FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Difference between revisions of "Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church/Chapter 13"
< Criticism of Mormonism | Books | Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church
(mv text) |
(format) |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
===Claims made in "Chapter 13: LDS Molecular Apologetics"=== | ===Claims made in "Chapter 13: LDS Molecular Apologetics"=== | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
====180==== | ====180==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| − | + | |claim= | |
* Most Mormons have had their ancestors posthumously "baptized into the Mormon faith." | * Most Mormons have had their ancestors posthumously "baptized into the Mormon faith." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{FalseStatement}}: Those who receive baptism for the dead are not "baptized into the faith." Members believe that non-members are thereby given the ability to accept or reject the gospel when they hear it. Baptism for the dead does not make them "Mormons." | * {{FalseStatement}}: Those who receive baptism for the dead are not "baptized into the faith." Members believe that non-members are thereby given the ability to accept or reject the gospel when they hear it. Baptism for the dead does not make them "Mormons." | ||
| − | * [[Baptism for the dead]] | + | * [[Temples/Baptism for the dead]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====181==== | ====181==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* FARMS has downplayed the potential of James Sorenson's "global molecular genealogy project." | * FARMS has downplayed the potential of James Sorenson's "global molecular genealogy project." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* The author needs to provide actual evidence of this claim. | * The author needs to provide actual evidence of this claim. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====181==== | ====181==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The Molecular Genealogy Foundation may reveal disconcerting "surprises" in LDS family trees that trace back to "well known polygamists" in the early church. | * The Molecular Genealogy Foundation may reveal disconcerting "surprises" in LDS family trees that trace back to "well known polygamists" in the early church. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Joseph Smith | + | * [[Joseph Smith/Polygamy/Children of polygamous marriages]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Author's opinion that the project may reveal embarrassing information about the descendants of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders through plural wives. | *Author's opinion that the project may reveal embarrassing information about the descendants of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders through plural wives. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====184==== | ====184==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The Indian Student Placement Program was an attempt to turn them "white and delightsome." | * The Indian Student Placement Program was an attempt to turn them "white and delightsome." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[ | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Curse]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Thomas Murphy, doctoral thesis. | *Thomas Murphy, doctoral thesis. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====184==== | ====184==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* "Mormon folklore" claims that Native Americans and Polynesians carry a curse based upon "misdeeds on the part of their ancestors." | * "Mormon folklore" claims that Native Americans and Polynesians carry a curse based upon "misdeeds on the part of their ancestors." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[ | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Curse]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Thomas W. Murphy and Simon G. Southerton. 2003. "Genetic Research: A 'Galileo Event' for Mormons," ''Anthropology News'', 44:20. | *Thomas W. Murphy and Simon G. Southerton. 2003. "Genetic Research: A 'Galileo Event' for Mormons," ''Anthropology News'', 44:20. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====185==== | ====185==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS scholars experienced in DNA research have spoken only to Mormon audiences. | * LDS scholars experienced in DNA research have spoken only to Mormon audiences. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{FalseStatement}} | * {{FalseStatement}} | ||
* {{Absurd}}: one LDS author on DNA matters is John Butler, an internationally recognized expert in the use of forensic DNA—he literally wrote the textbook used by law enforcement on this matter. Butler has spoken to many audiences about DNA matters. | * {{Absurd}}: one LDS author on DNA matters is John Butler, an internationally recognized expert in the use of forensic DNA—he literally wrote the textbook used by law enforcement on this matter. Butler has spoken to many audiences about DNA matters. | ||
*{{JBMS-12-1-4}}<!--Butler--> | *{{JBMS-12-1-4}}<!--Butler--> | ||
*{{FR-18-1-6}}<!--Butler--> | *{{FR-18-1-6}}<!--Butler--> | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Scott R. Woodward, "DNA and the Book of Mormon," FAIR. (2001) | *Scott R. Woodward, "DNA and the Book of Mormon," FAIR. (2001) | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====185-186==== | ====185-186==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* In response to the DNA issue, the Church linked to an article written by Jeff Lindsey, "a chemical engineer with no professional training in DNA research." | * In response to the DNA issue, the Church linked to an article written by Jeff Lindsey, "a chemical engineer with no professional training in DNA research." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* This is classic ''ad hominem''. What matters are not Lindsey's credentials, but whether his argument is accurate. The author never engages Lindsay's evidence or argument; he simply treats it as unworthy of attention. | * This is classic ''ad hominem''. What matters are not Lindsey's credentials, but whether his argument is accurate. The author never engages Lindsay's evidence or argument; he simply treats it as unworthy of attention. | ||
* Ironically, the author of the book here under review has no professional training in population genetics (he is a plant biologist), and yet he expects ''us'' to accept his assessment. | * Ironically, the author of the book here under review has no professional training in population genetics (he is a plant biologist), and yet he expects ''us'' to accept his assessment. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence]] |
{{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Apologists not official}} | {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Apologists not official}} | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*www.lds.org, "Mistakes in the News," 2003. | *www.lds.org, "Mistakes in the News," 2003. | ||
*Jeff D. Lindsay, [http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/DNA.shtml "Does DNA Evidence Refute the Book of Mormon?"] (2003) | *Jeff D. Lindsay, [http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/DNA.shtml "Does DNA Evidence Refute the Book of Mormon?"] (2003) | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
====186==== | ====186==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS scientists have responded to DNA findings by claiming that it would be improbable to find evidence of an Israelite presence in the Americas. | * LDS scientists have responded to DNA findings by claiming that it would be improbable to find evidence of an Israelite presence in the Americas. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* The author has actually elsewhere expressed his agreement with this claim, noting that LDS scientists have argued that "Bottleneck effect, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg violations and other technical problems would prevent us from detecting Israelite genes [in Amerindians]. I agree entirely. In 600 BC there were probably several million American Indians living in the Americas. If a small group of Israelites entered such a massive native population it would be very, very hard to detect their genes 200, 2000 or even 20,000 years later."{{ref|southerton.1}} | * The author has actually elsewhere expressed his agreement with this claim, noting that LDS scientists have argued that "Bottleneck effect, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg violations and other technical problems would prevent us from detecting Israelite genes [in Amerindians]. I agree entirely. In 600 BC there were probably several million American Indians living in the Americas. If a small group of Israelites entered such a massive native population it would be very, very hard to detect their genes 200, 2000 or even 20,000 years later."{{ref|southerton.1}} | ||
* Interestingly, this admission was later removed from the website of Southerton's publisher. Southerton goes on to argue that the Book of Mormon "doesn't say this," but as we've noted some leaders and scholars have been reading the text that way for at least a century. The author even admits as much on [[#154|p. 154]]. | * Interestingly, this admission was later removed from the website of Southerton's publisher. Southerton goes on to argue that the Book of Mormon "doesn't say this," but as we've noted some leaders and scholars have been reading the text that way for at least a century. The author even admits as much on [[#154|p. 154]]. | ||
* So, this attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do. | * So, this attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence]] |
{{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Forced by evidence}} | {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Forced by evidence}} | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{FR-15-2-6}} <!--McClellan, 2003--> | *{{FR-15-2-6}} <!--McClellan, 2003--> | ||
*Michael F. Whiting, [http://farms.byu.edu/multimedia/viewmovie.php?id=1 "Does DNA Evidence Refute the Authenticity of the Book of Mormon? Responding to the Critics,"] (2003) | *Michael F. Whiting, [http://farms.byu.edu/multimedia/viewmovie.php?id=1 "Does DNA Evidence Refute the Authenticity of the Book of Mormon? Responding to the Critics,"] (2003) | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====186==== | ====186==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS writers claim that the presence of other people in the Americas actually supports "careful readings of the Book of Mormon." | * LDS writers claim that the presence of other people in the Americas actually supports "careful readings of the Book of Mormon." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* LDS writers have been saying this for at least a hundred years, as the author admitted back on [[#154|p. 154]]. | * LDS writers have been saying this for at least a hundred years, as the author admitted back on [[#154|p. 154]]. | ||
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{FR-15-2-1}} <!--Peterson 2003a--> | *{{FR-15-2-1}} <!--Peterson 2003a--> | ||
*{{FR-15-2-7}} <!--Roper, 2003a--> | *{{FR-15-2-7}} <!--Roper, 2003a--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====186==== | ====186==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS scholars "have come to the conclusion" that Book of Mormon populations comprised a very small part of a much larger group of people on the continent. | * LDS scholars "have come to the conclusion" that Book of Mormon populations comprised a very small part of a much larger group of people on the continent. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* Some LDS leaders and scholars have been saying this for at least a hundred years, as the author admitted back on [[#154|p. 154]]. | * Some LDS leaders and scholars have been saying this for at least a hundred years, as the author admitted back on [[#154|p. 154]]. | ||
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{FR-15-2-1}} <!--Peterson 2003a--> | *{{FR-15-2-1}} <!--Peterson 2003a--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====187==== | ====187==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS suggest that it would impossible to use DNA technology to identify a small local colony of individuals. | * LDS suggest that it would impossible to use DNA technology to identify a small local colony of individuals. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{JBMS-12-1-5}} <!--Meldrum and Stephens, 2003.--> | *{{JBMS-12-1-5}} <!--Meldrum and Stephens, 2003.--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====188==== | ====188==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
*The author claims that it is not likely that "founders effect" or "genetic drift" would "completely frustrate the identification of Israelite DNA in the Americas." | *The author claims that it is not likely that "founders effect" or "genetic drift" would "completely frustrate the identification of Israelite DNA in the Americas." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====188==== | ====188==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The author claims that Book of Mormon states that the Lehite/Mulekite groups were both descended from Jewish ancestors | * The author claims that Book of Mormon states that the Lehite/Mulekite groups were both descended from Jewish ancestors | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{FalseStatement}}: Lehi was a descendant of ''Manasseh'', and was not a Jew, however, author later makes the correct statement regarding Lehi's ancestry on [[#5|page 5]]. The author makes the same error, however on [[#xiii|p. xiii]]. This is our another hint that the author's familiarity with the necessary detail in the Book of Mormon is not adequate. | * {{FalseStatement}}: Lehi was a descendant of ''Manasseh'', and was not a Jew, however, author later makes the correct statement regarding Lehi's ancestry on [[#5|page 5]]. The author makes the same error, however on [[#xiii|p. xiii]]. This is our another hint that the author's familiarity with the necessary detail in the Book of Mormon is not adequate. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence#What are we looking for?|Book of Mormon and DNA evidence—What are we looking for?]] |
* {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Jews}} | * {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Jews}} | ||
* [[Book of Mormon and DNA evidence#General genetics issues]] | * [[Book of Mormon and DNA evidence#General genetics issues]] | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====189==== | ====189==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The author claims that the ancestry of Israelites living today will all "meet at the Caucasian branch of the human family tree." | * The author claims that the ancestry of Israelites living today will all "meet at the Caucasian branch of the human family tree." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* It is not clear what this has to do with the Book of Mormon. | * It is not clear what this has to do with the Book of Mormon. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
* No source provided. | * No source provided. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====190==== | ====190==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The Lemba prove that it is possible to detect Middle Eastern genes in a foreign environment | * The Lemba prove that it is possible to detect Middle Eastern genes in a foreign environment | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* The Lemba are a special case, only made possible by their links to Jewish priestly families. 98% of known modern Jews cannot be identified by genetic testing. | * The Lemba are a special case, only made possible by their links to Jewish priestly families. 98% of known modern Jews cannot be identified by genetic testing. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence#Lemba and Cohen modal haplotype|Lemba and Cohen modal haplotype]] |
* {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Lemba}} | * {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Lemba}} | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{JBMS-9-2-11}} <!--Sorenson, 2000b--> | *{{JBMS-9-2-11}} <!--Sorenson, 2000b--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====190==== | ====190==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* Church leaders have consistently associated Lamanites with Central America. | * Church leaders have consistently associated Lamanites with Central America. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Geography/Statements|Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Whiting, 2003b. | *Whiting, 2003b. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====191==== | ====191==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The Mayan Empire is claimed to considered by Mormons to the closest to the people of the Book of Mormon. | * The Mayan Empire is claimed to considered by Mormons to the closest to the people of the Book of Mormon. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians/Maya and Olmec|Amerindians as Lamanites—Maya and Olmec]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source specified. | *No source specified. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====191==== | ====191==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* There is too much genetic variation in the X lineage to account for Book of Mormon people to have arrived as recently as 2600 years ago. | * There is too much genetic variation in the X lineage to account for Book of Mormon people to have arrived as recently as 2600 years ago. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence/Geography issues/Haplotype X2a]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Brown, et al., 1998. | *Brown, et al., 1998. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====192==== | ====192==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The X lineage occurs in North America and is not found in Central America. | * The X lineage occurs in North America and is not found in Central America. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence/Geography issues/Haplotype X2a]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Hauswirth et al., 1994 | *Hauswirth et al., 1994 | ||
*Ribeiro-dos-Santo et al., 1996 | *Ribeiro-dos-Santo et al., 1996 | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====192==== | ====192==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS writers have overlooked the fact that Mitochondrial DNA research shows that 99.6% of Native Americans migrated to the American continent thousands of years before the Israelites came into existence, and none of these are candidates for Israelite origin. | * LDS writers have overlooked the fact that Mitochondrial DNA research shows that 99.6% of Native Americans migrated to the American continent thousands of years before the Israelites came into existence, and none of these are candidates for Israelite origin. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* LDS authors have anticipated such findings by at least a century (see, again, [[#154|p. 154]]). | * LDS authors have anticipated such findings by at least a century (see, again, [[#154|p. 154]]). | ||
* This attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do. | * This attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence]] |
| − | + | |authorsources= | |
| − | | | ||
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====192==== | ====192==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The remaining 0.4% is likely the result of genetic mixture with people who came to the New World after Columbus | * The remaining 0.4% is likely the result of genetic mixture with people who came to the New World after Columbus | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Author's conclusion. | *Author's conclusion. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====193==== | ====193==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* LDS scholars claim that the impact of Book of Mormon immigrants to the New World made an impact "so small that they barely mattered." | * LDS scholars claim that the impact of Book of Mormon immigrants to the New World made an impact "so small that they barely mattered." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* The author has actually elsewhere expressed his agreement with this claim, noting that LDS scientists have argued that "Bottleneck effect, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg violations and other technical problems would prevent us from detecting Israelite genes [in Amerindians]. I agree entirely. In 600 BC there were probably several million American Indians living in the Americas. If a small group of Israelites entered such a massive native population it would be very, very hard to detect their genes 200, 2000 or even 20,000 years later."{{ref|southerton.2}} | * The author has actually elsewhere expressed his agreement with this claim, noting that LDS scientists have argued that "Bottleneck effect, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg violations and other technical problems would prevent us from detecting Israelite genes [in Amerindians]. I agree entirely. In 600 BC there were probably several million American Indians living in the Americas. If a small group of Israelites entered such a massive native population it would be very, very hard to detect their genes 200, 2000 or even 20,000 years later."{{ref|southerton.2}} | ||
* Interestingly, this admission was later removed from the website of Southerton's publisher. Southerton goes on to argue that the Book of Mormon "doesn't say this," but as we've noted some leaders and scholars have been reading the text that way for at least a century. The author even admits as much on [[#154|p. 154]]. | * Interestingly, this admission was later removed from the website of Southerton's publisher. Southerton goes on to argue that the Book of Mormon "doesn't say this," but as we've noted some leaders and scholars have been reading the text that way for at least a century. The author even admits as much on [[#154|p. 154]]. | ||
* So, this attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do. | * So, this attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/DNA evidence]] |
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
{{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Forced by evidence}} | {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Forced by evidence}} | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
====193==== | ====193==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* A great number of Native Americans are now assumed to have been absorbed into New World Israelite civilizations. | * A great number of Native Americans are now assumed to have been absorbed into New World Israelite civilizations. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====193==== | ====193==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* "Other people" in the Book of Mormon have "remained invisible" to most readers. | * "Other people" in the Book of Mormon have "remained invisible" to most readers. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{MindReading}} | * {{MindReading}} | ||
* Just because someone does not notice something does not mean it was there. Again, the author seems determined to ignore any solution to his problem, and read the text in the most blinkered, ill-informed way possible. | * Just because someone does not notice something does not mean it was there. Again, the author seems determined to ignore any solution to his problem, and read the text in the most blinkered, ill-informed way possible. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Demographics]] |
{{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:No others}} | {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:No others}} | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====193-194==== | ====193-194==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* "Gentiles who inhabited the Americas before, during and after the Book of Mormon period are potential Lamanites." | * "Gentiles who inhabited the Americas before, during and after the Book of Mormon period are potential Lamanites." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{s|2|Nephi|1|5}} | *{{s|2|Nephi|1|5}} | ||
*{{JBMS-12-1-2}} <!--Sorenson and Roper, 2003--> | *{{JBMS-12-1-2}} <!--Sorenson and Roper, 2003--> | ||
*{{JBMS-12-1-5}} <!--Meldrum and Stephens, 2003--> | *{{JBMS-12-1-5}} <!--Meldrum and Stephens, 2003--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====194==== | ====194==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* Mormons have "traditionally thought" that any Asian presence in the New World occurred ''after'' the Book of Mormon period. | * Mormons have "traditionally thought" that any Asian presence in the New World occurred ''after'' the Book of Mormon period. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* The author needs evidence for this claim. | * The author needs evidence for this claim. | ||
* Even Bruce R. McConkie (a good example of "traditional views") say many sources and influence on Amerindian populations: | * Even Bruce R. McConkie (a good example of "traditional views") say many sources and influence on Amerindian populations: | ||
:The American Indians, however, as Columbus found them also had other blood than that of Israel in their veins. It is possible that isolated remnants of the Jaredites may have lived through the period of destruction in which millions of their fellows perished. It is quite apparent that groups of orientals found their way over the Bering Strait and gradually moved southward to mix with the Indian peoples. We have records of a colony of Scandinavians attempting to set up a settlement in America some 500 years before Columbus. There are archeological indications that an unspecified number of groups of people probably found their way from the old to the new world in pre-Columbian times. Out of all these groups would have come the American Indians as they were discovered in the 15th century.{{ref|md.33}} | :The American Indians, however, as Columbus found them also had other blood than that of Israel in their veins. It is possible that isolated remnants of the Jaredites may have lived through the period of destruction in which millions of their fellows perished. It is quite apparent that groups of orientals found their way over the Bering Strait and gradually moved southward to mix with the Indian peoples. We have records of a colony of Scandinavians attempting to set up a settlement in America some 500 years before Columbus. There are archeological indications that an unspecified number of groups of people probably found their way from the old to the new world in pre-Columbian times. Out of all these groups would have come the American Indians as they were discovered in the 15th century.{{ref|md.33}} | ||
* In any case, if the "traditional view" does not match the Book of Mormon text, then it should be set aside. | * In any case, if the "traditional view" does not match the Book of Mormon text, then it should be set aside. | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====195==== | ====195==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* The children of Lehi were to be "kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves." | * The children of Lehi were to be "kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves." | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{SourceDistortion}}: This promise applies only as long as the children of Lehi were righteous. They lost this blessing even within Book of Mormon times. | * {{SourceDistortion}}: This promise applies only as long as the children of Lehi were righteous. They lost this blessing even within Book of Mormon times. | ||
| − | * [[Amerindians | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians]] |
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Demographics]] |
* {{JBMS-1-1-2}} <!--Sorenson--> | * {{JBMS-1-1-2}} <!--Sorenson--> | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{s|2|Nephi|1|8-9}} | *{{s|2|Nephi|1|8-9}} | ||
*{{s|2|Nephi|1|10-11}} | *{{s|2|Nephi|1|10-11}} | ||
*{{FR-15-2-7}} <!--Roper, 2003a--> | *{{FR-15-2-7}} <!--Roper, 2003a--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====195==== | ====195==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* There are no explicit references to non-Israelites living near the Lehites or Jaredites. | * There are no explicit references to non-Israelites living near the Lehites or Jaredites. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{CiteCritic}} | * {{CiteCritic}} | ||
{{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:No others}} | {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:No others}} | ||
* See response to source: {{FR-16-2-5}} <!--Tvedtnes Reinventing--> | * See response to source: {{FR-16-2-5}} <!--Tvedtnes Reinventing--> | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*Brent L. Metcalf, "Reinventing Lamanite Identity," ''Sunstone'', 131:20-25 (2004). | *Brent L. Metcalf, "Reinventing Lamanite Identity," ''Sunstone'', 131:20-25 (2004). | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
====195==== | ====195==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* Five hundred years after their arrival, groups were still identified as having descended from Laman, Lemuel, Ishmael, etc. | * Five hundred years after their arrival, groups were still identified as having descended from Laman, Lemuel, Ishmael, etc. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* The author is ''assuming'' what he wants to prove—that all such labels were about descent, rather than political or religious affiliation. | * The author is ''assuming'' what he wants to prove—that all such labels were about descent, rather than political or religious affiliation. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Tribal affiliations]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{s||Alma|43|13}} | *{{s||Alma|43|13}} | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====196==== | ====196==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* Familial terms used in the Book of Mormon imply a genetic link. | * Familial terms used in the Book of Mormon imply a genetic link. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* {{Absurd}}: The Book of Mormon makes it clear that except in a very early period, tribal designation is a ''political'', not genetic matter. | * {{Absurd}}: The Book of Mormon makes it clear that except in a very early period, tribal designation is a ''political'', not genetic matter. | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Tribal affiliations]] {{nw}} |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*{{s||Moroni|9|1}} | *{{s||Moroni|9|1}} | ||
*Author's conclusion. | *Author's conclusion. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====197==== | ====197==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* Joseph Smith and other leaders taught that the Book of Mormon described the origins of the Indians in the western hemisphere. | * Joseph Smith and other leaders taught that the Book of Mormon described the origins of the Indians in the western hemisphere. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
* [[Book of Mormon geography/Statements|Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography]] | * [[Book of Mormon geography/Statements|Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography]] | ||
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
| − | |||
*{{FR-15-2-7}} <!--Roper, 2003a--> | *{{FR-15-2-7}} <!--Roper, 2003a--> | ||
*{{FR-15-2-8}} <!--Roper, 2003b--> | *{{FR-15-2-8}} <!--Roper, 2003b--> | ||
| − | + | }} | |
| − | |||
====197==== | ====197==== | ||
| − | | | + | {{IndexClaim |
| + | |claim= | ||
* Mormons "tend to be hazy" regarding what past Church leaders have said regarding geography. | * Mormons "tend to be hazy" regarding what past Church leaders have said regarding geography. | ||
| − | | | + | |response= |
{{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Most Mormons}} | {{CriticalWork:Southerton:Losing:Repeat:Most Mormons}} | ||
| − | * [[Book of Mormon | + | * [[Book of Mormon/Geography/Statements|Statements by Church leaders regarding Book of Mormon geography]] |
| − | | | + | |authorsources= |
*No source given. | *No source given. | ||
| − | + | }} | |
Revision as of 22:18, 16 February 2010
| Chapter 12 | A FAIR Analysis of: Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church A work by author: Simon G. Southerton
|
Chapter 14 |
Claims made in "Chapter 13: LDS Molecular Apologetics"
180
Claim
- Most Mormons have had their ancestors posthumously "baptized into the Mormon faith."
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- The author's claim is false: Those who receive baptism for the dead are not "baptized into the faith." Members believe that non-members are thereby given the ability to accept or reject the gospel when they hear it. Baptism for the dead does not make them "Mormons."
- Temples/Baptism for the dead
181
Claim
- FARMS has downplayed the potential of James Sorenson's "global molecular genealogy project."
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- The author needs to provide actual evidence of this claim.
181
Claim
- The Molecular Genealogy Foundation may reveal disconcerting "surprises" in LDS family trees that trace back to "well known polygamists" in the early church.
Author's source(s) - Author's opinion that the project may reveal embarrassing information about the descendants of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders through plural wives.
184
Claim
- The Indian Student Placement Program was an attempt to turn them "white and delightsome."
Author's source(s) - Thomas Murphy, doctoral thesis.
184
Claim
- "Mormon folklore" claims that Native Americans and Polynesians carry a curse based upon "misdeeds on the part of their ancestors."
Author's source(s) - Thomas W. Murphy and Simon G. Southerton. 2003. "Genetic Research: A 'Galileo Event' for Mormons," Anthropology News, 44:20.
185
Claim
- LDS scholars experienced in DNA research have spoken only to Mormon audiences.
Author's source(s) - Scott R. Woodward, "DNA and the Book of Mormon," FAIR. (2001)
- The author's claim is false
- Absurd claim: one LDS author on DNA matters is John Butler, an internationally recognized expert in the use of forensic DNA—he literally wrote the textbook used by law enforcement on this matter. Butler has spoken to many audiences about DNA matters.
- John M. Butler, "A Few Thoughts From a Believing DNA Scientist," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [36–37] link
- John M. Butler, "Addressing Questions surrounding the Book of Mormon and DNA Research," FARMS Review 18/1 (2006): 101–108. off-site wiki
185-186
Claim
- In response to the DNA issue, the Church linked to an article written by Jeff Lindsey, "a chemical engineer with no professional training in DNA research."
Author's source(s) - www.lds.org, "Mistakes in the News," 2003.
- Jeff D. Lindsay, "Does DNA Evidence Refute the Book of Mormon?" (2003)
- This is classic ad hominem. What matters are not Lindsey's credentials, but whether his argument is accurate. The author never engages Lindsay's evidence or argument; he simply treats it as unworthy of attention.
- Ironically, the author of the book here under review has no professional training in population genetics (he is a plant biologist), and yet he expects us to accept his assessment.
- Book of Mormon/DNA evidence
Logical Fallacy: Appeal to Emotion—The author attempts to manipulate the reader's emotional response instead of presenting a valid argument.
<The author wishes to discredit anything he labels "apologetic" (i.e., any work that might contest his naive and ill-informed reading of LDS scripture). He does not engage their arguments, but uses a variety of tactics to avoid or dismiss them. The author sometimes claims that "apologetic" answers are not endorsed or promoted by the Church (allowing him to suggest that either such answers don't count because they aren't "official," or such answers are radical and therefore ultimately unacceptable—and the Church knows it.Yet, the author knows that this claim is false, since he cites Jeff Lindsay on p. 185-186. Lindsay is an "apologist," and his work is cited by the Church's official website. There are also other examples of the Church using "apologetic" responses in a formal way.
186
Claim
- LDS scientists have responded to DNA findings by claiming that it would be improbable to find evidence of an Israelite presence in the Americas.
Author's source(s) - David A. McClellan, "Detecting Lehi's Genetic Signature: Possible, Probable, or Not?," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 35–90. off-site
- Michael F. Whiting, "Does DNA Evidence Refute the Authenticity of the Book of Mormon? Responding to the Critics," (2003)
- The author has actually elsewhere expressed his agreement with this claim, noting that LDS scientists have argued that "Bottleneck effect, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg violations and other technical problems would prevent us from detecting Israelite genes [in Amerindians]. I agree entirely. In 600 BC there were probably several million American Indians living in the Americas. If a small group of Israelites entered such a massive native population it would be very, very hard to detect their genes 200, 2000 or even 20,000 years later."[1]
- Interestingly, this admission was later removed from the website of Southerton's publisher. Southerton goes on to argue that the Book of Mormon "doesn't say this," but as we've noted some leaders and scholars have been reading the text that way for at least a century. The author even admits as much on p. 154.
- So, this attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do.
- Book of Mormon/DNA evidence
Logical Fallacy: False Cause—The author assumes that a real or perceived relationship between two events means that one caused the other.
The author consistently argues that LDS scholars or apologists are "adjusting" their view on the Book of Mormon because they are being driven back in a rear-guard action by science. But, in fact, some LDS leaders and scholars have argued for a restricted geography and small numeric contribution of Lehites for over one hundred years.These beliefs were not held because of scientific "pressure," but because of their reading of the Book of Mormon text. In fact, the author admits that this has occurred since at least the 1920s (see p. 154)—long before any pressure from genetics issues. Yet, he continues to make the contradictory claim that the Church's defenders are now "on the ropes" and desperate for a solution.
186
Claim
- LDS writers claim that the presence of other people in the Americas actually supports "careful readings of the Book of Mormon."
Author's source(s) - Daniel C. Peterson, "Editor's Introduction," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): ix–lxii. off-site
- Matthew Roper, "Nephi's Neighbors: Book of Mormon Peoples and Pre-Columbian Populations," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 91–128. off-site
- LDS writers have been saying this for at least a hundred years, as the author admitted back on p. 154.
- Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians
186
Claim
- LDS scholars "have come to the conclusion" that Book of Mormon populations comprised a very small part of a much larger group of people on the continent.
Author's source(s) - Daniel C. Peterson, "Editor's Introduction," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): ix–lxii. off-site
- Some LDS leaders and scholars have been saying this for at least a hundred years, as the author admitted back on p. 154.
- Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians
187
Claim
- LDS suggest that it would impossible to use DNA technology to identify a small local colony of individuals.
Author's source(s) - D. Jeffrey Meldrum and Trent D. Stephens, "Who Are the Children of Lehi?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [38–51] link
188
Claim
- The author claims that it is not likely that "founders effect" or "genetic drift" would "completely frustrate the identification of Israelite DNA in the Americas."
Author's source(s) - No source given.
188
Claim
- The author claims that Book of Mormon states that the Lehite/Mulekite groups were both descended from Jewish ancestors
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- The author's claim is false: Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh, and was not a Jew, however, author later makes the correct statement regarding Lehi's ancestry on page 5. The author makes the same error, however on p. xiii. This is our another hint that the author's familiarity with the necessary detail in the Book of Mormon is not adequate.
- Book of Mormon and DNA evidence—What are we looking for?
189
Claim
- The author claims that the ancestry of Israelites living today will all "meet at the Caucasian branch of the human family tree."
Author's source(s) - No source provided.
- It is not clear what this has to do with the Book of Mormon.
190
Claim
- The Lemba prove that it is possible to detect Middle Eastern genes in a foreign environment
Author's source(s) - John L. Sorenson, "The Problematic Role of DNA Testing in Unraveling Human History," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 9/2 (2000). [66–74] link
- The Lemba are a special case, only made possible by their links to Jewish priestly families. 98% of known modern Jews cannot be identified by genetic testing.
- Lemba and Cohen modal haplotype
190
Claim
- Church leaders have consistently associated Lamanites with Central America.
Author's source(s) - Whiting, 2003b.
191
Claim
- The Mayan Empire is claimed to considered by Mormons to the closest to the people of the Book of Mormon.
Author's source(s) - No source specified.
191
Claim
- There is too much genetic variation in the X lineage to account for Book of Mormon people to have arrived as recently as 2600 years ago.
Author's source(s) - Brown, et al., 1998.
192
Claim
- The X lineage occurs in North America and is not found in Central America.
Author's source(s) - Hauswirth et al., 1994
- Ribeiro-dos-Santo et al., 1996
192
Claim
- LDS writers have overlooked the fact that Mitochondrial DNA research shows that 99.6% of Native Americans migrated to the American continent thousands of years before the Israelites came into existence, and none of these are candidates for Israelite origin.
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- LDS authors have anticipated such findings by at least a century (see, again, p. 154).
- This attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do.
- Book of Mormon/DNA evidence
192
Claim
- The remaining 0.4% is likely the result of genetic mixture with people who came to the New World after Columbus
Author's source(s) - Author's conclusion.
193
Claim
- LDS scholars claim that the impact of Book of Mormon immigrants to the New World made an impact "so small that they barely mattered."
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- The author has actually elsewhere expressed his agreement with this claim, noting that LDS scientists have argued that "Bottleneck effect, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg violations and other technical problems would prevent us from detecting Israelite genes [in Amerindians]. I agree entirely. In 600 BC there were probably several million American Indians living in the Americas. If a small group of Israelites entered such a massive native population it would be very, very hard to detect their genes 200, 2000 or even 20,000 years later."[2]
- Interestingly, this admission was later removed from the website of Southerton's publisher. Southerton goes on to argue that the Book of Mormon "doesn't say this," but as we've noted some leaders and scholars have been reading the text that way for at least a century. The author even admits as much on p. 154.
- So, this attack works only if one reads the text in the most naive, ill-informed way possible—as the author seems determined to do.
- Book of Mormon/DNA evidence
- Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians
Logical Fallacy: False Cause—The author assumes that a real or perceived relationship between two events means that one caused the other.
The author consistently argues that LDS scholars or apologists are "adjusting" their view on the Book of Mormon because they are being driven back in a rear-guard action by science. But, in fact, some LDS leaders and scholars have argued for a restricted geography and small numeric contribution of Lehites for over one hundred years.These beliefs were not held because of scientific "pressure," but because of their reading of the Book of Mormon text. In fact, the author admits that this has occurred since at least the 1920s (see p. 154)—long before any pressure from genetics issues. Yet, he continues to make the contradictory claim that the Church's defenders are now "on the ropes" and desperate for a solution.
193
Claim
- A great number of Native Americans are now assumed to have been absorbed into New World Israelite civilizations.
Author's source(s) - No source given.
193
Claim
- "Other people" in the Book of Mormon have "remained invisible" to most readers.
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- Mind reading: author has no way of knowing this.
- Just because someone does not notice something does not mean it was there. Again, the author seems determined to ignore any solution to his problem, and read the text in the most blinkered, ill-informed way possible.
- Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Demographics
Logical Fallacy: Strawman—The author sets up a weakened or caricatured version of the opponent's argument. The author then proceeds to demolish the weak version of the argument, and claim victory.
Since scholars have long pointed to many textual clues which point to the existence of other non-Lehites in the New World, the author must dispense with such ideas if he is to succeed in portraying the Book of Mormon at odds with science. However, he does not engage the textual evidence that Latter-day Saints have found in abundance—he merely insists there is no evidence there.
193-194
Claim
- "Gentiles who inhabited the Americas before, during and after the Book of Mormon period are potential Lamanites."
Author's source(s) - 2 Nephi 1꞉5
- John L. Sorenson and Matthew Roper, "Before DNA," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [6–23] link
- D. Jeffrey Meldrum and Trent D. Stephens, "Who Are the Children of Lehi?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003). [38–51] link
194
Claim
- Mormons have "traditionally thought" that any Asian presence in the New World occurred after the Book of Mormon period.
Author's source(s) - No source given.
- The author needs evidence for this claim.
- Even Bruce R. McConkie (a good example of "traditional views") say many sources and influence on Amerindian populations:
- The American Indians, however, as Columbus found them also had other blood than that of Israel in their veins. It is possible that isolated remnants of the Jaredites may have lived through the period of destruction in which millions of their fellows perished. It is quite apparent that groups of orientals found their way over the Bering Strait and gradually moved southward to mix with the Indian peoples. We have records of a colony of Scandinavians attempting to set up a settlement in America some 500 years before Columbus. There are archeological indications that an unspecified number of groups of people probably found their way from the old to the new world in pre-Columbian times. Out of all these groups would have come the American Indians as they were discovered in the 15th century.[3]
- In any case, if the "traditional view" does not match the Book of Mormon text, then it should be set aside.
195
Claim
- The children of Lehi were to be "kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves."
Author's source(s) - 2 Nephi 1꞉8-9
- 2 Nephi 1꞉10-11
- Matthew Roper, "Nephi's Neighbors: Book of Mormon Peoples and Pre-Columbian Populations," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 91–128. off-site
- Misrepresentation of source: This promise applies only as long as the children of Lehi were righteous. They lost this blessing even within Book of Mormon times.
- Book of Mormon/Lamanites/Relationship to Amerindians
- Book of Mormon/Anachronisms/Demographics
- John L. Sorenson, "When Lehi's Party Arrived in the Land Did They Find Others There?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 1/1 (1992). [1–34] link
195
Claim
- There are no explicit references to non-Israelites living near the Lehites or Jaredites.
Author's source(s) - Brent L. Metcalf, "Reinventing Lamanite Identity," Sunstone, 131:20-25 (2004).
- Only critical work is cited; no engagement with LDS scholarship on the topic occurs.
Logical Fallacy: Strawman—The author sets up a weakened or caricatured version of the opponent's argument. The author then proceeds to demolish the weak version of the argument, and claim victory.
Since scholars have long pointed to many textual clues which point to the existence of other non-Lehites in the New World, the author must dispense with such ideas if he is to succeed in portraying the Book of Mormon at odds with science. However, he does not engage the textual evidence that Latter-day Saints have found in abundance—he merely insists there is no evidence there.- See response to source: John A. Tvedtnes, "Reinventing the Book of Mormon (Review of: “Reinventing Lamanite Identity,” Sunstone, March 2004, 20–25)," FARMS Review 16/2 (2004): 91–106. off-site
195
Claim
- Five hundred years after their arrival, groups were still identified as having descended from Laman, Lemuel, Ishmael, etc.
Author's source(s) Response
- The author is assuming what he wants to prove—that all such labels were about descent, rather than political or religious affiliation.
- Book of Mormon/Tribal affiliations
196
Claim
- Familial terms used in the Book of Mormon imply a genetic link.
Author's source(s) - Moroni 9꞉1
- Author's conclusion.
- Absurd claim: The Book of Mormon makes it clear that except in a very early period, tribal designation is a political, not genetic matter.
- Book of Mormon/Tribal affiliations [needs work]
197
Claim
- Joseph Smith and other leaders taught that the Book of Mormon described the origins of the Indians in the western hemisphere.
Author's source(s) - Matthew Roper, "Nephi's Neighbors: Book of Mormon Peoples and Pre-Columbian Populations," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 91–128. off-site
- Matthew Roper, "Swimming the Gene Pool: Israelite Kinship Relations, Genes, and Genealogy," FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 129–164. off-site
197
Claim
- Mormons "tend to be hazy" regarding what past Church leaders have said regarding geography.
Author's source(s) - No source given.
Logical Fallacy: Bandwagon (Appeal to the Masses)—The author believes that this claim is true simply because all of his or her buddies believe that it is true, despite the lack of actual evidence supporting it.
The author frequently makes claims about what "most Mormons" believe. How does he know? What surveys has he done? The author strives to portray members as gullible, ill-informed, confused, and manipulated. But, he presents no evidence save his opinion. Why ought members trust someone who obviously has such a low opinion of them?