Where Do Mormons Believe the Garden of Eden Was?
In the heart of northern Missouri, amidst rolling hills and verdant prairies, lies a land that holds a special place in the beliefs of the Latter-day Saints (LDS) Church, also known as Mormons. This region, centered around the town of Adam-ondi-Ahman, is believed to be the site of the biblical Garden of Eden.
Mormons subscribe to a unique interpretation of the Creation account and the origins of mankind. According to their teachings, the world was created in six distinct epochs, or “days,” with the Garden of Eden being established during the second day. This Edenic sanctuary was not located in the Middle East, as is commonly assumed, but rather in the heart of the American continent.
The Scriptural Basis
The Mormon belief regarding the location of Eden is rooted in the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church. In 1838, Smith received a revelation known as the “Law of Consecration,” which outlined the boundaries of the New Jerusalem, a sacred city that would be established in the latter days. The revelation specifically stated that the New Jerusalem would be built “upon the land of Adam-ondi-Ahman,” which was identified as the site of the Garden of Eden.
Further support for this belief comes from the Book of Mormon, a scripture considered by Mormons to be a companion to the Bible. In the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Lehi is instructed to travel to the “promised land,” which is later identified as the American continent. Lehi and his followers, known as the Nephites, are believed to have settled in the region of Adam-ondi-Ahman, where they established a great city called Zarahemla.
Archeological Evidence
Over the years, various archaeological discoveries have emerged that seem to corroborate the Mormon belief regarding the location of Eden. For instance, in 1833, a large stone tablet was found near the town of Kinderhook, Illinois, bearing the names of Adam and Eve as well as references to the Garden of Eden. Additionally, numerous ancient mounds and earthen structures have been identified in the Adam-ondi-Ahman area, suggesting the presence of a significant settlement in the distant past.
While some scholars dispute the authenticity of these artifacts and the validity of the Mormon interpretation, they have nevertheless added to the intriguing nature of this sacred location.
The Significance of Adam-ondi-Ahman
The belief that the Garden of Eden was located in Adam-ondi-Ahman holds great religious and spiritual significance for Mormons. It is considered a sacred sanctuary where God communed with Adam and Eve and where they received their first commandments. It is also believed to be the place where Christ will return at the Second Coming to establish his millennial reign.
For Mormons, visiting Adam-ondi-Ahman is a profound experience that allows them to connect with their religious heritage and to feel closer to God. The town is home to a beautiful temple, where members of the LDS Church can worship and participate in sacred ordinances.
Tips for Visiting Adam-ondi-Ahman
If you are interested in exploring this fascinating region, here are a few tips to make your visit more meaningful:
- Attend the Visitors’ Center: The Adam-ondi-Ahman Visitors’ Center provides an excellent introduction to the history and significance of the area. You can watch informative films, browse exhibits, and ask questions to knowledgeable staff.
- Tour the Temple Grounds: While the temple itself is only accessible to members of the LDS Church, visitors can freely walk around the beautiful temple grounds and admire its impressive architecture.
- Hike the Trail of Adam and Eve: This scenic trail follows the path that Adam and Eve are believed to have taken after leaving the Garden of Eden.
- Attend a Devotional: If you are visiting on a Sunday, you may be able to attend a devotional service in the Adam-ondi-Ahman Temple. These services are open to the public and provide a unique opportunity to experience the Mormon faith firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do Mormons believe the Garden of Eden was in America?
A: Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden was located in Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri, based on revelations received by Joseph Smith and from teachings in the Book of Mormon.
Q: Is there any archaeological evidence to support the Mormon belief?
A: While some archaeological discoveries have been made that appear to corroborate the Mormon interpretation, the authenticity of these artifacts and the validity of the Mormon belief are still debated among scholars.
Q: Can non-Mormons visit Adam-ondi-Ahman?
A: Yes, the Visitors’ Center and temple grounds are open to the public. Non-Mormons are welcome to visit and explore the area, though the temple itself is only accessible to members of the LDS Church.
Conclusion
The belief that the Garden of Eden was located in Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri, is a unique and fascinating aspect of Mormon theology. Whether one accepts this belief as literal truth or not, the sacred significance of this region cannot be denied. For Mormons, Adam-ondi-Ahman is a place of deep reverence and spiritual connection, where they seek to walk in the footsteps of their first parents and prepare for the coming of the Savior.
If you find this topic intriguing, we encourage you to do further research and explore the many resources available on the history and significance of Adam-ondi-Ahman.
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Pin on GIVE US THIS DAY – PASTOR APOLLO C. QUIBOLOY -SMNI President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “In accord with the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, we teach that the Garden of Eden was on the American continent located where the City of Zion, or the New Jerusalem, will be built. When Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden, they eventually dwelt at a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman
