By Matt Vidovich
DNA has been telling truths for as long as we have known about it. Proving or disproving DNA can tell us loads of useful information, but it is up to us whether we decide to believe it or not. Many faiths have followers so imbedded in their doctrine that scientific proof comes second in line to their deity.
Joseph Smith the founder and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, or better known as Mormons, was either a victim of the second great awakening culture he was raised in, or he was who he claimed to be; a prophet of God. Joseph Smith jr. was raised into a poor family that moved from place to place looking for stability and a better income. The smiths were known for practicing “folk religion” and often times “warned out” of small towns and communities. Both of Joseph’s parents had numerous visions and prophecies through out their live time. Perhaps the most noted was Joseph Smith Sr. having a series of seven visions starting at the time when Joseph jr. was 5 up to the age of 14. These visions started after there move to Palmyra, New York. Coincidentally Palmyra was only a few miles away from the epicenter of the Second great awakening, in Rochester, New York.
As the story goes Joseph Smith jr. at the young age of 14 had a vision of God and Jesus Christ telling him that none of the churches were true, in fact all of their creeds were a “complete abomination in the sight of the Lord.” Joseph later was visited by an angel named Moroni, who told Joseph where golden plates were buried. These golden plates contained ancient writings of the people who lived in the Americas. In 1827 Joseph dug up the plates, and in 1830 the first copy of the Book of Mormon was printed. Thus the beginning of Mormonism.
In the book of Mormon there are stories of Israelites coming to the Americas. The stories tell of tens of thousands of warriors and thousands of people who were divided into two main societies. The Nephites and the Lamenites. The story of good verses evil is told through out the book. Nephites (the good) were killed off by the Lamenites (the bad), and to this day every Mormon sect weather main stream LDS or small polygamous groups believe in the story told in the book of Mormon.
An article found in USA Today, entitled “DNA research and Mormon scholars changing basic beliefs” tells of a problem that threatens the beliefs of many Mormon followers. Patty Henetz the author tells the story of a Mormon bishop from Brisbane, Australia who made a shocking discovery. Through scientific testing and research, DNA showed that the beloved story of the Nephites and Lamenites could not be the case. In fact DNA showed that those living in the Americas were those of Siberian and Asian decent. Author also points out that no archeological find for these groups have ever been found. These staggering stats create an obvious problem for the Church, and those who wish to defend it.
This discovery is causing many to go back in time and evaluate the very claim of Mormonism, and the very character of Joseph Smith. Has DNA put the faith of 13 million in jeopardy, or has it only strengthened it? After researching Mormonism for the past two years I have found this information to be consistent and detrimental to the Mormon faith. Latter-day saints everywhere should critically analyze articles like this, and ask themselves how many more discoveries will it take for me to conclude that Mormonism is only a reality in the mind of Joseph Smith.