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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

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