Does Archaeology Support the Book of Mormon?
For nearly two centuries, Mormon scholars and lay members alike have searched in vain for archaeological evidence to support the Book of Mormon. While the Bible has been consistently confirmed by archaeology and history, the Book of Mormon remains without a single verifiable location, city, or artifact.
Some within the LDS community have recently speculated that the events of the Book of Mormon took place in North America, specifically in the Ohio River Basin among the Hopewell and Adena cultures. This so-called “Heartland Model” has gained popularity among Mormon laity, but what do trained archaeologists say about these claims? In this presentation, Chip Thompson examines the evidence — or lack thereof — through the lens of archaeology and history.
Archaeology Confirms the Bible
Unlike the Book of Mormon, the Bible is rooted in real history and geography. Archaeology continues to affirm the reliability of Scripture with discoveries such as:
- The Tel Dan Inscription – an ancient Aramaic inscription referencing the “House of David,” confirming the existence of King David (2 Samuel 7:16).
- The Dead Sea Scrolls – manuscripts that confirm the accuracy and preservation of the Old Testament text over thousands of years (Isaiah 40:8).
- The Pool of Bethesda – once thought to be legendary, this site was discovered in Jerusalem exactly as described in John 5:2.
- The Pilate Stone – an inscription in Caesarea naming Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor mentioned in all four Gospels (Luke 3:1).
- Jericho’s fallen walls – archaeological evidence of collapsed walls dating to the biblical period (Joshua 6:20).
The Bible sets itself apart by grounding its message in real places, people, and events:
- “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea.” (Luke 3:1)
- “We did not follow cleverly devised myths … but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)
Why This Matters
If a sacred book claims to be history, the evidence should support it. God calls us not to trust in myths, but in truth rooted in reality:
- “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
- “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
In this video, Chip Thompson exposes the weakness of the “Heartland Model” and shows how archaeology consistently affirms the Bible — while leaving the Book of Mormon without historical foundation.
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