Book of Mormon History Podcast

In this scholarly review, Neal Rappleye examines Jerry Grover’s geological analysis of the catastrophic events described in the Book of Mormon, particularly the destructions in 3 Nephi. While previous researchers have suggested general links between these accounts and Mesoamerican volcanic activity, Grover utilizes professional engineering and geoscience to propose a specific "best-fit" scenario involving the Veracruz fault and the San Martín volcano. The text highlights how this model explains various phenomena, such as liquefaction and volcanic ash clouds, while reinforcing the geographic framework established by John L. Sorenson. Furthermore, Grover’s research provides naturalistic explanations for other scriptural events, including Jaredite felines and infestations linked to ecological shifts. Ultimately, the source argues that scientific criteria regarding tectonic and volcanic history offer a rigorous method for evaluating different geographic theories of the Book of Mormon. Rappleye concludes that Grover’s work is an essential resource for understanding how the physical landscape of the ancient New World aligns with the recorded scriptural narrative.Support the show

In a 2003 feature article for the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Benjamin R. Jordan investigates whether ice-core data from Greenland and Antarctica can validate accounts of volcanic destruction described in the Book of Mormon. The scriptural text of 3 Nephi 8 details a massive natural disaster occurring around the time of Christ’s death, characterized by storms, earthquakes, and deep darkness that many scholars attribute to volcanism. Jordan explains that while polar ice preserves chemical evidence of global eruptions via sulfuric acid layers, identifying specific events is complicated by dating errors and atmospheric variables. His research identifies acidic spikes in various cores dating roughly to the first century, including a notable signal around A.D. 30–40. Although these scientific findings are not yet definitive, Jordan argues they provide plausible evidence for a significant eruption during the period in question. Ultimately, the study bridges geological science and religious history by correlating physical climate records with ancient scriptural narratives.Support the show

This research explores the catastrophic events described in the Book of Mormon through the lens of modern geology. By analyzing historical and eyewitness accounts of major volcanic eruptions, such as those at Mount St. Helens, Krakatoa, and Mount Pelée, the author demonstrates that the "three days of darkness" and surrounding destruction are consistent with explosive volcanism. The text details how phenomena like lahars, tsunamis, and pyroclastic clouds explain the burial of cities and the intense, palpable darkness reported in ancient records. Furthermore, the study identifies specific geological settings, like subduction zones, that would be necessary to produce such violent results in a potential Mesoamerican setting. Ultimately, the source argues that the seemingly miraculous calamities of the past align perfectly with documented natural disasters.Support the show

Josh Gehly's first chapter in the book Witnessing Miracles examines the extraordinary origins and global reach of the Book of Mormon, framing it as one of the most significant religious documents in modern history. It emphasizes the improbable circumstances of its creation, noting that Joseph Smith produced the massive manuscript in a remarkably short timeframe despite his lack of formal education and severe poverty. The source highlights the critical role of eyewitnesses and scribes who supported the process through financial sacrifice and manual labor. Ultimately, the passage argues that the book's transition from an obscure frontier manuscript to a worldwide phenomenon is a unique historical marvel. It concludes that the text’s lasting cultural and spiritual power makes it a subject worthy of serious academic and personal study.Support the show

In Geology of the Book of Mormon, Jerry D. Grover Jr. utilizes his expertise as a professional engineer and geologist to investigate the physical catastrophes described in the scriptural record. The text focuses heavily on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and surrounding Mesoamerican regions, evaluating how plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, and seismic activity align with reported destructions. By applying scientific principles to the Sorenson model of geography, the author explores how natural phenomena like tsunamis, landslides, and hurricanes could explain the sinking or burning of ancient cities. The work also incorporates linguistic analysis of Jaredite place names and examines historical climate data to contextualize events such as droughts and animal migrations. Ultimately, the book provides a technical framework to determine the most plausible locations and causes for the environmental upheavals mentioned in the religious text.Support the show

Ishmael died in the Book of Mormon and was buried in Arabia in a place named Nahom. Remarkably, archaeologists have discovered a funerary stela in the region of ancient NHM (Book of Mormon Nahom) with the name Ishmael inscribed on it.  The limestone stela has the name of Ishmael, dates to the correct time period and comes from the region of NHM.  The archaeological place of Nahom has well over 10 artifacts which confirm the name including several dating to Book of Mormon times. Has archaeology provided concrete evidence for Ishmael in the Book of Mormon?Book of Mormon Central researcher, Neal Rappleye, found the ancient inscription in part of a collection of over 400 stela.  He joins the podcast to discuss the incredible archaeological evidence in support of the Book of Mormon as a true history.Can we say for sure this is Ishmael from the Book of Mormon?  Listen to the podcast to find out.Here is Neal's article on the funerary stela and its inscription: https://bit.ly/3bS3JeiHere is a link to his blog post from Book of Mormon Central about making the incredible find: https://bit.ly/3kfqxcEQuoting from Neal's abstract from his article published in the Interpreter Foundation: "...scholars generally agree that “the place called… Nahom,” where Ishmael was buried (1 Nephi 16:34) is identified as the Nihm tribal region in Yemen...a funerary stela with the...south Arabian equivalent of Ishmael — was found near the Nihm region and dated to ca. 6th century bc. Although it cannot be determined with certainty that this is the Ishmael from the Book of Mormon...such is a possibility worth considering."Finding any name in history is astounding. Finding a name in the right location and time period from a traveler to that region with a name not from the region is an archaeological bullseye worth discussing in any conversation regarding the Book of Mormon and its history.Support the show

The Book of Mormon was written by many different authors across hundreds of years.  Not surprisingly, within the text the authors have unique voices, phrases, and usage consistent with themselves but independent from all others.Professor John Hilton III helps break down the intratextuality and intertextuality of ancient Book of Mormon authors.  Using an incredible program called Wordcruncher, the data helps us understand words like resurrection, baptism and Gentiles.Find out how Christ consistently speaks throughout the Book of Mormon.  Find out how Jacob's writings likely influenced later speakers like King Benjamin and Mormon.  For more information, visit www.johnhiltoniii.com Do learn and study about authors in the Book of Mormon install the program at www.wordcruncher.com and search for the "Voices of the Book of Mormon" database.Support the show

Discussing NEW archaeological discovery of an ancient temple within 4 miles of Jerusalem with researcher from Book of Mormon Central Stephen Smoot.  Stephen provides his reasons for a scholastic approach to the Book of Mormon and outlines details from his article about both the archaeological site of Tel Moza [Motza] and how it provides another example of the cultural backdrop as explained by Nephi in 2nd Nephi Chapter 5 who builds a temple after the manner of Solomon.  The evidences of temples across the landscape of ancient Israel to Elephantine and beyond demonstrate Nephite worship reflected the values and practices of ancient Israel as described in the Book of Mormon.  Check out the current archaeological excavations at Tel Motza at www.telmoza.org.Support the show

Did Jesus Christ really live, die and resurrect by the Power of God leaving an empty tomb behind Him?  Did Joseph Smith really receive golden plates, translating them by the Power of God leaving an empty stone box in a hill in New York?This episode compares the historical evidences for the Risen Jesus as asserted by leading apologists like William Lane Craig, NT Wright, and Gary Habermas directly to the restoration history of the Book of Mormon.How can someone give enough evidence to support a real miracle?  Apply the same methodology to provide equal or greater evidences to establish two miracles.Support the show

The Book of Mormon is one in a billion.  Actually, more accurately, it's one in one thousand billion, billion, billion, billion.  Through Bayesian statistical analysis, Distinguished Professor Bruce E Dale from Michigan State University explains the historical and ancient authenticity of the Book of Mormon with a direct response to critics and prescribing a real world geographical setting in ancient Mesoamerica.  Read his research article here https://bit.ly/31WKOrJ for your personal studies.  For more information, please visit us online at www.BookofMormonHistory.comSupport the show