A More Promising Land of Promise

A MORE
PROMISING
LAND OF
PROMISE
The Malay Peninsula, a More Suitable Site
for Book of Mormon Geography
A MORE (even provides a match for DNA evidence)
PROMISING
LAND OF
PROMISE Dr. Ralph Austin Olsen
Vivid Volumes
Logan, UT ~ West Bromwich, UK
For questions or dialogue on related matters
you are welcome to join the forum on
www.mormonlocations.com
Copyright c2006 by Dr. Ralph Austin Olsen.

All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author or
publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or
L CONTENTS J
by a reviewer.
Olsen, Ralph Austin.

A more promising land of promise : the Malay Peninsula, a more Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
suitable site for Book of Mormon geography / Dr. Ralph Austin Olsen. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Photos by Nicole DeBloois and Wyatt Rivas.
144p., 22cm. Traditional Opinions . . . . . . . . . . 15
Includes bibliographical references (p. 134-140), maps (p. 120-133), Revealed Geography . . . . . . . . . . 19
and index (p. 141-144).
Note: A new setting for Book of Mormon geography. Mormon’s gold
The Mesoamerican
plates may be found in the Hill Maw (Ramah?). They could be the most Hypothesis (Meso) . . . . . . . 23
valuable archaeological discovery in the history of the world. If the setting is The Malay Hypothesis (Mala) . . . . . 25
correct, it would help authenticate the Book of Mormon as scripture, and
provide more evidence for the existence of our Savior and of His Opposition to New Ideas . . . . . . . . 29
Resurrection. Selected Arguments for
Summary: The Malay Peninsula (in the Old World) provides a far the Malay Hypothesis . . . . . . 30
better setting for the Book of Mormon accounts than does Mesoamerica (in the
New World). The hypothesis provides a narrow peninsula extending north- Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
south. The geography and terrain are a much better match. The animals and References Cited . . . . . . . . . . 134
plants mentioned in the Book of Mormon, are indigeneous to the Old World, not
the New World. There are many sites in reasonable locations and with Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
reasonable names that match those of the Book of Mormon. Other important
evidences are provided. Pages and
ISBN 0-9786392-0-0
1. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -- Geography. 2. sections are
Geography -- Book of Mormon. 3. Book of Mormon -- Evidences, authority, indicated
etc. 4. Book of Mormon -- Antiquities. 5. Southeast Asia -- Antiquities. 6.
Antiquities, Prehistoric Asia, Southeastern. 7. Book of Mormon -- Geography. appropriately.
8. LDS -- Geography. 9. Mormons -- Geography. For references,
Olsen, Ralph Austin. A more promising land of promise. refer to the
I. Title.
BX8627 c2006 numbers in
289.3/22 parentheses.
Published in 2006 by Vivid Volumes,
www.vividvolumes.com
Binding: Square One, Logan, UT 84321
This is the condensed and updated version of
“The Malay Peninsula as the Setting for the Book of Mormon,”
first published c1995.
v x
L DEDICATION J
Dedicated to Gregory, our precious

little angel in heaven and to other family
members including: Ravona, Beverly,
Karen, Loren, Paulette, Miriam and Amy.
May this presentation help in authenticating
the Book of Mormon as scripture and Joseph
Smith as a Prophet. And may it help in
promoting beliefs and behavior which will
enhance faith and happiness in mortality
The author’s family, (back) Karen, and in the awesome eternities yet to come.
Ravona, Beverly, (front) Vanona,
Loren, Paulette, Miriam, Amy and
Ralph. (insert above) Gregory. Thanks to my good and faithful wife,
Vanona, for handling both me and the
computer at the same time. At times, it was
an impressive juggling act. I so appreciate
her support, ideas, and patience during the
many years devoted to this inquiry.
Sincere appreciation is extended to Dr.

Richard Keeler and Dr. Alton Oviatt for
guidance and for their open-minded
willingness to listen and to provide
constructive comments regarding this very
unusual hypothesis about Mormon history.
L6 Dr. Ralph A. Olsen A More Promising Land of Promise 7J

v x
A special thanks to Ravona for making
the book presentable, published, and
promoted. The author may have been
blessed with a bit of inspiration regarding a
Land of Promise. But the artistic visions
came primarily to our daughter, Ravona.
With her artistic talents she made the
presentation much more appealing to
L INTRODUCTION J
those who judge by means of intuition.
Thanks to her for making the Land of
The Book of Mormon is scripture
Promise on the Malay Peninsula appear to
entwined in a geographical setting. Three
be far more promising.
small groups of people reportedly migrated
from the Middle East to a Land of Promise.
The vision portrayed is thanks to Nicole
Most events in the Book of Mormon occurred
DeBloois (Southeast Asia) and Wyatt Rivas
in the Land of Promise. To date, in spite of
(South America) for
much dedicated searching, the land has not
their incredibly beautiful
been convincingly located.
photos!
Some Mormons assure us that the
Grandson Wyatt Rivas geography and history of the Book of
took photos in Guatemala Mormon are of little or no importance.
and Peru when he was
volunteering to help the Possibly for them this is true. But for many
medical establishment. millions on the planet, the Book of Mormon
will remain a compilation of fairy tales from
a make-believe land unless the Land of
Promise is found.
Potential benefits to each of us extend

Nicole DeBloois far beyond mere knowledge of history and
(degree in anthro- geography. The Prophet Mormon hid most
pology/photogra-
phy) took beautiful of the gold plates in the Hill Ramah (Morm
photos to show this 6:6). Only a few were turned over to Moroni.
land of promise.
To the best of our knowledge, Mormon’s
gold plates remain hidden in the Hill
Ramah.
L8 Dr. Ralph A. Olsen A More Promising Land of Promise 9J
v x
Finding the Land of Promise would
greatly enhance our odds of finding LJ
Mormon’s records. Finding them could:
1. Authenticate Joseph You must study it out in
Smith as a Prophet. your own mind and ask God if
2. Authenticate the Book it is right. (D&C 9:8) *
of Mormon as scripture.
3. Provide more evidence LJ
for the existence of our Savior
and of His Resurrection. If ANY OF
4. Help families and loved YOU lack wisdom,
ones attain exaltation in the let him ask of God,
Celestial Kingdom. that giveth to all
men liberally, and
Can I guarantee that the Malay upbraideth not;
Hypothesis presented herein is correct? No! and it shall be given
Rarely, if ever, can a new hypothesis be him. (James 1:5)
declared correct. Efforts must be undertaken
for verification or rejection. Can I guarantee LJ
that the Malay Hypothesis merits
consideration? Yes! An attempt will be G o d
made to show that the Malay Hypothesis imparteth his word
has many significant advantages over the by angels unto
currently popular Mesoamerican men, Yea not only
This
Hypothesis. men but women also. Now this Southeast
is not all; little children do have Asian
But do I have any special expertise for words given unto them many temple
invites
finding Lands of Promise and gold plates? times, which confound the wise meditation
Well no, but neither did the young farm and the learned. (Alma 32:23) and prayer.
boy, Joseph Smith! And he made

contributions that were, and are, truly LJ
phenomenal! I make no claim that I have
succeeded in the quest. Each reader is ___________________________________________________________
invited to ponder over the Malay * Scriptural references can be found either in the Bible,
Hypothesis in his own mind and decide for the Book of Mormon,or the Doctrine and Covenants
(D&C).
himself.
L 10 Dr. Ralph A. Olsen A More Promising Land of Promise 11 J
v x
LJ
detailed map and sure enough, there was a
Hill Maw (Maw Taung)! The gold plates of
In the last days God will
Mormon may still be in the Hill Ramah!
pour out His spirit upon all flesh.
Sons and daughters shall
Was I inspired? You decide.
prophecy. Old men shall dream
dreams. Young men shall see
As an old retired scientist, I hope and
visions. (Joel 2:28)
pray that I will be forgiven for clumsily
LJ plodding through the hallowed ground of
the Land of Promise. In science there is little
I often went to bed with an unresolved or no remorse in having tried and failed.
problem relating to the Malay Hypothesis. Even in so doing, a contribution is made.
While sleeping, a solution to the problem The remorse comes in having never tried at
would come to mind. Often I would wake all.
up and write notes about the solution.
The author
For example, I worried about the (back center)
Lamanites turning black because of their has been
questioning
wickedness. I couldn’t imagine a loving where Book
Father turning someone black because of of Mormon
wickedness. In the middle of one night, it events took
place ever
occurred to me that they didn’t turn black since he was
because of wickedness, they turned black a young boy
in Sunday
because they intermarried with black School.
people that lived on the southern end of (back) Helen, Ralph (front) Rheta, Ida, Elliot.
the Malay Peninsula. I was excited because
this helps the church resolve an unfortunate LJ
faux pas that was made by the author of
second Nephi (2 Ne: 21-23). We believe God will yet
reveal many great and
Another time I was concerned about important things pertaining
actual places. I had found Manoron to the Kingdom of God.
(Moron?), and in the night I it came to me (Ninth Article of Faith)
that there was a hill near there that was
Hill Ramah. So the next day I found a LJ

v x
LJ
We are to judge opinions of

leaders about geography or other
matters for ourselves. (John A.
Widtsoe. Discourses of Brigham
Young, Deseret Book Co. S.L.C.,
UT (1941) p. 135)
LTRADITIONAL
LJ
OPINIONSJ
Brigham Young stated: “I
am more afraid that this people In the early days of the church, the
have so much confidence in their Land of Promise was thought to extend
leaders that they will not inquire throughout the entire American continents.
for themselves of God whether (Introduction to the Book of Mormon
they are led by Him. I am fearful (BofM)). America has a Land Southward
they settle down in a state of blind which is nearly
self-security, trusting their eternal surrounded by
water. It has a
destiny in the hands of their
narrow neck of land
leaders with a reckless confidence
(Panama area). It
that in itself would thwart the had ancient peoples
purposes of God in their salvation, and impressive ruins.
and weaken that influence they And gold plates were
could give to their leaders, did they found in a hill in
know for themselves, by the upstate New York.
Do the
revelations of Jesus, that they are So there were reasons for traditional impressive
led in the right way. Let every man thought, but were they decisive? stone ruins
match the
and woman know, by the less
whispering of the Spirit of God to Based partly upon recorded times to impressive
themselves, whether their leaders walk from place to place, Mormon scholars ruins of the
Book of
are walking in the path the Lord have recently decided the Land of Promise Mormon?
dictates, or not. (J.A.Widtsoe (1941), was much smaller than the American
p. 135. Discourses of Brigham continents (51, p. 8). This change in thinking
Young). by devoted brethren provides convincing
evidence that the site was not revealed to
LJ early leaders by divine sources.
v x
Well informed individuals have
commented as indicated: After a lifetime devoted to the quest,
Mormon apologist John Sorenson admits:
Coe, M.D.: No supporting evidence (for The Book of Mormon remains a sealed book
the BofM site) has been found in any New because we have failed to do the work
World evacuation (31, p. 69).* necessary to place it in its setting (51, p. xvii).
Price, J.A. : There are no gaps for Near Coe, M.D. encourages the church to
Eastern societies in the New World (31, p. 69). continue the praiseworthy excavations in
Mexico, remembering that little or nothing
Matheny, R. : The Book of Mormon pertaining to the Book of Mormon will ever
has no place in the New World whatsoever. result from them (31, p. 215).
It seems like the items are out of time and
place, in trying to put them into the New
World (34, p. 214).
Hutchinson, A.A. : (Mormons) should

abandon claims that it (the BofM) is a
historical record of the ancient peoples of
the Americas (35, p. 1).
Smithsonian Institution: (Our)

archaeologists see no direct connection
between archaeology of the New World
and the subject matter of the book (BofM)
It would be
(54, p. 273). interesting to know
the story behind
these Central
Nibley, H. : Everything written so far American carvings.
by anthropologists or archaeologists about There are impressive
the Book of Mormon (geography) must be stone ruins like
these, but there are
discounted... not because it did not exist, but no references to rock
because it has not yet been found (37, p. structures in the
Book of Mormon.
244).
___________________________________________________________
* Information in parenthesis refers to the References at
the end of the book.

v x
LJ
Through archaeological
discoveries alone, it is entirely
possible that the Book of
L REVEALED
Mormon will be proven GEOGRAPHY? J
historically true. It need not be
supposed that the Book of
Mormon is the only evidence Sorenson reports that the Book of
that will come forth out of the Mormon geography was not revealed to
earth. (Cheesman, P. R. (1974) Joseph Smith . . . ‘nor did Joseph Smith
These Early Americans. Deseret claim inspiration on the matter.’ Ideas he
Book Co., SLC). later expressed about the location of events
reported in the book apparently reflected
LJ his own best thinking (51, p. 1).
Joseph Smith encouraged President Joseph F. Smith, Seventies

Saints to consider new ideas President Anthony W. Ivins, and Apostle John
and to gain knowledge. He A. Widtsoe were among later authorities
lamented that “(Some) will fly who affirmed that the Church took no
to pieces like glass as soon as position on specific Book of Mormon
anything comes that is locations. Elder Ivins cautioned: “There has
contrary to their traditions” never been anything yet set forth that
(Smith, J., Jr., (1973) Teachings definitely settles the question (of Book of
of the Prophet. Deseret Book, Mormon geography)” (51, p. 4).
331.
Sorenson adds: “... it becomes clear that
LJ Church authorities from the time of Joseph
Smith to the present (1985) have come to
no consensus, made no authoritative
statement, and reported no definitive
solution to the question of Book of Mormon
geography” (51, p. 5).
v x
Widtsoe hoped that “out of diligent, for supposing that the form or nature of the
prayerful study, we may be led to a better land changed in any essentials despite the
understanding of times and places in the destruction. Nor is there reliable evidence
history of the people who move across the from the earth sciences to lead us to suppose
pages of the major changes took place (in Central
divinely given America). Nothing we know prevents our
Book of Mormon” placing most of the ancient places on
(51, p. 5). today’s map (ibid.).
Sorensen This thinking for explaining

adds: “. . .the the absence of Book of Mormon
Church authorities evidence in Mesoamerica is without
have not settled merit. If Book of Mormon events
for us any of the occurred in Mesoamerica, evidence
major issues should still be there. None has been
concerning the found. The notion that all
Many
beautiful setting of the Book of Mormon. We must supporting evidence in Meso was
ruins are search elsewhere for answers” (51, p. 5). destroyed is apparently wrong.
found in
Peru, but
BofM In Mormonism, at least in theory, each LJ
matches of us is encouraged to actively seek new
have not Truth will I
been found. knowledge. For example, we emphasize
send forth out of
James 1:5. And we strive for the perfection the earth, to
exemplified by Jesus, as our role model. bear testimony
Hopefully I will be forgiven by our kind and of mine ONLY
loving Father in Heaven for doing my best Begotten.
in the quest for the lost Land of Promise (Moses 7:62).
and for Mormon’s gold plates.
LJ
Some think that the calamities which Fear not, I (God) will cause the Underwater
occurred at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion petroglyphs
earth to testify of the truth of these in
destroyed all evidence supporting Book of things. (Callis, C.A., Conference Southeast
Mormon accounts. But much of the Book report, Oct 1946, p. 125). Asia...
of Mormon was written after 34 A.D. (51, p.
45). Sorenson (Anthropologist, BYU) writes LJ
that the record (BofM) gives no justification
v x
L The MESOAMERICAN
HYPOTHESIS (Meso) J
Of the many small sites in America that
have been proposed, the most popular is
apparently the Mesoamerican site favored
Peru has many by Sorenson (51). Meso has ruins dating to
incredible Book of Mormon times (as do many other
engineering feats.
But do they fit
places). It has a topography which can be
Book of Mormon thought to match descriptions in the Book
descriptions? of Mormon (as do other places). It has
impressive structures of stone (but the BofM
LJ makes no reference to the use of stone for
construction). It has a form of writing
The Land of Promise and inscribed in stone (of no apparent
Mormon’s priceless Gold Plates connection to Mideast writing). Nevertheless,
(Morm 6:6) have not yet been Meso is a place dear to the hearts of many
found! devoted Mormon tourists and to the hearts
of many whose salaries depend upon
LJ favoring a site for Book of Mormon events
in America. See Map F.
In science, if an accepted hypothesis

appears to be flawed, a better hypothesis is
actively sought. In presenting a new
hypothesis for consideration by others, a
comparison is usually made between it and
the accepted hypothesis.

v x
Actually there is Mormon scripture
which encourages each of us to gain a
knowledge of history and of countries and
of kingdoms and all this for the salvation of
Zion (D&C 93:53; D&C 130:18-19).
Geography is not excluded from either. And
we are assured that many great and
L The MALAY
important things are yet to be found (Ninth HYPOTHESIS (Mala) J
Article of Faith). I have accordingly tried,
with the best of intentions, to try to locate
the Land of Promise of the Book of Mormon According to Mala, three small groups
people. of people migrated from the Middle East
to the Malay Peninsula (in Southeast Asia).
LJ The many events recorded in
the Book of Mormon occurred
In the realm of religion, there in their Malay Land of
few, if any, have differed more Promise. But, owing to much
than did Joseph Smith. dissension and frightful
And the heavens are not warfare, many small groups
sealed! ‘hived off’ the peninsula and
migrated elsewhere. Some
LJ went to isles of the Pacific Ocean (the
uninhabited ‘Quarter’)* and some
eventually reached the western shores of the
Americas (40). Thus the Malay Hypothesis
I am offering a new proposes that there are many lands of
hypothesis to try to promise including some in the Americas.
enhance belief in the
Book of Mormon as Jews were to be established in ALL THEIR
scripture. The Malay LANDS OF PROMISE (2Ne 9:2). But the
Peninsula offers an
appropriate and a very principal setting for most Book of Mormon
beautiful setting for events was on the Malay Peninsula.
Book of Mormon
events. It is a beautiful ______________________________________________________
Land of Promise. * Jaredites were to go to a land where man had never
been (Eth 2:5). In BofM times many Pacific Isles were
uninhabited. The Pacific Region is still sometimes referred
to as “The Pacific Quarter.”

v x
LJ Hypothesis (Mala) will be compared with the
currently most popular Mesoamerican
The Nephites were to be led to Hypothesis (Meso). The objective is to find
the Land of Promise and then were
to be scattered upon all the face of out WHAT IS RIGHT, not WHO IS RIGHT.
the earth (1 Ne 10:13). The Jaredites
were also to be scattered around Like other Mormons, I
the earth (Eth 1:33). am convinced that the Book
LJ of Mormon is a genuine
account of events which
Note that Mala does not rule out occurred in a Land of Promise.
America as a Land of Promise! America
may have had many Lands of Promise! As Even one advantage of
did many exotic isles of Polynesia. A crucial one hypothesis over the other can be enough
factor in creating a Land of Promise is the to decide which is most likely to be correct.
attitude and behavior of the inhabitants. To the best of my knowledge, with regard
Small and dry and desolate, Canaan was a to ALL available evidence Mala is as good
Land of Promise as was tiny Jackson County or better than Meso. Each reader is invited
Missouri to open-mindedly consider the evidence
(D&C 57:2). provided and to ponder and pray and to
The Book of decide for himself.
Mormon
similarly LJ
refers to Behold the turtle. He must
going from stick his neck out in order to
o n e go anywhere.
Promised LJ
Land to
another Know the truth and the
( A l m a truth will SET YOU FREE!
37:45). LJ
After many years of study, I have “Those who never retract

their opinions love themselves
become convinced that the Land of Promise more than they love truth.”
described in the Book of Mormon was Joseph Joubert
located on the Malay Peninsula. In accord
LJ
with the scientific method, the Malay

v x
LJ
With some I am not well

pleased for they will not open
their mouths, but they hide
the talent which I have given
L OPPOSITION
unto them, because of the fear TO
of men. Wo unto such, for
mine anger is kindled against NEW IDEAS J
them. (Doctrine and
Covenants 60:2).
At the time of Galileo, religious
LJ authorities decreed that the earth was flat.
The earth was thought to be held up by a
“The man who makes no giant tortoise and was the stationary center
mistakes does not usually make of the universe. Rev 7:1 provided supporting
anything.” Edward Phelps. scripture by making reference to four
corners of the earth. How could it be
LJ spherical if it had four corners?
Givens, T. (in LDS Church One glimpse of spherical moons

News, Dec. 17, 2005, p. 11) : orbiting a spherical planet drifting in an
“Joseph Smith saw in his own endless sea helped Galileo formulate a far
experience of receiving better hypothesis regarding our fantastic
revelations a prototype that universe. Galileo was ridiculed, persecuted
others could and should and threatened with the Inquisition for
emulate.” reporting what he considered to be the
truth. He was courageous enough to voice
LJ his opposing opinion anyway.

v x
2. DESERT TREK. The Lehites
trudged laboriously through the deserts of
Arabia for eight years (1 Ne 17:4). The trek
was dangerous (e.g. from marauders),
stressful, exhausting and highly aggravating
to some, particularly Laman and Lemuel.
Wouldn’t an Atlantic voyage have been
L SELECTED stressful enough and far less divisive?
ARGUMENTS FOR THE 3. DIRECTIONS. Every step of the
MALAY HYPOTHESIS J
tortuous way through Arabia took them
farther from America and closer to the
Malay Peninsula. The account specifically
states that they journeyed TOWARDS the
The following glimpses of the Malay
Land of Promise (1 Ne 5:22), i.e. AWAY from
Peninsula as the realm for Book of Mormon
America and TOWARD the Malay
events might be of
Peninsula.
great importance with
regard to relevant
4. LOG BARGES. The Jaredites
matters. Each section
walked to Nimrod at the source of the Tigris
provides evidence
River (Eth 2:1). They built heavy log barges
which preferentially
for floating the river. On the river they ‘did
supports the Malay
cross many waters’ (Eth
Hypothesis over the
2:6), including a large lake
currently popular
(Bible map of the Middle
Mesoamerican
East). They came to the
Hypothesis.
great sea which divided the
A tropical
site may land (Persian Gulf?) (Eth
have 1. DESTINATION. Lehi was wealthy
2:13). So they too traveled
appeared (1 Ne 3:24). If Mesoamerica had been his
promising to south and east away from
destination, he could have purchased a ship
folks from America and toward the
the arid near Jerusalem and taken a far shorter and
Middle East. Malay Peninsula.
more feasible voyage to America via the
Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Can you imagine
taking enough water in
Instead, the Lehites walked south and east. these gourds to water
Lehi could either use his money or lose it. the livestock?

v x
5. SOUTHERN OCEAN. South of An account by Coon provides
Asia there is an ocean which extends from information about the abilities of
Arabia to the Malay Peninsula. Joseph Smith experienced sailors under the best of
is quoted as saying, “Lehi went down to the conditions during Book of Mormon times
Red Sea to the great southern ocean and (Coon, C.S. (1984) The Story of Man. Alfred
crossed over to this land,” (meaning the A. Knopf, Inc., p. 258). Ships in the Aegean
Malay Peninsula?). (Smith, J.F. (1938) Sea in about 700 B.C. sailed close to shore.
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They navigated by landfalls (hence had very
Deseret Book. S.L.C. pg. 267). Maps A and limited navigational skills). They hugged the
B show this great southern ocean, south of coast and beached their boats each night.
Asia. To sail across the Aegean Sea (150 miles or
less) was considered to be a ‘great feat!’ It
6. GYRES. Coupled ocean currents was attempted only in the finest summer
(gyres) extend along the southern coast of weather. Steering was done with an oar.
Asia as far east as the Malay Peninsula (21,
Vol. 20, p. 180). The gyres are wind-driven For comparison, the Jaredite voyage
and change direction in accord with seasonal may have occurred as early as 3,000 B.C..
winds. The Jaredite barges were sometimes And the Lehite voyage about 600 B.C.. As
submerged (Eth 6:7) so they could have had landlubbers, they probably had even less
no sails. As their only means of propulsion, navigational skill. With livestock and families
other than rowing, they could have drifted aboard they would have been required to
to the Malay Peninsula but not from there go ashore frequently for supplies.
eastward across the Pacific: there are no
suitable currents (See Map B). LJ
7. COAST HUGGING. In order for Based upon DNA

the eight Jaredite barges to avoid becoming evidence, Southerton reports
separated and lost, they would have had to that a Lost Tribe may have
go ashore each night. Frequent landings gone to the Bay of Bengal
would also have been required to obtain area (i.e. Burma) (54, p. 118).
requisite food, feed, and potable water. A This evidence is preferentially
continuous coast line extends from southern supportive of Mala over Meso.
Arabia to the Malay Peninsula but not to
America (See Map B). LJ

v x
For comparison, consider the voyage
8. TIME CONSTRAINTS. The gyres
of Magellan across much of the Pacific. He
of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal are
had three ships which had been built by
wind-driven and average about one mile
craftsmen. The crews were experienced
per hour (21, p. 180). The distance from the
sailors. They had no animals or family
Persian Gulf to the Malay Peninsula is about
members on board to tend. They had
4,000 miles. Taking into account the time
excellent navigational skills. They ran out of
lost in going ashore and back each night,
food and potable water. They had fatal
the Jaredites would have been very fortunate
sicknesses. Some, including Magellan, were
(no delays, e.g.) to go as far as the Malay
killed in fighting islanders. The voyage as far
Peninsula in their reported 344 day voyage
as the Philippines took four months (many
(Eth 6:11).
weeks) (Encyclopedia Britannica (1995) Vol
18, p. 733). Only one of the ships was
seaworthy enough to continue the voyage
on past the Philippines.
The two accounts (of Lehi and of

Magellan) provide convincing evidence, in
my opinion, that Lehi did not cross the
Pacific Ocean. He apparently stopped at a
land much closer to southern Arabia (i.e. the
9. LEHITE VOYAGE. The Lehites
Malay Peninsula).
built a boat on the southern coast of Arabia.
They had no prior experience. They loaded
The ocean
it with animals and with families. They sailed is beautiful
to the land of promise in “many days” (not yet can also
be deadly.
weeks or months) (1Ne 18:23). They reported In BofM
having had no problems at all (other than times ocean
voyages
one storm). They had no navigational were made
expertise at all and yet did not get lost. The with land in
sight.
accounts indicate a short voyage from
southern Arabia, along the southern coast
of Asia, to a promised land within a
reasonable distance (for example: the Malay
Peninsula).

v x
LJ 11. AMERINDIAN ORIGINS. In
traditional American hypotheses, the
In Science, Amerindians are descendants of the Book
experimentation is of Mormon Lamanites (Intro to BofM). This
used to check rival is a devastating problem for advocates
hypotheses. because the evidence of science, including
Skeptics of the DNA evidence, clearly indicates that most
Malay Hypotheses Amerindians are descendants of people who
are encouraged to crossed the Bering Strait from northeast Asia
try to float from the Persian (54, p. 92). Mala is quite compatible with
Gulf to America on log barges the evidence because it proposes that only
under conditions comparable a few Book of Mormon people migrated
to those experienced by the from island to island and then finally to
Jaredites. Both intuition and America.
evidence have a crucial role to
play in the quest for truth. 1 Nephi 13:10-20 refers to a
man (Columbus?) coming to the
LJ seed of Nephi in a Promised Land.
Inasmuch as Promised Lands were
10. UNINHABITED QUARTER. located in America, according to
The Jaredites were to go to a ‘quarter’ where the Malay Hypothesis, this account is not a
man had never been (Eth 2:5). At the time problem for the Malay Hypothesis.
(about 3,000 B.C.), both North and South
America had been inhabited for many 12. ISOLATION. The Promised Land
thousands of years. So America is ruled out was to be kept from the knowledge of other
as the initial Land of Promise. The Malay nations (2 Ne 1:8). The great diversity of
Peninsula is located on the periphery of the languages in America provides assurance
Pacific ‘quarter’ and Mala proposes that that other ‘nations’ had been present for
Book of Mormon people ‘hived off’ the thousands of years. By including Polynesia
peninsula to go to some of the idyllic isles of in the concept of ‘Promised Land’, Mala can
Polynesia. Many of the islands were accomodate the scripture. Many islands had
uninhabited during Book of Mormon times. been unknown to others until after
So Mala provides an appropriate setting for European explorers arrived after 1500 A.D.
the crucial account (See Map E).

v x
LJ
degrees counter-clockwise. This allows him
to propose that the Land of Promise
“So far, no evidence has
extended diagonally across Tehuantepec.
come to hand that would
Yet the Lehites had a compass (1 Ne 18:12;
identify a single New World
18:21; Alma 37:38; 37:43-45), and they knew
language with an Old World
they were going precisely south-southeast
stock.” Clark Wissler.
when they were travelling along the Red
Seacoast (1 Ne 16:13). The Malay Hypothesis
LJ
accommodates Book of Mormon directions
very well.
13. PENINSULAR SETTING. After
enough time to do a little exploring, the
16. TRANSLATION. The gold plates
Lehites realized that they had landed on a
were inscribed with ‘reformed Egyptian’
peninsula (Alma 22:32). Their Land of
(glyphs?) in order to conserve space (Morm
Promise was nearly surrounded by water
9:32). Under divine guidance, they were
and was connected by a narrow neck of
translated into English for us. The Book of
land to a mainland. The Malay Peninsula
Mormon is claimed to be the most correct
provides an excellent setting. Guatemala
of all books (Intro. To BofM). An appealing
fails. America has no suitable peninsula to
feature of Mala is that it allows us to read
match the accounts. See Map G.
the Book of Mormon literally. As indicated
in Section 15, advocates of Meso propose
14. ORIENTATION. The peninsula
changing the meanings of the terms (e.g.
described in Alma 22:32 was clearly oriented
‘north’) as a means for having their account
north-south with principal lands
match their preconceived notions.
appropriately named Land Northward and
Land Southward. The Malay Peninsula
17. A NARROW STRIP OF
matches the account very well. In
WILDERNESS. Across the mid-section of
Mesoamerica, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
the Land Southward there was a narrow
extends east-west. It couldn’t be oriented
mountain range which extended from West
worse.
Sea to the East Sea (Alma 22:27). The Malay
Peninsula has the Cameron Highlands which
15. DIRECTIONS. In order for Book
match the account very well. Guatemala
of Mormon lands to fit on the Isthmus of
has no suitable strip. It’s one sea is located
Tehuantepec at all, Sorenson has to assume
much more south than west and it has no
that the term ‘north’ does not really mean
east sea at all. (See Map C and D)
‘north’. He skews directions about 60
v x
18. SIDON RIVER. This important LJ
river runs north from the narrow strip of
wilderness past Zarahemla. It empties into And the land of Nephi
a North Sea (See BofM index). There is no did run in a straight course
indication in the Book of Mormon that it from the east sea to the west
changes direction. The Kelantan River in (Alma 50:8) (See Map G).
Malaysia matches the account (See Map G).
The proposed Grijalva River in Meso doesn’t LJ
originate in a narrow strip of wilderness. It
runs northwest and makes a sharp turn 20. LAMANITE LANDS.
eastward (See Map F). Lamanite lands at the southern end of the
peninsula were densely forested and sparsely
populated. The land was flat with few
mountainous obstacles
other than one peak
(Antipas) (Alma 47:7).
Mala provides an
The Bridge excellent setting. Meso
over the River
Kwai in Ko provides a very
Tao, Thailand. mountainous terrain
There are
many with no peninsular
beautiful terminus and no east
rivers on the
Malaysian sea at all (See Map C).
peninsula.
21. HERMOUNTS. West of
Zarahemla, the peninsula had one lofty
19. LINE OF POSSESSIONS. In mountain range extending north-south
Malaysia, the Pahang River runs south from (Alma 2:34-37). The range (Hermounts)
the narrow strip and then eastward for also extended partway across the peninsula
about 75 miles to the East Sea. It may be north of Zarahemla. With only a few
the ‘line of possessions’ between Nephite and penetrable passes, it protected the Nephites
Lamanite lands (Alma 50:13). Clark suggests from attack from the west (See Clark, Map
that the ‘line’ was a river (13, p.31). I see no D). Malaysia provides an excellent setting.
river in Mesoamerica which matches the Meso provides no West Sea and a multi-
account. See Maps D and G. mountainous terrain (Also See Map C).

v x
22. POPULATED AREA. East of 25. NARROW NECK OF LAND. At
Zarahemla, there was a broad, well- the Desolation-Bountiful border, the neck
inhabited area extending north-south of land was so narrow that a Nephite (a
parallel to an eastern shoreline (See Map representative person?) could cross it in 1.5
D). Sorenson’s map shows no well inhabited days (Alma 22:31-32). With its Isthmus of
area east of Zarahemla and no eastern Kra, only about 26 miles across, Mala
shoreline at all for any of his proposed Land provides an excellent setting. In the dense
Southward. He proposes that the eight or vegetation of tropical forests it is far more
nine cities of relevance are located NORTH likely that a Nephite would travel 26 miles
of Zarahemla! (ibid.). And Allen’s map in 1.5 days (distance across Kra) than 130
shows there were NO cities located there miles in 1.5 days (distance across the Isthmus
during Book of Mormon times! Mala of Tehuantepec).* The evidence supports
provides an excellent setting (See Maps F Mala.
and G).
23. YUCATAN. As shown on Map

F, many of the population sites in Central
America which date to Book of Mormon
times are located on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Meso provides no reasonable way to
accommodate the Yucatan sites. The Malay
Peninsula accommodates all Book of
Mormon lands very nicely with no
extraneous lands to create doubts. This canopy walk, high in the
rainforest in Malaysia, shows how thick
tropical jungles are. The right photo
24. DESOLATION. The Land shows the view looking down. Having
Northward clearly extended to the West Sea hiked through comparable vegetation
and terrain in Guatemala, using a
(Alma 63:5-10). People and provisions were machete to hack his way through the
taken to the Land Northward in ships in undergrowth, Wyatt is skeptical about a Nephite
the West Sea. Mala provides an appropriate walking 130 miles in 1 1/2 days through a rainforest.
setting. Meso has a serious problem. In order ___________________________________________________

to have its Land Northward extend * It took Nephites about 323 years to walk about 200
miles from Nephi to Zarahemla (Omni 1:24 and read
somewhat northward, it must extend only footnote referred to in that verse). Overland walking was
to its proposed ‘East’ Sea (the Gulf of not a favorite endeavor. Under comparable densely
forested and hot and humid conditions, I doubt that a
Mexico). Nephite could or would cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
(130 miles) in 1.5 days.

v x
26. BOUNTIFUL. This land occupied 28. DEFENSE. By occupying Boun-
the entire narrow neck of land extending tiful, the Nephite army ‘hemmed in’ the
from the East Sea to the West Sea (Alma Lamanite army south of them (Alma 22:33).
22:33). With its narrow neck of land extending from
sea to sea, Mala provides an excellent set-
LJ ting. In Meso, with Nephite troops gath-
ered into the proposed tiny Bountiful lo-
Washburns conclude; It
cated in the midst of a broad land, the
seems to be beyond question
northward movement of the Lamanite sol-
that Bountiful was the
diers would have been FACILITATED and
NARROW NECK OF LAND.
even encouraged! They could have simply
(57, p. 123).
walked around the tiny Bountiful contain-
I concur.
ing the Nephite soldiers.
LJ
29. INLET OF THE SEA. At the
It was kept as a hunting preserve by the Bountiful--Desolation border, there is a place
Jaredites. It was large enough to keep the where the sea divides the land (Eth 10:20).
Jaredites and Nephites separated through The wording suggests an inlet of the sea.
much of their history. Mala provides an Hagoth apparently built ships in this shel-
excellent large Bountiful. Meso provides a tered inlet and launched them into the West
tiny oval Bountiful, arbitrarily located, which Sea (Alma 63:5-7). Mala has an appropri-
extends to no sea at all. ate inlet in precisely the correct location. In
Meso, neither Bountiful or Desolation extend
27. LONG NECK OF LAND. In to the ‘West’ Sea and, to make matters
going from the Land Southward into the worse, there is no suitable inlet (Maps F and
Land Northward (Bountiful was northward) G).
the Nephites traveled ‘an exceeding great
distance’ (Hela 3:3-4). A range of hills 30. FOUR SEAS. On a map of the
extends through the Malay narrow neck of Malay Peninsula note that the narrow neck
land. There are many small rivers and several of land (Bountiful) was part of the Land
lakes. The Helaman account indicates that Northward for Nephites in Zarahemla. In
Bountiful occupies a neck of land which is migrating north from Zarahemla, the
both long and narrow, as in Mala. The Nephites spread to all four seas. . . from the
proposed Bountiful in Meso does not match sea south to the sea north and from the sea
Book of Mormon accounts at all (See Maps west to the sea east (Hela 3:8). Owing to
F and G). an irregularity in the narrow neck of land
v x
(See Map G), Mala intriguingly provides an 33. TYPHOONS. Sinners are warned
appropriate setting. The proposed Bounti- to repent or face immediate destruction by
ful in Meso, conversely, has no seas at all (See an east wind (Msh 7:31). Destructive east
Map F). winds must have been familiar; otherwise
they would not have been a threat. The
31. NARROW PASS. In going from Malay Peninsula is exposed to typhoons from
Bountiful into the Land Northward, the east (South China Sea) (19, p. 40; 42, p.
Nephites went through a narrow pass (Alma 115). Conversely, Guatemala is protected
50:34). Both East and West Seas are speci- from Atlantic hurricanes by an extensive
fied, so the type of pass is clearly one that land mass. Hurricanes are attenuated as
extends between two nearby seas. The Isth- they pass over land surfaces.
mus of Kra provides an excellent setting for
Mala. The proposed Desolation--Bountiful 34. VOLCANIC EXPLOSION.
border in Meso extends to no seas at all (See Cataclysmic events are reported in the Book
Maps C and D). of Mormon at the time of the crucifixion (3
Ne: 8). The destruction and great loss of life
32. NARROWER PASS. The and days of darkness were probably caused
Nephites formed a defense line (along a by a violent volcanic explosion, with accom-
river?) at the southern end of Bountiful; it panying earthquakes and fires and tsuna-
extended from the west sea ‘even unto the mis. Volcanoes in Central America extrude
east’ (Hela 4:6-7). Mala provides suitable lava but evidence of a suitable explosion is
rivers extending from the west sea to lacking. Native writer, Ixtlilxochitl, reports
Hermounts. Meso has no suitable setting. some trembling of the earth, some broken
Bountiful does not extend to the west sea. rocks, a temporary darkening of the sun and
Nor does it extend eastward to a suitable no loss of life at all (28, p. 190).
barrier. The Malay Peninsula is a reasonable
place to look for confirming evidence. The
LJ very unstable Pacific fault line runs just off-
shore from the peninsula. Within historical
Two events described in the Book time, at least two extremely violent volca-
of Mormon dealing with weather nic explosions (Krakatoa and Tambora)
conditions appear to be supportive have occurred along this fault line (40, p.
of Mala. Climatologists are encour- 226). The recent deadly quake and tsu-
aged to look for others. nami in 2004 also serve as reminders. Both
of these explosions were followed by several
days of darkness from dust blown into the
LJ
atmosphere.
v x
LJ 36. WORK ANIMALS. The Jaredites
had domesticated horses, asses, and el-
Some Mormon scholars ephants (Eth 9:19). These animals were in-
have been courageous enough digenous to the Old World and were widely
to admit that American hy- used as work animals. Conversely, Schele and
potheses have serious problems. Freidel write: All they (the Mayans) accom-
Dr. S.B. Sperry has noted that plished was done by means of stone tools,
domestic animals in the Book utilizing human beings as their beasts of bur-
of Mormon provide some of den. No animals large enough to carry
these problems (31, p. 184). cargo lived in Mesoamerica before the com-
ing of the Spanish (34, p. 310).
In Southeast
Asia they had
work animals
including cows,
water buffalo,
Zebu cattle,
and elephants.
35. ANIMALS FOR FOOD. The

Jaredites had all manner of cattle (beef?),
oxen, cows (milk?), sheep, swine, and goats
(Eth 9:18). These were all domesticated ani-
mals in the Old World during Book of Mor-
Southeast Asian farmers still till fields with
mon times and, to the best of my knowl- waterbuffalo. They have for thousands of
edge, they were in Southeast Asia. Larson years (since Book of Mormon times). During
Book of Mormon times there were no beasts
reports that no evidence of these animals, of burden in Mesoamerica. They did not have
in any form, dating to BofM times has been metal for plows. They did not grow fields of
grain.
found in America (31, p. 246). This includes
ceramic representation, skeletal remains,
mural art, scultures or any other form.
v x
38. INSPIRED TRANSLATION. In
El- a valiant attempt to accomodate the seri-
ephants
still do ous animal problems in the Book of Mor-
much of mon, Sorenson (51, p. 299) has suggested
the
heavy that the names were mis-translated by Jo-
work in seph Smith. e.g., maybe the term ‘horse’ re-
South-
east
ally means ‘deer’ and maybe ‘swine’ really
Asia. . means ‘peccaries,’ etc. (ibid.). Well, if farm
boy, Joseph Smith, had trouble translating
37. CURELOMS AND CUMOMS. (with divine assistance) an Egyption symbol
Although these animals are not identified representing an animal, then I shudder to
in the Book of Mormon, they were work think of errors introduced when he tried to
animals which were especially useful, as were translate esoteric religious terms from sym-
elephants, to the Jaredites (Eth 9:19). In bols. Thank heaven, Mala allows us to in-
Southeast Asia, water buffalo and other bo- terpret most, if not all, terms literally. We
vines were especially useful, e.g., in the culti- need to have confidence in a scripture
vation of flooded rice fields and as draft ani- meaning what it says.
mals. They are still commonly used in rural
areas. Ancient Mesoamericans, during 39. HONEY BEES. The Jaredites
Book of Mormon times, had no work ani- took swarms of honey bees with them in
mals at all (See Section 36). their travels (Eth 2:3). And later reference is
made to them in the Book of Mormon
(BofM Index). This creates a major prob-
Waterbuffalo
have been lem for Meso. The four species of honey bees
used for are indigenous to the Old World (21, p. 6;
farming
and other 36); three of them are confined to Asia.
work since Prior to 1500 A.D., ‘there were no honey
ancient
times. bees in the New World’ (56, p. 387). Mason
Mesoamerica (an early European explorer in S.E. Asia) in-
did not
have any triguingly reports finding several species of
work natural bees in the Burma area from which
animals,
metal for
a considerable amount of honey was pro-
tools, and duced (33, p. 379). Encyclopedia Britannica
did not
use the
2l, 6, 36.
wheel.

v x
40. BISON. Bison ranged southward
through Mesoamerica (45, p. 32-33). They
Dragons
were the source of much essential food, shel- were in
ter, and clothing for native Americans. Southeast
Asia, but
Drums and tepees were made from their not in
skins. Dances and important ceremonies America.
were performed in which bison were wor-
shipped. The bison was the glorified hero in
songs and myth (ibid.). Surely then, bison
would have been mentioned in the Book
of Mormon if the Land of Promise had
been in Meso. In complete accord with Mala, 42. DRAGONS. Dragons were indig-
they are not mentioned in the Book of enous to the Komodo Islands (Komodo
Mormon. Dragons) near the Malay Peninsula
(Websters Dictionary). Reference is made to
Bison are a
major fighting like dragons in the Book of Mor-
problem for mon (Msh 20:11; Alma 43:44). This indi-
Meso
because cates to me that they had actually seen
America had dragons fight and had drawn pictures of
many
thousands
them on the gold plates. If Book of Mor-
of bison, mon people were on the Malay Peninsula,
which were
vital to the
they could have been familiar with drag-
culture, and ons. America had none.
they aren’t
mentioned
in the Book 43. LIONS. The
of Mormon. Book of Mormon re-
ports lions in flocks of
sheep (3 Ne 20:16; 21:12;
41. JAGUAR. This large American Msh 20:10). There were
feline was of special symbolic and religious no lions or domesticated
significance in ancient Mesoamerica (11, p. sheep in America during
42-51). Jaguar statues are found at many Book of Mormon times.
ziggurat (temple?) structures. In preferen- They were Old World
tial support of a Land of Promise in the Old animals. The accounts Asia has lions
World, there is no reference to jaguars in preferentially support Mala. and ancient
the Book of Mormon. statues of lions.

v x
44. DOGS. The dog was apparently
the only domesticated animal in Book of LJ
Mormon times in Mesoamerica (47, p. 98). Reliable evidence is on
It was very valuable for transportation, hunt- hand for utilitarian wheels,
ing, guarding, companionship and for food carts, and chariots (including
(ibid.). One would expect very favorable ref- chariots of wood and iron)
erence to dogs, therefore, in the Book of from the ancient Middle East
(31, p. 266). So the Book of
Mormon. Instead we find only two deroga- Mormon people were
tory comments (3 Ne 7:8; 14:6) such as a knowledgeable of them.
dog turning to his vomit and keeping holy
matters away from dogs. The comments 47. WHEELED VEHICLES. Book
seem inappropriate for a Meso setting. of Mormon people had wheels (2 Ne 15:28),
carriages (2 Ne 20:28), carts (2 Ne 15:18) and
45. AMERICAN ANIMALS FOR chariots (2 Ne 12:7; Alma 18:9-12; 3 Ne 3:22;
FOOD. To make matters worse for Meso, 21:14). But no evidence for any of them, in
many New World animals which WERE very writing or drawings or inscriptions, has been
valuable food items in MesoAmerica ARE found in Mesoamerica (31, p. 265). Chang
NOT mentioned in the Book of Mormon. reports good evidence of both horses and
They include: turkey, duck, quail, pheasant, wheeled vehicles dating from Book of
partridge, dove, hares, rabbits, rodents (paca Mormon times in nearby
and agouti) and guinea pigs (51, p. 292). China (10, p. 256; 429).
The large American game animals are not
mentioned either. This serious lack of very
LJ
important evidence is supportive of hypoth-
eses other than American (such as Mala). Migrants to an
unknown land
46. ANIMAL MATTERS. Without would have taken all
the domesticated animals listed above, re- valuable seeds. They
are small and easily
lated items in the Book of Mormon are out transported and yet could have They took
of place in Mesoamerica. They include: milk played crucial roles in their survival. seeds of
(2 Ne 9:50), flocks (2 Ne 5:11, Msh 2:3), herds The Jaredites took SEEDS OF every kind,
so why are
(Enos 1:21; Hela 6:12), firstlings of flocks for EVERY KIND (Eth 2:3) as did the the plants
sacrifice (Msh 2:3), and milk and honey (2 Lehites (1 Ne 8:1; 16:11; 18:6). so different
in the
Ne 26:25). The Malay Peninsula provides a Americas?
48. LAND TILLAGE. Nephites tilled
far better setting than does Mesoamerica.
the land as a prerequisite for successful

v x
growth of field crops (Enos 1:21) as had the
Jaredites earlier (Eth 10:25). With non- 49. SMALL GRAINS. EVERY KIND
metallic tools (wood or bone?) and with no of Middle East grain would have included:
beasts of burden, this would have been very wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, sorghum, and
unlikely in Mesoamerica. Solheim (50, p. rice (28, p. 306). The lack of evidence of
330), however, reports that men in any kind for any of these grains having been
Southeast Asia had metal implements and cultivated in ancient Mesoamerica creates
were cultivating fields for crop plants as early a monumental problem for
as anywhere on earth. Meso. In support of Mala, wheat,
barley, millet, rice, and other
LJ grains have long been cultivated
in Southeast Asia (42, p. 177).
Chang reports the following
items from prehistoric South China 50. SHEUM. Nephites raised sheum
(pages indicated): models of cattle, (Msh 9:9). Sorenson (51, p. 185) reports that
horses, sheep, pigs, dogs, and sheum was a small grain grown near
chickens (p. 456); evidence of Nimrod where Jaredites collected seeds
growth of rice (411, 412); bronze about 3,000 B.C. Later the name would
and iron have changed (ibid.). Finding the term in
metallurgy, Mosiah provides excellent support for the
iron axes, hoe authenticity of the Book of Mormon and
blades of iron for Mala but not for Meso. Small grains were
( 4 2 2 ) ; not grown in Ancient Mesoamerica.
chariots and
horses (p. 51. CORN. Nephites tilled the ground
429); silk and planted seeds (not kernels) of corn and
paintings and wheat and barley (Msh 7:22;9:9). In Biblical
silk fabrics (p. and traditional European cultures, the term
433); loom ‘corn’ referred to one or more of the small
(p. 459); silk grains (Bible Dictionary) (Deut 16:9).
and hemp weaving (p. 433); Ancient Americans did not till fields and did
systems of currency (p. 440); not raise small grains to the best of our
metal plows, spades, saw, axes, knowledge. Small grains indicate Old World
adzes, chisels, sickles (for harvesting locations, e.g. the Malay Peninsula.
grain) and knives (p. 458)
(Reference 10)
v x
52. FRUITS. EVERY KIND of Middle 54. NEW WORLD PLANTS. Some
East Fruit would have included: dates, of the most choice plants on earth were
apples, pears, grapes, figs, quince, plums, indigenous to the New World. They include:
mulberries, melons, pomegranates, potato, sweet potato, cassava, lima bean,
pistachio, citrus and cherries (28, p. 306). To tomato, pepper, squash, pumpkin, peanut,
the best of my knowledge, ancient avocado, and cacao (28, p. 306). Tobacco Ruins in
Americans had none of these fruits under for all-important peace pipes could be the
middle
cultivation during Book of Mormon times. included. Lack of reference to any of them of the
Conversely, Mason (an early European in the Book of Mormon raises doubts about jungle
explorer) reported that the Karens in on the
American hypotheses. Appropriately, they way to
southern Burma raised pineapples, grapes, were not grown in ancient Southeast Asia. Machu
bananas, coconut, breadfruit, plums, apples, Picchu.
oranges, limes, citron, and
many other fruits (33, p.
379). By their fruits ye shall
know them (Luke 6:44).
53. VEGETABLES.
EVERY KIND of Old World
vegetable would have
included: turnip, cabbage,
rutabaga, chard, mustard,
radish, beet, carrot, parsnip,
onion, leek, garlic, shallot,
spinach, eggplant, lettuce,
endive, celery, asparagus,
Many
fruits and
pea, lentil, and others. There is no known 55. VINEYARDS. MacGowan
veg- evidence of any of them having been grown
etables
includes no Old World fruits in his list of
in pre-Columbian America. In fact, when
men- cultivated plants in ancient America (32, p.
tioned in the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, they were
199). He states that there were a few wild
the BofM provided with diverse luscious vegetables,
were in fruits and berries, including grapes. Yet King
SE Asia ‘none of which were known to them’ (43,
Noah had vineyards and wine presses and
and not p. 293). A comparable argument might
in made wine in abundance (Msh 11:15). The
America. be made with regard to Middle East plants
evidence preferentially supports Old World
grown for spices. Southeast Asia became
over New World hypotheses.
renowned as a source of valued spices.

v x
56. BLACK LAMANITES. Soon was clearly not a curse. In Mormonism, each
after arriving in the Land Southward, the precious child is completely innocent at birth.
rebellious and wicked Lamanites parted The Malay Hypothesis contributes greatly
from the Lehites; they turned black (2 Ne by clarifying this very unfortunate mistake
5:21-22). According to Mala, by genetically made by the author of 2 Ne: 21-23. Color is
mingling with indigenous black people not a criterion for wickedness.
(Semangs) (49) they turned black. The
blackness was inheritable (2 Ne 5:23). In the 58. FLIMSY CONSTRUCTION.
Meso Land Southward there were no Nibley writes: The Nephites lived in quickly-
indigenous black people. Advocates of Mala built wooden cities (39, p. 366). A small
have no need to attribute the blackening group of Nephite farmers, e.g., founded a
of Lamanites to an intentional curse from ‘city’ of
an unforgiving God. The Malay Hypothesis Helam
enables all of us to continue believing in a ( M s h
kind and 23:20).
forgiving Father T h e y
in Heaven. The t o o k
blackening t h e i r
account gives flocks
Mala a huge and their
advantage over g r a i n
Meso. There is (both Old
no evidence of World Shelter was
quickly built
black people in items) (Msh 23:1) and began tilling land leading one
a n c i e n t nearby (an Old World activity!) (Msh 23:25). to think
they were
Guatemala. So the ‘city’ was a small country village. They thatched
probably built thatched shacks on poles as huts, not
stone. They
57. WHITE JAREDITES. Although do many people in rural Southeast Asia burned
the Jaredites became just as rebellious and today. Nibley adds: One should not be easily at
wicked as the Lamanites, they did not turn puzzled if the Nephites had left us no ruins the time of
Christ’s
black. Why not? Surely a considerate and at all (ibid.). Within a few years thatched crucifixion.
loving God would not show favoritism. Mala houses on stilts fall down and deteriorate. It
provides a reasonable explanation. In might also be noted that the cities burned
southern Burma (the Land Northward) very quickly in the catastrophes at the time
there were no indigenous black people. So of the crucifixion; this also is indicative of
the Jaredites remained white! The black skin flimsy housing.
v x
59. MODEST TEMPLES. Nephi 61. SERPENTS. In Central America,
records that HE built a temple (2 Ne 5:16). serpents were highly respected creatures;
With little or no help, his temple may have serpents representing Quetzalcoatl (plumed
been a modest structure quite unlike the serpent) are found in sculpted
huge rock ziggurats of Central America form at many ziggurats
(which would have taken many people (temples?). In sharp contrast,
many years to in the Book of Mormon
build). I like to serpents are called treacherous
think that Book and malicious. Accounts
of Mormon include: Serpents that bite (1
peoples played a Ne 17:41); the devil as a serpent (2 Ne 2:18); Meso
serpents
role in the design poisonous serpents (2 Ne 25:20); a serpent were
and function of beguiled Adam and Eve (Msh 16:3); a serpent idolized at
the temples.
the monasteries as an inappropriate gift (3 Ne 14:10). Meso Images
of Southeast Asia doesn’t provide a good setting for the were made
of them.
in which both serpent accounts in the Book of Mormon. They were
temporal and important
in America.
spiritual needs are 62. TEMPLE ACTIVITIES. The
met in an temples (wats) of S.E. Asia are dedicated to
atmosphere of ennobling thought and charitable service
quiet meditation (16; 14, p. 143).
and prayer. At temples in
Meso, innocent
victims were
Meso has
huge
60. STONE CONSTRUCTION. sacrificed to
stone Early Mormons may have been too eager vindictive gods
construc-
tion that
in accepting the stone ziggurats of by slitting open
would Mesoamerica as evidence for Book of their bodies
have Mormon peoples. Actually, there is no and tearing out
taken
many reference to stone construction in the Book their hearts;
people of Mormon at all. So the majestic ruins body parts
many
years to represent an anomaly for Meso. The Malay were eaten as
build. Peninsula, with minimal stone ruins, provides delicacies! Mala provides a far better setting Mala
temples
a better setting for Book of Mormon for Book of Mormon activities at temples were
accounts. (e.g. 3 Ne 11) than does Meso. ennobling.

v x
63. NAMES TEND TO CHANGE. Nephites lived in the Land of Promise
With passage of time, names tend to for about 1,000 years and Jaredites for
change in pronunciation and in spelling, possibly 3,000 years. It seems highly unlikely
particularly if writing is not a common that they lived in Mesoamerica since not
practice. But some sounds are usually even one identifying name has been found
retained. The Bible dictionary provides there (compared to the many which have
examples of changes which occurred in the been found in Southeast Asia).
Middle East in ancient times. They include
the following:
Idumea became Edom.
Megiddo became Armageddon.
Edrei became Edra’al. There are
many
Ephraim may have become Ophrah. names,
Gallia or Gaul became Falatia. like
Machu
Gaulanitis became Golan. Picchu,
Yavnah or Javneh was also known as Peru,
that
Jamnia. have no
relation
Jebus or Salem became Jerusalem. to BofM
Japho became Joppa. names.
Kidron was also called Cedron.
Arba became Hebron. Machu Picchu contains some 150 houses, all in
Paran was also called El-paran. a remarkable state of preservation. These
structures, carved from the gray granite of
Sidon was also called Zion. the mountain top are wonders of both
architectural and aesthetic genius. Many of
Thessalonica became Saloniki. the building blocks weigh 50 tons or more yet
Ur became Mugheir.* are so precisely sculpted and fitted together
with such exactitude that the mortarless joints
LJ will not permit the insertion of even a thin
knife blade. (http://www.sacredsites.com/
americas/peru/machu_picchu.html)
Green states “. . .No Book of
Mormon location is known with Of interest is the fact that Nephites and
reference to modern topography.” Mulekites had trouble communicating after
(31, p. 211)
LJ about 300 years being separated in the
__________________________________________________ Land of Promise. Hopefully the reader will
* Similar changes have occurred in Poland for example. keep this name changing in mind in
Thus, Gdansk, Breslau, and Szczecin were formerly Danzig, considering the following sections. No name
Wroclaw, and Stettin, respectively.
has been found in Central America in a
v x
reasonable location which matches Book of 67. MARAN (Moroni?). A garrison
Mormon places. city of Moroni was built south of Zarahemla
land ‘by the line of the possessions of the
64. NAMES AND PLACES. Many Lamanites’ (Alma 50:13). Clark suggests
names in appropriate places have been that the ‘line’ could be a river (13, p. 31) and
found in ancient Israel. Biblical names in that a ‘swampy lagoon estuary’ separated
the proper locations help significantly in Moroni from the east sea (13, p. 34). Mala
authenticating Biblical accounts. In a provides an excellent setting. The large
comparable situation, many should have Pahang River runs east for about 75 miles
been found in the Land of Promise. Yet, and through swampland as it nears the sea.
Larson reports that not even one has been
found in Central America (31, p. 211). Names 68. KUANTAN (Morianton?). A city
from the Malay area are provided for your north and east of Maran on the eastern
consideration. Please note that all are seashore (Alma 50:25; 51:26). After
located in reasonable locations! Refer to overcoming the fortified city of Moroni,
Maps D and G and to Clark (13) on the Amalickiah led the Lamanite forces
pages indicated in the following sections: northward, taking other cities including
Morianton (Alma 51:26). The location
65. PILAH matches the Book of Mormon account.
(Nephi?). After
Landing near the 69. MULEK (Puteh?). The forces of
southwestern end of Amalickiah continued northward, taking
the peninsula, the possession of other cities including Mulek
Nephites walked (Alma 51:26). But he did not take the city
inland (along the of Bountiful (13, p. 32) which lay farther
Muar River?) to an north. Note that the cities are aligned
upland valley (2 Ne correctly on the Malay Peninsula and are a
5:5-8) (13, p. 55). reasonable distance apart! See Alma 57:24-
Not only Pilah is located there in an upland river 25, for example.
are there valley. (See also Section 64.)
names that
are close, 70. BAHARU (Bountiful?). Bountiful
but there 66. MALIM (Mormon?). Within a was located about 1.5 day’s travel time north
are rivers in
appropri-
few days walking time from Pilah, there is a of Mulek (13, p. 33); a plain lay between the
ate places Malim and a large lake (Waters of two cities. It was the northernmost, and
flowing in Mormon?) (Msh 18:4; Alma 5:3) (13, p. 53).
the right most critical, fortification of the eastern
directions. border of the Nephite territory (13, p. 28).
v x
Being located at the southern end of the 73. MARANG (Moroni?). Nephite
narrow neck of land, it restricted Lamanite armies went eastward from Zarahemla to
access to the Land Northward. Being near Moroni (13, p. 34) (Alma 62:18-24). The
the mouth of the Sidon River, it played a Malay Peninsula provides a Marang east of
key role in preventing Nephites from getting Zarahemla on the eastern seacoast. This
‘boxed in’ the inland valley (13, p. 28-29). may be the Moroni which sank into the sea
(a tsunami?) at the time of the crucifixion
71. TANAH MERAH (Zarahemla?). (3 Ne 8:9). With no
Upstream from the city of Bountiful and in sea east of
the capital part of the land, Zarahemla is Zarahemla and no
Cameroon located on the west side of the Sidon River r e a s o n a b l e
High- (13, p. 44). Tanah Merah provides a good
lands
candidate for
form an match for Book of Mormon accounts. Moroni, Meso
excellent provides no match
narrow
strip of 72. KELANTAN RIVER (Sidon?). A at all.
wilder- river orginating in the narrow strip of
ness for
the BofM. mountain wilderness (the Cameron 74. TAHAN
Highlands?) (Manti?). The city of
a n d Manti was upstream
flowing (south) from
due north Zarahemla and
into a located between
North Sea two principal
(13, p. 44). tributaries of the
T h e Sidon River (13, p.
Kelantan 44). Manti was
provides a located in the narrow strip of wilderness
better which extended from the Sea West to the
match Sea East. Tahan matches the Manti accounts
than the very well.
alternative
Grijalva 75. TAPAH (Antiparah?). A high
River of Mesoamerica which turns about 90 mountain range (Hermounts) paralleled
degrees clockwise as it nears the proposed the West Coast of much of the Land
East (?) Sea. Southward (13, p. 44). West of Manti and
near the narrow strip of wilderness, a city of
v x
Antiparah was located. It was appropriately authenticate Mala. It also provides strong
near one of the few traversible passes (east- evidence for the authenticity of the Book of
west) through Hermounts. Check Map D. Mormon and for Joseph Smith being a
genuine Prophet. No rational New
76. RAMAN (Laman?). Lamanites Englander would concoct a name of Moron
were usually in control of the narrow strip in an account he was claiming to be genuine
of coast land west of Hermounts (13, p. 44, history.
49, 61). In making raids on Nephite
possessions in the land of Zarahemla, they 80. TENASSERIM (Teancum?). The
city of Tenasserim is well enough located in
sometimes went around the north end of
southern Burma to be the Jaredite city of
this high mountain range (ibid.). Just north
Teancum (Morm 4:3-5). It is only a few miles
of the proposed Hermounts in Malaysia
north of Manoron and near the western
there is a city of Raman.
seashore (See Map G).
77. LENYA (Lemuel?). In the final 81. HILL MAW (Hill Ramah?). A few
battles, Lamanites and Nephites fought in miles east of Manoron and near an eastern
the southern end of the Land Northward seashore there is a 4,000 foot high hill
(southern Burma in Mala). Lamanites were named Hill Maw! Nephites called it Hill
victorious (Morm 6). A city of Lenya Cumorah (Morm 6:4). Mormon hid all
(Lemuel?) is located there. sacred records in the hill except for a few
which he gave to his son, Moroni (Morm 6:6).
78. MARANG (Moroni?). Prior to If found, these records could be the
the final battles of annihilation, many most important archaeological find in the
Nephites migrated to the Land Northward history of mankind.
(Morm 6:2-5). At the southern border of They could prove the Book of Mormon
Burma near the inlet of the West Sea there is true.
is a city of Marang (Moroni?). Cumorah was They could prove that Joseph Smith was
in the southern end of the Land Northward a genuine prophet. I’ve done enough
(See Map C). translating to know that no matter how
hard you try, some of your own beliefs end
79. MANORON (Moron?). Jaredites up in the translation.
had an important city of Moron near the Joseph clearly thought that the events
southern end of the Land Northward (Eth occurred in America. With his own bias in
7:6) (See Map C). In southern Burma today mind, the fact that the Malay Peninsula
there is a city of Manoron (Moron?). Finding matches the Book of Mormon accounts so
the city in the right location helps perfectly, clearly indicates that the Book of
v x
Mormon accounts are correct. accomodate the larger Lamanite
They would help prove that Jesus is a population which was observed because
resurrected being. they joined the indigenous black population.
They would help prove that God lives.
85. NEPHITE ARMIES.
82. ASIAN TREK? Nibley was so Miscegenation is not permitted in Hebrew
impressed by the Oriental behavior of the tradition so, as indicated by Kunich (p. 231),
Jaredites that he postulated that they spent the large numbers of Nephite combatants
many years walking through the Orient seem excessive. Meso proposes that Book
while enroute to the Promised Land (38, p. of Mormon people went to an uninhabited
190). I find very little in the relevant passages Quarter (Refer to Mala, p. 25 and Section
(Eth 2:5-6) to support his postulate. Mala 10). But Malaysia was
proposes the acquisition of Oriental behavior already populated
by LIVING IN the Orient (i.e. the Malay prior to 600 B.C. As
Peninsula). Relevant matters follow: emphasized by Nibley,
the Nephites (and
83. LACK OF LAMANITE DNA. In Jaredites) resorted to
traditional Meso, all Amerindians were typically Oriental
thought to be Lamanites (Introduction to customs of actively
BofM). This is a frightful problem for Meso recruiting indigenous
because little or no DNA support has been others. By providing
found (54, p. 191). In Mala, the few an Oriental setting,
Lamanites mingled genetically with Mala resolves this
indigenous black people. Their DNA was problem.
effectively lost in the gene pool and may be
completely undetectible. 86. ORIENTAL
Oriental
BEHAVIOR. As noted by Nibley, the guards.
84. LAMANITE POPULATION. In struggles for kingship and affluence and
traditional Meso, Nephites and Lamanites control recorded in the Book of Mormon
landed in an unpopulated Land of Promise. indicate an Oriental influence (38, p. 190).
Having become hunter-gatherers the They involve intrigue, violence, treachery,
population growth of Lamanites should jailings of kings, putting prisoners to work,
have been slower than that of the Nephites. riotous living with concubines, poisoning,
The Nephites had a more advanced assassination, wars of extermination, etc. Mala
civilization and would be expected to have (In the Orient), provides a far better setting
a more rapid population growth. Mala can than does Meso.
v x
87. THE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL. 89. MEDICINAL PLANTS. Some
Nibley calls this Old World ritual ‘the most died from fevers which, at some seasons of
convincing evidence’ for the authenticity of the year, were very frequent (Alma 46:40).
the Book of Mormon (39, p. 243). The Book A tropical monsoonal climate is suggested
of Mormon accurately describes the rite in such as is found on the Malay Peninsula. Also
Mosiah, starting in Chapter 2. It is known Alma refers to the “excellent qualities of the
to have been celebrated in many sites in the many plants and roots which God had
Old World (including Persia and India). But prepared to
Nibley apparently errs in concluding that remove the
the festival was celebrated in America; cause of
participants took firstlings of their flocks to diseases. . .”
offer sacrifice and burnt offerings (Msh 2:3). M a s o n
In Meso they had no flocks! The account interestingly
favors Mala over Meso. reports that
southern
88. JESUS’ SERMON. Jesus spoke Burma was
to people in the Land of Promise in 34 A.D. “rich in
(3 Ne 9-27). As a Master Teacher, He would medicinal
have used terms familiar to listeners. The plants, both
following would have been unfamiliar Old in number
World terms to Book of Mormon people in and quality”
America (having left the Old World 634 (33, p. 148).*
years earlier according to Meso):
Hens and chicks (10:5,6); Swine (14:6); Many sorts of
plants are available
Synagogues (13:5; 18:32); Barns (13:26); still in Malasia.
Sheep (15:17) 16:1; 18:31); Bread and Wine Beautiful, useful,
medicinal, and
(18:1; 20:5-8); Wheat (18:18); Wine (20:8); edible plants
Lions (20:16; 21:12); Sheaves of Grain (20:18); abound.
Sword (20:20); Groves (Orchards?) (21:18);
Chariots (21:14); Horses (21:14); Refined and
purified Silver (24:3); Windows (glass?)
(24:10).
No evidence of any of these items has __________________________________________________
been found in Mesoamerica. The evidence * The availability of medicinal plants may also explain the
clearly favors Mala over Meso. lack of references in the Book of Mormon to casualties
from infected wounds after battles.

v x
90. DESOLATION. The soils of 92 CEMENT BUILDINGS. When
southern Burma are highly weathered and Nephites moved to Desolation, they found
low in essential nutrient ions. When cleared but little timber so they made houses of
of trees and other vegetation and farmed, cement (Hela 3:7-9). In accord with Mala,
they can become very infertile within several they were probably made of bricks! There
years; they are then ‘desolate’ (59, p. 3). In were STONE buildings in ancient
Mala near the Hill Maw there is a land Mesoamerica in which the stones were held
subject to becoming desolate (Eth 7:6). together or
Conversely, the soils surfaced with
near the proposed mortar; but these
Tuxtla Mountains in are not CEMENT
Meso are buildings! In
“exceedingly fertile Southeast Asia (at
because of rich Ayutthaya, e.g.)
volcanic soil” (51, p. ancient weathered
341). (Also see Hela red brick structures
3:5,6) (See Map C). can still be seen (61,
p. 48).
91. CEMENT.
A soft sticky 93.
substance that dries SYNAGOGUES.
hard or stone-like; Israelites first built
used especially for and used
making things synagogues in
Southeast adhere (Webster). The lateritic soils of Babylonia after
Asian The stone
temples
southern Burma contain weathered clays their exile in 597 B.C. (22; 15, p. 579). Yet buildings of
are made and reddish brown oxides of iron and they are mentioned in 2 Ne 26:26 about Mesoamerica
with aluminum which, when dried, become hard are not
bricks
50 years later (BofM footnote). Having left
cement
(cement?) and impermeable and brick-like (Buol, S.W. Palestine in 600 B.C., information about buildings.
and et. al. (1989) Soil Genesis and Classification.
carvings...
synagogues must have been taken to them
Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames, Iowa. p. 289). in the Land of Promise. It would have been
So the Desolation of Mala would have virtually impossible for the delivery man to
provided an abundance of ‘cement.’ have found them 16,000 miles away at an
Conversely, the volcanic soils near the Tuxtla unknown location in Meso. But there is
mountains (in Meso) remain granular and good evidence of exiles having travelled as
permeable upon being dried and/or heated. far as Southeast Asia (1).
v x
94. MATTHEW. Third Nephi has Authors
have
many verbatim accounts from the Gospel written on
of St. Matthew. The following account rocks and
metal
makes it much easier to accomodate these plates in
accounts in Mala than in Meso: Eusebius Southeast
relates that a famous philosopher and Asia.
Metal was
Christian named Pantaenus found in India, not used
among those who retained the knowledge in Meso in
BofM
of Christ, the Gospel of St. Matthew written times.
out by St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve
apostles (44, p. 58). It could have easily gone
a bit farther to S.E. Asia. When faced with
96. SILK. Book of Mormon people
reformed Egyptian symbols pertaining to
had an abundance of silk (Eth 9:17; 10:24;
Matthew’s writings, Joseph Smith can be
Alma 1:29; 4:6). Silk arts were developed in
excused for using familiar Matthew script as
China in 2640 B.C. Silk was an extremely
he dictated to his scribe.
valuable commodity but, it’s production
remained an Oriental secret until the time
95. DEUTERO-ISAIAH. Chapters
of Justinian (527-565 A.D.) (16; 13, p. 201). I
1-38 of the Book of Isaiah were written by
have seen no convincing evidence for silk,
Isaiah in Palestine. Chapters 40-66 were
silkworms, mulberry plants or production
reportedly written by another Prophet
secrets from ancient America. As a site which
(Deutero-Isaiah) while in exile after 597 B.C.
traded with China, the Malay Peninsula
(22, p. 44). Passages from Isaiah 48-51 can
provides a far more likely setting for an
be found in 1 Ne 20, 21 and 2 Ne 7, 8 so how
abundance of silk than does Mesoamerica.
could Book of Mormon authors have
See next Section 97.
learned of the Deutero-Isaiah writings,
having left Palestine in 600 B.C.? If the Book
97. ZHENLA. In ancient times, the
of Mormon people had been in America, it
Chinese referred to two realms with which
would have been virtually impossible. But
they traded named Funan and Zhenla (14,
the Encyclopedia Judaica reports that the
p. 376). White and Garrett suggest that the
exiles were free to travel and became widely
realms may have reached into the Malay
scattered, even to Sinim (Isa 49:12) (22, p.
Peninsula (60, p. 292). Could Zhenla have
47). Sinim may have been China (Bible
been Zarahemla? The reference to ‘Land
Dictionary). So exiles could have reached
Zhenla’ and ‘Water Zhenla’ by the Chinese
Mala with Deutero-Isaiah records.
may correctly indicate that they could reach
v x
Zhenla by land or by sea. No known place amounts of barley and other grains under
names in Mesoamerica match Book of cultivation (Msh 9:9). They were plentiful
Mormon names as well. enough to have been used as a means for
exchange (Alma 11:7). Conversely, no
98. GOLDEN CHERSONESE. evidence of cultivation of barley or of other
Harrison refers to Ptolemy’s map of the small grains has been found in Mesoamerica.
southern Asian coast extending to the Malay
Peninsula (Golden Peninsula) (25, p. 11). The 100. SCRIPT ON GOLD SHEETS.
map was published about 150 A.D. The In 1758 a leader in Burma wrote a letter on
name serves to emphasize the abundance a sheet of gold to the King of England (25,
of gold and other valuable gems and p. 149). In accord with Mala, this indicates
minerals. that leaders in Southeast Asia were familiar
T h e with techniques used by Book of Mormon
inaccurate leaders to inscribe gold plates. To the best
map also of my knowledge, no sheets of gold, with or
provides without script, have ever been found in
evidence Mesoamerica. Chersonese (the golden
that up peninsula) appropriately had an abundance
until 150 of gold.
A.D. the 101. CHRONOLOGY. One of many
voyage chronological problems for Meso is the lack
was too of any advanced civilization which dates
difficult back to early Book of Mormon times (about
to have 3,000 B.C.). Soon after the Jaredites arrived
Precious become well known, even to experienced &
metals in the Promised Land, they became
were knowledgeable sailors (See Map A). engaged in agriculture and metal
abundant
in Asia,
99. BARLEY AS MONEY. The production (Eth 10:23). Larson reports that
but not in
Meso- Ramayana of India (6th century B.C.) metallurgy did not appear in Mesoamerica
america.
makes reference to the Malay Peninsula as until the 9th century A.D. (31, p. 257). Mala
the Suvarna-dvipa (golden peninsula) and provides a much better setting. Bellwood
the Yava-dvipa (barley peninsula) (25, p. 10). reports that the metal age may have
The reference to barley is of special interest. arrived in Thailand before 3,000 B.C. (6, p.
Book of Mormon people had ample 180).

v x
102. MINING, METALLURGY AND LJ
METAL WORKING. Both the Jaredites
and the Nephites made all manner of Bayard reports cultivation of
metallic tools and weapons (Jar 1:8; Eth legumes and other crops by
10:25-27). Supporting evidence in prehistoric 10,000 B.C.; rice by 3,500 B.C.;
times for the Malay Hypothesis is provided bovines and possibly pigs at the
by Higham (27). It includes: crucibles, same date; iron tools have been
casting, molds, implements (p. 102), copper dated at about 1,340 B.C.; bronze
and tin ingots (p. 117); mining pits for copper may have been in use by about
(p. 147); iron spear blade and knife (p. 156); 3,000 B.C. in Thailand (5, p. 151).
spears, axes (p. 168); bronze sickle (p. 181);
iron hoe, arrowheads, chisels, knives (p. 204). LJ
Larson reports that no evidence of any of
these 103. SPICY FOODS. At the time of
items the Spanish invasion, natives in Mexico
h a s relished chili peppers; nothing was eaten
been without them (18, p. 172). Conversely, Book
found of Mormon people referred to favorite bland
i n foods such as wine and milk (2 Ne 9:50)
Meso and to milk and
america honey (2 Ne 26:
(24, p. 25). There is no
256). reference to
spicy foods in
the Book of
Mormon. To
make matters
Notice LJ worse for Meso,
horses, a n c i e n t
swords
ad “We are still left with virtually Americans had
shields in the entire span of time covered by access to very limited amounts of honey and
this
Mala Book of Mormon events with no no domesticated animals for milk.
war
depic-
metallurgy in the area chosen by
tion. Sorenson.” Deanne G. Matheny.
LJ

v x
104. MAGUEY (AGAVE). This is a Circumcision is practiced (p. 355, 360).
large plant which was grown using hand Purification ceremonies using water were
tools and requiring no work animals or performed at birth, adolescense, marriage,
tillage equipment. It was an extremely sickness, death and
important crop in Central America which other critical times (p.
was used for paper, the intoxicating beverage 278). Mesoamerica
‘pulque’, thatch for dwellings, thread, cord, had no group with
rope, needles (from spines), and food (from close ties to the Book
of Mormon or the
roots). Engravings of the esteemed plant
Middle East.
have been found in stone at Teotihuacan
(23, p. 13). They attest to its importance. LJ
Lack of mention of the plant or any of its
The Lehites
multiple uses in the Book of Mormon is one
were led to a Land
more indication that Book of Mormon of Promise that
events occurred elsewhere. they should be
“scattered upon
105. SEMANGS. According to Mala, all the face of the
the Semangs of southern Malaysia are black earth” (1 Ne
‘Lamanites’ (not genetically). During Book 10:13). He leadeth away the
of Mormon times the Lamanites had righteous into precious lands (1 Ne
become converted and knowledgeable 17:38). Every one to flee “into his
(Alma 17:4; 4 Ne 1:2). Many of their primitive own land” (2 Ne 23:14).
beliefs and customs are therefore of great
LJ
interest. Some indicating a Middle East
background include these from W. W. Skeat 106. LAMMEULA. During battles
(in Reference 49) on the pages shown: with Nephites many Lamanites were slain
and driven and scattered abroad (Alma
God provided life to Adam (p. 21) and 25:3; 28:2-3; 50:7). Across the narrow Strait
placed him in Paradise (p. 22). Restoration of Malacca from Lamanite lands at the
of life is possible (p. 29). Royal blood was southern end of the Malay Peninsula there
thought to be white (Nephite?) (p. 37). Vows is an island of Sumatra. Near the northwest
are made at a Holy Place (p. 81-2). Rites end of Sumatra, there is a city of Lammeula
include prayer, sacrifice, purification, fasting, (Lemuel?) indicating that they may have
divination, burning incense and sacrifices (p. fled there. The city and location provide
73). Anointing is practiced (p. 79). preferential supporting evidence for Mala
over Meso.
v x
107. AINU. Ancient Mesopotamians LJ
had an Anu as head of the Pantheon (the
The Karens of southern
gods of the people). Followers may have
Burma may be descendants of
used the name Anu as do Christians who
Book of Mormon people who fled
follow Christ. Ainus migrated to northern
north from the peninsula to
Japan in prehistoric times (20, p. 372). These
escape warfare. They call their
white people migrated as Ainoids (now
mountainous land a place of
Ainus) from Malaysia to Japan (40, p. 264).
refuge. Mason, an early explorer,
Specialists are encouraged to pursue this
provides supporting evidence (33)
lead. Their beliefs, appearance, behavior,
on pages indicated:
language, etc. suggest that they may have
been Book of Mormon people. LJ
108. MORONI. In frightful battles 110. LINEN (p. 91). Karens had linen
the Nephites were nearly annihilated about as did Nephites (Msh 10:5) and Jaredites (Eth
400 A.D. (Morm 4:19). Moroni and other 10:24). There was neither flax nor linen in
Chickens
survivors were fleeing for their lives (Morm Mesoamerica. They were found only in the were
4:22; 5:7). Amazingly, scholars inform us Old World. indig-
enous to
that about 400 A.D. Madagascar was SE Asia.
settled by people from Southeast Asia (8, p. 111. GRAINS (p. 145). Karens had There
14). Of great interest is the existence of a wheat and barley, as did Book of Mormon were
none in
city of Morondava on Madagascar and a people (Msh 9:9; Alma 11:7, 15). In ancient
city of Moroni on an off-shore island! The Mesoamerica they had no cultivated wheat Meso-
accounts provide very convincing support for or barley. america.
Mala. Meso has no way to accomodate this

evidence. 1 1 2 .
ANIMALS.
109. GOLD PLATES. Moroni Karens had
presumably still had the gold plates given pigs and
him by Mormon (Morm 6:6). It would have chickens (p.
been a far easier task to sail with them from 240), cows
Madagascar to New York than to carry (p. 247),
them on foot from Mesoamerica, several sheep and
thousand miles. They may have weighed goats (p.
about 200 pounds. 247) Zebu
cattle, oxen,

v x
and water buffalo* (p. 248), horses and asses ziggurats of Central America are stone
(p. 241-244), elephants (p. 239). Book of structures. Although mortar was used in
Mormon people had most, if not all, of them. some structures, they were not cement
Mesoamerica had none of them. structures.
116. HEBREW. Mason drew an
113. METALS. The
extended parallelism between their
Karens had gold in
language and Hebrew; early missionaries
abundance, silver and lead
thought they belonged to the Jewish race
(p. 36), copper, rich iron ores
(p. 300). Ancient Mesoamerican languages
(p. 38) and large tin deposits
show no similarities to Hebrew.
(ziff?) (p. 40). Book of
Mormon people had them 117. NOAH. The Karens had
but not Mesoamericans (see knowledge of Noah and the flood (p. 441).
Some
Section 102). Matheny So, like Book of Mormon people, they were Hebrew
reports that Mesoamerica familiar with the Bible. I have found no letters
appear on
does not appear to have reference to Noah or to other Old this
had the great wealth of Testament literature in ancient American metallic
inscription
metallic ores described in the Book of records. plate.
Mormon (34, p. 287).
1 1 8 .
114. FRUITS. The Book of Mormon K A R E N
people took all manner of seeds on their INSCRIPTION
voyages. This would surely have included PLATE. An
grains and fruits. The Karens had many inscribed metal
Middle East fruits (See Section 52). There is plate made of
no evidence of Mideast fruits in ancient copper and gold
Mesoamerica. is handed down
from father to
115. CEMENT. The Karens had son. It has been
lateritic soil material for making bricks (p. kept by the Karens. Some Hebrew letters
24). This could be the cement used in are inscribed on it and it serves as a talisman
construction (Section 92). The huge by which the chief held power over the
______________________________________________________________________________________
people (9, Vol. 10, pp. 172-7) (See Alma 63:11-
* These may be the cureloms and cumons mentioned in
the BofM. It says they were as useful as the horses and 13). No Hebrew lettering and no metal
elephants. The Meso area had no work animals at all. plates have been found in Mesoamerica.

v x
119. MIDEAST WRITING. Ancient Another province is Sai-rai (after Lehi’s
and modern writing in the Burma area was wife, Sariah?) (p. 308). Farther north there
derived from Aramaic and Phoenician is a city of Leh (Lehi?) (p. 308). They did
forms, taken ultimately from the Egyptian* not believe all the words of God (brass
(reformed Egyptian?); Semitic letters are plates?) so they separated.
found on plates held together with rings (38,
p. 120). Note similarity to those described 122. KARENS AS ISRAELITES.
by Joseph Smith. No Mideast script has been Richardson (46) provides intriguing support
found in Mesoamerica. for Karens as Israelites:
120. JEWISH AFFINITIES. The God was called Y’wa; He is perfect and
Karens display such astonishing cultural eternal (p. 76). Karens know of the Genesis
affinities with the Jews that some account of the Garden of Eden, the devil,
have claimed them to be of the temptation, eating of forbidden fruit
Jewish origin (38, p. 121)! Nibley and becoming subject to death (p. 77). They
has noted that their history may know of Moses striking a rock to get water
parallel Lehi’s in more ways than and many of their rules of conduct are similar
one (ibid.). The observations to Biblical
provide strong preferential rules (p. 81).
support for Mala over Meso. I T h e i r
have found no Jewish cultural forefathers
affinities in ancient Mesoamerican had lost a
references. book long
121.KAREN--BofM ago (Nephite
CONNECTIONS. Cross (17) records?) and,
provides supporting evidence for Mala on since time
the pages indicated: immemorial,
Karens had a city named Sami (after the Karens
Nephite Sam?) (p. 305). A nearby province had been
is called Canaines (Canaan?) (p. 308). expecting a
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
white brother (Moroni?) to return with it (p.
* Could this be ‘reformed Egyptian’ script used in
74). When the Karen King arrives, there will
inscriptions on the gold plates? (Morm 9:32) (Lamanites
and Nephites?). They became enemies to each other. The be neither rich nor poor (p. 80). The deliverer
younger brother (Nephi?) is called the white westerner; he
begs them to return (p. 305). (The Nephites came from was to be a white foreigner who was to come
the west (Palestine)). across the western sea (p. 80). When the
God conveyed the white race (Moroni and
survivors?) to a country to the West (Madagascar? See first Christian missionaries came to the
Section 108) (And then to America?). Karens, many thousands were converted.
v x
LJ 125. DIRECTION. Traditionally, we
Mormons have thought the Polynesians
POLYNESIANS. The migrated in a generally westward direction
evidence of science regarding the across the Pacific. Virtually all evidence,
Polynesians has raised many however, indicates that migrants sailed in a
serious questions about traditional generally eastward direction across the
Mormon beliefs. The Polynesian Pacific (15, pp. 88-98). The evidence favors
problems provide a golden Mala over Meso (See Map E).
opportunity to demonstrate the
usefulness and apparent LJ
authenticity of the Malay Those who think Jaredites
Hypothesis. could have sailed non-stop across
the entire Pacific with no
123. POLYNESIAN ORIGIN. navigational experience might
Traditionally, Mormons have thought that consider this: Polynesians were
Polynesians originated in America. Virtually some of the best celestial
all evidence of science indicates they came navigators of all time. Not until
from Southeast Asia (15). The evidence about 800 A.D. did they manage
preferentially supports Mala (see Map E). to reach easternmost
isles from nearby
124. CHRONOLOGY. Traditionally islands maybe 1,000-
2,000 miles away.
we Mormons have thought that the
Polynesians began settlements at the time LJ
of Hagoth about 50 B.C. (Alma 63:5-6).
But the islands closest to the Americas were 126. PLANTS.
Important plants on the
some of the last to be settled (about 800
Pacific Islands included taro, yam, sweet
A.D.) (15, pp. 88-98). Mala proposes that
potato, coconut, breadfruit, banana,
Book of Mormon people ‘hived off’ the
pandanus, gourd, and Tahitian chestnut (54,
Malay Peninsula from time to time during p. 104). With the exception of sweet potato,
the Book of Mormon period (3,000 B.C. to all were indigenous to Southeast Asia. So
400 A.D.) and slowly migrated from island the plant evidence clearly supports Mala over
to island during a period of many hundreds Meso. The sweet potato may have been
of years. Mala accomodates the chronology obtained in a round-trip voyage from the
evidence very well (See Map E). islands. Polynesians are known to have made
round-trip voyages to other lands.
v x
127. ANIMALS. Polynesian migrants 129. MORTAL IMPERFECTIONS.
took dogs, pigs, and chickens on their Pacific Many church leaders have stated that
voyages (54, p. 103). Both pigs and chickens Polynesians are descendants of Nephites
were indigenous to Southeast Asia. There who migrated westward from the Americas
were no pigs or chickens in Mesoamerica, so into the Pacific (15, pp. 88-98). This creates
the evidence preferentially supports Mala several problems because the evidence of
o v e r science clearly indicates that Polynesians
Meso. migrated eastward from Southeast Asia
D o g s across the Pacific. The Malay Hypothesis
w e r e allows us to resolve matters. Some would
apparently have been descendants of Nephites but they
present migrated eastward from Southeast Asia.
in both
Old and LJ
N e w
Worlds. Like all new hypothesis,
Mala should be scrutinized for
errors by unbiased and
knowledgeable persons.
Oxen,
cows, LJ
sheep, 128. DNA EVIDENCE indicates a
swine, and
goats were “close link between Southeast Asia and 130. NEPHITE (?) ISLANDERS.
domesti- Oceanic populations”. Meso provides no way Available evidence indicates that prehistoric
cated in
to link the Book of Mormon people with Semitic people migrated from Southeast
Southeast
Asia, but Southeast Asia. “A generally eastern Asia to isles of the Pacific (26, p. 18). The
not in migration of small founding groups that original settlers of Tonga, the Society Islands,
America,
during
colonized the islands” is indicated (54, p. 108). the Marquesas and Easter Island were white
BofM Malay proposes that people went from (ibid). Early European explorers found many
times. Southeast Asia to the islands (and then on Islanders who were bearded and had almost
to America). The Book of Mormon white skins. Whole families had remarkably
migrants may have become genetically pale white skins, hair varying from reddish
blended with others or may have later been to blonde, blue-gray eyes and Semitic
annihilated. hook-nosed faces. Their features indicate
no inter-racial mixing as practiced by
faithful Hebrews (ibid.) (Deut 7:3).
v x
131. LAMANITE (?) ISLANDERS. In traditional hypotheses, Jaredites and
In contrast to the appearance of the white Lehites made non-stop voyages from the
islanders, others had brown skins, raven hair, Middle East to America. The voyages took
and rather flat, pulpy noses (26, p. 18). 344 days and ‘many’ days respectively. In
Lamanites engaged in interracial mixing so Mala, they made many stops in ‘coast
in slowly migrating through the islands of hugging’ voyages along the southern coast
Micronesia and Melanesia their features may of Asia. Many hundreds of years were then
have been further altered. spent on the Malay Peninsula. Occasionally
small groups slowly migrated eastward from
132. UR. Abraham originated in Ur island to island across the Pacific. They
in Mesopotamia (Genesis 11:26-29). So all interacted with many before arriving in
Book of Mormon people probably revered America.
this “father of the faithful.”
Ancient white men in the Pacific region The following
had a white god named Tiki (Cole, W.A. & examples of
E.W. Jensen (1961). interactions are
Israel in the Pacific. considered to be
Genealogical Soc., preferentially
S.L.C. p. 173). Tiki supportive of Mala:
had twin sons
named Uru and 133. URU. In Peru there was a people
Uru-te-ngangana. called Uru (Cole and Jensen, p. 170). As
Polynesians indicated in section 131, this indicates a
claimed descent connection to Babylonia and Polynesia.
from them (ibid.).
The names are 134. BOTTLE GOURD. The Bottle
thought to have been derived from the Gourd is probably indigenous to Africa or
ancestral home of Ur! The Maori called
Southern Asia. Mason (33, p. 138) reports that
their ancient homeland ‘Uru.’ Hawaiians
it was grown in the Tenasserim Region in
called theirs ‘Uru-nui’ (ibid.). Red haired
islanders called themselves ‘Urukehu’ (26, p. Burma. It was apparently taken from there
18). Having come from Southeast Asia, the to Pacific Isles (where it was called ‘kimi’)
Polynesian accounts provide support for and to Central America and to Peru; in both
Mala and for the Book of Mormon being places it was called ‘kimi’ (40, p. 56). This
an authentic account of people from the evidence clearly indicates a connection in
Middle East. support of Mala over Meso.
v x
LJ
135. COCONUT PALM. This plant
was taken from Oceania to Peru and to Sorenson and Raish have
Panama (26, p. 104). The evidence is summarized an impressive number
preferentially supportive of Mala over Meso. of articles and cultural traits
indicating Trans-Pacific migrations
(53). Since the evidence of science
136. BANANA. In southern Burma,
indicates that virtually all
the ancient term for banana was ‘mauza’
migrations went EASTWARD
whereas the Arabian name is ‘mauz’ (33, p.
across the Pacific, almost all items
115). This link between the Middle East and went from the Old World across
Southeast Asia provides preferential support the Pacific Ocean to the New
for Mala over Meso. World. THE ITEMS THEREFORE
PROVIDE SUPPORTING
137. PINEAPPLE. In the Tenasserim EVIDENCE FOR THE MALAY
area of southern Burma the pineapple was HYPOTHESIS. A few of many of
called ‘Nanat’ and ancient Peruvians called the items in the Sorenson/Raish
it ‘Nanas’ (33, p. 184). A migration in accord report are included below: Those
with the Malay Hypothesis is indicated. It providing preferential support for
might be noted that Meso makes no Mala over Meso are listed below
provision for Book of Mormon people (Sorenson’s numbering system is
stopping in the Tenasserim area and used). None of the American
proposes that they migrated to Hypotheses propose that Book of
Mesoamerica. . . not to Peru. Mormon people migrated from
America to Southeast Asia and
138. MAORIS OF NEW ZEALAND. there is no scientific evidence of
According to their traditions, the Maoris westward migrations.
came from the northwest (Cole, W.A. and NOTE: THERE IS SCIENTIFIC
E.W. Jensen (1961) Israel in the Pacific. EVIDENCE THAT THE
Genealogical Soc., S.L.C., p. 179). Their FOLLOWING ITEMS
revered ancestor, Tiki, was made of red ORIGINATED IN THE OLD
earth or red clay (ibid.). The Malay WORLD AND WERE TAKEN TO
Peninsula provides an appropriate red earth THE NEW WORLD BY
setting in the northwest direction. MIGRANTS.
Mesoamerica does not.
LJ

v x
139. YAMS. Yams originated in 143. SIMILAR STONE AXES,
southern and Southeastern Asia. From ATLATL HOOKS, SHELL DISCS,
there they were taken to Oceania. The DECORATIONS on METAL, and EAR
ancient name was ‘ubi.’ In eastern Polynesia PENDANTS in Indochina (Southeast Asia)
it became ‘uhi.’ In Columbia and elsewhere and Ecuador (C-231). Unlike Mala, Meso
in South America it was also known as ‘uhi.’ proposes no contact between Book of
The myth of the origin of the name in S.E. Mormon peoples and either Southeast Asia
Asia and in America is the same. Mala or Eduador.
provides an appropriate setting. Meso does
not (C-036). Yams were apparently not 144. BATIK MAKING in America is
taken to Mesoamerica. comparable to that of Southeast Asia (C-
417). So Mala is preferentially supported.
140. CHRONOLOGY. Most Mala proposes extended contact of Book
oceanic migrants reached America about of Mormon people with Southeastern Asians
the time of Christ (not at the time of the for learning Batik making and twilling. Meso
Jaredites (3,000 B.C.) or the Lehites (600 proposes no contact.
B.C.) (C-285 and S-315). The evidence favors
145. TWILLING. A unique
Mala because it proposes that small groups
technique of plaiting baskets was used in
‘hived off’ the Malay Peninsula and finally
Southeast Asia, Indonesia and in the New
reached the Americas after migrating from
World (C-133).
island to island over a period of many
hundreds of years. 146. LANGUAGE. The Polynesian
language extended from Madagascar,
141. PLANTS. Yams, taro, sugar cane Malaysia, Polynesia and to America (E-064).
and bananas indicate contact between Language similarities extending from
coastal Asia, the Pacific Isles and America Madagascar across the Pacific and to the
(C-346). Unlike Mala, Meso proposes little Americas provides excellent support for Mala
or no contact with coastal Asians or the over Meso.
Pacific Isles. Mala provides the best match.
147. ENLARGED EAR LOBES.
142. IKAT DYEING. This unique Adding weights to ear lobes was practiced
dyeing process is found in Southwest Asia, in Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Easter Island,
Madagascar and pre-Columbia America Peru and Mexico (H-098). This bizarre and
(S-444). Meso proposes fast voyages and no painful practice is not likely to have been
contact at all with Madagascar. Mala initiated separately. A cultural connection,
provides the best match. as proposed in Mala is supported.
v x
148. BARK CLOTH preparation and 152. THE FEATHERED SERPENT
use in America may have come from SYMBOL apparently originated in ancient
Malaysia (B-441). Mala provides for transfer Egypt (J-013). Egyptians worshipped a rain
of Malaysian cultural items to America. god depicted as a plumed serpent (C-375).
Meso does not. Those (Mormons) who propose that the
serpent represents Jesus are apparently in
149. MACUAHUITL in Central error. In Genesis 3:1-13, the devil is called a
America was a wooden club with sharp serpent.
obsidian fragments as inserts. In Oceania
they had similar clubs with shark tooth 153. THE UNUSUAL CHACMOOL
inserts (C-045). Ancient Americans had no FIGURES have parallels in India, Southeast
steel swords (cimeters, scimitars?). A wooden Asia, Polynesia and Central America (F-
club is not a steel sword nor even a wooden 065). The Chacmool figure is too unique to
sword. The Book of Mormon refers to swords have been created independently. A link
(Eth 7:9; 2Ne 5:14-15; Enos 1:20). Lack of between these sites, as proposed in Mala, is
metal swords in Mesoamerica is a critical indicated.
limitation of Meso. They were made and
used in the Orient. 154. PARASITE. There is a parasite
in the Orient and in the Americas that could
150. NAMES OF METALS, only be carried by humans and could not
CERAMICS, TEXTILES, COLOURS, have survived a Bering Strait crossing because
PLANTS and other things in Peru and of the cold climate (Vestal, K.H. & A. Wallace
Chile are similar to those in S.E. Asia (C- (1981) The Firm Foundation of Mormonism.
238). The Mala concept of many Lands of LL Co., L.A., CA) p. 113). The evidence
Promise is supported by finding similar ‘makes inescapable’ the conclusion that men
names of objects in Southeast Asia and in reached South America from Oceania or
various places in America. Southeast Asia (F-120).
151. WORDS in Peru have interesting 155. MOTIF connections between

similarities to words in Polynesia and America and Southeast Asia is ‘established
Malaysia (C-240). Words are of special fact.’ They include: lotus, makara,
interest because of the extreme unlikelihood kirtmukha, cosmic tree, gods standing on
of the same name being chosen for an crouched human figures, Atlantean figures,
object or idea in two widely separated elephant headed gods, etc. (F-217).
regions.

v x
156. CYLINDRICAL DRUMS with (L-271B). I am very reluctant to think of a
skin membranes, conch trumpets, musical snake as an object for worship by Israelites
bows, pan pipes and wooden signal drums or Christians. In the Bible, Satan is called a
link S.E. Asia, Oceania and Peru (H-074B). s e r p e n t
(Genesis 3:13).
Even at the
time ofMoses,
the Lord sent
fiery serpents
among the
Israelites and
they bit
people (Num
21:6).
159. AN
EAGLE-
They
SEIZING-SERPENT MOTIF went from wor-
the Middle East to Southeast Asia and then shiped
the
into the Pacific and to America (W-219). serpent
157. THE BLOWGUN was invented Interestingly, the serpent motif was taken with
This in Southeast Asia. It spread from there to along the same route proposed in the Malay huge
snake likenesses
was Madagascar, Melanesia, South America and Hypothesis and the motif depicts the serpent in Meso.
perched Middle America (J-072). The blow gun is a as a frightful creature.
above very unusual hunting device, not likely to
the diners
at a have been independently created. It’s spread
160. ARAUCANIANS of Chile had
restau- to the places indicated is supportive of Mala.
rant. unique chickens in an area called Arauco.
1 5 8 . They came from Southeast Asia. Of special
S N A K E interest is an area called Arracan in southern
WORSHIP was Burma (L-069B). Chickens were indigenous
practiced by to the Old World. The unique chicken and
cults in the the unique name of the areas almost
Pacific, Peru, certainly indicate a connection. Note that
Ecuador, Bolivia, the chicken was not taken to Mesoamerica.
Columbia, Chile
and elsewhere

v x
161. LANGUAGE spread from LJ
Southeast Asia to Japan (Ainu) and
Gordon F. Ekholm,
elsewhere around the Pacific (R-117). Semitic
archaeologist, American Museum
inscriptions have been found in Japan (T-
of Natural History, has written: I
063).
am inclined to believe that there
may have been some historical
162.OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE
connection between the peoples of
indicates the derivation of early American
Middle America and those of
culture from Southeast Asia (S-319).
southern Asia and thus indirectly
with early peoples in the Near East
163. THE MALAY HYPOTHESIS
(31, p. 71).
provides a reasonable way to account for
the cultural links between the Middle East, LJ
Southern Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania and
the western shores of America. It proposes 164. PALENQUE. Joseph Smith
that Book of Mormon peoples lived for identified Palenque (Mexico) as a Nephite
hundreds of years in Southeast Asia. Meso is city (Larson p. 21-22). The earliest Palenque
committed to buildings were constructed about 600 A.D.
fast, non-stop (ibid.). This creates a serious problem for Meso
voyages to because the Nephites had been annihilated
America with in 385 A.D. (Morm 6). Mala provides a
little or no reasonable explanation: The annihilation
c u l t u r a l occurred on the Malay Peninsula but some
interactions had ‘hived off’ and were reaching the eastern
while enroute. Pacific about 600 A.D.
Note: Many
c u l t u r a l 165. POLYNESIAN LANGUAGE.
innovations In good accord with Mala, Key has reported,
could have been “The languages of Polynesia contain
Elaborate elements also found in North and South
offerings introduced into the Americas by only a few
are still migrants. The DNA of the migrants may American languages that suggest distant
proffered.
not be readily detectible in America either historical connections” (29, p. 1). Note that
owing to their small numbers mixing with a they spread eastward and went to multiple
large indigenous population or to their near sites in America, not just to Mesoamerica.
annihilation as unwelcome migrants. The evidence is preferentially supportive of
Mala.

v x
166. AZTEC HEBREW. The Aztec (Morm 8:2; 8:9). Mala can accomodate the
culture began near Mexico City in the 13th scripture because small groups of these
century (long after BofM times) (34, p.282). people hived off the Malay Peninsula prior
Stubbs has reported possible linguistic to the final battles and went elsewhere,
connections between Hebrew and Uto- including to Isles of the Pacific and to sites in
Aztecan (55). The evidence is quite America.
compatible with Mala (a migrating Hebrew 169. DNA EVIDENCE. Mala is
group in the Pacific finally reaching the apparently compatible with DNA evidence.
American shores) but is not compatible at The Lamanite DNA was effectively lost when
all with Meso (with regard to origin, time of the Laman and Lemuel families blended
arrival, or location). Mexico City is northwest with the large Semang population on the
from Mesoamerica. Malay Peninsula. Nearly all Jaredites and
Nephites were killed in the final battles. Only
167. MORONI said the Book of a few of each had migrated to the Pacific
Mormon gives an account of former and to America and they may have either
inhabitants of America (not necessarily all!) blended with others while enroute or been
and the SOURCES FROM WHENCE THEY killed after their arrival by indigenous
SPRANG (History of the Church I, p. 12). This populations.
creates a problem for Meso because Meso is ruled out as a reasonable
advocates propose that all Native Americans hypothesis because it proposes that all
sprang from the Middle East and there is Amerindians are of Lamanite descent (Intro.
virtually no description of Mideast sources. to BofM). DNA evidence clearly indicates
Mala can accomodate the statement of that very few, if any, are of Lamanite
Moroni: a FEW Book of Mormon people descent. This is very decisive evidence!
migrated to America and there is excellent
coverage of the sources from whence they 170. CIMETERS (SCIMITARS).
sprang on the Malay Peninsula. Book of Mormon people made swords of
steel (Eth 7:9). Cimeters are mentioned
168. KNOWLEDGE OF SAVIOR. many times in the Book of Mormon (Enos
In Latter Days, knowledge of the Savior was 1:20; Msh 9:16; 10:8; Alma 2:12; 43:18, 20,
to come to the Nephites, the Jacobites, the 37; 60:2; Hela 1:14). Webster’s dictionary
Josephites, and the Zoramites (D & C 3:16- states that scimitars are curved Oriental
17). This scripture provides a serious problem swords. No evidence of metallic swords or
for Meso because nearly all of these peoples, any other type of swords has been found in
according to the Book of Mormon, were America from Book of Mormon times.
killed in the final battles of annihilation Southeast Asia is in the Orient!
v x
174. MANY WATERS. The Hill
171. DIASPORA. DNA evidence
Cumorah was located in a land of many
indicates that members of the Ten Tribes
waters (Morm 6:4). Yorgason reports that
from the Middle East travelled as far east as
the Semitic term “many waters” refers to
Ceylon and the Bay of Bengal (adjoining
“oceans” (Yorgason, B.G. (1989) Little Known
the Malay Peninsula) (54, p. 118). This
Evidences of the Book of Mormon.
provides support for Mala. Some of those
Covenant, Inc., p. 42). The two nearby oceans
who were thought to have gone on as far
and the many islands located in the oceans
as America may have been missionary
of the Hill Maw area provides a more
groups accompanying apostles. They could
suitable setting than does the proposed
have spread beliefs and artifacts and ideas
Tuxtla area in Mesoamerica.
without leaving readily detectable progeny.
175. ZIFF. The Book of Mormon refers
172. OLIVE CULTIVATION. The
to “Ziff,” possibly as a metal or ornament
Book of Jacob provides a lengthy discussion
(Msh 11:3, 8). Of great interest, therefore, is
of details for cultivation of olives (Jac 5, 6).
the report by Yorgason that the term “Ziff”
Olives were indigenous to the Old World.
in Arabic refers to a curved sword somewhat
There is no evidence of them having been
like a scimitar (Old World sword!) (Yorgason,
cultivated in the New World during Book
B.G. (1989) Little Known Evidences of the
of Mormon times. The use of limited space
Book of Mormon. Covenant, Inc., p. 43). It
on the gold plates for this purpose would
is used as a weapon and as an ornament.
have been appropriate in the Old World but
As an untutored boy, Joseph Smith is not
would have been meaningless and of limited
likely to have known of Ziff. The account
value in Mesoamerica.
provides excellent support for his translation
abilities and for the genuineness of the Book
173. PARCHESI. This was a game
of Mormon and the Land of Promise being
played by Hindus of southeast Asia. It was
in the Old World.
also played by ancient Aztecs in America
who called it Patolli. By proposing that Book The BofM has many
of Mormon peoples lived in Southeast Asia references to swords. There
were swords in the Old
for hundreds of years, Mala can World, but not in the New.
accomodate the evidence. In the non-stop
voyages proposed in Meso, there is no
176. APPROPRIATE WORDING.
reasonable way to account for transfer of
President Benson has stated: “The Book of
the game to America.
Mormon was written for us today. God is
the author of the book. It is a record of a
v x
fallen people, compiled by inspired men for Manoron. There is a pass through the hills
our blessings today. Those people never had northeast of Manoron called Maw-daun
the book. . . .it was meant for us.” near the eastern seashore (Eth 14:26). After
(Conference Report, 1975. p. 94). Surely then, fighting, the armies went southward along
the divinely inspired Book of Mormon would the coast. Coriantumr’s troops camped by
not include incorrect terms for directions, the Hill Ramah that night (Eth 15:11). Modern
animals, plants, swords, herds, silk, linen, etc. maps show a Hill Maw in a very appropriate
etc. which raise questions about the location near the east sea. Mesoamerica has
authenticity of the book. Thank heaven the no setting which matches the accounts
Malay Peninsula provides a suitable setting nearly as well.
for the terms used.
179. POISONOUS SERPENTS
177. MULEKITES. The Mulekites CAME FORTH. They poisoned many
walked from Jerusalem to Babylonia as people and caused flocks to flee southward
captives soon after 600 B.C. (Omni 1:15). They (Eth 9:31-35). America had no flocks and
were allowed to travel further and may have no suitable serpents during Book of
walked as far eastward as Sinim (China?) Mormon times. Venomous snakes in
(See Section 171). Omni appropriately reports America do not pursue people or animals.
that they journeyed in the wilderness (Omni The Mala Land Northward had both! The
1:16) and then crossed great waters (the large “Dusky Hamadryad” of southern Burma is
rivers of Burma or the Bay of Bengal?). The a venomous serpent. It is “very fierce and is
Lord brought them into the land north always ready not only to attack, but to
(Hela 6:10). They had become more pursue, when opposed.” (Mason, F. (1852)
numerous than the Nephites as would be Tenasserim. Am Mission Press, Maulmain, p.
expected if only a few Nephites had travelled 345). Skeptics are encouraged to read a
in a small ship. Evidence for Israelites having fascinating account of a Burman being
gone as far as Southeast Asia is provided in chased by one of the serpents. It provides
Reference 1. There is little or no evidence of intriguing support for Mala over Meso and
Mulekites travelling to America. for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.
The odds of Joseph Smith knowing about
178. LAND OF MORON. Near the this serpent and concocting the account in
Land of Desolation, in the Land Northward, Ether are nil.
there was a Land of Moron (Eth 7:6). In
southern Burma there is a city of Manoron 180. CUMORAH. A city of Moroni
and a Hill Manoron. In the final battles, the is located in the Comoros Islands near
Jaredite armies went eastward from Madagascar (See Section 108). The name
v x
‘Comoros’ could easily have evolved from via Southeast Asia and the Islands of the
‘Cumorah.’ There is good evidence for Pacific (24). He writes: “ . . . these things could
migration of people from the Malay area only have evolved after long ages of
to Madagascar including plants, animals, experiment and experience; none of them
language, and musical instruments (8, p. 14) made their appearance in the New World
about 400 A.D.. This was about the time of until about the time of Christ” (24, p. 257).
the final battles of the Nephites when some According to Mala that is about the time
(including Moroni) were being scattered the Book of Mormon peoples would be
(Morm 5:7). The odds of survivors reaching reaching America. Gladwin’s book provides
the Comoros Islands from the Malay area excellent support for Mala over Meso,
(according to Mala) are much greater than particularly with regard to chronology (long
the odds from Mesoamerica (according to after 600 B.C.) and emphasis upon South
Meso). There is no known evidence of a America as Lands of Promise in America.
migration from America to Madagascar.
The names Moroni and Comoros also LJ
provide evidence supporting the “Truth never damages
authenticity of the Book of Mormon and a cause that is just.”
of Joseph Smith as a genuine translator. Mahatma Gandhi.
Joseph is not likely to have had maps with
these names on them. LJ
Blessed be he that shall bring this thing

(Moroni’s gold plates) to light; for it shall be
brought out of darkness unto light,
according to the word of God; Yea, it shall
be brought out of the earth, and it shall
shine forth out of darkness, and come unto
the knowledge of the people; and it shall
be done by the power of God (Mormon
8:16).
181. GLADWIN. Based upon many

unique artifacts and capabilities and
practices, Gladwin proposed that some of
the early Americans migrated from the
Malaysia is still a paradise, a beautiful Land of Promise.
Middle East to Central and South America
v x
Additional Comments Importance of History. Church
leaders and many Mormons believe that
historical authentication of the Book of
Traditionally we Mormons have
Mormon is what shores up Joseph Smith’s
assumed that complimentary comments
prophetic calling and the divine authenticity
about the Land of Promise refer to the
of the L.D.S. Church. Much depends upon
U.SA.. They include: Most choice land (Eth
early visions and revelations of Joseph Smith.
2:7, 10, 12; 2 Ne 1:5); they were to prosper (2
Ross T. Christensen writes: If the Book’s
Ne 1:9); they were to be blessed (2 Ne 1:9);
history is fallacious, its doctrine cannot be
there would be none to molest them (2 Ne
genuine. On the other hand, if the historical
1:9); they were to dwell safely forever (2 Ne
content proves to be correct, by inference,
1:9); it was to be a land of liberty (2 Ne 1:7;
it is impossible that the doctrine could be
Enos 1:10; Alma 36:1; Eth 2:12); there would
incorrect (12, pp. 5-6).
be no captivity (2 Ne 1:7); free from captivity
and bondage (Eth 2:12). In my opinion, the
Importance of Geography. Much
Malay Peninsula matches the accounts
time, effort, and funding have been devoted
better than does Mesoamerica. ‘Thailand,’
to the search for the Land of Promise, most
e.g., means ‘Land of the Free;’ it has never
of it in Mesoamerica. The New World
been ruled by a European country! (Note:
Archaeological Foundation (NWAF), e.g.,
the U.S.A. is NOT IN Mesoamerica!)
was founded in 1952 for this purpose. A
commitment of $200,000 for the first four
Other Sheep Folds. The Gospel is to
years of excavations in Mesoamerica was
roll forth to the ends of the earth (D&C
provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of
65:2). An account of one of Jesus’ visits is
Latter-day Saints (31, p. 50). This and other
provided in 3 Ne 10-29. He refers to both
support since that time provides evidence of
Israelites and Gentiles (e.g. 3 Ne 12-13) and
the importance of geography to LDS
we have traditionally thought of these
Church Leaders.
Israelites as being Book of Mormon people
in America. But Israelites were scattered
Beliefs tend to become firmly
throughout the earth (1 Ne 10:15), including
entrenched especially if frequently recited by
to the Malay Peninsula. With regard to
respected people, even if they are
many items which are mentioned (See
unintentially incorrect. In Pasteur’s time,
Section 88), Mala is a far better site than
diseases were thought to be caused by evil
Meso. I see nothing in 3 Ne Chapters 10-29
spirits. Good behavior was encouraged by
which convincingly shows that Jesus’ visit was
threats of disease. Many erroneous notions
to Mesoamerica.
have been widely accepted. The location of
v x
the Land of Promise MAY BE another belief
about which devoted folks may have been As indicated in this presentation, the
mistaken. Malay Peninsula appears to provide a far
more likely site for Book of Mormon events
Suggesting that an entrenched religious than does Mesoamerica. But I invite
belief MAY BE wrong is not a recommended constructive criticism. Have I erred? Have I
way to win a popularity contest. Authorities overlooked crucial matters? Is there another
threatened to stretch Galileo on the rack site which is even more promising? Please
for reporting that he had seen a vast new respond to each of the 180+ arguments
universe with spherical moons orbiting a presented and not to just one or two of
spherical planet. This one problem detected them. In science we try to openmindedly
by Galileo was enough to eventually cause consider new hypotheses and do our best to
rejection of the flat earth hypothesis. help find the truth. Thank heaven some were
In this article I present not just one similarly willing to listen to Joseph Smith
problem with the accepted Mesoamerican when he presented very unusual hypotheses.
Hypothesis. . . but over 180! This, of course,
doesn’t guarantee that the alternative As a final plea to critics, please
Malay Hypothesis is correct. But surely it remember that America is not ruled out as
indicates to any open-minded person that a Land of Promise by the Malay Hypothesis.
the Malay Hypothesis is worthy of America may have had many small Lands
consideration! of Promise as did isles of the Pacific; but the
Land of Promise described by the Book of
When I read the Book of Mormon with Mormon is proposed to be located on the
the Malay Peninsula in mind, I feel far more Malay Peninsula.
confident in its authenticity than I did when
church leaders assured me that the Land of LJ
Promise was somewhere on a land shaped
like an hour-glass and we shouldn’t be Truth shall spring out of
concerned with its location. I hope and pray the earth. Psalms 85:11
that the Malay Hypothesis will be (Mormon’s Gold Plates?)
thoughtfully considered by unbiased
individuals and that more tangible proofs LJ
of the Book of Mormon will be found.
Eternal truths remain to be convincingly
found. Inquiries are encouraged from people
throughout the world.

v x
MAP A
L MAPS J
MAP A. Ptolemy’s map. Ptolemy
shows the seas and coastlines known to the
best sailors of the Middle East in 151 A.D.
Many hundreds of years earlier it is very
doubtful if Book of Mormon migrants
(landlubbers unused to sailing), under far less
favorable conditions, could have gone on
from Southeast Asia and crossed the vast
Pacific Ocean. (4, fig. 11)
LJ
Early theorists correlated

the Polynesians with the
Babylonians, or with the lost
Tribes of Israel. A. Howard.
LJ

v x
MAP B
Pacific Ocean
New Zealand
MAP B. Map of southern Asian
area. This map shows the ideal location
Japan
of the Malay Peninsula (MP) as a site for
the Book of Mormon and as a Dispersal Site.
Philippines
Australia
Arrows depict wind-blown and coupled
ocean currents flowing between the Horn
of Africa and the Malay Peninsula. In the
winter, the wind and the currents reverse di-
rection. China
MP
LJ Burma
Summer Monsoon
Tibet
As a mere mortal, Oliver

India
Cowdery was told that he

Wind
had been blessed with a

sacred gift (Doctrine and
Persian Gulf
Covenants 6:10-11). If he were
Madagascar
to exercise his gift (implying
diligent effort) he would
learn of mysteries that he
Babylon
Arabia
might bring many to the

knowledge of the truth, yea,
that he might convince
Red
Sea
many of the error of their

Palestine
ways (ibid.).
Egypt
Africa
LJ

v x
MAP C
Hill Cumorah
Hill Shim
Teancum
Desolation
Land
MAP C. Map adapted from Northward
Washburns’ Map (52, p. 202). The
Washburn map is based upon internal evi- Narrow Neck of Land
dence in the Book of Mormon. Note the (Bountiful) Bountiful
many similarities between it and the pro-

posed ‘Land of Promise’ on the Malay Pen-
insula.
Mulek
LJ
Zarahemla
“No personal or
place names found in
the Book of Mormon Morianton
have been discovered or
deciphered (in ancient
American ruins).” Stan Antiparah
Moroni
Larson. Manti
LJ Mormon
Narrow Strip of Wilderness
Nephi
Mount
Land Antipas
Southward
Lehite Landing site

v x
MAP D
Land Northward
Cumorah
MAP D. A composite map of

those provided by Clark (13). Clark cre-
ated his map based upon internal evidence Narrow Neck of Land
in the Book of Mormon, it shows the north-
ern part of the Land Southward. In virtu- Bountiful
West Sea East Sea
ally all respects, it matches the Malay Pen-
insula very well.
LJ Mulek
Palmer encourages us to
correct our errors. . . give
Zarahemla
constructive criticism . . .
indicate how your knowledge Sidon
or analysis supports or River
challenges (popular
Antiparah
hypotheses?). . . show how they
fail to satisfy the requirements Manti
of the text (BofM). (Larsen, S.
(1990) The Odyssey of Thomas
Stuart Ferguson. Dialogue. Narrow Strip of Wilderness
Morianton
Vol 23, No. 1, p. 235). Norman
encourages unbiased scholarly
inquiry and Sorenson states,
“No correlation is acceptable
Moroni
which exhibits major flaws
(ibid.).”
Defensive Line
Nephi
LJ

v x
MAP E
America
400 AD
MAP E. Colonization of the lands
of the Pacific (adapted from Bellwood
(6, p. 135). Of great interest is the fact that
700 AD
800 AD
Hawaii
several relevant matters are more consistent
with the Malay Hypothesis than with
Mesoamerican Hypotheses, viz.
300 AD
1) Prior to the times indicated, many
New Zealand
of the islands were uninhabited (BofM
people were to go to uninhabited lands).
900 AD
2) The origin of the migrants was
Southeast Asia (not America).
3) The general direction of the migra-
tions was eastward (not westward).
4) The migrations occurred stepwise
during a period of hundreds of years (not 2500 BC
less than one year).
1000 BC
5) The chronology doesn’t match the

Hagoth account (Alma 63:5) but does
match accounts of some of the more re-
cent cultures in Central America. Hagoth
Australia
travelled about 50 B.C. but people were

going to the easternmost islands about 800
A.D., so there is a huge discrepancy in the
chronology.

v x
MAP F
MAP F. Sorenson’s Map. Sorenson’s
proposed Mesoamerican site for Book of
Mormon lands is enclosed with dashes.
Population centers during the Book of Mor-
mon time period are located with dots. (Ref-
erence: Allen, J. L. (1989) Exploring the
Lands of the Book of Mormon, S.A. Publ.,
p. 246)
Serious problems for Sorenson’s

proposed Book of Mormon geography:
1. The land should be on a peninsula. It is not.

2. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec extends east-
G
west. It should extend north-south.
3. There is no appropriate narrow neck of
B
land.
4. There is no inlet of the West Sea near
D
Desolation. In fact there is not even a West Sea.
5. The main seas in the Book of Mormon are
east and west seas. In his model there is no East Sea
and virtually no West Sea.
6. There is no reasonable ‘narrow strip of
wilderness’ extending from sea to sea.
7. The Land of Desolation should extend to
the West Sea. It doesn’t.
G = Grijalva River
8. The Land of Bountiful should occupy the
D = Desolation
entire narrow neck of land and extend from sea to B = Bountiful
sea. Instead it occupies a small area arbitratrily
located and extending to no sea at all.
9. Impressive ruins have been found beyond
the proposed geopraphy. The Meso model provides
no way to accomodate these ruins.
10. The most populated ‘capital parts of the
land’ were located near the mouth of the Sidon
River. The proposed model provides only one small
city near the mouth of the Grijalva River.

v x
MAP G
Tenasserim (Teancum)
Hill Maw (Hill Ramah)
Manoron (Moron)
Lenya (Lemuel)
Marang (Moroni)
Inlet
MAP G. Olsen’s Map of the Malay (Eth 26 miles (1.5 days)
Peninsula. Olsen’s map shows a few of the 10:20) (Alma 22:32)
proposed locations with current similar
Bountiful
names and also similarities in geography, N EAST SEA
which provide support for the Malay Hy- W
Seas
E
pothesis. S
LJ
(Hela 3:8)
All things shall be made
known. There is nothing secret
save it shall be revealed. There Raman
(Laman)
is nothing sealed upon the WEST SEA
Sidon River (Kelantan)
Baharu (Bountiful)
Puteh (Mulek)
earth save it shall be loosed (2
Tanah Merah (Zarahemla)
Ne 30:16-17).
Marang (Moroni)
LJ Hermounts Tahan
(Manti)
Tapah (Antiparah) Narrow Strip of Wilderness
“We owe almost all our Maran
(Moroni) Kuantan (Morianton)
knowledge not to those who Malim (Mormon)
have agreed, but to those who Line of Possessions
(Alma 50:13)
have differed.” C.C. Colton. Pilah (Nephi)
LJ
Lamanite Land
A Peninsular Setting
(Alma 22:32)

v x
7. Bellwood, P.S. (1985) Pre-history of
the IndoMalaysian Archipelago. Academic
Press, NY.
8. Brown, M. (2000) A History of

Madagascar. Markus Wiener, Princeton, NJ.
L REFERENCES CITED J 9. Bunker, A. (1972) On a Karen

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12. Christensen, R.T. (1960) U.A.S.
3. Ashment, E.H. (1993) A Recording Newsletter, #64, pp. 5-6.
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the Book of Mormon. Signature Books, Nephite Geography. FARMS., Provo, UT.
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14. Claude, J. (1979) ‘Funan,’ ‘Zhenla.’
4. Azimov, I. (1975) The Ends of the The Reality Concealed by these Chinese
Earth. Weybright and Talley, NY. Views of Indochina. Chapter Paper in Smith,
R.B. & W. Watson, eds. Early Southeast Asia.
5. Bayard, D.T. (1979) The Chronology Oxford Univ. Press, NY.
of Prehistoric Metallurgy in Northeast
Thailand. Chapter Paper in Smith R.B. & 15. Clement, R.T. (1980) Polynesian
W. Watson, Early Southeast Asia, Oxford Origins. More Word on the Mormon
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6. Bellwood, P.S. (1979) Conquest of the
Pacific. Oxford Univ. Press, NY. 16. Compton’s Encyclopedia (1966).

v x
17. Cross, E. B. (1854) On the Karens. 29. Key, M.R. (1984) Polynesian and
Journal Oriental Soc., Vol. 40. American Linguistic Connections. Jupiter
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18. de Fuentes, P. (1963) The
Conquistadors. The Orion Press, NY. 30. Kunich, J.C. (1993) Multiply
Exceedingly. Chapter Paper in Metcalfe, B.L.
19. Dobby, E.H.G. (1969) Southeast Asia. (1993) New Approaches to the Book of
Univ. of London Press. Mormon. Signature Books, S.L.C., UT.
20. Encyclopedia Americana (1966) 31. Larson, S. (1996) Quest for the Gold
Grolier, Inc. Plates. Free Thinker Press, S.L.C., UT.
21. Encyclopedia Britannica (1998). 32. MacGowan, K. (1950) Early Man in

the New World. MacMillan, NY.
22. Encyclopedia Judaica (1971) The
MacMillan Co. 33. Mason, F. (1882) Tenasserim. Am.
Mission Press, Maulmain.
23. Florescano, E. (1984) The Myth of
Quetzalcoatl. Johns Hopkins Univ. Press. 34. Matheny, D.G. (1993) Does the Shoe
Fit? A Critique of the Limited Tehuantepec
24. Gladwin, H.S. (1947) Men Out of Geography. In ‘New Approaches to the
Asia. McGraw Hill Co., NY. Book of Mormon. Metcalf, B.L., ed.,
Signature Books, S.L.C., UT.
25. Harrison, B. (1964) Southeast Asia.
McMillan & Co., Ltd. 35. Metcalfe, B.L. (1993) New
Approaches to the Book of Mormon.
26. Heyerdahl, T. (1950) Kon-Tiki. Signature Books, S.L.C., UT.
Permabooks. Garden City, NY.
36. Nemet-Nejat, K.R. (1998) Daily Life
27. Higham, C. (1989) The Archaeology in Ancient Mesopotamia. Greenwood Press.
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Deseret Book Co., S.L.C., UT.
28. Hunter, M.R. & T.S. Ferguson (1950)
Ancient America and the Book of Mormon,
Kolob Book Co., Oakland, CA.
v x
38. Nibley, H. (1980) Lehi in the Desert 47. Roberts, B.H. (1992) Studies of the
and the World of the Jaredites. Bookcraft, Book of Mormon. Signature Books, S.L.C.,
S.L.C, UT. UT.
39. Nibley, H. (1964) An Approach to 48. Schneider, H.K. (1977) Prehistoric

the Book of Mormon. Deseret Book Co., TransPacific Contact and the Theory of
S.L.C., UT. Culture Change. Am. Anthrop 79:9-29.
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Peninsula as the Setting for the Book of Dover Publ., Inc.
Mormon. Copies available in the libraries
at University of Utah, Utah State University., 50. Solheim, W.G. (1971) Southeast Asia.
and Montana State University. New Light on a Forgotten Past. Nat’l.
Geographic Vol. 139, #3.
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Southeast Asia.’ Smith, R.B. & W. Watson, American Setting for the Book of Mormon.
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42. Pendleton, R.L. (1962) Thailand, 52. Sorenson, J.L. (1992) The Geography
Aspects of Landscape and Life. Duell, Sloan, of Book of Mormon Events. A Source Book.
and Pearce, NY. FARMS. Provo, UT.
43. Prescott, W.H. (1893) Conquest of 53. Sorenson, J.L. & M.H. Raish (1990)
Mexico. Vol I, David McKay Publ. PreColumbian Contact with the Americas
Across the Oceans. Research Press, Provo, UT.
44. Prophet, E.C. (1993) The Lost Years
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Uto-Aztecan Connections. In ‘Re-exploring
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v
56. Townsend, G.E. & E. Crane (1973)
History of Apiculture. Chapter Paper in
‘History of Entomology’ R. Smith, ed., Ann. x
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57. Washburn, J.A. & J.N. Washburn

(1939) Book of Mormon Geography. New
Era Publ. Co. L INDEX J
58. Wheatley, P. (1979) Urban Genesis MALA VERSUS MESO
in Mainland Southeast Asia, Chapter Paper A CEMENT BUILDINGS 77

in ‘Early Southeast Asia.’ Smith, R.B. & W. AEGEAN SEA 33
CERAMICS
CHACMOOL FIGURES
102
103
Watson, eds. Oxford Press, NY. AINU 86, 106
AMERICAN ANIMALS FOR FOOD 54
CHARIOTS 56
CHICKENS 87, 94, 105
AMERINDIAN ORIGINS 37 CHRONOLOGY 81, 92, 100, 114
ANIMAL MATTERS 54 CIMETERS 111
59. White, P.T. (1983) Nature’s ANIMALS 87, 94 CIRCUMCISION 85
ANIMALS FOR FOOD 48 COAST HUGGING 32
Dwindling Treasures. Rain Forests. Nat’l ANIMALS, WORK 49 COCONUT PALM 98
ANTIPARAH 69
Geographic, Vol. 163, No. 1, p. 3. ANTIPAS 41
COLORS
COLUMBUS
102
37
ARABIA 31 COMOROS 113
ARAUCANIANS 105 CONSTRUCTION, FLIMSY 61
60. White, P.T. & W.E. Garrett (1971) ASIAN TREK
ASSES
72
88
CORN 57
COWS 87
Southeast Asia. 1. Mosaic of Cultures. Nat’l ATLATL HOOKS
AZTEC HEBREW
101
108
CRUCIBLES 82
CUMORAH 71, 111, 113
Geographic, Vol. 139, #3. B
CURELOMS AND CUMOMS 50
D
BAHARU 67
61. Winterton, B. (1989) The Insider’s BANANA 93, 98 DECORATIONS ON METAL 101
BARK CLOTH 102 DEFENSE 45
Guide to Thailand. Samhwa Printing Co., BARGES, LOG 31 DESERT TREK 31
BARLEY AS MONEY 80 DESOLATION 42, 76
Seoul, Korea. BATIK MAKING 101 DESTINATION 30
BIBLE 84, 89 DEUTERO--ISAIAH 78
BISON 52 DIASPORA 110
62. Zhenla in Southeast Asia: A Past BLOWGUN 104
BOOK OF MORMON LOCATIONS 64
DIRECTIONS 31, 38, 93, 95
DNA EVIDENCE 33, 37, 72, 94, 106, 109
Regained. Time-Life Books, p. 82-83. BOTTLE GOURD
BOUNTIFUL
31, 97
44, 45
DNA (Lamanite) 72
DOGS 54
BRICKS 77, 88 DRAGONS 53
BRONZE 83 DRUMS, CYLINDRICAL 104
C E
CANNIBALISM 63 EAR PENDANTS 101

CASTING 82 EGYPTIAN 90
CEMENT 76, 88 ELEPHANTS 50, 88
A More Promising Land of Promise 141 J
L 140 Dr. Ralph A. Olsen

x
v N SERPENT, EAGLE-SEIZING
SERPENTS
105
63, 103, 104
NAMES AND PLACES 66, 90, 91, 102 SERPENTS, FEATHERED 103
ENLARGED EAR LOBES 101 KNOWLEDGE OF SAVIOR 108 NAMES TEND TO CHANGE 64 SERPENTS, POISONOUS 113
EVIDENCE, OVERWHELMING 106 KUANTAN 67 NARROW NECK OF LAND 43, 44 SHEEP 74
EXPERIMENT 36 NARROW PASS 46 SHELL DISCS 101
L
F NARROW STRIP OF WILDERNESS SHEUM 57
LAMANITE DNA, LACK OF 72 39, MAPS C, D, G SICKLES 56
FEATHERED SERPENT 103 LAMANITE ISLANDERS 96 NARROWER PASS 46 SIDON RIVER 40
FOUR SEAS 45 LAMANITE LANDS 41 NEPHITE ARMIES 73 SILK 56, 79
FRUITS 58, 88 LAMANITE POPULATION 72 NEPHITE ISLANDERS 36, 95 SINIM 78, 112
LAMANITES 37, 85 NEW WORLD PLANTS 59
G STONE AXES 101
LAMANITES, BLACK 60 NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 74 STONE CONSTRUCTION 62
LAMMEULA 85
GARDEN OF EDEN 91 NOAH 89 SMALL GRAINS 57, 87
GEOGRAPHY 117 LAND OF PROMISE 38
LAND TILLAGE 56 SNAKE WORSHIP 104
GLADWIN 114 O
LANGUAGE 38, 101, 106 SOUTHEAST ASIA 92, 93, 94
GOATS 87
LEGUMES 83 SOUTHERN OCEAN 32
GOLD PLATES 81, 86 OCEAN, SOUTHERN 32
GOLDEN CHERSONESE 80 LEHITE VOYAGE 30 SPICY FOODS 83
OLIVE CULTIVATION 110
GRAINS 57, 87 LENYA 70 STONE CONSTRUCTION 62, 89
LINE OF POSSESSIONS 40, 67 ORIENTAL BEHAVIOR 72, 73
GYRES 32, 34, Map B SWINE 74
LINEN 87 ORIENTATION 38
SWORD 102
H LIONS 53
P SYNAGOGUES 77
LOG BARGES 31
HEBREW 89, 95, 108 LONG NECK OF LAND 44
PAHANG RIVER 40, 67 T
HERMOUNTS 41, 69
HILL RAMAH 71 M PALENQUE 107
TAHAN 69
HISTORY 117 PARASITE 103
HONEY 54, 83 MACUAHUITL 102 TANAH MERAH 68
PARCHESI 110
HONEY BEES 51 MADAGASCAR 86 TAPAH 69
MAGELLAN 35
PENINSULAR SETTING 38
HORSES 55, 56, 74 TEMPLE ACTIVITIES 63
MAGUEY 84 PIGS 83, 94
TEMPLES, MODEST 62
I MALAY HYPOTHESIS 25, 106 PILAH 66
TENASSERIM 71
MALIM 66 PINEAPPLE 98
TEXTILES 102
IKAT DYEING 100 MANORON 70 PLANTS 57, 58, 93, 100
INLET OF THE SEA 45 MAORIS OF NEW ZEALAND 98 TIKI 98
PLANTS, NEW WORLD 102
ISOLATION 37 MAPS 120-133 TILLAGE 56
POLYNESIAN LANGUAGE 107
ISRAELITES 91 MARAN 66 TIME CONSTRAINTS 34
POLYNESIAN ORIGIN 36, 92, 95
ISTHMUS OF KRA 43 MARANG 68 TIN 88
POLYNESIANS 92, 93
ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC 43 MATTHEW 78 TRANSLATION 39, 51
MAW, HILL 71
POPULATED AREA 42
TRANSLATION, INSPIRED 51
J MEDICINAL PLANTS 75
R TRANSPACIFIC MIGRATIONS 92
METALS 56, 81, 88
JAGUAR 52 TUXTLA MOUNTAINS 111
MIDEAST CUSTOMS & BELIEFS 84
JAPAN 86, 106
MIDEAST WRITING 90, 108
RAMAH 71, 113 TWILLING 101
JAREDITES, WHITE 60 RAMAN 70 TYPHOONS 47
MILLET 57
JESUS’ SERMON 74 RICE 57
MINING, METALLURGY AND METAL
JEWISH AFFINITIES 90 RUINS 61 U
WORKING 56, 81, 82
K MORON, LAND OF 112
MORONI 86, 108, 114 S UBI 100
KAREN BofM CONNECTIONS 87, 90 MORTAL IMPERFECTIONS 95 UNINHABITED QUARTER 36, 73
KAREN INSCRIPTION PLATE 89 MOTIF 103 SAVIOR, KNOWLEDGE OF 108 UR 96
KARENS AS ISRAELITES 87, 91 MULEK 67 SCATTERING 85 URU 96, 97
KELANTAN RIVER 18, 68 MULEKITES 112 SCIMITAR 111
KIMI 97 SCRIPT ON GOLD SHEETS 81
L 142
SEEDS 55
Dr. Ralph A. Olsen SEMANGS 60, 84
A More Promising Land of Promise 143 J

v
V WORDING 111
WORDS 102
VEGETABLES 58 WRITING, MIDEAST 90, 108
VILLAGE 61
VINEYARDS 59 Y
VOLCANIC EXPLOSION 47
VOLCANIC SOILS 76 Y’WA 91
VOYAGE 34 YAMS 100
YUCATAN 42
W
Z
WATERS, MANY 111
WHEELED VEHICLES 55 ZHENLA 79
WILDERNESS 39 ZIFF 88, 111
WINE 59, 83 ZORAMITES 108
Ralph A. Olsen, PhD., Soil Chemistry,

Cornell University, 1953. Retired Chemis-
try Professor, M S U, Bozeman, MT.
If this condensed version has

captured your interest and you want to
know more, ask questions, or read the
full text of this book published in 1995,
see: www.mormonlocations.com
L 144 Dr. Ralph A. Olsen

A More Promising Land of Promise

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A MORE

Copyright c2006 by Dr. Ralph Austin Olsen.

Olsen, Ralph Austin.

Dedicated to Gregory, our precious

Sincere appreciation is extended to Dr.

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Potential benefits to each of us extend

boy, Joseph Smith! And he made

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We are to judge opinions of

Hutchinson, A.A. : (Mormons) should

Smithsonian Institution: (Our)

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Joseph Smith encouraged President Joseph F. Smith, Seventies

Sorensen This thinking for explaining

In science, if an accepted hypothesis

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After many years of study, I have “Those who never retract

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With some I am not well

Givens, T. (in LDS Church One glimpse of spherical moons

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ARGUMENTS FOR THE 3. DIRECTIONS. Every step of the

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7. COAST HUGGING. In order for Based upon DNA

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The two accounts (of Lehi and of

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23. YUCATAN. As shown on Map

setting. Meso has a serious problem. In order ___________________________________________________

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35. ANIMALS FOR FOOD. The

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Mala. Meso has no way to accomodate this

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151. WORDS in Peru have interesting 155. MOTIF connections between

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Blessed be he that shall bring this thing

181. GLADWIN. Based upon many

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Early theorists correlated

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As a mere mortal, Oliver

Cowdery was told that he

had been blessed with a

Covenants 6:10-11). If he were

might bring many to the

many of the error of their

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