For more than 170 years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has declared The Book of Mormon to be a scriptural and literal history. Subtitled “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” it recounts the story of an Israelite family who emigrated to and populated the American continents. Jesus, after his death and resurrection, is said to have visited this once great Israelite civilization existing in the Americas
The Book of Mormon teaches that these Israelites are the principal ancestors of modern-day Native Americans. New discoveries in DNA research currently allow scientists to test this historical claim. Thousands of Native Americans from more than 150 tribes have been genetically tested to determine their ancestry
Mormonism’s founding prophet, Joseph Smith, once said, “I told the brethren that The Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our relgion…” Now the same DNA evidence used in courts of law can credibly speak to the validity of The Book of Mormon, which serves as the foundation of the Mormon religion. The evidence answers one basic question: Are Israelites the principal ancestors of Native Americans?
DNA vs. The Book of Mormon presents the evidence from DNA researchers, including Mormon scientists who are wrestling with the DNA dilemma that now faces Mormonism. In the end, God is faithful to once again make the truth plain to those who are willing to take an honest look.
