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==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
− | None of the Book of Mormon's plant species causes a problem—Spanish conquerors described pre-Columbian products in exactly the terms used by the Book of Mormon. Some of the terms (such as the Akkadian ''sheum'') are persuasive evidence for the Book of Mormon's antiquity. | + | None of the Book of Mormon's plant species causes a problem—Spanish conquerors described pre-Columbian products in exactly the terms used by the Book of Mormon. Barley, silkworms, and grapes were known. Some of the terms (such as the Akkadian ''sheum'') are persuasive evidence for the Book of Mormon's antiquity. |
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== |
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A brief explanation of the criticism.
Barley in the New World was long a source of anti-Mormon amusement, with one author insisting, "barley never grew in the New World before the white man brought it here!" [Scott, 82.]
Unfortunately for Ms. Scott, this is simply false. New World barley has been known since 1983 [Sorenson and Smith].
(i.e. flax)
Source:
This crop is mentioned but once (See Mosiah 9:9). We do not know what it applied to, but this does not count against the Book of Mormon's claims.
One must credit Joseph Smith with a bullseye on this issue:
We do not know to which crop this name was applied, but it is certainly not out of place in an ancient context (See Mosiah 9:9). Critics must explain how Joseph Smith chose this word, since Akkadian was not translated until 27 years after the publication of the Book of Mormon.[5]
(i.e. mulberry leaves and silkworms)
The production of Old World "silk" requires both silkworms and the mulberry trees upon whose leaves they feed, which critics have charged is impossible.
However, there are several examples of silk or silk-like fabric in pre-Columbian America:
Source:
So, there were grapes locally, as well as several other plant species which produced alcoholic drinks which the Spanish were quite happy to consider 'wine.'
None of the Book of Mormon's plant species causes a problem—Spanish conquerors described pre-Columbian products in exactly the terms used by the Book of Mormon. Barley, silkworms, and grapes were known. Some of the terms (such as the Akkadian sheum) are persuasive evidence for the Book of Mormon's antiquity.
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