Calm Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 (edited) Not wanting to take the other thread off topic, posting here a response to a post about DNA and Native Americans. Anyone discussing DNA from the point of view of the LDS Church should probably be familiar with the Gospel Topic essay on the subject: https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng Notice there is no rejection of the science that is associated with DNA or claims that it is not credible. Although the primary purpose of the Book of Mormon is more spiritual than historical, some people have wondered whether the migrations it describes are compatible with scientific studies of ancient America. The discussion has centered on the field of population genetics and developments in DNA science. Some have contended that the migrations mentioned in the Book of Mormon did not occur because the majority of DNA identified to date in modern native peoples most closely resembles that of eastern Asian populations.2Basic principles of population genetics suggest the need for a more careful approach to the data. The conclusions of genetics, like those of any science, are tentative, and much work remains to be done to fully understand the origins of the native populations of the Americas. Nothing is known about the DNA of Book of Mormon peoples, and even if their genetic profile were known, there are sound scientific reasons that it might remain undetected. For these same reasons, arguments that some defenders of the Book of Mormon make based on DNA studies are also speculative. In short, DNA studies cannot be used decisively to either affirm or reject the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon. Edited April 7, 2015 by calmoriah
thesometimesaint Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 Not wanting to take the other thread off topic, posting here a response to a post about DNA and Native Americans. Anyone discussing DNA from the point of view of the LDS Church should probably be familiar with the Gospel Topic essay on the subject: https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng Notice there is no rejection of the science that is associated with DNA or claims that it is not credible. Agreed.
stemelbow Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 Not wanting to take the other thread off topic, posting here a response to a post about DNA and Native Americans. Anyone discussing DNA from the point of view of the LDS Church should probably be familiar with the Gospel Topic essay on the subject: https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng Notice there is no rejection of the science that is associated with DNA or claims that it is not credible. I think it's a good essay on the topic. this topic has been very interesting for me. This essay is exactly what, in my estimation, what apologetics is. Comes a criticism. The response, instead of overly defensive, or attacking the messengers or the field of DNA, has been, "well let's reconsider the possibilities". It's pretty effective, in my estimation. I know Southerton and others are adamant that this topic remains very difficult for BoM authenticity, but I don't buy their arguments any more. There seems to be too many possibilities--and that to me works as apologetic.
Mike Reed Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 (edited) The Church is in a difficult spot. On the one hand, current DNA studies (as generally understood in the field, by those experts following this small area of relevance--I believe) undermines the Book of Mormon. On the other hand, DNA studies is the recent break-through science of future of genealogical work. The Church has been at the head of genealogical research. They don`t want to lose that standing. Edited April 8, 2015 by Mike Reed
thesometimesaint Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 The Church is in a difficult spot. On the one hand, current DNA studies (as generally understood in the field, by those experts following this small area of relevance--I believe) undermines the Book of Mormon. On the other hand, DNA studies is the recent break-through science of future of genealogical work. The Church has been at the head of genealogical research. They don`t want to lose that standing. Currant DNA studies do no violence to The Book of Mormon. What is does do is violence to some ideas about what the Book of Mormon actually says.SEE https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng
Mormonmaniac Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 I like this statement in the conclusion portion " Much as critics and defenders of the Book of Mormon would like to use DNA studies to support their views, the evidence is simply inconclusive." I think this sums up where the church should stand on the issue giving no priority to an unprovable, as of yet, science on DNA.
thesometimesaint Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 I like this statement in the conclusion portion" Much as critics and defenders of the Book of Mormon would like to use DNA studies to support their views, the evidence is simply inconclusive."I think this sums up where the church should stand on the issue giving no priority to an unprovable, as of yet, science on DNA. I don't understand what it is you're claiming here. Please clarify.
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