The Book of Mormon Divine

Ivins addresses criticisms of the Book of Mormon, especially by John Fisk, who wrote that the Book of Mormon in “blissful ignorance, introduces oxen and sheep, as well as the knowledge of smelting iron, into pre-Columbian America.” Ivins quotes A. Hyatt Verril who found “a steel or hardened iron implement” on the Isthmus of Panama, cites evidence of oxen and horses discovered in the asphalt pits of Los Angeles, and gives evidence of the use of pearls and the use of engraven metal plates not only by ancient Americans but by many peoples throughout the world.