The Evolution of Anti-Mormonism
Accusation #7 - There is no evidence of any teachings of Judaism in America or Christ having ever come to America.
The following information is evidence that there were Christian or Hebrew beliefs in the Americas.
Evidence #7 - Great White God to Return.
One of the most significant claims of The Book of Mormon is the fact that it is a second witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ. That Jesus Christ actually taught the inhabitants of this culture like He did in the Old Testament. That He raised prophets, chose twelve apostles to teach his gospel and to call the people to repentance. That He, Jesus Christ in all his resurrected glory, actually appeared to His sheep here on the American continent and established His church.
The second most significant claim to The Book of Mormon, is how could a young man of approximately 20 years old, and basically unlearned, know that Jesus Christ actually came to the Americas.
Evidence #7a - The Aztec Civilization. It is widely known now that when the Spanish conquistadors first discovered America, Mexico, and Hawaii, they were worshiped as Gods. The best source for the account of how Captain Don Hernando Cortez was received as a “Great White God” is from the Fanciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún. Sahagún was a Spanish friar that was sent to New Spain, Mexico, by the Spanish King Philip. Sahugún sent after the conquest of the Aztecs Indians in 1525. This is what he had to say:
“When in this town of Tlatelolco I wrote the twelve books of the history of this New Spain, requested by our Lord, King Philip, who has them there, the ninth book delt with the conquest of this land. When this manuscript was written (which is now over thirty years ago) everything was written in the Mexican language and was afterwards put into Spanish. Those who helped me write it were prominent elders, well versed in all matters, relating not only to idolatry but to government and its offices, who were present in the war when this city was conquered.”(1)
Sahagún learned the native language of the Aztecs and recorded their history, traditions (cultural and religious), and actual account of the conquest according to the Aztec soldiers who survived.
When the Spanish ships first sailed along the coast of Mexico, the captains of the coast were very curious as to what and who the ships were. They took counsel to decide what they should do. They decided to take articles of food and clothing in their canoes to the ships. Once on the flag ship they paid homage and gave signs that they came in peace to sell them food and clothing. The Spaniards warmly welcomed them and bought the food and clothing with fake precious stones. The Spaniards told them “God go with you and take those stones to your master (Moctezuma) and tell him that we are unable to see him now, as we are returning to our own land; we will come again and go to see him in Mexico.” (2)
The captains of the coast, knowing that it could mean their death if they all deserted their posts on the coasts, all went to Mexico to report a very important happening. This was their actual report:
Our lord, we merit death for having come without your permission, but the matter is so grievous that it warrants it. The fact of the matter is that all of us who have come here have seen gods who arrived at the coast in large ships. We have spoken, conversed, and eaten with them. We gave them rich mantles, and they gave us in exchange for them these precious stones that we bring here.”
After Moctezuma met with the elders and wise men of his kingdom about the appearances, this is what they decided:
All agreed by saying that according to the report from the ambassadors the one who had arrived was Quetzalcoatl. A long time ago he had gone by sea to join the Sun God, who had summoned him to the kingdom of Tlapalla, leaving word he would return, and that all their predecessors had expected him. It was impossible that he be anyone else.
Therefore, they decided to send ambassadors and very prominent figures to go to welcome him. They selected five important persons to do this, and to bring him a great gift. These five were sent by Moctezuma to go and receive Quetzalcoatl. The present that they were to take with them was given to them, which was precious stones, jewels, and very rich plumage, as innumberated in the first column of this page. They wrapped these in rich mantles and placed them in leather chests.
When they had prepared their cargo and all their baggage, they went to take their leave of Moctezuma. He spoke to them in the following manner: “Go now, and fulfill your embassy as I have commanded you. See that you do not linger anywhere but that you arrive without delay in the presence of our Lord and King, Quetzalcoatl. Say to him, ‘Your vassal, Moctezuma, who now has charge of your kingdom sent us to greet your majesty and gave us this present which we have now brought to you.’ Then these ambassadors departed, and with all speed reached the ships.(3)
Once arriving in the Spanish ships, this is what happened:
They entered the room where don Hernando Cortés was, and they all carried in their hands the gift. When they saw him, all prostrated themselves on the ground and kissed it as a sign of adoration. Then they raised themselves up. The one who acted as the leader of all of them began by saying, “Our god and our lord, be very welcomed, for we, your servants and vassals, have been waiting for you a very long time. Your vassal and lieutenant of your kingdom, Moctezuma, has sent us to greet and receive you. He says that our lord and god should be very welcome, and here we bring all the precious adornments that you used among us as our king and god.”
And so saying, they then began to dress him with those adornments which they brought. They placed upon his head a piece made like a helmet, in which there was much gold, precious stones, and plumage. They put on him a vesture of excellent cloth, which is called xicolli, that covers from the throat to the waist, and with half sleeves. They then placed upon him a collar of precious stones of great value and beauty. In this fashion they were adorning him from head to foot with priestly ornaments of great value. They placed the other precious ornaments of Tezcatlipoca and Tlalocatecutli in an orderly manner at his feet, as they do when they give some present to any person of high rank.”(4)
- Why did the native Aztec Indians greet don Hernando Cortez as a great white God?
Evidence #7b - Aztec Religion and Beliefs.
Gods. The 16-century Spanish historian Juan Bautista Pomar remarked that “they had many idols, and so many that almost for each thing there was one.”(5) The Aztecs had a series of idols and Gods that included approximately 47 different deities. Among these Gods was Quetzalcoatl, translated to mean “Feathered Serpent”. Quetzalcoatl was the god of “windstorms that bring rain”. His name had dozens of associations. “It was the name of a nature-deity; it was a royal title; it figured in Toltec times as a military title and emblem; it was the name of a legendary priest-ruler; it was a title and emblem; it was the name of a legendary priest-ruler; it was a title of high priestly office; and it was the patron cult of the calmecac schools…”(6)
- Quetzalcoatl was a man that “was revered and considered a god…His statue was always stretched out and covered with blankets; the face was very homely, the head long, and he wore a very long beard(7).
- He was the high priest of the temple.(8)
- The celebration of the Festival to the God Vitzilopuchtli contained a procession of people and priests that “…this procession looked very much like one of the Christian faith, with the cross carried before it(9).”
- In one celebration to Vitzilopuchtli, the Aztecs would make his body out of bread and then the men (in the order of the priesthood) “ate the body of Vitzilopuchtli, in the order and custom they had. Every one ate a piece of the body of this god, and those who ate it were unmarried men (bachelors), and they said that it was the body of god called Teuqualo, and those who received and ate the body of Vitzilopuchtli were called the ministers (priests) of god(10).
Evidence #7c - The God of the Mayan Indians. The Great White God who was found in the Aztec culture of central Mexico, was called Itzamna by the Mayan Indians of the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico. Two noted archaeologists, Bruce W. Warren and Thomas Stuart Ferguson, wrote in their book The Messiah in Ancient America, Itzamna, the Son, “was invoked by the Mayas in their New Year rituals. It is significant that the ancient New Year ritual of southern Mexico was virtually identical to the ancient New Year ritual of the Israelites(11).” Similar to Sahagun, it was Bishop Diego de Landa who was sent by Spain to record the history of the Mayan Indians.
Another noted Spanish historian who studied the Mayan Indians was Don Carlos de Siguenza y Gongora (1645-1700). Warren and Ferguson state that “On the basis of his life-long study of ancient Mexican historical sources, Siguenza felt Quetzalcoatl appeared in Mexico shortly after the crucifixion. In “coded” or disguised language he tells us that Quetzalcoatl was the resurrected Messiah of the Bible(12).”
To continue to quote Warren and Ferguson, two more Spaniards, Francisco Hernandez (arrived in Yucatan in 1541, and Bartolome de las Casas, arrived in 1545 and was second Bishop of Chiapas wrote the following:
“After a certain number of months (I believe it was one year) he [Francisco Hernandez] wrote me that on his trip he had met a principal lord or chief, and that on inquiring of him concerning his faith, and the ancient belief all over his realm, he answered him that they knew and believed in God who was in Heaven; that God was the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
That the Father is called by them Itzamna and that he created man and all things. The Son’s name was Bacab, who was born from a maiden who had ever remained a virgin, whose name was Chiribirias, and who is in heaven with God. The Holy Ghost they called Echuac. They say Itzamna means “the Great Father….” About Bacab, who is the Son, they say that he was killed and lashed and a crown of thorns put on him, and that he was placed on a timber with his arms stretched out. They did not understand that he was nailed, but rather they thought he had been tied, and there he died. And he was dead for three days, and on the third day he came to life and went up to heaven, and that he is there with his Father.
And After this, then came Exhvah who is the Holy Spirit, and filled the earth to overflowing withal the things that were needed.
Asked also how they had knowledge of these things, he answered that the lords (chiefs) taught it to their children, and that this doctrine descended from generation to generation. They affirmed that in ancient times twenty men came to this land, and their leader was called Cozas, and that the leaders commanded the people to confess and fast. For this reason, some [of the Mayas] fasted on the day that corresponds to Friday since they say that Bacab [the Son of God] had died on that day(13).”
Evidence #7d - Creation Theory. The Aztecs had a creation belief that according to Townsend, “before the world appeared there were primordial masculine and feminine creative forces, named ome tecuhtli “two lord” and ome cihuatl “two lady.” They resided in omeyocan, “the place of two”. There was the creation of the Sun and moon, followed by the creation of humankind.(14)
Evidence #7e - The Heavens. “The heavens were divided into a series of layers – thirteen by some descriptions, nine according to others—and the underworld was similarly arranged.”(15) The souls of the departed went to one of three different places:
- “One was hell, where a devil (demon) lived whose name was Mictlantecutli…and also a goddess called Mictecacioatl, who was the wife of Mictlantecutli(16).”
- “About Those Who Went to the Terrestial (earthly) Paradise.” (actual title of the chapter) “The other place where, according to them, the souls of the departed went, was the terrestial paradise which is called Tlalocan where, they say, there is much rejoicing and coolness (comfort also), without any suffering(17).”
- “About Those Who Went to Heaven” (Actual title of the chapter). “The other (third part) where the souls of the departed went was heaven, where the Sun lives(18).”
Evidence #7f - Ancient Scriptures. The Mayan Indians maintained throughout history two important documents called the Popol Vuh and the Titulo Totonicapan. These documents were written by Mayan nobles about two to four hundred years apart from each other. Warren and Ferguson found that the first part of the Titulo Totonicapan gave an account which is similar to that of the Old Testament, from the Creation to the Babylonia captivity…The Popol Vuh, is the single most extensive account of Quiche history, does not use any biblical names, but it begins with the creation of heaven, earth, human beings, and animals; contains long sections of myths and legends; reports migrations, wars, settlements, and councils; and also gives the genealogies of the Leaders(19).”
Evidence #7g - Baptism. “The christening was performed at sunrise, and they invited all the children for that time and gave them something to eat. If the baby was born under a propitious sign it was christened at once, (according to Fray Agustin de Vetancurt, Teatro Mexicans, vol. 1, p. 462, the midwife performed the baptismal ceremony in the center of the courtyard)…(20)”
Warren and Ferguson write that Landa, “who arrived in Yucatan on the heels of Cortes and before the smoke of battle had cleared away, was surprised to learn that baptism had been practiced, as a “re-birth,” for many centuries prior to the time of Columbus. Baptisms were performed in the name of the Messiah or Fair God(21).” Much more detail and evidence may be obtained from- Warren and Ferguson’s book.-
This baptismal font was discovered near the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, in Khirbat, Qumran.
This possible baptismal font was found in Pachacamac, Peru.
Evidence #7h - Fasting. The Aztecs had a five day period at the end of the year were “fasting and abstinence were observed”(22)
Evidence #7i - Priesthood. One of the early Spanish ministers, Bernal Diaz del Castillo, described “priests engaged in special duties, requiring long penances and behavior “contrary” to normal life, in the course of service to the deities…. The priesthood that supervised the religious establishment and all its activities also directed Aztec intellectual and artistic life. They governed the schools, they managed the cults, and coordinated and choreographed the public rites and performances.”(23)
Evidence #7j - The Practice of Circumcision. Another Jewish religious practice that was found to be practice in the Americas is circumcision. A wall murals in Egypt were found to be similar to one found in America. The first picture is that of the Egyptians performing circumcision on a male.(24)
The following is a picture of a mural found in Mexico.(25)
In the previous two pictures, notice the distinct possibility of two different races, one darker and the other white.
(1) Conquest of New Spain, 1585 Revision, Fray Bernandino de Sahagún, translated by Howard F. Cline, University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, 1989, page 25.
(2) Ibid., page 35.
(3) Ibid., page 39-40.
(4) Ibid., page 42.
(5) The Aztecs, Richard F. Townsend, Thames and Hudson Ltd, London, 1993, page 108.
(6) Ibid, page 114.
(7) A History of Ancient Mexico, Sahagun, Blaine Ethridge-Books, 13977 Penrod Street, Detroit, Michigan 48223, 1971, page 179.
(8) Ibid., Sahagun, page 26.
(9) Ibid, Sahagun, page 146.
(10) Ibid. Sahagun, page 176.
(11) Warren & Ferguson, The Messiah in Ancient America, Book of Mormon Research Foundation, Provo, Utah, 1987, page 5.
(12) Ibid Warren*Ferguson, page 29.
(13) Ixtlilxochitl, Don Fernando de Alva. Obras Historicas. 2 vols. Ed. Edmundo O’Gorman. Mexico City: Universidad Nacional de Mexico, 1975, pages 426-27.
(14) Ibid Townsend, page 119-121.
(15) Ibid Townsend, page 118.
(16) Ibid. Sahagun, page 190.
(17) Ibid. Sahagun, page 193.
(18) Ibid. Sahagun, page 194.
(19) Ibid Warren*Ferguson, pages 115-16.
(20) Ibid. Sahagun, page 243.
(21) Ibid Warren*Ferguson, page 17.
(22) Ibid Townsend, page 131.
(23) Ibid Townsend, page 192.
(24) Ibid, Cheesman, Ancient American Indians, page 205.
(25) Ibid, Cheesman, Ancient American Indians, page 205.
