[ZULU]

What went on at Haun's Mill was hardly a widespread state-sponsored persecution, such as Christians experienced under the Romans.

The cruelties described in the article you reference are bad enough, but hardly compare in any way to what went on in Nero's Gardens, the Flavian Colosseum and other public places in the Roman Empire.

The actions of a mob of vigilantes in no way represented the sentiments of the entire society and state to the extent that the persecution of Christians in the Empire did. Nor were the Mormons themselves exempt from such activities as Mountain Meadows indicates. I believe Brigham Young referred to himself as the "Mohammad of the west" - hardly an auspicious title.

If you can provide a single link to a reputable archaeological source in no way connected with the Mormon Church which justifies the existence of Nephites, Jaredites, etc., I might take the Book of Mormon more seriously.

[TChris]

What went on at Haun's Mill was hardly a widespread state-sponsored persecution, such as Christians experienced under the Romans.

I never claimed it was. You said that Mormons have not suffered things like being fed to lions, crucifixions, etc.. I only wanted to provide some balancing evidence of what they have suffered.

Also, a written extermination order was issued by Governor Boggs of Missouri. That's pretty close to state-sponsored persecution, if you ask me.

Nor were the Mormons themselves exempt from such activities as Mountain Meadows indicates.

That's a whole other subject. The fact that Mountain Meadows occurred after most of the worst persecutions suffered by Mormons also makes it irrelevant to this discussion.

I believe Brigham Young referred to himself as the "Mohammad of the west" - hardly an auspicious title.

Whoopdie doo. This is a shameless attempt to tie Brigham Young to current feelings about Muslims. Pathetic.

If you can provide a single link to a reputable archaeological source in no way connected with the Mormon Church which justifies the existence of Nephites, Jaredites, etc., I might take the Book of Mormon more seriously.

I couldn't care less what you take seriously. Your standards for what is "reputable" are under your own control. I harbor no illusions that you would consider any source as reputable if it was favorable to the Latter-day Saints.

Those who are honest seekers will find plenty of good stuff at the links I provided, and the links those sites provide. That's enough for me.