Archaeology

Let us take a moment or so to collect our wits and to apply some common sense logic, as we explore this vital area.  Even in our "enlightened age," intelligent inquiry is still best.

The LDS Church makes some powerful claims as to who the people of the Americas actually were at the time Jesus supposedly came to the Western Hemisphere to teach and save.  Any claim to this being recorded in the Bible is superficial.  The LDS texts to support such a claim are as follows:

John 10:16  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Allow me to add:

Matthew 15:24  But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Do we have a contradiction here?  Not hardly!  Jesus was indeed, sent to re-gather the lost Jews, but that was firmly implemented in Israel, and had no futuristic implications of another coming for so much as one member of the lost (dispersed) tribes, until he returns as follows:

Zechariah 14:4  And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

 The other sheep are the gentile nations, or rather, those who would now choose allegiance to Christ (risen) and make up the Church that was to be instituted at Pentecost.  Now see a proof text:

Acts 10:35  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

First note that we are looking at a verse(s) from the King James Bible, rather than the Book of Mormon.  Isn't it amazing how in these cases, the Bible has been translated properly?  And who is the authority (LDS) who has pronounced it so?

LDS members attempt to legitimize their claims by saying that there is much ongoing archaeological expeditionary work taking place in South America, to prove the existence of such a people, who were members of the "lost" (dispersed) tribes of Israel.  Now that is quite a claim isn't it?  If this were actually the case, and such finds were or are being made, doesn't it seem reasonable that there would hardly be room enough in all of the media available today, to report such findings?  After all, the only event I can think of that could compare, would be the return of Jesus himself, to our earth.

Mark 14:62  And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

What we actually have then, is another bold claim that has no substantiation in fact.  Numerous claims have been made over the years that such proof either exists or is about to be revealed, but allow me a question or two :

Such an ability to document these peoples, as the Bible can and does document the historical peoples recorded there, would lay to rest, any legitimate objections to the LDS Church.  In fact, it would lay to rest any controversy as to sectarian religion in the first place wouldn't it?  Dear hearts, do not hold your breath awaiting such proofs - you'll die of asphyxiation first - and if you choose to continue to believe in such lies, so too, are you endangering the welfare of your soul(s).

John 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.