HEARTLAND AS HINTERLAND: THE MESOAMERICAN CORE AND NORTH AMERICAN PERIPHERY OF B OF M GEOGRAPHY

“Despite what my seemingly inflammatory title may suggest, this paper is actually an attempt to synthesize some aspects of these two models as much as possible and build a bridge between the two camps(though I do fear the bridge may end up like the one in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom).

My basic thesis is this: The core locations and events detailed in the text of the Book of Mormon took place in Mesoamerica, but many Nephites and Lamanites migrated and established settlements far northward of the core area and are thus simply outside the scope of the text.”

I haven’t delved further than perhaps an above average exploration into the Mesoamerican vs. North American divide of Book of Mormon geographical studies. It is certainly interesting, but still so nebulous, like a fog. You can breathe it in but there is nothing firm to grab onto. When it comes to Book of Mormon geography and archeology, I prefer to focus in on Lehi’s Jerusalem/Palestine, and Arabia. That geography and archaeology, while not perfectly precise, is fairly solid. Certainly enough to grab onto a few things.

This paper, referred by Dan Peterson’s blog, Sic et Non, I found interesting. The approach that has been presented many times. , but the typical dogma of thought is loosened and some fresh air appears. In the paper, Mark Alan Wright looks at a “synthesis” of a “core” Mesoamerican Lehite civilization that expands northward over time.

By the way, even Indiana Jones would have a tough time with Book of Mormon geography in the Americas.

Picture- (Wikimedia Commons)