A Smithsonian Magazine article titled “ Native Americans Spread Horses Through the West Earlier Than Thought ” (2023) has been circulating in Mormon spaces as supposed proof that horses existed in the Americas during Book of Mormon times. The article summarizes a legitimate scientific study published in Science titled “ Early Dispersal of Domestic Horses Into the Great Plains and Northern Rockies .” (2023) But when you read what the researchers actually found, it’s clear this does not support the Book of Mormon’s claims at all. What the Study Actually Found The research team, led by William Timothy T. Taylor, analyzed horse remains found across the Great Plains and northern Rockies. Using radiocarbon dating, DNA sequencing, and isotopic analysis, they discovered that the animals were of Spanish origin. In other words, these were not remnants of ancient, native North American horses that somehow...
About Lucifer’s Lantern
Lucifer’s Lantern takes its name from the 19th-century publication by A. T. Schroeder, which used the figure of Lucifer as a symbol of enlightenment and exposure.
In scripture and tradition, Lucifer is seen as the adversary, and critics of the church as his followers. The “lantern” represents casting a light on issues within the faith.
This modern Lucifer’s Lantern follows that same idea. It examines the doctrines, history, and culture of Mormonism with a critical and informed perspective. Each article sheds light on the origins of Mormonism, it's culture, the shaping of scripture, and the historical events behind the faith.
The goal is not to provoke contention, but to spark discussion.
Truth doesn’t fear the light.
- Mason
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