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What artifacts? If you’re talking about the tours to Guatemala to see the ruins, not church sponsored. DNA? I’ve gone over that one on this forum many times. Has this been discussed in church? Yes, this year we’re studying the Book of Mormon. However, the Book of Mormon has so many other things in it to study (such as Christ visiting the Americas after his death) that the discussion about the heritage of the American Indians didn’t last long.

I’ve heard that some American Indians have a tradition of a Great White Father. It’s easy to make the link to Christ, but that isn’t church doctrine.

And there are various points of view within the LDS church as to where the Book of Mormon took place. I always assumed it was over North America and South America. For awhile, some thought it was Central America. Basically, I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it, prayed about it, and received an answer from the Spirit that it is true. Physical artifacts never converted anyone.

Ron Jeremy: Do you deny that the LDS claims all sorts of Indian artifacts as supporting the BOM?

Utah Girl: I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it, prayed about it, and received an answer from the Spirit that it is true. Physical artifacts never converted anyone.

Physical artifacts, and/or the lack thereof, are crucial evidence of the validity of the BoM

FWIW: I have repeatedly asked Saints to address the dozens of questions concerning the accuracy of the Book of Mormon raised here. None have.

Praying to receive revelation is wrong for at least three reasons

REASON #1: It can result in false answers.

Muslims and Jehovah's Witnesses believe they receive confirmation their faith is true through prayer and revelation. Are they not just as convinced they are right as you are? And as a Mormon, don't you reject their faiths? And doesn't this prove praying for revelation can result in false answers?

REASON #2: Mormon Church Leaders instructed me to examine the evidence, and to do this before I pray for revelation.

I say to the whole world, receive the truth, no matter who presents it to you. Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test … I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him … let every man and woman know themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates or not. This has been my exhortation continually. (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 16:46, as cited by Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, October 1950, pp. 129-130).
We are not so much concerned whether your thoughts are orthodox or heterodox as we are that you shall have thoughts … while all members should respect, support, and heed the teaching of the Authorities of the Church, no one should accept a statement and base his testimony upon it, no matter who makes it, until he has, under mature examination found it to be true and worthwhile; then his logical deductions may be confirmed by the spirit of revelation to his spirit because real conversion must come from within." (President Hugh B. Brown, a member of the LDS First Presidency, Dialog, Summer 1984, p. 15).

REASON #3: Praying for revelation is not valid is when we already have reliable information that answers a question.

For example, do you need to pray to find out how tall Mt. Everest is, or discover St. Louis is not the capital of the United States?
What can be accomplished in these cases through prayer? Is it possible for prayer to somehow invalidate the facts?

In consideration of the above, I maintain Mormon leaders have indeed given wise advice. I therefore prefer to examine evidence in lieu of praying in the hope of receiving a warm fuzzy feeling.