Animals in the Book of Mormon

A Scholarly Look at Animals in the Book of Mormon

Mormon Beliefs

The Book of Mormon, a sacred text for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains numerous references to animals. Some of these animals are still found in North America today, while others are believed to have become extinct in the region. The presence of these animals in the Book of Mormon has led to speculation about the possible origins of the text and its relationship to ancient American history.

Horses in the Book of Mormon

One of the most debated animals in the Book of Mormon is the horse. Horses were not known to exist in the Americas before the arrival of European explorers in the 16th century. However, the Book of Mormon mentions horses on several occasions, including in the story of the prophet Enos. Some scholars have argued that this anachronism is evidence that the Book of Mormon is not an authentic historical record.

However, other scholars have proposed explanations for the presence of horses in the Book of Mormon that do not require the rejection of its historical authenticity. One possibility is that the Book of Mormon was written by a later author who was familiar with horses from the Old World. Another possibility is that the horses mentioned in the Book of Mormon were brought to the Americas by ancient explorers from other parts of the world.

Extinct Animals in the Book of Mormon

In addition to horses, the Book of Mormon also mentions several other animals that are believed to have become extinct in North America. These include the tapir, the jaguar, and the buffalo. The presence of these animals in the Book of Mormon suggests that the text may have been written in a region where these animals were still found.

The Book of Mormon is a complex and fascinating text that has been the subject of much scholarly debate. The presence of animals in the Book of Mormon is just one of the many intriguing aspects of this sacred text.