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From time to time church leaders will counsel with someone in their flock that has concerns and confusion related to how science relates to the Book of Mormon; more specifically how DNA relates to the people talked about in the Book of Mormon. It would be beneficial for all leaders to listen to this podcast interview and also review the links below. This will help leaders to have more confidence when counseling with someone that is having a faith struggle because of a scientific perspectives. Dr. Ugo Perego is currently Director of the Rome Italy LDS Institute. He is a Population Geneticist and has consulted with the LDS Church related to the Book of Mormon and DNA. He contributed to the research mentioned in the Church’s Essay about this topic. Dr. Perego is also a bishop in Rome, Italy.
Bishop Perego and his wife, Jenna
Links:
Book of Mormon & DNA Studies Essay Joseph Smith DNA Research Elder M. Russell Ballard CES Talk Foundations of the Restoration Manual Pathway Program A Reason for Faith Book
I stumbled across this related video on YouTube a while back. This is a fascinating subject. Ultimately, it’s our testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration and incorporating the Gospel in our lives that’s important.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiXRJ7-4UNc
Fascinating insights into population genetics (and Bishop Perego does a great job of translating into layman’s terms). Also, I was touched by his wisdom in working with members who are struggling with questions. Another great example of a faithful scientist, who uses the things he learns in his scientific discipline in order to inform his spiritual life and his ongoing search for truth. Molte grazie Ugo.
For additional study I would suggest you look at the work of the Book of Mormon Evidence team. http://www.bookofmormonevidence.org/index.php
Search for DNA.
Here is one download:
http://www.bookofmormonevidence.org/download_content.php?id=7
The “so-called” DNA evidence used to support the Book of Mormon has several flaws and limitations. Not trying to argue here about what some people believe about it. However, it is my understanding that Rod Meldrum might actually change some of that argument to be more in line with current scientific evidence regarding mitochondrial DNA haplogroup X2a. There are many other pieces of evidence pertaining to the Book of Mormon historicity for those that are seeking for such physical proofs, but DNA, at least what we know about it at the present time, should not be one of those proofs. This is more in line with the current official position of the LDS Church pertaining to DNA studies and the Book of Mormon: https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng
Ugo, Thank you for your clarification on this. Very helpful.