Anachronisms of the Book of Mormon
Book Recommendation:
Anachronisms: Accidental Evidence in Book of Mormon Criticisms Introduction (online publication)
Author: Matthew Roper
Summary: A very in-depth look at the various criticisms of the Book of Mormon, specifically the claimed anachronisms, content that doesn’t seem to fit the period or location that is claimed. The author provides a large amount fantastic data to refute the various claims made against the Book of Mormon. Ironic how claims made against the Book of Mormon often lead to previously unknown evidence supporting it.
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Social Media Resources:
The Book of Mormon vs. Archaeology: Who’s Winning? (55 min)
Are “anachronisms” proof that the Book of Mormon is a modern forgery—or are critics leaning on outdated data? In this intro episode, we break down what anachronisms actually are and walk through a massive new study that tracks 226 critical claims from 1830 to today. The result? About 77% of those supposed anachronisms now have archaeological or historical support in the ancient Old and New Worlds. We’ll explain in plain language: • What an anachronism is (and why George Washington with a machine gun is a "perfect" example) • How horses, steel, cities, roads, cement, and other “impossible” Book of Mormon details have fared as archaeology has advanced • Why translation, loan-shifting (like calling a peccary a “pig”), and limited excavation in the Americas matter for this discussion • How Matt Roper’s new Interpreter Foundation study updates earlier work by John Clark and shows the Book of Mormon aging surprisingly well in light of new evidence.
Book of Mormon Evidence You’ve Never Heard Before (2 hr)
In this episode of The Holy Rebellion, Christian and Travis welcome Neal Rappleye, a research associate at the Ancient America Foundation and respected Book of Mormon researcher. With honesty, humor, and depth, Neal unpacks the tension between scholarship and spirituality, helping listeners see how faith and evidence can work together rather than compete. The conversation dives into topics like anachronisms, DNA, archaeology, and the historical context of the Book of Mormon. Neal explains why some supposed “problems” have been resolved through ongoing discoveries and why others require patience and perspective. He reminds listeners that while evidence matters, personal revelation and lived spiritual experience ultimately hold greater weight. This episode is a thoughtful, hopeful invitation to inquiry and faith. Neal’s insights and humility will resonate with anyone who has ever wrestled with doubt, curiosity, or the desire to understand how the Book of Mormon fits into both history and testimony.
Are there anachronisms in the Book of Mormon? (6 min)
For almost 200 years now, people have claimed that the Book of Mormon is chock-full of anachronisms. In this episode, Dave used the research of scholar Matthew Roper to look at those claims, and how they have changed over time. While we may not yet have answers for every single claim, time certainly seems to be on the side of the prophet Joseph Smith.
Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon? (52 min)
Matt Roper, a leading researcher on the anachronistic criticisms of the Book of Mormon, presents evidences that have largely disproven the anachronisms often brought up by critics.
Why is Isaiah Quoted in the Book of Mormon? (2 min)
Jonah Barnes quickly breaks down why you find the writing of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon. Spoiler, because the Nephites had with them in their travels, an ancient version of the Old Testament with them which they referred to as they wrote the Book of Mormon.
An anachronism is something that is placed or mentioned in a time period where it doesn't belong. This could be a person, object, event, or idea that is out of sync with the historical setting it's presented in. Essentially, it's a chronological misplacement.
The Book of Mormon: Another witness
Just like God spoke to Moses and Noah in the Bible, He also spake to people in the Americas. These men wrote down God’s word. Their writings were eventually gathered into one book, the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is evidence that God loves all His children in all parts of the world.
-The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.