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I came across some interesting Book of Mormon geography theories. Some of which I was familiar with and a few that were new to me. I found them interesting to read through. I’m sure there are more theories out there, but here are a few for you to read through. I’ve included links for more information on each theory on the titles of the theory.
Mesoamerica Theory 1: Isthmus of Tehuantepec
As you can see in this map, this theory is the one in which people believe the main location for the Book of Mormon is in Central America and Mexico. The theory is that the land and continent formation is the same as today for the most part and that the archeological findings in that area could be related to Book of Mormon people. It is also a limited geography model in that the geography covers just parts of the Americas rather than all of North and South America.
Mesoamerica Theory 2: Part of the Caribean that sunk into the ocean
This theory is similar to the first theory, except the geography covers most of North and Central America and it also includes areas of the Carribean that have sunk into the ocean that appear to be cities and/or civilizations.
This theory is a relatively new one that I found the other day which claims that Lehi and company landed on the Baja Penninsula in Mexico. The theory is that this is one of the only locations in the world that supports a Meditteranean climate similar to the one Lehi and his family departed from.
This theory is that the whole Book of Mormon took place around the Great Lakes region.
This one is another relatively new theory. The theory is that the archeological findings in Mesoamerica do not support Book of Mormon civilizations and also that Lehi and company couldn’t feasibly make the journey 16,000 miles to the Americas. Therefore, they landed on the Malay Penninsula , which is in the area of Singapore and Thailand.
So now it’s your turn to share your thoughts. Which theory do you believe in or do you not believe in any of them? Take time to vote on which theory you believe in and feel free to leave a comment as well.
I was reading an excerpt from the book “Will a Man Rob God?” in the chapter called “For where your Treasure is” by Milton R Hunter and came across an interesting quote. He quoted President Anthon H Lund (a former LDS Apostle) who said in part:
…as a rule the Latter-day Saints who are the best tithepayers are the most prosperous men, financially…
Lund went on in his quote to say the following:
what I count as real prosperity, as the one thing of all others that is of great value to every man and woman living, is the growth in the knowledge of God, and in a testimony, and in the power to live the gospel and to inspire our families to do the same thing. This is prosperity of the truest kind.
From my personal experience as a Latter-day Saint I think many times people read the first quote and then stop there, thinking that if they pay tithing God will give them financial abundance. People who think this, I feel are missing the boat when it comes to the law of tithing and the law of abundance. Merely paying one’s tithing doesn’t necessarily result in financial gain. There are many other factors involved for those who are prosperous in worldly terms. This includes financial planning and managing our money, along with paying tithing.
I have three sources primarily that have helped our family with financial planning and managing our money.
The first one is a talk given quite a few years ago by Marvin J Ashton, an Apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is called “One for the Money“. I encourage all to read this talk. In the talk, he outlines a debt-reduction plan. As we’ve applied this to our lives we’ve seen our debt reduce drastically.
The second resource is by a Christian author named Howard Dayton. The book is called “Your Money Map“. I like this resource because it provides a visual resource on how to plan debt-reduction and gain financial freedom and apply Biblical principles while you’re doing it.
Finally, another Christian author, Mary Hunt, has an excellent book called “Debt-Proof your Marriage.” She applies similar guidance as the other two resources on getting out of debt and planning. However, in addition to this, she provides guidance on being prepared for unexpected expenses and also working together with your spouse on tracking and managing finances. This book has been very helpful for us in our family. She also has a book called “Debt Proof Your Kids” for parents trying to teach children how to manage money. Very good book.
We’re (my wife and I) not experts by any means, but we’ve been able to see significant results by applying principles learned in these books and paying our tithing. In the past two years that we’ve been applying these principles we’ve been able to pay off a car, pay off our credit cards, pay off most of my student loans, pay an extra $700/month on our mortgage, save for 6 months worth of income, save for and make a down payment on a new home, and my salary has increased significantly as well.
Do I attribute this soley to me paying my tithing? No. I attribute it to a combination of learning how to manage money and keep a budget together with my wife along with paying tithing. I feel that paying tithing is most critical to spiritual strength rather than monetary gain. Paying tithes helps us detach ourselves from our money and realize that it isn’t our money, but God’s to give. It also helps us bless the lives of others less fortunate.
I’m sure many of you out there have suggestions, advice and success stories to share as well. Please share your comments to help others and add to anything I’ve said.
What are your thoughts?
Grace for Grace 
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