It has been discussed in many places how the DNA tests on the American Indians has shaken many people’s beliefs in Mormonism(aka the Church of Latter Day Saints). After reading an article from the LA Times posted on Ethos I decided to comment. I am curious to see the true effect that this holds for both the structure of the Mormon Church and for its attenders. But I get ahead of myself. Let me go over some foundation to this whole discussion.
The Book of Mormon was based on, the supposed, history of the American Indians which were the descendants of the “Lost Tribes of Israel”.
After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon – every English edition since 1981).
In addition to this being the premise of the religion, it is also the premise of some of their missionary work. In an article from the Salt Lake City Messenger, the author quote the Book or Mormon,
The Book of Mormon prophesies that the day would come when the record of the Nephites and Lamanites would be given into the hands of the Gentiles, who will then perform missionary work among Lehi’s descendants:
And now, I [Nephi] would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, . . . there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written; and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed.
And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews (2 Nephi 30:3-4).
The recent DNA tests are proof that the Native Americans are decendant from people originally from Asia and not the Middle East(ie not Jewish). And now you can start to see some problems that the church is facing. I admit that I have always believed that this is a fake religion and I love it when science can back that up. So will this lead to a “new intepretation” of the Book of Mormon? If so it may already be to late in South America. Many of the Peruvian Mormons are speaking about the fact that their identity was tied into this belief of being descendants of Israel. Their belief in Mormomism appears to be obliterated.
The LDS Church are already putting out counter literature. One of their claims is doubting the DNA Science. I think that this will be a beginning to the demise of the Mormon Church and I hope that it will be!