and fighting for our collective freedom because it is our duty.

Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family a culture where each person feels seen, heard, and supported.

We acknowledge, respect, and celebrate differences and commonalities.

We work vigorously for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension, all people.

We intentionally build and nurture a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting.

We are unapologetically Black in our positioning. In affirming that Black Lives Matter, we need not qualify our position. To love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a prerequisite for wanting the same for others.

We see ourselves as part of the global Black family, and we are aware of the different ways we are impacted or privileged as Black people who exist in different parts of the world.

We are guided by the fact that all Black lives matter, regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, ability, disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration status, or location.

We make space for transgender brothers and sisters to participate and lead.

We are self-reflexive and do the work required to dismantle cisgender privilege and uplift Black trans folk, especially Black trans women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by trans-antagonistic violence.” Black Lives Matter.

[“Cisgender (sometimes cissexual, often abbreviated to simply cis) is a term for people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. For example, someone who identifies as a woman and was assigned female at birth is a cisgender woman. The term cisgender is the opposite of the word transgender. Related terms include cissexism and cisnormativity… While some believe that the term cisgender is merely politically correct,medical academics use the term and have recognized its importance in transgender studies since the 1990s.” Source Wikipedia]

Black Lives Matter continues saying, “We build a space that affirms Black women and is free from sexism, misogyny, and environments in which men are centered.

We practice empathy. We engage comrades with the intent to learn about and connect with their contexts.

We make our spaces family-friendly and enable parents to fully participate with their children. We dismantle the patriarchal practice that requires mothers to work “double shifts” so that they can mother in private even as they participate in public justice work.

We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable.

We foster a queer‐affirming network. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking, or rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual (unless s/he or they disclose otherwise).

We cultivate an intergenerational and communal network free from ageism. We believe that all people, regardless of age, show up with the capacity to lead and learn.

We embody and practice justice, liberation, and peace in our engagements with one another.

https://blacklivesmatter.com/what-we-believe/

I believe under the Constitution all people are allowed to peaceably protest and share honest grievances with our government. Once protesting becomes a riot with destruction of property and people and lawlessness, this is not protesting but is a form of anarchy.

I would like to be wrong but I don’t think groups like Black Lives Matter want to negotiate or come together to make life better. We can all differ in opinion but not through illegal behavior. What happened to the day where the Republicans, and Democrats could work things out? May the Lord bless our country as we are worthy of His blessings.

To me, it seems science has missed the mark for many years now. Einsteins theory is still just a theory and not true, man has not evolved through an ape, the creation time of this earth did not take billions of years, and the dinosaurs are the age of Adam not millions of years old. 

There have been many of these scientists and intellectuals who have completely disagreed with the new book, Universal Model. In my opinion that means Dean Sessions author of Universal Model, is on the correct path, because for years I have believed the opposite of what most of today’s scientists believe.  I am learning that the more the professors of the large and spacious buildings say something is true, I think the opposite is usually the right answer. Read a portion of Universal Model at the very end of this blog about New Scientific Evidence for a Universal Flood.

There was an article in LDS Living by Stephen O. Smoot here, that I have a hard time believing. I believe the flood was a true account and was a world wide global event and no part of the story was a myth. I share below a small portion of Mr. Smoot’s article.

Was the flood a global or local flood?

“Modern believers are confronted with geological and other scientific evidence (in addition to the ancient literary context of Genesis) that casts serious doubt on the feasibility of a worldwide catastrophic flood sometime (presumably) around 3,000 BC that wiped out all animal and human life save that which was spared on Noah’s ark. In response to these challenges, some have wondered if perhaps the flood described in Genesis drew from memory of a localized event, perhaps a particularly bad flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Given the somewhat ambiguous meaning of the Hebrew word eretz (“earth,” “land”), rather than the “earth” (meaning the spherical globe) being entirely flooded, instead perhaps Genesis meant to convey that the “earth” (meaning the land or local region where Noah dwelt) was inundated (Moses 1:29). Or perhaps a local flood was mythologized into a global one to symbolically signify the renewal or recreation of the earth from out of a primordial universal ocean (Genesis 1:2).

Latter-day Saints have likewise wrestled with this question and have come to varying conclusions (some more traditionalist, others more moderate). Apostle John A. Widtsoe acknowledged in 1943 that from a revelatory point of view we simply do not know enough to conclusively settle this matter. “The fact remains that the exact nature of the flood is not known. We set up assumptions, based upon our best knowledge, but can go no further.” He continued:

We should remember that when inspired writers deal with historical incidents they relate that which they have seen or that which may have been told them, unless indeed the past is opened to them by revelation. The details in the story of the flood are undoubtedly drawn from the experiences of the writer. Under a downpour of rain, likened to the opening of the heavens, a destructive torrent twenty-six feet deep or deeper would easily be formed. The writer of Genesis made a faithful report of the facts known to him concerning the flood. In other localities the depth of the water might have been more or less. In fact, the details of the flood are not known to us.” 5 Answers to Difficult Questions About Noah and the Flood by Stephen O. Smoot

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I think it is always great when we can find information about the wonderful women in the scriptures. Although I am speaking a lot about the truthfulness of an actual flood, I found some information about the possible women of the family of Noah that I want to share as well.

“I’ve discovered that the problem is not that women are left out of the scriptures, but that women are not studying their scriptures. We are not learning the stories of our ancient heroines, we are not sharing their stories with our daughters and sons, we are not letting the archetypes and lessons of their stories permeate our lives, we are not claiming the rich spiritual heritage that we have been given. We need to claim our heroines! #claimourheroines

I have spent years compiling information and resources about women in the scriptures on this website. I hope it will open you eyes and help you discover women you never knew about. Mostly though, I hope that you will be inspired to open your scriptures and start discovering these women for yourself. They will become your friends and, if you let them, they will strengthen you, teach you and guide you on the path of discipleship, they will lead you to Jesus Christ.”Heather Women in the Scriptures

Bible Info

“This is what the Bible says about Noah’s wife beginning in Genesis 7:7. “So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood.”

The Bible does not give her name, however, according to Jewish tradition her name is Naamah – the sister of Tubal-cain, a descendant of Cain, the son of Adam and Eve (see Genesis 4:22). Why Tubal-cain’s sister (a daughter of Lamech by his wife Zillah) should be specifically mentioned is unknown. Jewish tradition made her Noah’s wife. Her name, meaning “the beautiful” or “the pleasant one,” reflects the worldly mind of the Cainites, who looked for beauty rather than for character as the chief attraction in women.” https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/what-was-noahs-wifes-name

Noah’s Wife Background:

Only nine generations after Adam’s death the world had become “corrupt before God” and it was filled with violence (Genesis 6:11). It was so wicked that the Lord “repented… that he had made man on the earth” and vowed to “…destroy… from the face of the earth; both man, and beast and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air.” (Genesis 6:6-7) Amidst all this wickedness Noah remained faithful and found “grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6: 8) God makes a covenant with him that he will save him, his wife, his sons, and his son’s wives from the destruction. He provides Noah with instructions on how to build and ark that will carry him, his family and all the creations of the earth to safety (Genesis 6: 13-22).

Facts About Her:

She was married to the prophet Noah, who was a “… just man and perfect in his generation.” (Genesis 6:9);

She was the mother of three sons: Japeth, Shem and Ham. They were also righteous men who walked with God (Moses 8:13);

She went into the ark with her husband, sons, three daughter-in-laws, and all the animals and fowls of the earth (Genesis 7: 7, 13);

Her granddaughters married men of the world, became wicked, and were destroyed in the flood along with everyone else (Moses 8:14-15);

She and her family stayed in the ark for almost a whole year (Genesis 7:11, 8:4, 13-14) ;

God made a covenant with her husband and her sons that He would never destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:12-17);
She was a “second Eve” in that all the children of the earth born after the flood came through her;

It is through her son Shem’s posterity that the Jews came, and eventually the Savior Jesus Christ.

Speculations About Her:

In the apocryphal Book of Jasher (5:15) it says that her name was “Naamah”, the daughter of Enoch.

Jewish tradition also says her name was Naamah but that she was the Naamah mentioned in Genesis 4:22, the daughter of Lamech and Zilah and sister of Tubal-Cain.

The Greeks called her “Doris” the wife of Nereus (Noah), the “wet one”.
She probably would have had to help take care of all the animals that were on the ark. God commanded Noah to take 7 male/female pairs of all the clean animals and fowls (14 total of each animal) and 2 (one male, one female) of the unclean animals (Genesis 7:2-3). That would have been a whole lot of animals to be cooped up with for almost a whole year!
God also commanded them to take all the food they would need for the animals and themselves onto the ark (Genesis 6: 21). I read one story that claimed Noah’s wife was the one to gather all the plants and preserved the ancient wisdom of the earth.”
http://www.womeninthescriptures.com/2008/11/noahs-wife.html

Book of Jubilees 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wives_aboard_Noah%27s_Ark
In the Book of Jubilees (160–150 BC) the names of the wives of Noah, Shem, Ham and Japheth are as follows:

Wife of Noah – Emzara, daughter of Rake’el, son of Methuselah
Wife of Shem – Sedeqetelebab
Wife of Ham – Na’eltama’uk
Wife of Japheth – ‘Adataneses
It adds that the three sons each built a city named after their wives.

Meet the Ladies in Noah’s Family

https://arkencounter.com/blog/2018/07/12/meet-ladies-noahs-family/

by Ark Encounter on July 12, 2018

Throughout the life-size Noah’s ark at the Ark Encounter, you will see several instances where our designers needed to use artistic license when creating the exhibits, including the Living Quarters.

As you explore this area on deck three, you’ll meet Noah and his family. A few weeks ago, we looked at the stories our content team created for Noah and his three sons. Now let’s take a look at the backstories created for their wives.

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Emzara—Noah’s Wife

Throughout history, many have wondered about the name of Noah’s wife. She is called Emzara in the ancient Jewish writing known as the Book of Jubilees (not found in the Bible). This name probably means “ancestor of Sarah,” and it connects her to Abraham’s wife, Sarah.

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Emzara endured centuries of childlessness before the Lord blessed her with three sons. Faithful to God and her husband, she has made family time a priority and enjoys relaxing with Noah when time permits. An animal lover from her youth, Emzara knows more about the animals than anyone else, and her expertise is on display in caring for them.

Rayneh—Japheth’s Wife

Being artistic, Rayneh works closely with Emzara, sketching the ark’s animals while studying and recording their habits. In her limited free time, she enjoys making crafts and adding some flair to her family’s surroundings, such as painting intricate designs on pottery.

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Rescued by Noah from a life-threatening situation when she was a little girl, Rayneh grew up around his family. She helped Japheth with his farming responsibilities, and the two eventually became husband and wife. She put her seamstress skills to good use during the ark’s construction, creating many of the clothes and tapestries seen on board.

Ar’yel—Shem’s Wife

Ar’yel was raised in a remote forest village among people who worshipped false gods. She came to believe in the true God after hearing Noah speak to her people. Longing to know more about the Creator, she soon joined Noah’s family in building the ark.

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Quick to take part in conversations with the rest of the family, Ar’yel loves the profound discussions about God that she has with Shem. She also enjoys reading accounts of what the rest of the world was like before it became filled with wickedness, and she prays that it will be like that again after the flood.

Kezia—Ham’s Wife

Kezia grew up around Noah’s family as the ark was being constructed, and she trusted in the Creator from her youth. When her parents left to pursue other interests, Kezia decided to remain with Noah’s family.

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Similar to her husband, Kezia is a hard worker. She is the medical expert of the group, having learned the craft from her mother. She uses her skills to treat sick or wounded family members or animals. In fact, Ham and Kezia grew very close as she cared for the severe wounds he received from an animal attack, and they married shortly after he recovered.

Speaking of that animal attack, if you look closely at Ham in the ark, you can see a scar on the right side of his face. This is most noticeable on deck two where guests can get a pretty good glimpse of his face. Also, in the study on deck two, there is a note written by Ham on the scroll showing the cat-like creature called Thylacosmilus. Since this is the kind of creature that injured him, Ham warned the other family members to watch out for its sharp claws.

Variations of the names include: Salit, Nahlat, Arisisah. Shem, Ham and Japheth respectively. Other variations include: Zalbeth/Zalith/Salit- Shem, Nahalath-Ham and Aresisia-Japheth. Or Ṣalib, Nahlab, Arbasisah. None of these should be taken as fact. https://www.quora.com/What-were-the-names-of-the-wives-on-Noahs-ark

The Flood and the Tower of Babel

By Donald W. Parry

“Because of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Latter-day Saints have additional knowledge that confirms the reality of these world-changing historical events.

I think you will love this article from our friends at the Universal Model. Visit universalmodel.com

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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “To the Lord’s covenant people, names—particularly proper names—have always been very important. Adam and Eve themselves bore names that suggested their roles here in mortality (see Moses 1:34; 4:26) and, when important covenants were made, men like Abram and Jacob took on new names that signaled a new life as well as a new identity. (See Gen. 17:5; 32:28). Because of this reverence for titles and the meanings they conveyed, the name Jehovah, sometimes transliterated as Yahweh, was virtually unspoken among that people. This was the unutterable name of Deity, that power by which oaths were sealed, battles won, miracles witnessed. Traditionally, he was identified only through a tetragrammaton, four Hebrew letters variously represented in our alphabet as IHVH, JHVH, JHWH, YHVH, YHWH.” Whom Say Ye That I Am? Jeffrey R. Holland Ensign Sept. 1974.

The writing above represents the name “Jehovah”, or the tetragrammaton. This is the language written in Paleo-Hebrew and used from 1000 BC – 400 AD. All throughout the Old Testament, the word ‘LORD’ (all small caps), replaced the sacred name “Yahweh” as described above. “I Am” in Hebrew is “Yahweh” and “Adonai” is the Hebrew word for LORD.

What is the Tetragrammaton?

“Tetragrammaton” is a Greek word that literally means “four letters”, so “the Tetragrammaton” meaning “the four letters”.

The Tetragrammaton is “YHWH”, Yahweh, or Jehovah. Keep in mind that since “W” is interchangeable with “V” and that “Y” is interchangeable with “J”, this also includes any variations like Jahveh, Yehovah, Yehuwah and so forth.

The name of the Most High was FIRST given in Exodus 3:14.

• Exodus 3:13-15
  (13) And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? (14) And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (15) And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

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I AM THAT I AM =

AHAYAH ASHAR AHAYAH

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This is important to note because the Tetragrammaton can be found throughout Genesis and even in Exodus chapter 3 but BEFORE verse 14. So how did “YHWH” end up all throughout the Bible if AHAYAH is His name? Read more at link below. The Meaning of Yahweh, Jehovah, and the Tetragrammaton Made Free from Truth

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The following is a Review by Professor Robert J. Mathews, former professor of Ancient Scripture and Dean of Religious Education, BYU

“A recent publication, The Name of God from the Sinai to the American Southwest, is a detailed comparison of language forms and religious concepts found in the ancient inscriptions of the people on two continents separated by great distance with an ocean in between.  The title states the scope of the study; Inscriptions bearing the same name for God in ancient Hebrew or Semitic-type script in the widely distant lands of the Middle East and the American Southwest-two

different hemispheres.  The similarity in language and deistic belief suggests that the ancient American culture has a close tie and origin to the older Hebrew culture.

The research of Harris and Hone is undergirded by hundreds of examples gathered on both sides of the ocean, and their conclusions that the ancient Americans had linguistic and religious ties with the Middle East, seems well founded.”

Foreward by Dr. Jon R. Polansky, Research Scientist, Associate Professor, University of California, San Francisco; Editor ESOP [Epigraphic Society Occasional Publications

“The proposal by Dr. Harris and Dann Hone of script-like elements in petroglyphs that appear related to Proto-Sinaitic both in form and content, if verified by the scholarly attention it deserves, represents a major new discovery with important implications for both ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ cultures. The ideas presented are based on detailed comparisons and on an honest attempt to evaluate probable meanings, and should not be dismissed out-of-hand by archaeologist and linguists, because they disagree with `established’ opinion concerning an isolated development of pre-Columbian American cultures.

Dr. Harris has been studying southwestern petroglyphs for many years in relation to indigenous cultures, and his scholarship in this area received general acceptance. In the early years (of this project) he began to validate the concept of an Egyptian hieroglyphic content in certain petroglyph panels. Since the proposed hieroglyphics appeared to fit into the accompanying depiction’s on the panels of petroglyphs being examined, this find left the door open to a consideration of potential script-like elements.

The publication of, The Name of God From the Sinai to the American Southwest, presents essential aspects of the evidence and rationale developed by Harris and Hone concerning what they think should best be termed Proto-Canaanite from both American and Near Eastern sites.

This publication. was postponed until after several years of effort were expended to obtain critical appraisals of the basic data. This included evaluations of associated symbolism and quantitative assessments of the frequencies of letter forms at SW American sites and sites in the Negev of Israel.

While it is clear that a final understanding of these parallels will benefit from additional scholarly interchanges and a consideration of alternatives, as the authors readily admit, it is appropriate to have the benefit of their opinions (in this and other planned publications) prior to the lively exchanges this work should engender. Dr. Harris has put forward an initial corpus of material, from which the reader can make judgments about both the methods of inquiry and the author’s waking hypotheses. These of course can be tested, expanded, and corrected where necessary.

I have observed that both Jim Harris and Dann Hone. respond positively to a critical and scholarly scientific process. I hope that the potential contributions of this work are evaluated on such a basis, without suffering unduly from biases imposed by archaeological pre-conceptions or religious doctrines. If the validity of specific proposals are assessed in an unbiased way (for example, using what can be deduced from trans-cultural aspects of symbolism and rigorous linguistic approaches), then the value of this interesting work to the individual development of cultures as well as to understand the spread of information in the ancient world, can best be considered.”

The Name of God; From Sinai to the American Southwest by Dr. James R. Harris (Book)

$19.95

Professor James R. Harris, a foremost expert on ancient Near Eastern languages, shares the culmination of over three decades of work uncovering an ancient alphabetic script used by peoples of the Negev (Israel) and the ancients of America.  He traced the name of God, or “Yah” (abbreviated from “Yahweh”) from Proto-Sinaitic (Proto-Canaanite) depictions to New World petroglyphs in America demonstrating Hebrew influence. 259 pgs hardcover.

“If we are to be truly free, liberty demands that we are accountable, law abiding and willing to accept the natural consequences of our actions. To be truly free, individuals must accept and deal with life consequences and not constantly look to governments for some sort of absolution.” Edgar S. Smoot

Freedom vs. Liberty

According to Annotated Book of Mormon page 216, “Noah Webster Dictionary Definitions of Freedom vs. Liberty from the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. FREE, noun 1. Being at liberty; not being under necessity or restraint, physical or moral. 2. Unconstrained; unrestrained; not under compulsion or control. A man is free to pursue his own choice; he enjoys free will. FREE’DOM, noun 1. A state of exemption from the power or control of another. LIB’ERTY, noun [Latin libertas, from liber, free.] 1. Freedom from restraint, in a general sense, and applicable to the body, or to the will or mind. The body is at liberty when not confined; the will or mind is at liberty when not checked or controlled. A man enjoys liberty when no physical force operates to restrain his actions or volitions. 2. Natural liberty consists in the power of acting as one thinks fit, without any restraint or control, except from the Laws of Nature. (But generally men mean by nature, the Author of created things, or the operation of His power.)

3. Religious liberty is the free right of adopting and enjoying opinions on religious subjects, and of worshiping the Supreme Being according to the dictates of conscience, without external control.”

Book of Mormon Definition of Freedom vs. Liberty

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose [first choice] liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose [second choice] captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Nephi:2:27; emphasis added.) “And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the ‘cause of Christians.’” (Alma 48:10; emphasis added.) “For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which He has given unto His people.” (Alma 8:17; emphasis added.) Freedom provides the ability to choose between good and evil—God’s Natural Law or Satan’s counterfeit plan. True liberty is the conscientious choice to follow God’s law. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” – United States Declaration of Independence, final draft, July 4, 1776. From Annotated Book of Mormon page 216 David Hocking and Rod Meldrum

History, Liberty and the Provident Hand

Lost American Antiquities-A Hidden History by Edgar S. Smoot Chapter 54 There are those who would seek to close the history books of man’s experiences—history that shows weakness, shortcomings, prejudices and man’s inhumanity to man, that may be cause for embarrassment. If these things are forgotten, man is destined to repeat the grossest failures of the past that he implacably seeks to forget. It is a guaranteed formula for failure in the prospect to create a better world. How can we avoid the atrocities of the past if a society or nations closes their eyes to what man is capable of? The full understanding of history must not only include its glory but its depredations if society is to realize the changes needed towards a more beautiful world. That which ignites the kindling is the perpetual flame of a true history, changes that may only take place if real history is allowed to be shared, and understood as America’s liberties are preserved. The offspring of what Morgan and Powell taught and advanced in the 1800s, as covered in this section “A Larger History,” shows how the “Science of Man” has been used to advance public policy both home and abroad. Whether these men ever intended it or not, their ideas have been effectively used to unravel the underpinnings of Natural and Constitutional law. There are laws which were at one time held to be immutable laws, seen as a gift from God; a gift that does not come free, but at a price that is worth whatever the cost. Unless we as a society are willing to elevate the discussion, and our efforts in the protection of our liberties, they will surely be lost to future generations. As a boy growing up my interests were focused primarily on any sport which ended with the word ball; primarily Football, Basketball and Baseball. At age ten, I was invited to be part of a youth choir. To me, that wasn’t my idea of fun. Nevertheless, my dear mother, who wanted me to become more well rounded, gave me an ultimatum, which was, if I don’t go to choir practice then she wouldn’t take me to my ball practice. So after being dragged to a few choir practices, I soon learned to enjoy choir as I still find myself humming some of those familiar tunes and reflecting on the lyrics of those youthful choir songs. One well-known song was written by Paul and Ralph Colwell. The lyrics say; “freedom isn’t free, you have to pay the price, you have to sacrifice, for your liberty.” Too often man seeks to limit man’s liberties for the betterment of society. Limitations placed on agency greatly influences man’s ability to progress. “The exalting power of agency is founded in the law of opposition. Agency of liberty can exist only in the opportunity for doing good, but this is so only when [there] is also an opportunity for doing wrong.” Progression is a function of agency as one is given the ability to choose without coercion.

Both in antiquity and in the future, there are those who might seek to sever culture’s foundational roots for the sake of conditional equality. History has shown what will happen to a society when religious liberties are taken by those entrusted to protect them. One sure thing that history teaches, is that “there has never been a society or a nation established without God; but history is cluttered with the wreckage of nations that became indifferent to God, and then died. In the 1953 College Edition of Webster’s New World Dictionary, freedom is defined as: “the state or quality of being free; exemption or liberation from the control of some arbitrary power,” stating, that “liberty, [is] often interchangeable with freedom.” This definition points out that liberty is something more, as it is more closely associated with particular rights granted, such as franchise rights, religious rights, privileges, or immunities.

Throughout the ages there have been those in society who are continually looking for a place where there is absolute freedom, no accountability or rule of law, a place where rules, commandments and laws are non-existent. Those who are still looking for this kind of freedom will soon realize that it cannot be found, even in the most freedom-loving countries of the world. For only in America do you find enshrined in its founding documents such strong language for the preservation of one’s liberties. The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence contains language, which is given as part of a moral code of conduct with immutable laws which grant liberties with conditions which requires a level of obedience, service and sacrifice. In putting together America’s founding documents, as described in the Federalist Papers, the founders were striving to strike a balance between anarchy and monarchy, in creating a representative democracy, creating a place where all men would be treated equally under the law, and where all rights and liberties would be protected by the rule of law. In spite of this, America has drifted from those early moorings, which were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and memorialized in the Constitution; a standard upon which all laws and policies are to be weighed. Today, we often see the words freedom and liberty being used interchangeably, thus few differentiate between them. Was it really the founders’ intention that man should be left free, free without accountability? Or did they intend, as a God-fearing people, to become subject to the will of God, and by so doing, would be assured the promise and blessings of life, liberty and happiness? Liberty comes with conditions that are based on man’s willingness to respect and to render obedience to laws. As the Preamble to the Constitution points out, we must work to “secure the blessings of liberty.”

The Founders used the Bible as the foundation for the Constitution: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Then in James 2:12 it goes on to admonish all to “speak the law of liberty.” A benevolent Creator, as described in the Bible, gave these laws for the betterment of man with a promise, that if followed, they would be led towards a greater good. John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams, the sixth President of the United States, pointed out that the Declaration of Independence was given in “the spirit of the Constitution” and that the Declaration of Independence implies that a provident hand has guided and blessed this nation. The term, “law of nature” means that the rights granted under the Constitution are based on Godly principles. John Adams put it best when he stated: “Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Without the moral foundation developed in a religious society, a free country with liberties like America cannot prosper. A free society is based on having a moral people who will show respect for “the rule of law.” History and statistical findings show that the makeup of the family and religious beliefs are core to the preservation of a country’s freedom. This belief is that there is a God of nature, and that He has brought about the great order that is found in nature, as evidenced in historical findings. These findings show that traditional marriage and family, strengthened by religious worship and scriptural study, are more likely to produce children who will have respect for law and, as such, will be a blessing and not a burden on society. Accordingly, if we are to be truly free, liberty demands that we are accountable, law abiding and willing to accept the natural consequences of our actions. To be truly free, individuals must accept and deal with life consequences and not constantly look to governments for some sort of absolution. When individuals accept accountability, they learn important life lessons. When society absolves individuals of the consequences of their actions, which is frequently done, it starts society down a very slippery slope, a slope into a hole that is difficult to climb out of.

President John Adam’s admonition about the Constitution and a “moral and religious people,” is worthy of serious consideration, if America is to remain a free nation. The founding documents of America were based on religious imperatives. As a nation, we need to honor and return to them and recognize that the road paved by Morgan and Powell was based on theories and hypotheses, not facts. And, as such, it is not a proven path that leads to a more abundant life, which liberty and justice offers. Although disputed by some, there is significant evidence that the Iroquois Confederacy served as a model or at least provided some inspiration in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine were well acquainted with the League. John Rutledge, chairman of the committee that participated in writing the first draft of the Constitution, began the process by quoting some passages from the Haudenosaunee Great Law. The Iroquois form of government was based on democracy, righteous living and personal freedoms, and included checks and balances, initiatives, referendums, and recall language. In 1987 Senator Daniel Inouye sponsored a resolution that would commemorate the Iroquois’ contributions. In 1988, the United States Congress passed a resolution recognizing the Iroquois Confederacy forefathers guiding influence.” Lost American Antiquities-A Hidden History by Edgar S. Smoot Chapter 54

Set up as a Free People

Christ teaches during his visit to the Nephites in the Land Bountiful that His words will come to the remnant of Lehi through Gentiles that will be brought out of captivity to “this land.” He also taught that this same Promised Land will be established for these Gentiles, and that they will “be set up as a free people” in “this land.”

“And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them; Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from them unto you; For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;

Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity; For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;” 3 Nephi 21:2-6

These Gentiles will be “set up as a free people” in a nation founded on religious freedom that the Gospel might be restored and the Church established as seen in D&C 10:45-53. The phrase “set up” in Hebrew means to “raise up, confirm or organize.” As it relates to a “free people,” such an entity must be the formation of a new organization or government that secures freedom for its people. It cannot mean a pre-existing organization, but a new one. Almost every nation and kingdom of the world had a “state”-based religion. The Gentiles come out of religious captivity to establish a place and nation based on religious freedom. This constitutional right to worship according to the dictates of will was “set up” by inspired men in this new nation. The Lord continues teaching the saints in Bountiful that the Holy Ghost will come upon these Gentiles making them “mighty above all” and that they will inhabit the land where the “remnant” remains.

“And after that ye were blessed then fulfilleth the Father the covenant which he made with Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed— unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles shall make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O house of Israel”. 3 Nephi 20:27

Gentiles Come out of Captivity

Further clarifying the revelation concerning the land of promise, the Prophet Nephi describes in detail the Gentiles that go Prophecies & Promises: The Book of Mormon and the United States 62 “forth out of captivity” by the “power of God.” While seeking to understand his father’s vision of the Tree of Life, Nephi sees that the Holy Ghost “wrought” upon the Gentiles as foretold by Christ generations later.

“And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters. And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten. And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them. And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land; and I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them.” 1 Nephi 13:13-20

Readers of the Book of Mormon quickly recognize these verses as a brief history of the pilgrims and puritans, the founding fathers and the Revolutionary War. All these events led to the establishment of a new Gentile nation—the United States. The Revolutionary War is the only war that can fulfill this prophecy as the Gentiles battle against their “mother Gentiles” on the “waters” and on the Promised Land.

Verses 13, 16, and 19 previously cited record that the Gentiles will “come out of captivity” to this Promised Land for freedoms they did not have. Both the freedom to worship as their conscience dictates, as well as out of literal jail cells in Europe. The Doctrine and Covenants and modern prophets reveal important correlations between these Gentiles who were to be led out of captivity and those who played a part in the establishment of the United States and the restoration of the gospel.

President Ezra Taft Benson discussed some of these prophecies and promises recorded in the Book of Mormon and the relationship of the Promised Land to the United States of America. This discussion by President Benson is worth quoting below:

“For centuries the Lord kept America hidden in the hollow of His hand until the time was right to unveil her for her destiny in the last days. “It is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations,” said Lehi, “for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance” (2 Nephi 1:8). In the Lord’s due time His Spirit “wrought upon” Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others to come to America. They testified of God’s intervention in their behalf (see 1 Nephi 13:12–13). The Book of Mormon records that they humbled “themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them” (1 Nephi 13:16).

Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel. Recall what our Savior Jesus Christ said nearly two thousand years ago when He visited this promised land: “For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth” (3 Nephi 21:4). America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord’s latter-day base of operations for His restored church. Nephi recorded that the Founders “were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations” (1 Nephi 13:19).

The years immediately preceding the Constitutional Convention were filled with disappointments and threats Prophecies & Promises: The Book of Mormon and the United States 64 to the newly won peace. Washington was offered a kingship, which he adamantly refused. Nephi had prophesied hundreds of years before that “this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land” (2 Nephi 10:11; italics added).

The Book of Mormon warns us relative to our living in this free land: “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever” (2 Nephi 1:7).

“And now,” warned Moroni, “we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity” (Ether 2:9). Two great American Christian civilizations—the Jaredites and the Nephites—were swept off this land because they did not “serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). We, the blessed beneficiaries of the Constitution, face difficult days in America, “a land which is choice above all other lands” (Ether 2:10). (Note 1)

These prophetic statements made by President Benson in General Conference clearly teach that the Promised Land of the Book of Mormon can only be the United States of America. President Benson’s words agree with Moroni, the angelic messenger from the presence of God, as he revealed and declared to young Joseph that the record on the plates of gold contained a history of the ancient inhabitants that lived on “this continent.”

The “Gentiles” of this land spoken of in these prophecies are also addressed by President Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency in a portion of his talk:

“The tragic fate of the Jaredite and the Nephite civilizations is proof positive that the Lord meant it when he said that this “is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be Chapter 7 – The Gentiles 65 swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity” (Ether 2:9).

This information, wrote Moroni, addressing himself to us who today occupy this land, “cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles” (now, Gentiles is the term used by the Book of Mormon prophets to refer to the present inhabitants of America and to the peoples of the old world from which they came), “[this] cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done.”

God gave us victory in the Revolutionary War. We are indebted to him for our nation’s independence. He has prospered us in every righteous endeavor. He established the Constitution of the United States “by the hands of wise men whom [He] raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:80).

He himself with his Beloved Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith to open a new dispensation of the gospel of Jesus Christ here in this land. He has established his Church here and has sent and is sending representatives thereof into every nook and corner of the land—and as far as possible to all the earth—to declare and teach the laws of Jesus Christ, the God of this land.

He has revealed anew and repeated over and over again the ancient decree: “This is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God” concerning this land (Ether 2:10).” (Note 2)

(Note 1)
Ezra Taft Benson, “Our Divine Constitution,” Ensign, Nov 1987, 4. See also Marion G. Romney, “America’s Destiny,” Ensign, Nov 1975, 35.President Romney, like President Benson, makes it clear that the United States of America is the land of promise prophesied about in the Book of Mormon. He adds testimony to the Prophecies and Promises listed that
they refer to the land of the United States of America. President Romney states: “Millennia ago he declared: ‘There shall none come into this land [he was speaking of America] save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord’.”

(Note 2)
Marion G. Romney, “America’s Destiny,” Ensign, Nov 1975, 35. See also
an explanation of the Promised Land in N. Eldon Tanner, “If They Will But
Serve the God of the Land,” New Era, Jul 1977, 36.

Prophecies and Promises by Bruce H. Porter and Rod Meldrum Chapter Seven The Gentiles Bold and italics added.

The Osmond’s Video Just Added to our Conference

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Virtual Conference

Because of the continued covid 19 restrictions we will again have our event virtually… with some important improvements! Because of the challenges of live streaming, we are going to pre-record every presentation and release them on opening morning! (Sept 25, 2020 at 9 AM). You will have 70-80 videos to choose from right away. You can watch from anywhere in the world on your smartphone, computer, or similar device with internet access.

Our previous Virtual Expo in April 2020, touted over 90 presentations by 75 experts in many fields. This event will be just as big with brand new presentations from many of your favorite presenters as well as many new speakers we’ve never had before.

No Vendors

We are sorry to say that our wonderful vendors will again not be able to participate at this event. This is unfortunate because they have such important educational and useful materials and it’s harder to choose things that may interest you without being able to see it. Please be aware that most all the products can be purchased online from our various vendors or at the Book of Mormon Evidence Bookstore HERE. 

We are anticipating an April 2021 event like usual with live participation, but we cannot confirm the dates yet.

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1- “Destruction at Christ’s Death” 2-Hour Streaming Video by Rod Meldrum from his Volume II Series. (One 2- Hour video only.

• What textual evidence exists that the destruction was volcanic in nature?
• How was the destruction described by the ancient prophets?
• What caused the three days of darkness?
• When did the Nephites gather at the temple in Bountiful?
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*E-Book: One 45 page E-book exerted from a chapter in the book, Prophecies and Promises Titled “What Did Joseph Know?” Includes new charts, graphs, art and information that was not included in his original chapter of Prophecies and Promises. No book will be mailed to you. You will be able to read the entire book from your computer, i-pad, or Smart Phone, right after your payment.

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Rod Meldrum Asks,

“Why do Intellectuals conflate when Joseph Smith does or does not have a revelation? The Mission to the Lamanites as declared and described by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants clearly reflects that Joseph sent the missionaries to the areas revealed and directed by the Lord. The scriptures imply that not only were they to preach to the Native Americans on this North American continent, but that they are a remnant of the seed of Lehi and “Lamanites” as described in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.” Rod Meldrum Prophecies and Promises page 94

“The writers of the articles at fairlds.org and Book of Mormon Central, have concluded that perhaps these revelations were not directly from the Lord but just Joseph’s choice of words and therefore cannot be taken at face value without secondary interpretation. FAIR writes: “Many readers assume that revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants in which Joseph Smith speaks in “God’s voice” are direct “quotations” from God. Joseph didn’t claim to be hearing a voice, and he didn’t claim to be quoting God or “taking dictation.” Rather, impressions would come to him, which he would put into words. Joseph clearly did not consider them “direct quotations” from God, since he was quite happy to revise them, edit them later, etc.…This means that “Lamanites” to describe the American Indians was Joseph’s word choice.” It would appear that there is a need by FAIR to maintain a legitimacy for the Limited Geography Theory (LGT) by also writing “The few personal statements he made on Book of Mormon geography indicate that he believed it took place on a hemispheric scale, so it would be natural for him to believe that all Native Americans were pure descendants of Laman, and hence were literal “Lamanites.” See also http://en.fairmormon.org/ Lamanites_in_the_Doctrine_and_Covenants” Note 54 by Rod Meldrum Prophecies and Promises

Why are more and more people of the world claiming that Noah’s flood was fictional or just a good story? More people are saying that Adam wasn’t the first man on this earth. Why are more and more members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claiming that the Book of Mormon contains a lot of great parables that aren’t real stories, but just parables that can teach us good things? Is the Bible the Word of God? We answer yes as far as it is translated correctly. We do know however that the stories in the Bible are actual accounts of real people in real places, just as the Book of Mormon is.

Why would we believe anything else? Because Satan’s plan is in full force. Remember this is Satan’s world right now. It won’t be Christ’s until the second coming. The craftiness of man is constantly being mixed with scripture and folklore. The “Great and Spacious building” is truly coming from the halls of academia. Many intellectuals continue pointing their fingers at humble followers of God from the heights of those house’s of cards. “Who’s on the Lord’s side who?” There are “save two churches”, one that speaks the truth of the Savior and all others who teach of man and his so-called wisdom.

As you read this recent blog of Jonathan’s, don’t be discouraged, be bold! Don’t allow fear to affect your faith! The truth shall be known and we must continue steadfastly in living and teaching the truth of the Book of Mormon to the world. The Book of Mormon is real and true and it speaks of one amazing hill Cumorah in upstate New York. The “Plains of the Nephites” as Joseph said to Emma are in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, in the United States of America. I don’t speak for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I do speak of common sense and truth as I understand it. I love this Church and the Brethren are true messengers of Christ. The Church remains neutral on geography, but they didn’t say I had to be. I know the land spoken of in the Book of Mormon, is the United States of America, and I am so blessed to live in this country. May we continue to share this true message of the Book of Mormon with the world.

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Only 49% of LDS believe Book of Mormon is a literal, historical account? by Jonathan Neville

“Jana Reiss published a fascinating detail recently about the beliefs of Church members about whether the Book of Mormon is a literal, historical account:

More religiously orthodox. Utah Mormons were more devout on almost every testimony question. These differences were less pronounced on questions of basic Christian belief (God, Jesus, etc.) and more visible on specifically Mormon questions about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the role of apostles and prophets today. For example, there’s a twenty-point difference between the Utah Mormons who strongly agree that the Book of Mormon is a “literal, historical account” (69%) and the non-Utah Mormons who do (49%). In many cases on these testimony questions, non-Utah folks would choose the second option of “somewhat” agree rather than “strongly” agree. So it doesn’t mean they don’t believe in Mormon teachings, but they may hold them less tightly than Utah Mormons tend to.
This indicates that 1/3 of devout Utah Mormons don’t strongly believe the Book of Mormon is a literal, historical account, and less than 1/2 of non-Utah Mormons believe that.

I suspect that the difference between the Utah and non-Utah Mormons is partly attributable to Utah Mormons having fewer interactions with people who challenge their faith in the Book of Mormon; i.e., they let bias confirmation guide them.

Those who make inquiries on the Internet quickly realize that outside of a handful of M2C intellectuals and their followers, no Mesoamerican scholars see any links between actual Mayan culture and the Book of Mormon. As I’ve shown many times, the so-called “correspondences” touted by the M2C intellectuals are illusory and unpersuasive to those who are outside the M2C bubble..
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The difference could also be attributed to demographics; i.e., non-Utah Mormons are generally younger, and younger LDS are less likely to believe the Book of Mormon is a literal history because of what LDS youth are being taught in CES and at BYU.

As LDS youth go through CES and BYU and learn the Book of Mormon by referring to the fantasy map, even fewer will believe it is a literal, historical account.

BYU fantasy map that teaches the prophets are wrong about the New York Cumorah This map is the work of fine scholars at BYU who claim it is the best representation of the geography-related passages in the text. Of course, they really mean it’s the best representation of their M2C-driven interpretation; other interpretations of the text fully support the teachings of the prophets.

You can read about the map here:

Church members must realize that these fine scholars also teach that the prophets are wrong about the New York Cumorah. That’s why, in their map, they place Cumorah at the upper part of this fantasy map, as far from the real-world New York as possible.

This BYU map has been taught for several years now. Every new student has to learn this map in their introductory Book of Mormon classes. CES uses a similar map.

My question is, how could any trusting youth in the Church believe the Book of Mormon is a literal, historical account when his/her CES/BYU teachers claim a fantasy map is the best fit for the geography?

Especially when these CES/BYU teachers are telling the youth that the prophets are wrong?
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The M2C intellectuals, who claim to have been hired by the prophets to guide the Church, do, in fact, seem to be guiding the Church through their influence on the youth.

The inevitable result of this course will be rejection of the historicity of the Book of Mormon. What impact will that have? I’ll discuss that in an upcoming post.
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Meanwhile, let’s consider what course we’re on.

The de-literalizing of the Book of Mormon became apparent to me when I took a closer look at the lesson manuals, the CES/BYU curriculum, the Saints book, the visitors centers, etc. These all repudiate the teachings of the prophets about the New York Cumorah. I attribute all of those to the M2C Church employees.

True, members of the Quorum of the Twelve do approve all of this, at some level. But they can only review what the employees show them, and the employees only show them M2C approved material.

So far, not one Apostle or President of the Church has repudiated or even questioned the teachings of prior prophets about the New York Cumorah.
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Lately, lds.org has linked to the groups who are promoting the fictional fantasy maps of the Book of Mormon. At BYU Education Week, they offer courses in Lessons from the Book of Mormon and Lessons from the Chronicles of Narnia back-to-back.

And it has been 40 years since anyone speaking in General Conference declared the Book of Mormon is a real history.

When I go back and re-read the conference talks and other messages, they mostly emphasize the content of the book, not it’s historical reality. The parables in the Bible are discussed in the same way; i.e., stories that teach true principles.

Of course we all stipulate that the message of the Book of Mormon is more important than its history, but it is the literal, divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon–its historicity–that makes it a miraculous manifestation of God’s involvement with the world. As an inspired parable, it may have power like the Biblical parables, but the power of the book is, in my view, greatly diminished.

The Church History Department is instructing their staff and volunteers to tell people that Joseph never actually used the plates; instead, he kept them covered with a cloth while he read the words on a stone in a hat. Now Skousen and Carmack are saying Joseph didn’t even translate the plates, an idea that is getting zero pushback from Church leaders and a warm welcome from the intellectuals, in part because it corroborates their view that Joseph Smith was merely an ignorant farm-boy speculator who misled the Church about the New York Cumorah.

People tell me that when they ask Church leaders about Book of Mormon geography, the standard response is “We don’t talk about that.” That’s also the response missionaries are instructed to give whenever the question arises.

I realize the historicity doesn’t matter to those who already want to believe; bias confirmation always conquers lack of evidence. I’m more interested in the people who want at least some touchstone with reality.

During his lifetime, Joseph Smith emphasized the literal, historical reality of the Book of Mormon. He helped Oliver Cowdery write Letter VII, which teaches it was a fact that the final battles of the Nephites and Jaredites took place in the valley west of the hill Cumorah in western New York and that the repository of Nephite records (Mormon 6:6) was in the same hill. Joseph endorsed Letter VII and made sure it was widely distributed so all Church members could read it.

Today, few Church members have ever heard of Letter VII.

Instead, they’re learning that the Book of Mormon took place in a fictional fantasyland.

Does anyone care?”

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Jonathan Neville (italics and pictures added)-Book of Mormon Wars

CONTINENT OF GENESIS AND NORTH AMERICA, A LAND OF PROMISE

The Lord has always promised his covenant people who are faithful, four principle blessings. Posterity, prosperity, security and freedom, and a land of promise. The first recorded instance of a “land of promise” in scripture is a land called Cainan, named after a great-grandson of Father Adam (Moses 6:17). We understand through the scriptures that this land was near current day Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri (D&C 116:1).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Temporarily, we call it America. But it began with the single, primeval continent of Genesis, and the miracle of millennial healing will bring that unity again… The most sacred of places, then, will always be those locations which God has designated for holy and eternal purposes, locations where he is the “doer of the deed.” These places are revered forever by his faithful children wherever they may be.

America is such a place, but of course it wasn’t always called America nor has it always been identified by a distinctive continental shape. Originally it was simply a portion of that large, single land mass which God in his creative process called “Earth” and which, when completed, was pronounced “good.” (Gen. 1:10.) Whatever its name and geographical configuration, however, it was from the beginning a land of divinity as well as a land of destiny.

The choicest part of this earthly creation was a garden “eastward in Eden” where God placed our first parents, Adam and Eve. This resplendent place filled with paradisiacal glory was located on that part of the land mass where the city Zion, or the New Jerusalem of the earth’s last days, would eventually be built… After Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden, they dwelt at a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman, located in what is now Daviess County, Missouri. In that region this first family lived out their days, tilling the soil, tending the flocks, offering sacrifices, and learning the gospel of Jesus Christ from on high. There Adam prophesied concerning all the families of the earth and, three years before his death, called together the righteous remnant of his posterity and bestowed upon them his last blessing. The Lord appeared unto this faithful group and Adam’s family rose up “and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel… Never before had one spot of earth been favored with such a meeting, nor provided the stage for such sacred scenes from the drama of man’s ultimate destiny.
But even as such sacred manifestations and proclamations were recorded, the land was being polluted with unrighteousness. The willful Cain had already made his covenant with Satan and taken the life of his younger brother, Abel…

Two generations later the Lord was so pained by that generation “without affection” (Moses 7:33) that he opened the windows of heaven and cleansed the entire earth with water. Thus, the “everlasting decree” (Ether 2:10) was first taught that he who will not obey the Lord in righteousness will be swept from his sacred land. The lesson would be tragically retaught in dispensations yet to come.

Holy Scripture records that “after the waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof.” (Ether 13:2.) Such a special place needed now to be kept apart from other regions, free from the indiscriminate traveler as well as the soldier of fortune. To guarantee such sanctity the very surface of the earth was rent. In response to God’s decree, the great continents separated and the ocean rushed in to surround them. The promised place was set apart. Without habitation it waited for the fulfillment of God’s special purposes.

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With care and selectivity, the Lord began almost at once to repeople the Promised Land. The Jaredites came first, with stories of the great flood fresh in their memories and the Lord’s solemn declaration ringing in their ears… (Ether 2:8.) Despite such counsel, however, the Jaredite civilization steadily degenerated into a violent society which forced a man to keep “the hilt of his sword in his right hand” (Ether 14:2)…

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But even as the last light flickered on Jaredite civilization, a bold new sun rose to illuminate a thousand years of Nephite-Lamanite experience on the same soil. Despite periods of war and rebellion, these people nevertheless had great moments of power and purity, including the personal ministry of the resurrected Christ, who walked and talked and prayed with these New World inhabitants for three indescribable days. There in the meridian of time the land enjoyed three generations of peace and perfection, which it would not know again until the Master’s millennial reign.

But the lessons of history, if not learned well, are certain to be taught again, and a lone father with his son lived to see the self-destruction of these people of promise. The Nephite-Lamanite morality descended from “sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics” (Morm. 1:19) into rape, murder, and cannibalism…

A thousand years after God had given such choice land to their fathers and a thousand years before he would attempt to do it again, Mormon wrote to his son Moroni: “O the depravity of my people! They are without order and without mercy…

In spite of such grief and despair the Lord of the vineyard determined to “spare it a little longer” (Jacob 5:50) long enough for one final attempt, long enough for one more dispensation, long enough for one final experiment focused on the Promised Land.

So, after a thousand years of preparation, the Spirit of God rested upon a young Italian [Columbus] sailing under the flag of Spain, and, as Nephi had seen in vision, “he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the Promised Land.” (1 Ne. 13:12.) This “Christian of almost maniacal devoutness”… was not to be denied…

As Elder Paul H. Dunn recently declared to a Church-wide audience: “(Joseph) grew up toward adolescence just like the new land. He fitted it. He was young, clean, unspoiled—a lad without a past, kneeling in a grove. This pristine land—this innocent young man—and thus the Lord reached out and kept his promise. He established his conditions over centuries; you see, God has time. His plan made it possible for the holy priesthood and the Church to be restored upon the earth—the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ—but only in America…The purpose of America was to provide a setting wherein that was possible. All else takes its power from that one great, central purpose.” (Ensign, Nov. 1975, p. 54.)

Elder Holland continues, “Thus in one final moment worthy men and righteous principles came together for the restoration of heavenly things. With his center stake in America, God began stretching the cords of his tabernacle to all the world… “And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.” (D&C 133:23–24.)

These two cities, Zion (the New Jerusalem) and the ancient city of Jerusalem, will be those capitals out of which both the word and law of the Lord shall go forth and to which all nations shall flow. (See Isa. 2:2–3.)

It is good that the historical celebration of the United States bicentennial allows us to focus on a land in which God has done so much of his work. It has not always looked the same geographically nor has it always been governed the same politically. But that all seems appropriate since the meaning of America, in its most theological sense, is something more than borders and boundaries, something above nativism and nationalism. It is an ideal, a thing of the spirit… As with temple sites, missionary service, and area general conferences, gospel experience transcends the borders—and, if necessary, the flames of nationalism…” Selected portions of a talk titled, “A Promised Land”, by Jeffrey R. Holland June 1976 Ensign

In Salt Lake City, July 4, 1854 Orson Hyde said, “The progressive spirit of the times, on the one hand, and the chains of cruelty and oppression, on the other, inspired the apostles of American freedom to raise the standard of liberty, and unfurl its banner to the world as a warning to oppressors, and as the star of hope to the oppressed. The very name of America causes a thrill of patriotic devotion to her best interests to quiver in the heart of every citizen of Utah, with a zeal and a pride for the welfare of our country that does honor to the memory of those departed heroes whose ashes are mingled in our soil, and made rich and dear to us by their own blood…

In those early and perilous times, our men were few, and our resources limited. Poverty was among the most potent enemies we had to encounter; yet our arms were successful; and it may not be amiss to ask here, by whose power victory so often perched on our banner? It was by the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose mounds, bones, and remains of towns, cities, and fortifications speak from the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world.

This same angel was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams and by visions, respecting this New World. Trammeled by poverty and by an unpopular cause, yet his persevering and unyielding heart would not allow an obstacle in his way too great for him to overcome; and the angel of God helped him—was with him on the stormy deep, calmed the troubled elements, and guided his frail vessel to the desired haven. Under the guardianship of this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown, increased, and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water.

To what point have the American arms been directed since the Declaration of our National Independence, and proven unsuccessful? Not one! The peculiar respect that high Heaven has for this country, on account of the promises made to the fathers, and on account of its being the land where the mustard seed of truth was planted and destined to grow in the last days, accounts for all this good fortune to our beloved America…

So sure and certain as the great water courses wend their way to the ocean, and there find their level—so sure as the passing thundercloud hovers around yonder Twin Peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, and upon their grey and barren rocks pours the fury of its storm, just so sure and certain will the guardian angel of these United States fly to a remote distance from their borders, and the anger of the Almighty wax hot against them in causing them to drink from the cup of bitterness and division, and the very dregs, stirred up by the hands of foreign powers, in a manner more cruel and fierce than the enemies of the Saints in the day of their greatest distress and anguish; and all this because they laid not to heart the martyrdom of the Saints and Prophets, avenged not their blood by punishing the murderers, neither succored nor aided the Saints after they were despoiled of their goods and homes.

Would to God that we could forget this part of our experience in the land of our fathers! But we cannot forget it. It is incorporated in our being. We shall carry it to our graves, and in the resurrection it will rise with us. Had the United States been as faithful a guardian to the Latter-day Saints as the angel of God has been to them, she would never know dissolution, nor be humbled in dishonor by the decrees of any foreign powers…

When Justice is satisfied, and the blood of martyrs atoned for, the guardian angel of America will return to his station, resume his charge, and restore the Constitution of our country to the respect and veneration of the people; for it was given by the inspiration of our God.

One positive decree of Jehovah, respecting this land, is, that no king shall ever be raised up here, and that whosoever seeketh to raise up a king upon this land shall perish. The spirit of this decree is that no king shall bear rule in this country. And the islands contiguous to this land belong unto it by promise, for they are a part and parcel of the land of Joseph, and they geographically belong to it—belong to it by the covenants of the fathers: they also philosophically incline to this nearer and greater land.” Moroni Guardian Angel of America Orson Hyde Journal of Discourses 6:65.

Indeed this land of America and its leaders have been blessed with the protection of the Lord. “As details of the battle emerged, it turns out that either George Washington was extremely lucky, was bulletproof, or was being supernaturally protected. One Indian warrior testified that he had shot at him 17 times. He exclaimed that “Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet!” Another Indian, Red Hawk, had shot and missed him 11 times. He had not missed a shot before, and became convinced that Washington was being supernaturally protected by the Great Spirit. In 1770, fifteen years after the battle, an old Indian told Washington that he had sought out to meet him. He had been fighting in the battle that day, and he had told all the Indians with him to shoot at him, and make sure that he died. When they all missed, he told them to stop. On that evening, he predicted that Washington would never die in battle, and would be “the founder of a mighty empire.” David.Barton, The Bulletproof George Washington.

This United States of America is indeed, “A Land of Promise.” Moroni presides over the destinies of the United States, holds the keys of the Stick of Ephraim (D&C 27: 5), and is the guardian angel of this wonderful land. The Lord has said, “…repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon…” (D&C 84:57). As we study The Book of Mormon, we learn to love even more this blessed America we call “A Promised Land.”