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The Book of Mormon is a religious text that claims to be an ancient record of the history of ancient American peoples. However, the text is riddled with anachronisms that suggest it was not written in ancient times, but rather in the 18th century when it was created by Joseph Smith. In this piece, we will explore the anachronisms present in the Book of Mormon and what they reveal about the text’s origins. By understanding the anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, readers can make a more informed decision about its authenticity.

Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon: Examples

Anachronisms are references to technology or ideas that did not exist in the time period being depicted. In the case of the Book of Mormon, there are several examples of anachronisms that suggest the text was not written in ancient times. For example, the text contains references to steel and guns, which did not exist in ancient America. Additionally, the text uses language and ideas that are more consistent with 18th century American society than with ancient American cultures.

Steel and Guns

One of the most obvious anachronisms in the Book of Mormon is the reference to steel and guns. These technologies did not exist in ancient America, and their presence in the text suggests that it was not written during the time period it claims to depict.

Language and Ideas

Another form of anachronism in the Book of Mormon is the use of language and ideas that are more consistent with 18th century American society than with ancient American cultures. For example, the text contains references to “horses” and “chariots,” which did not exist in ancient America. Additionally, the text contains ideas and concepts that were popular in Joseph Smith’s time, such as the idea of a “chosen people” and the concept of a “promised land.”

Parallels to Contemporary Sources

The anachronisms in the Book of Mormon raise the question of whether Joseph Smith borrowed from contemporary sources when creating the text. There are several books that were popular in Joseph Smith’s time that have close parallels to the Book of Mormon. For example, the text contains elements of the popular novel “The Late War Between the United States and Great Britain,” which was published just a few years before the Book of Mormon. Additionally, the text contains elements of the Bible, but in ways that defy the Bible’s timeline.

Conclusion

The anachronisms in the Book of Mormon suggest that the text was not written in ancient times, but rather in the 18th century by Joseph Smith. These anachronisms raise questions about the authenticity of the text and its origins. By understanding the anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, readers can make a more informed decision about its authenticity and the validity of its claims.

Talking Points:
  • Anachronism occurs when events or objects appear out of the proper time period in which one would expect them. The Book of Mormon is riddled with many kinds of anachronisms.
  • Surprisingly for what claims to be an ancient record, the Book of Mormon reflects an 18th century American origin. It weighs in on specific issues and controversies common in Joseph Smith’s generation.
  • The Book of Mormon shows close parallels to several books that were popular in Joseph Smith’s time, raising the question of whether Smith borrowed from contemporary sources.
  • One form of Book of Mormon anachronism is how it borrows ideas from the Bible, but in ways that defy the Bible’s timeline.
Discussion:
  1. Give some examples of how anachronism might show up in a movie or TV show. Why does anachronism create a credibility problem?
  2. Describe the anachronisms that crop up in the Book of Mormon. How does this compare with the Bible?
  3. The Book of Mormon contains many parallels to 18th century American thought, including writings from the time. Why would this be a problem? What answers might Mormons give to this issue?
  4. Identify some of the anachronisms in the Book of Mormon relating to its use of the Bible. On a scale of 1-10, how strong do you think this evidence is, and why?
  5. Why is it important to evaluate the claims made by the Book of Mormon? What is at stake in doing such an evaluation?

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