Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum (BOMAF)

One of the last remaining strongholds of the Mesoamerican theory of Book of Mormon geography is the Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum (BOMAF). They have recruited four Emeritus General Authorities to their board:


Elder Ted E. Brewerton, Emeritus General Authority

Elder Robert E. Wells, Emeritus General Authority

Elder Merrill C. Oaks, Former General Authority

Elder Clate W. Mask, Former General Authority

The "Research and Education Board" of BOMAF includes these individuals:

Joseph V. Anderson, J.D.
Kirk Magleby, M.A.
Garth Norman, M.A.
F. Richard Hauck, PhD.
Diane Wirth, M.A.
Shirley Heater, B.A.
Ted D. Stoddard, PhD.

Articles published by these authors can be found in BYU Studies, Meridian Magazine, and the Neal A. Maxwell Institute.

In my view, the articles and materials on the web site demonstrate a mindset that is dogmatic and closed-minded about Book of Mormon geography (not to mention wrong). As their web page explains, the origin of the Mesoamerican theory is purely the articles in the Times and Seasons that have long been incorrectly attributed to Joseph Smith.

That said, I assume these individuals are well-meaning and want to do the right thing.

I hope these Emeritus General Authorities and the other participants in BOMAF will recognize the errors of their premises and arguments and rethink the materials on their web page. I'm hopeful that someday I can have a dialog with some of them and reach a consensus about at least some of the topics.