Several years ago, around 2013–2014 (I confess, I do not remember exactly when), I was in one of those pointless online arguments we’ve all fallen trap to at one time or another. I do not really recall who it was with or what exactly it was about, but it must have had something to do with evidence for the Book of Mormon because I was rehearsing all the evidence (as I then understood it) for...

Cross-posted from Book of Mormon History . In this new episode of the Book of Mormon History podcast, BMC associate Stephen Smoot discusses the new archaeological discovery of an ancient temple within four miles of Jerusalem with independent Book of Mormon researcher Joshua Gehly. Stephen provides his reasons for a historical approach to the Book of Mormon and...

Nephi concludes his record with stirring and profound pleadings to his readers to follow the necessary steps to obtain eternal life. Nephi teaches in 2 Nephi 31–33 about baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, prayer, repentance, and enduring to the end. However, some scholars have pointed out that Nephi may be using these principles of the gospel to underscore sacred principles and teachings of the...

The Book of Mormon reports that Nephi and his followers built a temple “after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things” upon their arrival in the land of promise ( 2 Nephi 5:16 ). As explored in a past KnoWhy (#31, “Did Ancient Israelites Build Temples Outside of Jerusalem?” ), the Book of Mormon was criticized during Joseph Smith’s lifetime...

When Lehi embarked on his journey around 600 B.C., little did he know that millions of people would read and wonder about his story thousands of years later. While there is still much to learn about the people and stories in the Book of Mormon, some of the best archaeological evidence to support the Book of Mormon comes from Lehi’s journey to the promised land. Seven notable locations are...

Two months ago, in November 2019, a colleague and I visited the best (actually only credible ) candidate for the River of Laman and the Valley of Lemuel in Saudi Arabia. We were astounded to find that the small year-round stream flowing down wadi Tayyib al Ism had extended several hundreds of yards beyond its usual limit, this time reaching to within about 40 yards of the Red Sea coast...

At the turn of the new year, the BYU Studies Quarterly officially removed its paywall, making all its content available free immediately upon publication. This is a blessing to those Latter-day Saints studying 1 Nephi 1–7 right now for their Come Follow Me study. The latest issue—which would normally be behind a paywall for non-subscribers—includes an excellent article by Warren Aston,...

The Revelation of John presents modern readers with a dizzying array of animals, characters, kingdoms, and symbols that can be hard to decipher. Thankfully, the Book of Mormon can help guide us through some of the Gospel truths found in this important New Testament revelation. In a sense, Lehi’s and Nephi’s vision of the Tree of Life serves as an introduction to the Revelation of John. The...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially released the first episode in their four-season series Book of Mormon Videos . This series will tell the story of the Book of Mormon through captivating visuals and engaging story telling. Season 1 recounts Lehi's journey to the Promised Land with his family, in addition to all the material through the book of Enos. One video will be...