First published in 1888, ‘Are We of Israel?’ is George Reynolds's attempt to answer a question that was central to the early Latter-day Saint faith: What is the origin of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas? Reynolds, a prominent church leader, argues passionately that they are the literal descendants of the lost tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Mormon.

The Story

This isn't a novel with characters; it's a book of ideas. Reynolds lays out his case like a lawyer. He starts with the foundational story from the Book of Mormon about a family led by a prophet, Lehi, who leaves Jerusalem around 600 BC and sails to the Americas. From there, he tries to connect the dots to the people Europeans encountered centuries later. He combs through reports from early Spanish explorers, looking for mentions of customs or words that sound vaguely Hebrew or Middle Eastern. He points to things like certain rituals or myths that he thinks mirror Old Testament stories. The whole book is his effort to build a bridge of evidence—some of it pretty speculative by today's standards—between the ancient world of the Bible and the ‘New World.’

Why You Should Read It

Reading this book feels like stepping into a time machine. You're not just learning about a theory; you're getting inside the head of a true believer from another era. I found myself less focused on whether his facts were solid and more captivated by why this was so important to him. For Reynolds and his readers, this wasn't just history—it was about validating their scripture and their place in a divine plan. It gave their faith a deep, ancient root in the American continent. Even when his arguments feel stretched, his sincerity is undeniable. It's a powerful reminder of how stories about origins shape identity.

Final Verdict

This book is a niche read, but a rewarding one if you're in that niche. It's perfect for history buffs interested in 19th-century religious thought, American studies, or the history of ideas about Native American origins. It’s also great for anyone in the LDS community curious about their intellectual history. If you're looking for a balanced, modern archaeological text, this isn't it. But if you want to understand a passionate, foundational perspective that influenced a major American religion, ‘Are We of Israel?’ is a short, direct window into that world. Just be ready to read it as a historical document, not a current guide.