Shulem Cracked the Book of Mormon Code, the Land of Nephi is now revealed! See for yourself! The Golden Key!

[Shulem]

Paul, you are making a valuable thread here. Basically I see the creation of the Book of Mormon the same way you do. You early on pointed out that Joseph was creating the stories years before he started the official dictation. You added the further point that his family found religious significance there. Joseph' religious concerns did not suddenly happen but were growing toward the Book of Mormon. It is fairly clear that apologetic questions like how could he write this without a college education or how did he come up with so much material in such a short time are misleading and empty.

I have heard an apologetic observation that the book through an array of complications movements and people manages a fairly coherent geographic relationship of parts.(how could he have done that?) You have pointed out the basic method, a map, and pointed to a well fitting candidate. It has been a long long time since I read the Book of Mormon. I have not pursued a study of its implied geography. I appreciate your effort and have learned a bit. I have in my memory a vague puzzlement about whats with the land south of the Book of Mormon lands. If you are correct that the Book of Mormon clearly indicates arrival at the south end of the land and no travel south then that is very telling evidence for your theory.

Huck,

You, me, and Joseph Smith are on the same sheet of music. Thank you for appreciating this thread and following along. I feel it's safe to say that things will never be the same again when apologists are faced with the strength of the Delmarva theory as it shows tremendous geographical evidence. Oh, they will try and find ways to show how it doesn't work because they can't stand the idea of knowing that archeological evidence (or lack of) at Delmarva will NEVER support the Book of Mormon. So, Delmarva will become the new monster under the bed and I'm here to kick that monster out from under the bed and stir up horror for the apologists. They may laugh at first and scoff, but I've got Joseph Smith on my side and everything will naturally fall into place. I'm absolutely confident that Delmarva was Smith's land of Nephi in which he built the story after Lehi landed on the promised land. The story just went from there and grew into an amazing tale within a perfectly executed chronology. My hat is off to Joseph Smith. He did an amazing job! He truly was brilliant and very intelligent. Add that with charisma and it's little wonder he was able to accomplish everything he did.

[Shulem]

I have in my memory a vague puzzlement about whats with the land south of the Book of Mormon lands. If you are correct that the Book of Mormon clearly indicates arrival at the south end of the land and no travel south then that is very telling evidence for your theory.

Yes, it is a dealmaker to say the least. The idea that they were on a peninsula and the Nephites were able to "hem" in the Lamanites to the south shows the land as nearly island-like. There was no way to go north except through the narrow neck. The Lamanites would ever be hemmed in and their kingdom limited to that region nearly surrounded by water except for the northern part leading through the narrow neck.

Delmarva is the model that meets all the criteria used by Smith when he was LOOKING at the MAP.

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

Some believe that the history depicted in the Book of Mormon—with the exception of the events in the Near East—occurred in North America, while others believe that it occurred in Central America or South America.

Thus, the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints disagree and contradict each other about the fundamental basis on where Book of Mormon events occurred. It truly is a church divided! There is no authoritative agreement or resolution to decide which of the theories is true. They disagree and contradict each other and the members are left for themselves to decide which theory is true. Which theory to join? This has created no small stir and division among the people, some crying, "Lo here" and some "Lo there", each contending for their own theory and gospel hobby horse! Every member is left to their own intelligence and device to make that determination and thus we see that the competing apologists work hard to gain new converts from the general membership by using the Internet and other means to solicit members to agree with them.

The prophets and seers of the Church remain silent. Their mouths have been stopped. Membership remains divided BECAUSE there is no genuine archeological evidence to prove the Book of Mormon at any of the locations within the theories in question! Hence, there are many spirits that have gone forth in Mormonism attempting to prove they are right.

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

Although Church members continue to discuss such theories today, the Church’s only position is that the events the Book of Mormon describes took place in the ancient Americas.

STOP the press!

Who said anything about "ancient Americas"? To my understanding that is entirely an apologetic construct that is coined within apologetic footnotes rather than the mouth of Joseph Smith. The prophet said nothing about the Americas (plural) to include Central & South America for Lehi's land of promise in which the greatest nation on earth would one day be established. Clearly, the Book of Mormon narration implies America the Beautiful, land of the free! That does not include South America or even Central America with its banana republics! It's the free Republic (red, white, and blue) in which it stands that the land of Nephi was first established.

Finally, Joseph Smith's own testimony from the angel Moroni bore witness that the record was an account of the people that formerly inhabited *THIS* CONTINENT or that of America -- North America, land of the free, not Mexico that went to war with America.

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

The Prophet Joseph Smith himself accepted what he felt was evidence of Book of Mormon civilizations in both North America and Central America.

Much later in his ministry (1840's) Smith was happy to hear about any activity down south (including Central America) that shed light or provided evidence that civilizations existed anciently. Of course he embraced it! It was faith promoting and helped prop up his Book of Mormon which ended in 421AD:

In 1842, the Church newspaper Times and Seasons published articles under Joseph Smith’s editorship that identified the ruins of ancient native civilizations in Mexico and Central America as further evidence of the Book of Mormon’s historicity.

But at no time did Smith ever endorse Central America or Mexico as being the very land of promise in which Lehi first founded. Never!

That. Did. Not. Happen.

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

While traveling with Zion’s Camp in 1834, Joseph wrote to his wife Emma that they were “wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the Book of Mormon, roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls and their bones, as a proof of its divine authenticity.”

Much to the chagrin of Mesoamerican apologists, such as Daniel C. Peterson, the Church now admits that the Nephites inhabited the land northward WHERE Joseph Smith was traveling about. The Nephites "once beloved people of the Lord" everywhere! Bones, skulls, and burials of the ancient inhabitants of Smith's Book of Mormon proves that it's true! Archeological evidence right there in North America, Smith's own backyard. Note that Smith was recounting the "HISTORY" of the Book of Mormon while picking up and handling their very bones. Good God.

Wow. Just wow.

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

The Church does not take a position on the specific geographic locations of Book of Mormon events in the ancient Americas. Speculation on the geography of the Book of Mormon may mislead instead of enlighten; such a study can be a distraction from its divine purpose.

Leaders of today's Church are caught in a web. They're trapped in a position in which they can't escape.

It must be frustrating being a Mormon leader when they can't even guide and lead the blind flock in what to believe. It's never mind that and never mind this because "we don't know".

Or is it that they just won't say? No! That's not it, they simply have no answers to justify their faith.

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

Individuals may have their own opinions regarding Book of Mormon geography and other such matters about which the Lord has not spoken. However, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urge leaders and members not to advocate those personal theories in any setting or manner that would imply either prophetic or Church support for those theories. All parties should strive to avoid contention on these matters.

Is the Church officially admitting that all the theories are opinions and that none of them are true? Which of all the opinions is true? It appears that the Church doesn't take a stand on any of them and doesn't know which of them are true. Not even the prophet. The Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also in the opinion club and don't know the truth because God refuses to reveal it to them!

It's astounding! Prophets who are just as blind as the mice of the church! The blind lead the blind. I'm afraid that there will be contention and strife in the church regarding Book of Mormon geography. Even a spiritual war! And there is nothing the prophet can do to stop it!

[Shulem]

Book of Mormon Geography

Speaking of the book’s history and geography, President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Interesting as these matters may be, study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ. By comparison, all other issues are incidental.”

Hey, President Nelson, which of all the theories is true? Do you know?

Or is it that you find it rewarding when members don't ask questions but blindly believe in silly geography that has no archeological evidence to support its history?

President Nelson, would you like to discuss this with Shulem? We can also discuss Facsimile No. 3. Doesn't that sound exciting? You can bear your testimony about Facsimile No. 3 and I will tell you what I KNOW.

[Philo Sofee]

Book of Mormon Geography

While traveling with Zion’s Camp in 1834, Joseph wrote to his wife Emma that they were “wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the Book of Mormon, roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls and their bones, as a proof of its divine authenticity.”

Much to the chagrin of Mesoamerican apologists, such as Daniel C. Peterson, the Church now admits that the Nephites inhabited the land northward WHERE Joseph Smith was traveling about. The Nephites "once beloved people of the Lord" everywhere! Bones, skulls, and burials of the ancient inhabitants of Smith's Book of Mormon proves that it's true! Archeological evidence right there in North America, Smith's own backyard. Note that Smith was recounting the "HISTORY" of the Book of Mormon while picking up and handling their very bones. Good God.

Wow. Just wow.

Oh Shulem Mine holy beloved... that thou mightest have ears to hear and eyes to see...
OK you stupid anti-Mormon pay attention here! How is it that ye are so ignorant of apologetics drivvle as to not acknowledge these things?! Lo and Behold, the Professor says Look! And thou shouldst look!
The apologist Mark Alan Wright (Mesoamerican scholar) sayeth in one of the newest pieces of evidences herewith brought forth unto thee in thine apostasy and wickedness this piece of master crafted rhetoric for thee to swallowest. "... due to the discrepancies in the six primary accounts of the daily activities, it is impossible to ascertain what Joseph actually said as the events unfolded." ("Joseph Smith and Native American Artifacts," in Approaching Antiquity: Joseph Smith and the Ancient World, Religious Studies Center, 2015: 123.) He further sayeth forthwith which thou oughtst to pay attention to thine heathenage! "There are no firsthand accounts from Joseph himself about Zelph..." (p. 124)

Now therefor, forthwith lest ye tremble and shake before the Lord, behold, another scholarly source sayeth and adumbrateth unto thee before the land... "According to the account prepared under his direction, Joseph said 'The visions of the past being opened to my understanding by the Spirit of the Almighty. I discovered that the person whose skeleton was before us was a white Lamanite, a large, thick set man, and a man of God.' Named Zelph, the man fought for 'the great prophet Onandagus, who was known from the Hill Cumorah, or eastern sea, to the Rocky Mountains." (Richard Lyman Bushman, Joseph Smith Rough Stone Rolling, Vintage Books, 2005: 140-141)

So lest ye think the Sword of the Spirit smitest thee, behold, thou hast gotten off the hook thiseth timeth, however, behold, yet more apologetic drivvle doth shine forth piercing through the darkness of reality and proclaimeth for all to see - "According to Woodruff, Joseph Smith was told in an open vision that the bones were those of a white Lamanite whose name was Zelph." (Kenneth Godfry, "What is the Significance of Zelph in the Study of Book of Mormon Geography?" in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, 8:2 (1999): 73).

Yea, though thou hast been delivered from being overwhelmed by evidences contrary to thine own research, the apologists in the last saidwith article have declared Joseph came to accept the Mesoamerican lands yet early on Smith believed in the North American geography also. So thou hast been declared victor. Yet thou hast been shown wisdom which is above all the heavens herewith in that thereunto therefore thou shalt not repent and stop thine studies, but forthwith hasten to therefore add to the glory of knowledge for all mankind with which they may become more enlightened. Thine labors are sanctified before the holy looking for reality as thou laborest remember thy brethren and sisters in darkness, and hold forth the light of knowledge that they too may be glorified.