Book of Mormon Evidence Found In Ecuador? Part II

 

The Forgotten History: Father Crespi and the True Legacy of the Americas

My father’s office was a treasure trove of knowledge. The shelves were filled with books on Central and South America—works by the big names in North and Central American theories, but also obscure records and firsthand accounts that most researchers overlooked. Among his prized possessions were his carefully compiled books on the Spanish chroniclers. These were the men who gave us glimpses of a history that was otherwise lost—the unwritten story of the Americas from the end of the Book of Mormon to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

For the Lamanites, record-keeping in written form was not their strength, and what little remained of Nephite history was annihilated in their final destruction. The Spanish brought with them the ability to record history in ways that modern readers could understand. But the irony is inescapable: the very conquerors who documented the marvels of the New World were also the ones who destroyed those marvels, burning records, melting down sacred artifacts, destroying and looting sacred sites and erasing entire cultures in their lust for conquest and wealth.

The 1500s had no photographs, no videos—only the written word and the art left behind. The Spanish chroniclers, often working under the shadow of destruction, became the last witnesses to a history that was vanishing before their eyes. Their accounts give us invaluable insights into what was once there—temples, treasures, and traditions—but always filtered through the lens of their own biases and agendas.

This is the lesson we must learn: the true history of the Americas has been stolen, repurposed, plundered, hidden, and distorted. And few examples illustrate this better than the story of the Father Crespi collection. Tragically, the Crespi story is not unique but is one of many accounts of powers conspiring to keep the true history of these lands hidden. Allegedly the artifacts in Father Crespi’s collection threatened established narratives—those of Ecuadorian history, South American history, and even the Catholic Church itself. These are formidable forces, united in their shared interest to suppress or control history that doesn’t align with their preferred version of events.

This suppression is not limited to South and Central America. In North America, allegedly similar forces have worked to hide inconvenient truths. There are persistent theories about institutions like the Smithsonian actively suppressing evidence that challenges mainstream narratives. Researchers like Graham Hancock and Brien Foerster—though not LDS—have spent their entire careers exposing the hidden histories of ancient civilizations, much of which aligns with the descriptions in the Book of Mormon.

Take, for example, the gold in the Father Crespi collection. A significant portion of the collection was composed of intricately worked gold artifacts. Critics dismiss these items as forgeries, claiming they were created by local natives to extract money from Father Crespi. The rebuttal to this theory often hinges on a single claim: that in the 1920s–1950s, gold was of little value to indigenous peoples. This argument is so absurd it collapses under even the slightest scrutiny.

Consider the time, effort, and expertise required to gather gold and process it. Some of the projects processed into sheets as thin as tinfoil, with edges so precise they resemble the work of a modern machine. Some of these sheets were 36 inches tall and over 50+ inches long—an astonishing feat of craftsmanship. And the artistry? I hold a BFA in Graphic Design, and while I’m no master artisan, I have studied great works and know enough to recognize the skill in these pieces. These weren’t crude imitations but the work of master artisans, people who had honed their craft over years, if not decades.

And here’s the kicker: many of these artifacts are adorned with artwork unmistakably almost direct copy’s of Assyrian designs. Let me repeat that—Assyrian designs. To believe the critics, you’d have to accept that Ecuadorian natives not only mastered the skills to process and shape gold into intricate sheets, plates, and statues, but also studied ancient Assyrian art styles—without the internet, mind you—and flawlessly replicated them. All of this, just to get a few coins from a kindly priest? The idea is laughable.

This brings me to the Spanish chroniclers. Among my father’s notes, I found this account from one of the first chroniclers to enter Cusco, Peru in the year 1533:

“The wonderfully carved granite walls of the temple were covered with more than 700 sheets of pure gold, weighing around 4.5 pounds each.”

The word “sheets” immediately caught my attention. Sheets of gold, weighing approximately 4.5 pounds each. Now compare that to a story from the 1975 Church-sponsored expedition to Ecuador. In a personal account, J. Golden Barton described the moment when a large piece of gold sheet metal, hammered and inscribed with intricate designs, was presented to inspect, touch and hold:

“They reappeared with a large piece of metal that had been molded and hammered into a long sheet. It appeared to be gold. The metal was inscribed with curious forms of artwork. I asked our good-natured leader to pose for a photo holding the plaque. Now Paul was not one to do a lot of clowning, but I treasure this picture.”

Later, when asked about its origins, Barton recounted that Father Crespi had inquired about the sheet’s source. The native who brought it replied that it had adorned the walls of a temple deep in Ecuador jungle—pulled from its place and brought to Crespi as a relic of a lost time.

Do you see the pattern? The Spanish chroniclers described sheets of gold in the temples of Cusco, sheets that disappeared with the arrival of the conquistadors. Centuries later, similar sheets of gold, appeared in Father Crespi’s collection. Are these coincidences, or are they fragments of a larger story—one that ties the ancient civilizations of the Americas to their Old World roots, just as the Book of Mormon describes?

The Father Crespi collection stands as both a witness and a warning. It tells us that there is more to the history of the Americas than we’ve been told, but it also reminds us how easily that history can be stolen, hidden, or destroyed. For those willing to dig deeper, the truth is there, waiting to be uncovered... If uncovered, will it ever see the light of day?

Book of Mormon Evidence Found in Ecuador?

 

The Mystery of the Father Crespi Collection: A Forgotten Connection to Ancient Jaredite History?

For many years, my understanding of Book of Mormon geography was shaped under the spiritual guidance of my father, Del DowDell. Through his 30 years of research, he theorized that the ancient Jaredites of the Book of Mormon lived primarily in the region we know today as Ecuador. With this background, imagine my surprise and intrigue when I stumbled upon documentation of a little-known, 1975 BYU- sponsored expedition to Ecuador. This expedition, undertaken with the backing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aimed to investigate rumors of ancient metal plates—possibly made of gold, silver, and copper—as well as artifacts that included chariots hidden within subterranean caves in Ecuador.

The story of this expedition unfolds with twists of fate, fascinating discoveries, and a touch of divine intervention. Initially, the trip seemed destined for disappointment when the opportunity to explore the alleged cave systems fell through. However, Paul R. Chessman, then head of Book of Mormon Studies at BYU, made a pivotal decision. Instead of abandoning the trip, he redirected the team to visit a contact he had made years prior—a Catholic priest named Father Carlos Crespi.

Meeting Father Crespi: A Scholar and Protector of Ancient History

Father Crespi, then in his 80s, greeted the group warmly, displaying a sharp intellect and an unassuming humility. This was no ordinary parish priest; Crespi held doctorates in anthropology, engineering, and music and had spent more than five decades serving the indigenous people of Ecuador. What the expedition team encountered next defied logic and belief—a trove of ancient artifacts that historians and archeologists could only dream of.

Father Crespi’s collection, lovingly preserved over decades, was a sight to behold. The expedition team saw, touched, and photographed thousands of items that proved a lost civilization with advanced knowledge, language and global connections. Among the treasures were gold, bronze, and silver plates engraved with hieroglyphs and pictographs. The engravings included known and unknown languages and featured motifs that resembled ancient Egyptian, Libyan, Assyrian and Persian art styles.

Picture from the Crespi Collection, 1975

One particularly astonishing piece, dubbed the “Massanessa Plaque,” announced the death of a Libyan-Egyptian king in 148 BC. This artifact, analyzed by Dr. Barry Fell of Harvard University, further lent credibility to the hypothesis that the Americas were linked to Old World civilizations. Other plates depicted elephants, jaguars, snakes, chariots, and horses—details eerily consistent with descriptions in the Book of Mormon. The collection also included stone tablets etched with mysterious scripts, vibrant gold masks, and intricate ceramics. One interesting item was a large Elephant Tusk with intricate carvings over the whole tusk. Tools, swords, weapons, and ornaments—untarnished by time—lined the shelves. Hide scrapers, spears, axes, and idols carved with distorted features completed the array, stacking the room from floor to ceiling with treasures of the past.

A Second Visit and a Disappearing Treasure

The team’s initial visit was extraordinary, but it would not be their last attempted encounter with Father Crespi’s collection. Later that year, in December 1975, the group attempted a second visit. However, upon their arrival in Cuenca, they were informed that Father Crespi had passed away. This turned out to be “Fake News” — Father Crespi was gravely ill but would recover and live for three more years. What they discovered during this second trip was even more disheartening: the situation surrounding the collection had changed drastically.

The Ecuadorian government had “reportedly” intercepted a shipment of artifacts en route to Rome, escalating tensions around the collection. Specialists were brought in to evaluate the items, categorizing many as forgeries or of little value. From approximately 8,000 ceramic pieces, hundreds were transferred to the National Bank Museum for cataloging and display. Yet, the metallic artifacts—the gold, bronze, and silver plates—were deemed “worthless” and allegedly melted down or used as construction material for local infrastructure. Stones with engravings, including depictions of step pyramids and chariots, were reportedly repurposed as fill for a road bridge.

Speculations of a coverup have since swirled. Some theorize that agents of the Vatican, alongside Ecuadorian government officials, sought to suppress the collection’s implications. As a Catholic priest, Father Crespi’s connection to the Vatican may have played a role in the artifacts being on the Vatican’s radar. Could it be that the revelations these artifacts hinted at—a narrative of ancient civilization in the Americas—were too controversial or damaging to their doctorine?

My Father’s Philosophy and the Forgotten Expedition

When I first shared the documentation of this trip with my father, his reaction was characteristically measured. Del DowDell, ever the scholar, examined the material with interest but ultimately decided against incorporating it into his work. His focus was clear: the Book of Mormon and its text were his foundation, followed by documented modern prophecy. For him, the Crespi Collection, while fascinating, remained low on his priority of low level evidence.

This response taught me a great deal about my father’s research philosophy. He prioritized scripture and the verified words of modern prophets over anecdotal accounts and undocumented claims. Yet, for me, the Crespi story was too compelling to ignore. After my fathers passing, I found myself drawn to this forgotten chapter of Church and South American history, delving into researching the trip. After a year, I discovered a small amount of original photos and notes from the expedition. Holding Dr. Chessman’s original handwritten notes and viewing the original photographs from that trip was an unforgettable experience. Even through all my research, I would only find about 5% of the original photographs from the expedition… where are the other 95% of the collection, I hope to find out some day.

A Conspiracy of Silence?

Why have so few people heard of the Crespi Collection or the Church-sponsored expedition that documented it? The answer might lie in a troubling pattern. History is rife with attempts to erase or suppress records of ancient peoples. From the Lamanites’ efforts to destroy evidence of the Nephites to the Spanish conquistadors’ systematic plundering of native artifacts, much of the past has been lost to conquest and greed. If remnants of a hidden history were to surface today, would those who control such discoveries allow them to see the light of day?

It’s tempting to dismiss such questions as “conspiracy theories,” but the disappearance of the Crespi Collection begs for answers. The photographs and firsthand accounts from the 1975 expedition remain some of the last known documentation of this extraordinary cache of artifacts. What happened to the gold plates, the engraved stones, and the depictions of chariots? Why were these items melted down or hidden away?

The Crespi Collection stands as a tantalizing mystery, a glimpse into a lost world that aligns remarkably with the Book of Mormon’s narrative. It challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about the ancient Americas and the lengths to which some might go to keep the past buried.

Picture from the Crespi Collection, 1975

Picture from the Crespi Collection, 1975

Picture of Father Crespi with member of BYU expedition, 1975

                                                 (Notice the ancient language on the artifact)

 

A Review of the Ward Radio: Meso-American vs. Heartland Theory Debate 12/3/2024

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a debate hosted by Ward Radio, a show I admire for its focus on thoughtful discussion. The topic was the geographical setting of the Book of Mormon—a debate between the Meso-American theory and the Heartland theory. While the event was engaging and demonstrated the passion many have for understanding the Book of Mormon, it also revealed significant flaws in the arguments presented.

The Absence of the South American Model

Before diving into the details of the debate, I must address the glaring omission: the most accurate and scripturally consistent theory—the South American model—was not represented. When I contacted the event organizers to ask why this was the case, I likened it to debating who the greatest pop star is between Madonna and Britney Spears while leaving Taylor Swift out of the conversation. Unfortunately, the South American model remains the most unlike, most unknown, unsung theory, absent from discussions where it could provide clarity. The WardRadio crew was very kind and respectful.

The Opening Statements: A Disturbing Premise

Rod Meldrum, representing the Heartland theory, opened his argument by dismissing the value of the 550 geographical references given in the Book of Mormon, claiming they were a source of confusion. In doing so, he undermined his own credibility, and Theory. How can one claim to understand the geography of the Book of Mormon while choosing to ignore the very framework the prophets painstakingly provided, many paying with their lives?

This premise—setting aside the prophets’ and the Book of Mormon words—was deeply troubling. It brought to mind something my father, Del DowDell, often taught: “The Book of Mormon is an abridged record, with every word carefully chosen. Nothing is included that is not of the utmost importance. If you want to understand the Book of Mormon, you first go to the words of the prophets who experienced it firsthand.” As a teenager, I thought this was self-evident. Why would anyone disagree? Yet, to my dismay, a majority of the audience appeared to accept Rod’s premise without question. Approximately 60% raised their hands in support of the Heartland theory.

To witness an LDS audience agree to ignore the Book of Mormon’s details in favor of hand picked comments—among the most concerning moments I’ve experienced in a Church-related setting. When we discard the keystone of our religion, the entire structure is at risk of collapse. If someone with enough charisma can convince us to disregard the Book of Mormon prophets’ words, replacing them with personal theories, the foundation of truth begins to erode. By doing so, Rod in in my opinion is saying he knows more, or he is the authority, not the Book of Mormon prophets.

The Debate: A Missed Opportunity

Luke Hansen, a key figure on the Ward Radio team and a proponent of the Meso-American theory, was a more credible debater in his reliance on scripture. However, in his first rebuttal, he agreed with Rod’s decision to disregard the 550 geographical Book of Mormon references. This was a strategic misstep. By conceding this point, Luke gave up his greatest advantage—grounding his argument in the words of the Book of Mormon. From that moment on, it felt as though he was debating with one hand tied behind his back.

To his credit, Luke handled the discussion with poise and conviction. One of the most memorable moments came when Luke pressed Rod on whether he believed he knew more than the Prophet Russell M. Nelson. Rod’s discomfort was palpable as he tried to dodge the question, but his eventual admission revealed his true stance: that he believed the prophet was either not fully informed or not forthcoming about what Rod considered the “truth.” This revelation was both troubling and telling. It demonstrated the dangers of elevating personal interpretation above Book of Mormon & prophetic authority.

Rod’s Strategy: Rambling Over Rebuttal

Rod’s approach was to flood the discussion with a rapid succession of claims, leaving little room for rebuttal. That mixed with not asking Luke questions, allowed him to present his theory unchecked, as it would have been impossible for Luke to address every point within the allotted time. Unfortunately, this left the audience hearing a lot of information with very little rebuttal. When Luke was able to rebuttal, he did a great job with his questions and challenges to Rod. 

A Reflection on the Debate’s True Purpose

Despite its flaws, the debate highlighted the sincere interest many have in understanding the Book of Mormon. However, I couldn’t help but wish the discussion had been centered on the words of the prophets who lived the events recorded in the Book of Mormon. Their testimonies and descriptions are the foundation of truth, and any theory that strays from their words risks leading us away from the light.

My father often emphasized that understanding the Book of Mormon requires humility and a willingness to understand the text. We must remember that this sacred record was prepared and preserved by the Lord for our day, and its every detail was included for a reason. The prophets’ words, inspired and deliberate, are the ultimate guide—not modern speculation, however charismatic its proponents may be.

In the end, I appreciated Luke’s defense of the prophet and his efforts to stay rooted in truth, even under challenging circumstances. Rod, on the other hand, exemplified the pitfalls of placing personal interpretation above scripture and prophetic guidance. As Latter-day Saints, we should strive to ensure that our faith and understanding are built on the solid foundation of revealed truth, not the shifting sands of speculation or culture.

May we always remember the counsel of the prophets, both ancient and modern, and let their words illuminate our understanding of the Book of Mormon and its sacred geography.

#wardradio #lukehansen #cardon #heartland #meso-america #bookofmormon #geography

@wardradio

Has the Book of Mormon's Zarahemla Been Found?

 

Pachacamac: The Ancient City That Matches Zarahemla

When we think of the ancient city of Zarahemla described in the Book of Mormon, we imagine a great civilization, rich in culture, tradition, and religious significance. The Book of Mormon portrays Zarahemla as a central hub for the Nephites, a place where politics, religion, and commerce thrived (Alma 5:2-5, Mosiah 7:21). As we explore the ancient city of Pachacamac in Peru, it becomes increasingly evident that this site mirrors the description of Zarahemla in striking ways, aligning both with the scripture and with early accounts of the Spaniards who first laid eyes on this sacred city.

Zarahemla and Pachacamac: A Striking Parallel

The Book of Mormon describes Zarahemla as a city by a major river, where both spiritual and secular matters were deeply intertwined (Mosiah 2:4, Alma 6:7). Pachacamac, located near the Lurín River in Peru, was similarly a vital spiritual and cultural center. It was revered by local peoples as the abode of the god Pachacamac, a deity associated with creation and the afterlife. The Lurín River’s proximity to the city provided not only sustenance but also a natural defense, echoing the defensive positioning often mentioned in relation to Zarahemla (Alma 60:1-4).

Early Spanish chroniclers provide critical insights into the spiritual significance of Pachacamac. Hernando Pizarro, in his letters to the King of Spain, described Pachacamac as a major religious center, adorned with gold and silver idols, and revered by the Andean people. This aligns with the description of Zarahemla in the Book of Mormon, where the city was a religious focal point for the Nephites and later for the Lamanites (Mosiah 24:5).

An Ancient Reputation

Pedro Cieza de León, one of the most prominent chroniclers of the early Spanish conquest, offers valuable information about Pachacamac that aligns with descriptions of Zarahemla. Cieza de León wrote that Pachacamac had a reputation for being ancient, even to the Inca, who later added their own structures to the complex. His account provides a historical perspective on how the site was viewed both by the indigenous people and the Spanish. This idea of an "ancient" city also resonates with the Book of Mormon narrative, where Zarahemla was built upon the remnants of an earlier civilization (Omni 1:14, Mosiah 9:1).

Miguel de Estete also documented his encounters at Pachacamac, describing the architectural complexity and the presence of treasures within the temple before the Spanish looted it. Such accounts highlight the site's significance and reinforce the idea that Pachacamac was a thriving cultural and religious hub—a detail strikingly similar to Zarahemla's portrayal in the Book of Mormon as a central city of Nephite society (Mosiah 7:21-22).

Pilgrimage and Prophecy

In the Book of Mormon, Zarahemla is a city where significant religious gatherings and teachings occurred, often drawing crowds to hear prophets and leaders (Mosiah 2:1). Similarly, Pachacamac was known as a place of pilgrimage where indigenous people traveled to consult the oracle and pay homage to their gods. Pedro Cieza de León detailed how people from all over the Andean region would make pilgrimages to Pachacamac to consult its famous oracle. This tradition of pilgrimage to a sacred city parallels how the people of Zarahemla would gather at the temple to hear King Benjamin's address (Mosiah 2:7-9).

Garcilaso de la Vega, another important chronicler, wrote about the reverence the native peoples had for Pachacamac, even under Inca rule. The Inca respected its long-standing spiritual importance, much like the respect given to the temple at Zarahemla in the Book of Mormon. This connection further solidifies the link between these two ancient cities.

The Sacred Temple and Its Looting

Pachacamac housed an impressive temple complex, described in great detail by the chroniclers. Hernando Pizarro’s account of entering the temple of Pachacamac and finding idols made of gold and silver reflects the richness and splendor also described in Book of Mormon temples, such as those built by King Noah (Mosiah 11:8-10). However, just as the Nephites faced destruction and looting by the Lamanites, the Spaniards looted the temple of Pachacamac, taking its treasures and desecrating its sacred space.

Miguel de Estete's descriptions of the Spaniards' looting align with the fate of Nephite cities like Zarahemla, which were captured and plundered multiple times (Alma 62:6). The parallel here between Pachacamac’s fate and that of Zarahemla is striking, showcasing the inevitable cycle of conquest and loss faced by ancient civilizations.

Conclusion: Echoes of Ancient Truths

When analyzing these striking similarities, one cannot help but see the potential overlap between Pachacamac and Zarahemla as described in the Book of Mormon. The evidence provided by early Spanish chroniclers such as Pedro Cieza de León, Miguel de Estete, and Garcilaso de la Vega offers valuable historical validation that echoes the Book of Mormon's narrative of a complex, ancient city deeply intertwined with spiritual practices and pilgrimage.

Furthermore, as Cieza de León noted, Pachacamac was ancient even to the Inca, who only added to the already-standing structures. This observation provides a powerful parallel to the narrative of Zarahemla, suggesting that both cities were centers of spiritual significance and pilgrimage, with an enduring legacy that even conquerors could not erase. Such similarities compel us to reconsider the historical and spiritual landscapes of the Americas in light of both scriptural and early historical records.

We have writen on Pachacamac and it's relationship in our book "Nephi Never Saw MesoAmerica". This article and youtube video is based on the January 2010 article from this blog, follow link here.

~ NephiCode Staff

Book of Mormon and Mitocondrial DNA (mtDNA) agree on this FACT

 

This is from the article published at www.nephicode.blogspot.com here is the link to the article: link

The 2008 study on the six founding Native American mothers challenges everything we thought we knew about Native American origins. Scientists traced mitochondrial DNA (passed down through the maternal line) and found that all Native American mtDNA traces back to six unique founding mothers, whose DNA signatures are not found in Asia. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that these mothers lived in the Americas, not Asia, aligning with the Book of Mormon's narrative that Native American populations did not originate from the Asian continent. Could this scientific evidence be vindicating ancient scripture? One FACT to take away, Book of Mormon and mtDNA both agree that Native's in the America's did not come from Asia. Link to the study: link #DNARevolution #FoundingMothers #NativeAmericanHistory #BookofMormonTruth #GeneticEvidence #ScienceAndFaith #AncientAmericas

~NephiCode staff

This video is based on the study led by Kari Britt Schroeder in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. 

The year was 1998 and my family had just moved to a new ward. We made our way to meet our new bishop. As we entered his office, the atmosphere was palpable – thick with the weight of a difficult conversation that had just ended. The family that had left moments before was the Smiths. They had just dropped a bombshell on the bishop, announcing their decision to leave the church. The reason? New DNA evidence that, in their minds, disproved the Book of Mormon's claims about Native American ancestry.

This was my first brush with the collision of faith and DNA science, and it sparked a lifelong fascination. My father, Del DowDell, remained undeterred. He had an unwavering conviction that time would vindicate Joseph Smith's writings and the Book of Mormon always. As Gordon B. Hinckley later said, "The story of the DNA is not yet finished." Indeed, the story continues to unfold, and I've followed the developments with keen interest ever since.

The story of the Americas' first inhabitants is far from over. After poring over stacks of peer-reviewed DNA studies, I'm ready to drop a bombshell: the prevailing wisdom is wrong. Scientists have meticulously analyzed indigenous DNA from the icy tundras of Canada and Alaska, down through the United States, Central America, and all the way to Argentina. The results from both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA paint the same startling picture: America's natives didn't hail from Asia.

This revelation throws open the door to a fascinating modern mystery: where did the Americas' first peoples really come from? It's a question that has scholars at top universities scratching their heads, so much so they still say they came from Asia. Of course, this breakthrough vindicates the Book of Mormon's claims – though mainstream academics will never admit it.

Curious? Dive into these two groundbreaking studies for yourself:

1. The 2008 mtDNA study that revealed the existence of six founding Native American mothers
2. The eye-opening research from an international team of scientists led by Kari Britt Schroeder in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution (link) https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/family-tree-dna-study-confirms-native-americans-descended-single-ancestral-group

~NephiCode staff

Modern mtDNA Supports the Book of Mormon

 

The Misguided Path of Modern Science: DNA Evidence Supports the Book of Mormon

In recent years, scientific studies have been lauded for their advancements in understanding human origins, yet often these studies are presented with a subtle sleight of hand that perpetuates entrenched but flawed narratives. The 2008 mtDNA study on the six founding Native American mothers is a prime example. While the facts presented in the study clearly indicate that Native Americans did not originate from Asia, the researchers, almost reflexively, steer the reader toward the Beringia hypothesis—an unsupported conjecture rather than a conclusion rooted in solid evidence.

The study, which analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found in the cells' powerhouses passed down exclusively through the maternal line, identified five primary haplogroups (A, B, C, D, and X) unique to Native Americans. Crucially, these haplogroups do not have corresponding matches in Asia or Europe. Despite this, the researchers hypothesize that these founding mothers lived on a land bridge called Beringia—a hypothesis built on the assumption that such a land bridge existed and was inhabited by these populations. However, this assumption is entirely speculative, lacking concrete evidence of human habitation on this supposed land bridge.

This is not an isolated case. Another study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by an international team of scientists, led by Kari Britt Schroeder, concluded that Native American populations are more closely related to each other than to any Asian populations, except those living on the edge of the Bering Strait. Again, the evidence showed no direct Asian ancestry for Native Americans, yet the researchers clung to the Beringia hypothesis, suggesting a "single ancestral population" despite the absence of the 9-repeat allele in Asia.

These findings, taken at face value, are groundbreaking and should have prompted a reevaluation of long-held beliefs about Native American origins. Instead, the scientific community has doubled down on the Beringia theory, likely because admitting otherwise would undermine decades of research and challenge the prevailing paradigm. But the facts remain: the mtDNA and 9-repeat allele studies both point to a population that did not come from Asia.

This evidence aligns perfectly with the narrative presented in the Book of Mormon, which has stated since 1830 that the Native American population did not originate from Asia. According to the Book of Mormon, the progenitors of the Native Americans were the descendants of Lehi, who journeyed from Jerusalem to the Western Hemisphere. Decedent's of Lehi's colony could very well be the source of the unique mtDNA found in Native American populations today—mtDNA that science has proven did not connect to Asia.

The story of Lehi and his family is central to understanding the origins of the Native American people. After settling in the promised land, Lehi's descendants eventually split into two groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. Over time, the Lamanites, marked by a change in their appearance as described in the Book of Mormon, came to dominate the land, eventually wiping out the Nephites. The DNA evidence that scientists have uncovered could very well be the genetic remnants of Lehi's lineage, the Lamanites, who became the only population in the America's according to the record of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon has long provided an account that modern science is only now beginning to validate, albeit reluctantly. The failure of scientists to connect Native American populations to Asia directly, despite their best efforts, only serves to underscore the accuracy of the Book of Mormon’s narrative. As more evidence comes to light, it becomes increasingly clear that the origins of the Native American people are far more complex and intriguing than the oversimplified theories that have been presented for decades, and sadly still taught.

It's time to reconsider the evidence without the blinders of preconceived notions. The science, when stripped of its speculative hypotheses, supports what the Book of Mormon has said all along: the Native American population did not come from Asia. Instead of clinging to the Beringia hypothesis, it's time for the scientific community to acknowledge the possibility that the origins of the Native Americans might be exactly where the Book of Mormon said they would be—right here in the Americas, with roots tracing back to a sacred record that has stood the test of time.

~NephiCode Staff