IMPORTANT NOTICE: AT 33:26 WE FAST FORWARDED SOME OFF THE DISCUSSION IT WAS KIND OF REDUNDANT AND WE FORGOT TO PUT A VOICE OVER EXPLAINING THAT.😅

There is a story in my family history that Joseph Smith met my 4 great Grand Dad as he was traveling in New York. He ran into him as a young boy he was apparently poking around some bones he had found. Joseph pulled up on his horse and looked at him and said, " The next time I see you, I will bring a book about those people and who they were." My Grand Father's name was Russell King Homer. The next time he saw Joseph, he had become a young man. Joseph gave him the book, and it was the Book of Mormon. Russell joined the Church and was part of the great LDS migration story and ended up in Northern Utah. I'm also a 4 great grand son of Martin Harris and two other Grand Father's who were born in Nauvoo and fled for their lives.

Lucy Mack Smith's biography of her son, Joseph - talks about how Joseph was tutored by Moroni before he received the plates - and regaled the family with stories of the people who used to live upon this land. Kirkland to Jackson County are what Joseph referred to as the "plains of the Nephites". Anyone who thinks Joseph didn't know, hasn't read history

I’m glad that there were certain issues addressed in this video. I personally stumbled across an archaeological site while walking my dog in the woods and found artifacts and pottery and other things along with what looked like possible burial sites. I tried to get the local government and authorities, archaeologist, etc. involved, and at first they were enthusiastic and then for some reason they just shut down and stopped communicating with me. I was trying to raise the alarm because I thought this area was in danger of being developed and destroyed, and I thought it might be important historically. It was the strangest thing I’ve ever experienced. Then I started to do my own research over period of two years, and I realized what had happened. Papers and information had already been written about the whole area And if I came out with what I knew, and they had to add it to the local history, it would literally rewrite things that had already been assumed, were set in stone so to speak. This meant that more than one reputable archaeologist would have to recant having said that there was no further evidence in the area to suggest that certain things or people had lived there. so because of pride and arrogance, parts of history are being totally swept under the carpet and ignored. After realizing this, and fuming over being shut down and silenced, I decided to take things further afield. I ended up contacting specialists and anthropologists working on different projects and were experts in their field working in other states and asked if I could use their study materials and the information they had learned over years about certain things. They were happy to help and it allowed me to understand what I was looking at even better. I realized that the place was an important settlement which had connections to other sites nearby that were ceremonial, and they had links to the Hopewell culture further up north. This is very important because it was presumed that there were no traces of Hopewell culture in this area or in my state. They were incorrect. There are artifacts and things that have been discovered that definitely show this area was inhabited by people who had connections to that particular culture, and also Mississippian south eastern ceremonial complex hubs in neighboring areas which are now neighboring states hundreds of miles away. There are still important things to be discovered here, but unfortunately, the powers that should not be have made it very difficult for me to get back into the area and do any more research or exploring. They’ve even resorted to threatening family members that live in the neighborhood with financial penalties or legal consequences. I have personally been threatened with being arrested. They are not kidding around. It’s sad. Really sad. The local government is clearly involved in this as well, as is the large corporate property development company, and the management company overseeing the residential side of things. It’s very frustrating, disappointing, knowing that there is something important there, and also knowing that these areas are being damaged by pot hunters and people who don’t know what they are doing that are destroying all the evidence or taking it away. Fortunately, I was able to get enough evidence together and take photos and plot things on a map to create a persuasive argument. When I filed the report, I was completely ignored and blanked. I did not even receive a response or an acknowledgment of what I had submitted. I have been to numerous archaeological sites and several states across eastern America, and seen similar places that were clearly settlements with similar characteristics. They are ignoring the information they have been shown, so that indicates that there may be involvement or corruption at the state level which is astonishing and disturbing. It never ceases to amaze me, the level of corruption between corporations and governments. So after two years of research and spending money out of my own pocket, and even getting other organizations, scientists, people who believe in what I was doing involved in ended up going nowhere. Grrr.

Rod Meldrum is such an awesome guy! I am so thankful for him and all those who put so much of their time and effort into helping us better understand things that were lost.

I was raised on the Meso American model. At home and at church. From a young girl there were things about it that didn’t make sense to me. As I read the Book Of Mormon on my own and with my family the holes in the Meso theory that I could see left me confused and frustrated. I pondered and prayed a lot about it. I found myself harboring an inclination that the book took place much farther north that I was taught. About 16 years ago my prayers were answered when a friend gave me a DVD of Rod Meldrum explaining all the questions in my heart. I had a spiritual confirmation that day through further prayer that the land of promise spoken of in the Book of Mormon, where the Nephites and Lamanites also lived was the land I live on. I testify that when we are ready for more meat of the gospel, when we earnestly seek for more light and knowledge the Lord will grant the righteous desires of our hearts. Reading the Book of Mormon with that new understanding has brought it to life for me in ways I had never experienced before. I wish that for everyone who desires it too. Knock and it shall be opened. Seek and yea shall receive.

I'm 79. I grew up with the Meso Theory. a decade ago I happen to pick up a book about the Heartland Theory. I immediately knew it was true, even when I saw things that were dispelling it. The more I learn the more absolutely convinced I am that THIS land of America (The US) was the land of the Nephites. Add the scripture, DNA and plant/animal info and I have ZERO doubt. Thank you Rod Meldrum and Wayne May. Is it germain to my salvation? No, but it sure makes it clear where the New Jerusalen will be. and that is important. Wake up boys! If this didn't convince you, NOTHING WILL! If you're afraid to take a side, then why is that? Perhaps because you're afraid of llosing viewers? I hope you have more courage than that.

My wife just got me a copy of Rod's book for Christmas. "To Mom from Barb" written on the inside cover. Sorry Mom, your loss is my gain. My aunt first showed me this book about 20 years ago. Happy to have a copy now.

Meldrum is the man!! Heartland all day long…. but my testimony isn’t at all based on that. Thanks again for the great shows and the work you’re doing!!

Thanks Rod for updating us on all your wonderful, overwhelming information of what I consider great evidence of the truth that, right here in the Heartland of America is where the Nephites and Lamanites lived. When I was 16, I read the Book of Mormon and that was back in the 1970s and we had a Globe on a stand at our house. And after I had read the Book of Mormon and gained a great, deep abiding testimony of it, I looked on the Globe and I said to myself where are the Seas North, East, South and West on the American Continent? My eyes were led to the Great Lakes of America and the narrow neck of land! And then my eyes were LED down to the Mississippi River and the light turned on in my mind and I realized it wasn't this small, little trickling creek of a river, but it was a huge, large river that could take bodies downstream to the Sea. It all made sense to me! This was the River Sideon and at the age of 16, I just knew that this American Gontinent was the geography of the Nephites and Lamanites. But I could not prove it to anybody so I kept it to myself all these years. Thank you Rod for bringing the realization of all the things that were revealed to me long ago, to be true!

I loved this conversation, clear and respectful. I think Rod has excellent points and is probably correct with his heartland theory.

You should look into the DNA of the animals that were brought here by the Jaredites. The Texas Longhorn has been extensively studied and I think the results were interesting since the original conclusion of the researchers was that they came here about 2,500 years ago and they were most closely related to the Ankara, which is a breed from Iraq. Beyond that you should look at sheep and goats and fish. I have seen a pamphlet and I can’t find it, but it talked about a fish in Ohio, whose only relative lived in the Euphrates river. I was flabbergasted at the time, it might have been a poster, but I just can’t find it again. It does remind be of the Book of Mormon because the Jaredites brought fish with them.

Thanks for having Rod M. On.

I love the Book of Mormon! The peace and clarity it brings to me is amazing!

As the associate editor for a major scientific journal, I will affirm Rod’s statements about the prejudices in the scientific community. It should be pointed out that Biblically Judah and Joseph had different mothers, and though they are identified as being sisters, there is nothing that indicates they had the same mother. So there is nothing that says that maternal DNA would link descendants of Joseph with descendants of Judah. Also we would expect that Jaredites would be linked with Asians if we believe the Asians and the Jaredites came from Tower of Babel. I could easily believe that South American cultures are of Jaredite descent. It is folly to think that we have the records of all people who have immigrated to the western hemisphere. The people who are using the DNA arguments against the Book of Mormon use a lot of very narrow focused postulates to put their faith on.

Rod is legit!!! No other Book of Mormon model makes sense. The heartland model best fits the scriptures and Joseph's comments. Thanks for having him on.

Please do a part 2 with Meldrum!

Love it! Thank you for this great episode!

Good job explaining. When I was a littlie boy I thought people were saying Empty Sea not MTC. I was so confused 😂

Can’t wait for part 2! :)

David O McKay told all of the Navaho Nation and all of us that they were Laminites.

Y’all are next level! Love your channel! ❤️☀️

Br. Michael B Rush's new book "The Book of Enoch Vol 2". had several dna chapters. Not only from the i United States native Americans and also how possibly the Northern countries of Europe that have that dna that the American Indians have. At least the ones up in the northern part of America that actually traveled north in ships in the Book of Mormon. It is an amazing book.

Rod Meldrum's videos the five disc set was what started my long road of research and discovery. I have tons of stuff I have collected over the years. Images, videos, books, etc. one of the interesting things I have found was all the videos of people looking for artifacts. These people spend years searching for arrowheads all round the waterways of eastern states from Florida to New York. As far west as Kansas. This is so popular they have conventions in many states where they show their collections. Just look on KZfaq and you will find videos about it.

The Sac, Fox and Ojibwa tribes have a unique DNA haplo-marker identifying them as Hebrews. Also, the Cherokee have an oral tradition that their ancestors escaped (their word) from a place across the ocean called Masada.

Hey guys, I have been watching your channel for some time now and I appreciate the intent of your work. I can tell you both love the Book of Mormon and want to defend it. By way of introduction, I am a 57 year old member of the Church. I’ve studied evidences for the Book of Mormon for over 35 years. I’ve visited every location you can think of in both North and Central America. I’ve read every book that has ever been written on the topic. It is with respect and love that I feel the need to explain a couple of things to you which I hope you will receive in the spirit in which they are offered. I’ve noticed that in many of your videos you allow guests to make statements and offer “evidence” uncritically. When guests use your airtime, to make statements which are simply not true, it hurts the cause rather than helping it. I don’t want to turn this into an argument over Heartland vs. Mesoamerica. So, I’ll give you two examples of what I’m saying... one from the proponents of each model. Rod Meldrum and Heartland DNA: You interviewed Rod Meldrum and allowed him to present his case for DNA evidence of Hebrew lineage in the Heartland of America. What he did not tell you is that he also accepts and uses the Batcreek, Tennessee stone as evidence of Hebrew influence in America’s heartland. He has an entire page devoted to it on his website. What you may not know about that stone is that the Hebrew script etched on its surface, is Hebrew that dates to the first century AD... NOT 600 BC. Even Rod Meldrum admits this. Now I ask you to put on your thinking caps. If you find first century Hebrew in Tennessee, what does that imply? It implies that during the Roman invasion of Judea in the first century AD, a group of Hebrews must have fled, made their way to the new world, and then found their way into the Heartland of America. There is no other explanation. Once again, put on your thinking caps and understand what Rod Meldrum apparently does not want to understand. If there was a group of Hebrews who were NOT related to Lehi, who also took up residence in the Heartland of America, this nullifies his entire argument regarding DNA being linked to Book of Mormon peoples. The DNA and the Hebrew script could not have come from Lehi’s lineage. Rod Meldrum’s DNA claims are seriously flawed for this and many other reasons. If you do any real research, you will find that real geneticists do not agree with his interpretations of the data at all. Mike Handy and Human Sacrifice in Mesoamerica: At approximately time stamp 1:11:04 in your “Did Jesus Christ Visit Central America” video, Mike Handy makes the following statement. “Well, we don’t have a lot of evidence of Human Sacrifice among the Maya.” He says this while talking about Chichen Itza. Guys, this is just patently false! That is so false, it's more than false! The Platform of Skulls at Chichen Itza is covered with skull carvings, each one a monument to a team captain who was willingly sacrificed at that location. Over in the great ball court, the story of the winning team captain being sacrificed is etched in great detail on the walls. How he can say that with a straight face is beyond me... and you just sat there and let him say that. His entire presentation and your credibility were severely damaged in that video. Anyway, I appreciate what you are trying to do, however, if you’re going to do it you need to show some degree of competence or critical thinking when interviewing guests. When you don’t it casts doubt up on the actual legitimate evidence when it is shown. Thank you for being champions for a good cause. I truly hope you will take my words to heart and learn from them... I was once like you. I said and published things without critically thinking them through. However, time and experience have taught me to be more careful in what I accept and say. Please learn from my mistakes. Regards, Vince

Great work guys! I appreciate your channel 👍🏻

I am becoming a regular doner . . . IF you have Rod on for a part 2!

Thanks for having Rod on. Lots of haters in the comment section, but I'm glad you guys keep on going. I don't know why this subject has to be so emotional for people.

Love it thoroughly. Thank you for reminding us to be humble and focus on love❣️🙏

Good job, just found your channel. Love Heartland Theory. Good conversation. Thank you.

This info rings more true than anything else I've ever been shown. It. Just. Makes. Sense. And you can tell he has good and honest intentions.

I love love love Rod Meldrum!

The heartland model is the only one that makes sense to me given all the data, history and evidence I don’t know why rods book is out of print. I have it and it is awesome.

I grew up with Rod and he's always been so amazing! Loved hearing this!

Hey, I'm only a half hour in and enjoying this discussion so much. Love Rod and all he works for. 😊 Have you looked at all into the book 'Traced' by Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson? He follows the patriarchal line of DNA and has some fascinating discoveries in the last 3-5 years.

42:10 Not only does the BOM does not mention the existence of any other people, it actually states goes one step further: 2 Nephi 1: 8 "And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations; for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance."

“And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.” -Yahweh (Exodus) “Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.” -Yahweh (Exodus) And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon's temple. -Nephi Both temples built in Jerusalem were single story buildings having ramps until the courts, then there were steps to step up into the court, the altars in both temples were rough stone not hewn, and compared to all the Ziggurats that the other cultures surrounding Israel built (Egypt, Babylonia and Asia) the Jewish temples were ant size and a joke The buildings found in Mesoamerica match the ziggurat building style, many of them being exact copies of those found in Asia, not Solomon’s, whereas all over in the Heartland of America is found platforms, having ramps, with the platform area being the exact size the temple area in Jerusalem describes for both temples No hewn stone, no steps, temples built after the manner of Solomon’s… nowhere in Mesoamerica can you find these traits on their buildings But come up into North America and you do Just a thought…

Im glad he was honest up front in saying he is heavily biased and doesn’t base his belief on the physical evidence.

Wow this is awesome so glad I found this channel and I know for sure the Book of Mormon no doubt happened in the heartland thanks 🙏🏽 for sharing.

I can hardly wait for D. Butler to come back! I love the temple so and this was extra clarifying! So awesome! Thanks much!❤❤❤

Amazing!!! I have the annotated BoM and Rod's book on Heartlands, both incredible and very hard to deny that the BoM took place in North America.

The land of the BofM was prophesied to have all nations flow unto it. USA is the only land that has happened to. Ellis Island records show that from 1880 to 1920 25 million people came to USA. They did not go to central or South America. The heartland model has numerous prophesies that other lands don’t have.

Just joined on the Lehi level! Totally worth it!!! Love your stuff!!!

The problem isn’t your mics. It’s the room you’re in. Too much echo - to reduce this, add acoustic tiles on your walls (assuming that’s an option for you😊👍🏻). Great video!!

Dude to be a good interviewer you don't have to talk all the time. Let him talk dude. We can understand what he's saying and don't need it explained😊

In the prophet, Joseph Smith's own testimony in the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon, he testifies of Moroni's first visit to him; "He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang." Moroni told Joseph Smith that the record found on the gold plates is about the earlier inhabitants of THIS continent. The continent where Joseph and Moroni were at, at that moment during that first meeting of the two was the North American continent. Not South America, not Africa, Europe, Asia or Antarctica, but THIS continent. I am pretty confident that both Joseph and Moroni understood that the continent that they were located on at that moment was the North American continent. I don't know how more plain a prophet and an angel can be. If you cant take their word for it, why bother even worrying about it one way or the other.

I remember running across that article in Nature or Science magazine (was a copy editor for dozens, can't remember) in the late 1990's, started researching, found Wayne May's work, and never looked back. Heartland is the answer.

Wow! Holding those microphones for 2 hrs must have been hard. Bet you couldn't move your arms afterwards.😊. Really enjoyed the interview. Thanks for sharing (& holding those mics)

Great discussion!

Awesome discussion as usual. Thank you!! Best to trust spiritual witnesses!!

When I first read The Book of Mormon, I felt:" why must it always be Americans...that can manage to spread all the glory as the book instructs?" Well... no other South Anerican country did that in its origin . We need ya ...USA clan! Accept and proceed pls

I live this channel!! Great job everyone.

I love Rod. Also love your between the lines videos. Would love to see you pick those back up for 2024.

Fantastic interview! Another 70 page book you might be interested in concerning DNA is called Face of a Nephite by David Read. He would make a wonderful guest. A humble and knowledgeable man!

Also, the Law of Moses could not have been practiced in Mesoamerica. That’s a huge problem for the meso people.

If the Book of Mormon can be proven scientifically, then faith would be pointless, Moroni's invitation and promise meaningless and ultimately our reason for coming to earth unnecessary. Developing a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by opening our hearts to the influence of the Holy Ghost is why the Book of Mormon exists and why we're here. Rod, your work is the reason why many people will be introduced to it and take it seriously and read it. Great interview. DG

I'm a Heartland fan here, and had to laugh when Rod was trying to get you boys to commit! Regardless of location, the Book of Mormon is true and all the events stated therein happened somewhere on this earth 🙂

Love Rod Meldrum! Thanks for this!

Always fascinating.

Im a big fan of your program. I love the choice of people to interview. I especially like this particular subject of where the Book of Mormon took place and the DNA discoveries. Thank you so much. May I make an observation and suggestion. I think you need to sit at a round table so that the presenter has a place to keep his laptop and books, papers etc and the hand held microphones are distracting. If you were seated at a table that would be solved. And, another observation. When you wear black you disappear into the background. You are very professional and well informed. Wonderful work guys.

James E. Rice is the 2nd great grandson of Amasa Lyman an Apostle serving along with the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., and was Joseph's counselor for one year while Sidney was living in NY. When Sidney came back he was reinstated, and Amasa returned to his position with the 12 Apostles. Jim Rice had access to unique and privileged info, and he sought out important restoration info often, and many revelations on his own. I, Diana Jo B. Rice, also share collateral lineages with both Emma and Joseph. As does also Jim connect with Joseph & Hyram Smith's lines way back in the 1700 hundreds thru Samuel Smith Senior, and Rachael Marvin thru their youngest son Nathaniel Smith.

43:02 this information is so easy to refute. The fact is Jews married outside of their culture more often than is being presented here. Esther, anyone? Even Ruth, who was a Moabite. So it is not as cut and dry as he is presenting.

Awesome content guys

Fascinating! Loved it. Thank you…

Bring this guy back on. Excellent stream.

I fires me up when people say “no one knows, I don’t know, you don’t know” it’s not significant to salvation but as we receive more understanding under principles and doctrine, one can recognize collateral light/knowledge much like Jared seeing the hand of the Lord, just to a more subtle extent. But no worldly evidences can sufficiently demonstrate a spiritual understanding for those who have made up their mind that it cannot be understood by anyone if it is not recognized by everyone. We have spiritual witnesses, by that I mean we don’t know if the Pearly Gates swing open or slide open but we know they open, of course a critic will not accept it if we cannot provide every desired detail. We know for certain that Moroni and the record were at the Hill Cumorah, that event of the Book of Mormon is definitively in North America, at a very Northern portion of North America. Even the land of Missouri to Ohio covers a similar amount of land between Egypt and Israel. “No one can really know” that is very similar to saying no one can know the church is true. When we state that we are asked what we mean by that, we do not have the most detailed answer with published documentation proving what we testify of, we tell of the authority, and the second witness of the Book of Mormon. The same can be said of the areas of the Book of Mormon. It has wide influence, but the record we have was his up at the northernmost location of the Book of Mormon. I love you guys, keep it up, this has been a passion study of mine since my youth.

Ha ha ha thanks for the shout out!

Ive been thinking for the last year now that the Book of Mormon Central America location theory is the worst idea taught and peddled to the saints and will have a cost the church won't want to spiritually pay.

Once you know there is no question..... just like we are counseled by James and Moroni" Ask in faith with real intent, and you will recieve the truth of it"

Loved this conversation,I have always leaned towards heartland thinking. Where can I get the name of rod Meldrums book on the Heartland?

I totally was going to join patreon after the Christmas post, but wasn't sure if it was active, as there was only 1 post. 😅

There are four documented migrations from Asia as well as the Book of Mormon. The Nephites did not take up the whole of the Americas they just had a part of it. It was incredibly hard back in the day to cross the cruel dessert plains of Texas. There just was no water.

I have the annotated Book of Mormon and Love it!

Great video. I bought two books today.😊

25:56 "im gonna try to break this down to laymans terms" "And lemuels" Lol😂

Rod was SAVAGE! I mean when you look at the evidence it's not even close. The Book of Mormon happened in the US.

Love listening to Rod M. Also have heard Wayne M. speak and it has so enriched my belief in the BOM! It makes so much sense.

I want you both to know how proud of you I am....that's all.....keep doing what you're doing. God bless you both.

1:56:20 I don't really understand this point because Yes, there is tons and tons of archeology in Meso America, but NONE of it matches Book of Mormon timeframes! On the other hand, the remains of the Hopewell and Adena cultures in the heartland are exact matches for the Nephites and Jaredites.

God testified to me that Joseph Smith, The LDS church are true but we must always remember the Church is only as good as its members, the members are the church. The temple is just a brick and mortar building its the people inside that make it Holy. Stand in holy places.

Wow this was fascinating

The east and west seas are the great lakes (remember they are far larger than the sea of Galilee). The narrow passage could be theNiagara Passage (means narrow neck or passage) or east of the ancient marshy black swamp in northern Indiana. It also had many poisonous snakes referred to.

How can this continue to be debated. It’s the text and purposes of the scriptural record that were so clearly laid out here that must be relied upon. Meldrum is right. We cannot ignore the prophecies-when taken with everything we know from the D&C, too, it’s undeniable the Book of Mormon took place in what we now called the United States. Did anyone really ever think Nephi was prophesying about any other nation?

Great video, really appreciate the videos. One thing with the audio is that it sounds as if there's mild reverberating sound in the room with talking. Occasionally a little distracting but overall not too bad

Thank you all!

Guys, great episode. I have always felt like it was pretty clear that the book of Mormon happened in the US based one the stuff in the D&C and Book of Mormon Ron read you.

I am very interested in the topic and I love the guest. Honestly, the hosts are making so much effort to "explain" and "simplify" that it is difficult to remain with the conversation.

Thanks for sharing this, guys. I admire your goal of trying to get representatives from all the different geographical models so they can each present their view, not taking sides and trying to stay neutral through it all. I'm glad you gave some pushback near the end by stressing the importance of all different model proponents to approach it from the idea that any of the various theories may be correct or else they are all incorrect - that there may be a yet unknown theory out there that could be correct. Rod seemed intent on trying to get you guys to commit to his theories - he is a very persuasive guy :) - As you know, you'll want to eventually get someone on for at least 2 sessions to present Sorenson's Mesoamerican model. Kirk Magleby's model is a different variation of the Mesoamerican model, with some similarities to Sorenson's but with some significant differences. I would suggest either Brant Gardner, or else another person that he could suggest, to do justice to Sorenson's model. I disagree with Rod Meldrum that the Mesoamerican model is 'dying'. It is alive and well and I think the reason he is not seeing that is because I think for the most part the Heartland folks are much more vocal & opinionated about their theory while the Mesoamerican folks (like me) are much more quiet about it and aren't as vocal or opinionated about it. Also I think the Heartland model has a much better 'marketing' team. I see plenty of room for both of those theories, along with their variants, as well as other theories, in the church. I think it's good that we have many different theories as long as we are careful to treat proponents of other theories kindly and not be pushy or overbearing with our own & try to be open minded towards other theories. For the same reason it's important to accommodate those who believe differently about the topic of human evolution in our church. I believe that's exactly why the church doesn't take an official position on either evolution or Book of Mormon geography. I don't think at this point in time, or in the past, that the Lord meant for us to know exactly with 100% certainty the location of the main BofM events - truthfulness of the BofM needs to be driven primarily by faith. We need to accommodate and be understanding of those who have different views on these and other topics that are not essential to our salvation. We also have to be very careful not to use past statements of previous prophets or other church leaders , or our own interpretation of scriptures, regarding these topics as official doctrine and to not use that to criticize the views of those who have different theories on these topics. The current church leaders' neutrality is there for a good reason.

Hi there. I have enjoyed all your discussions. While you were talking about the geography I wondered if you have seen the Book of Mormon Central’s : “geography of the book of Mormon” ? Taylor and Tyler came up with a free standing land mass with cities and waterways etc. Enjoy, my friends, and bless your hearts for all that you do. Hugs, Nina

Heartland for the win 💯

Excellent presentation! Rod Meldrum has such great answers because he is a dedicated and sincere Truthseeker with enthusiasm and tenancy to keep at it through thick and thin for many years! Bravo!

I can't help but feel that the Heartland theory resonates with me far more than the Mesoamerican theory. I've felt that my entire life, even before all the Heartlander evidence became mainstream.

I love Rod Meldrum! When I first read the Book of Mormon on my own I was 11 in CA, I was learning about Native American History in Social Studies and it hit me that the remnants of the people in the Book of Mormon had to be part of these Natives if not the very descendants. I excitedly told my teacher and he told me Brigham Young made up the Book of Mormon…. I excitedly told my family just for them to point out the introduction….. I learn only when I ask the question apparently. It wasn’t till my mission in Cache Valley UT when I heard about Rod Meldrum and since then I have learned geography was not so simple and many groups have moved in and out, and Lehi’s family and Mulekites and Jaredites have had influences all over and are not always a pure line as the Book of Mormon mentions other peoples.

My brother and I did DNA for genealogy, his is predominantly European and mine is eastern European. It still knew we were brothers.

Thank you both for the great Stick of Joseph channel you have created. I have enjoyed many of your videos. I like taking in all the information and then deciding what I think makes sense. My wife and I have been down to Mesoamerica many years ago and experienced Chichen Itza and Tulum etc. We have also been on a tour with Rod Meldrum through the heartland. I enjoyed it all but I did prefer the heartland tour as relating to possible Book of Mormon areas. I prefer to see what they all have to offer and then make my own decision like you have mentioned on your channel. However, an interesting note when I was on the heartland tour we visited the Cahokia mounds site. The site mentioned that the Mississippian Culture that existed there from maybe 600AD to 1350AD had enslaved the people that inhabited the area before them. Now this was long after the Nephites were gone. But if this is Book of Mormon lands then the lamanites may have been some of the peoples that were enslaved. The Mississippian culture probably mixed with the lamanites and then after several hundred years they just left and probably took many of the lamanites and mixed people with them as they headed back south to who knows where? Mesoamerica? Haha Just an idea you can maybe explore.

during by readings I have seen where Joseph Smith Jr. while in Navoo said, as he pointed across the Missippi river to Montross, Iowa there is where Zarahemla was located

Is there a way that I can get in touch with brother Meldrum? I have some serious questions for him. Thanks.

Years ago when that DNA thing came out I started my own investigation and although I'm no scientist, I could see that the scientist didn't really know enough to definitively say that there was no Hebrew DNA in native American populations. I concluded that eventually the right DNA would be found.

What is the name of the book you all are referencing that is out of print? I’m hoping I might get lucky and find one.