This is a great question, Brian. First, let me say that faith is an important part of the Mormon belief process. We believe that God did in fact send a group of Israelites to the Americas and that there they followed the Law of Moses and eventually the gospel of Jesus Christ when He visited them after his resurrection. Your question seems to ask specifically for direct material evidence. We believe that what happened in the ancient Americas according to this record is a matter of faith. Most Christians believe the Bible to be the word of God because they have read it and applied Christ's teachings into their lives, not because they have conducted extensive archaeological research on it. It's a matter of faith. So it is with the Book of Mormon. I have read it cover to cover and prayed about its truth, just as I have with the Bible. I encourage you to do the same. My sense is that understanding scripture spiritually is paramount to understanding it rationally. That's not how we come closer to God. That said, and more to your question, I would argue that no archaeological evidence of existence is not evidence of non-existence. There are still so many things about Central and South American archaeology and history that we don't know and haven't yet discovered. If we had, the Mormon faith would be more reason based; but, then again, that's not the point, is it?

As a scholar of 19th-century America and as a Mormon I am familiar with both the religious and the secular history of Joseph Smith. If you look at the archives you will find that the first-hand accounts from people who accused Joseph of "juggling" and other treasure-seaking endeavors actually came from people who had gone on expeditions themselves and were participant observers. In an attempt to discredit Smith and his family what these accounts actually do is describe a culture of magic in which most nineteenth-century Americans in New York eagerly participated. I'm sorry that you've been so misinformed. Thanks for the question.

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence."

We apply this fundamental principle to all other areas of life EXCEPT religion. If you had someone in your office who professed a deep and abiding belief in Santa Claus, would you respect him for his commitment to his faith in yearly rewards for good behavior, or would you pity this obviously misguided individual? You are of course free to believe any crazy thing you wish as long as it doesn't affect the rest of us. Thats where many of us have a problem. I am talking specifically about its anti-gay marriage campaign but I am sure there are other causes that the Mormon cult is funneling money to that I'd have a problem with.

As for whether or not Mormonism is a cult, of course it is, just like every other religion. We aren't singling Mormons out. Mormons are exactly the same as Scientologists, Hale'boppers, Muslims, Christians, Hebrews, etc... all down through history. You aren't new or different or special.

That's the way I read it. Her credibility is shot for sure now.

Thanks for the laugh Steve. :)