[Aztlan] Mormons and the Maya

[Mike Reed]

Connecting Mormonism with ancient New World cultures
is certain to raise the ire of non-Mormons, as seen in
parts of this Aztlan discussion.  However, to a
certain extent this does not have to be any more of an
issue than many of the other linkages assigned to New
World cultures throughout the history of the study of
ancient America.  It is often forgotten the extent to
which scholars view ancient America through the lenses
of their own ideology, something Arthur Demarest
points out in his examination of the history of Maya
studies in, "Ancient Maya: The Rise and Fall of a
Rainforest Civilization."  In my awareness, Mormon
Mayanists are not making Mormon/Maya linkages in their
work.

My own thoughts about the Mormon quest to find
evidence backing their scripture have come to an
acceptance that their motives are no different than
any other group seeking to find real connections to
their beliefs.  This quest is probabaly a great
motivator for some Mormons to go into New World
archaeology.  To their credit, Mayanists who are also
Mormons have carefully drawn the line between their
faith and their scholarly work, and make their share
of significant contributions to Maya studies.  Whether
or not Mormon beliefs are acceptable or even
comprehensible to non-Mormons, their sense of
connection with the Maya and interest in Maya studies
have produced some fine scholars and work that has
taken the field in new directions, especially in
studies of the Preclassic Maya.  I for one, am no
longer concerned about the personal beliefs of Mormon
scholars.  Their work speaks for itself.  Mormon
writers who go to lengths to find and publish the
kinds of connections that so irritate non-Mormons are
not Mayanist scholars.  I doubt they are even trying
to influence anyone other than fellow believers.  

Mike Reed


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