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Slide 44 of 56
Some Mormons claim that the Lamanites were only a small group of people
who were geographically restricted to a particular location, such as
Central America. However, other Mormon scripture indicates that the
Lamanites are peoples on the North American continent.1 For example, Doctrine and
Covenants Section 28 says that the city of Zion will be built “on
the borders by the Lamanites.”2 Several Doctrine and Covenants Sections
indicate that Mormon leaders were to “preach to the Lamanites”3
At one point, the text specifically relates the Lamanites to the “Indian tribes in
the West”4 and that at least part of this boarders on the land of
Missouri.5
In addition to the standard works, the standard Mormon teaching book, Gospel
Principles teaches that the Lamanites are alive and numerous
throughout the Americas:
“The Lamanites Will Become a Great People
The Lord said that when his coming was near, the Lamanites would become
a righteous and respected people. He said, “Before the great day of
the Lord shall come,... the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose” (D&C
49:24). Great numbers of Lamanites in North and South America
and the South Pacific are now receiving the blessings of the
gospel.”6
In order to claim that the Native Americans are not Lamanites, one
would have to admit that much of Mormon scripture and official current
teaching is false.
References 
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Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the
people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites--Written
to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and
also to Jew and Gentile--Written by way of commandment, and also by
the spirit of prophecy and of revelation--Written and sealed up, and
hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed--To come forth
by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof--Sealed
by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due
time by way of the Gentile--The interpretation thereof by the gift of
God. (Book of Mormon:Title Page 1:2)
Mormon invites the Lamanites of the latter days to believe in Christ,
accept his gospel, and be saved--All who believe the Bible will also
believe the Book of Mormon. (Book of Mormon:Mormon 7:Heading)
And now, behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this
people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my
words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak
unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words
which I speak:
Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel. (Book of Mormon:Mormon
7:1-2)
Which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of
whom the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel,
and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come. (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 19:27)
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And now, behold, I say unto you that you shall go unto the
Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy
teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them; and
thou shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment.
And now, behold, I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man
knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given
hereafter. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the
Lamanites. (Doctrine and Covenants: Section 28:8-9)
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Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver
Cowdery, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. HC 1:109-111. Hiram Page, a
member of the Church, had a certain stone, and professed to be receiving
revelations by its aid concerning the upbuilding of Zion and the order of
the Church. Several members had been deceived by these claims, and even
Oliver Cowdery was wrongly influenced thereby. Just prior to an appointed
conference, the Prophet inquired earnestly of the Lord concerning the
matter, and this revelation followed. 1- 7, Joseph Smith holds keys of the
mysteries, and only he receives revelations for the Church; 8-10, Oliver
Cowdery is to preach to the Lamanites; 11-16, Satan deceived Hiram Page
and gave him false revelations. (Doctrine and Covenants: Section
28:Heading)
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David
Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jun., and John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York,
September 1830, following the three-day conference at Fayette, but before
the elders of the Church had separated. HC 1:115-116. Originally this
material was published as three revelations; it was combined into one
section by the Prophet for the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
1- 4, David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently; 5- 8,
Peter Whitmer, Jun., is to accompany Oliver Cowdery on a mission to the
Lamanites; 9-11, John Whitmer is called to preach the gospel. (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 30:Heading)
And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your
heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I
have given unto him power to build up my church among the
Lamanites; (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 30:6)
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Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Parley P.
Pratt and Ziba Peterson, October 1830. HC 1:118-120. Great interest and
desires were felt by the elders respecting the Lamanites, of whose
predicted blessings the Church had learned from the Book of Mormon. In
consequence, supplication was made that the Lord would indicate his will
as to whether elders should be sent at that time to the Indian tribes in
the West. The revelation followed. 1-3, Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson
are called to preach to the Lamanites and to accompany Oliver Cowdery and
Peter Whitmer, Jun.; 4-5, They are to pray for an understanding of the
scriptures. (Doctrine and Covenants: Section 32:Heading)
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And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward,
unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the
Lamanites. (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 54:8)
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Gospel Principles 1997. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, p.
268.
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