NOM

My sister just shared some information about the New Madrid earthquakes:
http://www.new-madrid.mo.us/index.aspx?nid=132

I find the parallels to JS description of the destruction in the Americas at the time of Christ's death rather uncanny. This event would also explain why the general attitude and expectation of the 2nd Coming was so prevalent during JS's lifetime. The earthquakes began at the end of 1811 and continued through 1812. Aftershocks continued into the 1850s.

Anyone else see the connection?

Definitely! Good find. I love the part about the 19th century people believing the steamboat caused the earthquake.

This is additional, circumstantial evidence that the writer of the Book of Mormon was inspired by his version of the Bible, literature of the time, and recent historical events of 19th century North America.

'Earthquake Smog' - nice!

It's also interesting that this coincided with the Great Comet of 1811.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Comet_of_1811

You have to wonder if this confluence of events was what helped spur the uptick in new religious movements predicting the second coming of Christ, including Mormonism.

Sheamus Moore wrote: ↑Fri Dec 29, 2017 4:22 pm 'Earthquake Smog' - nice!

That was what stood out for me, particularly the mention that lamps were useless against it.

Great find, freefallin!

Even without that, the destruction stories in 3rd Nephi are pretty troubling. Everybody gets all misty eyed about Christ blessing the children in 3rd Nephi, completely forgetting that he burned, buried, crushed and drowned thousands of other children in "wicked" cities just a few chapters before that. When he's being mad angry destructive vengeful Jesus, he isn't very nice to children at all. But when he's being warm fuzzy Jesus, he'll bring a tear to your eye with his caring, tenderness, and compassion - "behold your little ones". He's kind of moody that way. Better hope he's having a good day if he ever meets your kids.

Great article! I also noticed the towns which disappeared. Kinda like the roll call of Nephite cities destroyed.

Very interesting. Joseph Smith would have been about 7 when the earthquakes happened. I was about 7 when JFK was assassinated. I remember the details very well.