Maxrep wrote:The truth of the matter is that the LDS community could not conceal pertinent archaeological data relating to Book of Mormon historicity, even if it was determined to do so.
Solid and credible information in any field, or industry for that matter, will be recognized without the need of a special platform in a press conference.
The Smithsonian took a hard look at the Book of Mormon decades ago. It failed completely at that point.
This old line has been repeated over and over, and it is just as incorrect today as it was when it was first circulated. Let's shine the light on this old falsehood and watch the cockroaches scurry for their little dark corners.
This is the actual form letter that the Smithsonian sends out to inquireres, members and non-members. (The National Geographic has a similar one.)
Your inquiry of [date] concerning the Smithsonian Institution's alleged use of the Book of Mormon as a scientific guide has been received in this office for response.
The Book of Mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The Smithsonian Institution has never used it in archeological research, and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect.
Your interest in the Smithsonian Institution is appreciated.
Let's take it slowly. Item by item.
1. The Book of Mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. Correct.
2. The Smithsonian has never used it for archeological research. Correct.
Now, for you posters who can read, please show Maxrep that nowhere in this response does it say that the Smithsonian Institution either "took a hard look" or that the Book of Mormon "failed" anything.
In fact, the statement specifically says it didn't look at the Book of Mormon at all. They have NEVER used it. So it could not have failed at anything. It was never tested.