I recently attended a Book of Mormon evidence conference. I listened to a number of panels that gave archeological evidence of where certain things could have occurred in Northern America that matched the Book of Mormon. It was a great conference. I’m sharing my notes in my Teaching Embellishments blog as it’s a great topic. This panel discussed where the theory of that the BofM occurred in South America. This presentation was offered by Johnson, Novell

– The reason why people think that the book of Mormon events occurred in South America, known asoamerica, was from three articles were written by an unknown author that were printed in the times and seasons (Navoo period of LDS church history) that indicated that the book of Mormon events occurred in South America.. This lecture presented who could be the author of those three articles. People assume that the articles were accurate, because Joseph Smith was acting editor.
– When you want to solve a mystery, you want to seek out three answers.
– What was the means?
– What was the opportunity?
– What was the motive?
– DC 125:3 built upon a city called Zarahemla. https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/125?lang=eng
– In March 1841, was the first article which indicated that the book of Mormon was in South America. Some historians believe it was written by Benjamin Winchester. Who always favored the BofM events occurring in South America
– On December 15, the first and second article was published at the same time as an ad selling Ben Winchester’s book.
– Opportunity: William Smith younger brother of Joseph Smith, two brothers, it didn’t get along with Joseph was the acting editor
– Means: while Joseph Smith was sick. John Smith committed the articles to be reprinted as he was working at the press.
– Opportunity, William Smith and Ben Winchester were friends.
– Motive Ben always favored the idea that the book of Mormon occurred in South America.