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

Evidence DNA Agrees with the Book of Mormon

 

Evidence DNA Agrees with the Book of Mormon: A Prophetic Parallel

The recent genetic study, published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, has reignited the discussion around the origins of Native Americans, showing a unique genetic marker—the 9-repeat allele—present across populations from Alaska to the southern tip of Chile. This allele was notably absent in all populations tested on the east side of the Bering Strait, in Asia. This discovery has profound implications when viewed through the lens of the Book of Mormon, particularly the history of the Lamanites.

The Book of Mormon describes the Lamanites as descendants of Laman, a son of Lehi, who rebelled against his father and brother Nephi. As a result of their disobedience, the Lamanites were cursed and altered, as recorded in 2 Nephi 5:21:

The genetic study's findings, which show a unique allele in Native American populations but absent in Asian groups, could be seen as a modern parallel to this Book of Mormon narrative. The 9-repeat allele might be a modern reflection of this ancient distinction.

The unique marker is impossible to prove it's connection to God's hand with the laminites, but Oddly, modern science finally agrees on one major point long declared by the Book of Mormon: the ancestors of Native Americans do not come from Asian ancestry. This is a significant shift, aligning scientific conclusions with what the Book of Mormon has been stating for nearly two centuries. The absence of the 9-repeat allele in Asian populations suggests a unique and separate lineage, one that the Book of Mormon has described as divinely guided from the Old World to the New.

In fact this peer reviewed study along with the peer reviewed 2008 Mitochondria DNA study of the "6 Founding Native American Mothers" both prove as a fact that the Native American population did not come from Asia. It's a complete mystery to modern science as to where they came from. This does not stop modern science from unsupported hypothesis on where this mystery Mitochondria DNA or 9-repeat allele come from. If you read both studies, it's clear in the end modern science doesn't known. The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith knew the facts back in 1830, but both will get no credit today. In fact, even though the Asia theory for the Native American heritage has been debunked completely by modern science, all major university's still teach native inhabitants of the Americas came from Asia at this time.

While the study suggests that Native Americans descend from a single ancestral population, isolated from the rest of Asia, the Book of Mormon provides additional context. It describes how the Lamanites eventually became the only population in the Americas after they wiped out the Nephites. The unique genetic marker found in this study could be interpreted as a scientific echo of this ancient narrative, supporting the idea of a distinct and divinely guided migration to the New World.

Further, the absence of the 9-repeat allele in other Asian populations aligns with the Book of Mormon’s description of the Lamanites being a distinct group, set apart by God. This could suggest that the genetic lineage of Native Americans, particularly those with the 9-repeat allele, has been divinely preserved and marked in a way that reflects their ancient heritage.

Moreover, this unique allele distinguishes Native Americans from other populations, hinting at a deeper, divinely orchestrated history that the Book of Mormon has long testified of. This connection between ancient scripture and modern science not only reinforces the narrative found in the Book of Mormon but also provides a fascinating point of reflection for believers and scholars alike.

Thus, the convergence of DNA genetic evidence with the spiritual narratives in the Book of Mormon provides a powerful testament to the truth of these ancient records, suggesting that modern science is beginning to uncover what the Book of Mormon has long declared: that the ancestors of Native Americans were a distinct and divinely guided people, with a unique heritage that is now being revealed through the lens of DNA genetics.

Study link: https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/family-tree-dna-study-confirms-native-americans-descended-single-ancestral-group

~NephiCode Staff

16th Century Friar's Connection to the Book of Mormon

 

This one minute video is made from the full article: Jews settled the Western Hemisphere. Published here on this blog, Saturday, January 23, 2010.. Read that article here.

I am working to take all my Dad's articles and make video's out of them to share with the world. This one minute video is not going to answer all questions. I know that is obvious, but people still will write back and ask about elephants or iron, etc. All questions are answered in detail at www.nephicode.blogspot.com.

overview:

Lehi's Journey: Around 600 B.C., the Book of Mormon tells us Lee-hi and his family left Jerusalem for the Americas, founding a civilization here.

 Ancient Evidence: Historical records, like those of Fray Diego Durán, a Dominican friar who wrote "Book of the Gods and Rites" (1574-1576) and "Ancient Calendar" (c. 1579), suggest the Aztecs' origins might trace back to the ancient Near East.

Durán's Insights: Durán noted that the Aztecs' traditions and calendars have remarkable similarities to those of ancient Israel, echoing the journey and beliefs of Lee-hi’s descendants described in the Book of Mormon.

Artifacts and Legends: Many artifacts and legends across the Americas point to a sophisticated, Jewish-influenced culture, aligning with Lehi’s story.

Connecting the Dots: The similarities in religious rites, symbols, and languages between Mesoamerican cultures and ancient Israel support this connection.

The Bigger Picture: Both the Book of Mormon and historical texts like those of Durán help us piece together the incredible journey of these ancient Jewish settlers.

Explore the past: Dive deeper into this fascinating history and discover the ancient roots that connect the Old World with the New

~NephiCode staff

Frederick G. Williams 30 Degrees South Latitude

 

Frederick G. Williams was a significant figure in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Serving as both the personal scribe to Joseph Smith and as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency, Williams played a crucial role in the church's development. Born in 1787, he had a background as a ship's pilot on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, which endowed him with substantial knowledge of navigation and geography. He was instrumental in the construction of the Kirtland Temple and was known for his dedication and service. Williams also claimed to have received a revelation from an angel stating that Lehi's family, from the Book of Mormon, landed in Chile at 30º South Latitude. Despite controversies surrounding this revelation, it remains a notable part of LDS history.

This is a 1 minute video about the veracity of Frederick G. Williams personal revelation about where Lehi landed. A one minute video cannot answer all the questions around Book of Mormon geography. This blog has over 10,000 articles going into great detail on the facts from the Book of Mormon. Read the article this video is based on here: Article here. This article was published August 24th, 2012, and is a great example of the amazing information you will find here on this blog.

Video on Youtube: https://youtube.com/shorts/WQmkzmCVNaU

www.nephicode.com

~NephiCode staff

 

George Q. Cannon Thought Lehi Landed in Chile???

Youtube / Instagram / TikTok Video Link: Video Here

Original NephiCode Article by Del DowDell Link: Original Article

George Q. Cannon was a prominent leader in the LDS Church, known for his unwavering faith, dedication, and contributions to the Church’s growth and development. Born in Liverpool, England, in 1827, Cannon emigrated to the United States with his family and became a key figure in the Church’s leadership.

Key Contributions:

• Publishing and Media: Cannon was instrumental in the Church’s publishing efforts. He founded the "Deseret News," the official newspaper of the Church, and was a driving force behind the publication of numerous Church-related books and periodicals.
• Political Influence: He served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress, representing the Utah Territory. His political efforts were crucial in advocating for the rights and interests of the LDS community during a time of significant persecution and legal challenges.
• Missionary Work: Cannon was a dedicated missionary, serving missions in Hawaii and other regions. His translation of the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian was a monumental achievement that helped spread the Church’s message to a broader audience.
• Church Leadership: As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and later as a counselor in the First Presidency, Cannon’s leadership helped guide the Church through periods of both growth and adversity.

#bookofmormon, #bookofmormongeography, #georgecannon, #jospehsmith, #southamerica, #heartland, #greatlakes, #centralamerica

~NephiCode staff