“Traditions surviving many centuries after Book of Mormon times indicate that Christ visited America, taught its peoples and left an organized Church, as described in the Book of Mormon. Quetzalcoatl and other culture heroes have many characteristics of Christ, as reported in his [Christ’s] Book of Mormon visit, particularly in type of teachings and activities. Traditions of the birth signs and the destruction at the time of death are also present. Christian-type beliefs and practices have been noted by many people.
“Jesus Christ personally ministered to the ancient inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. The Book of Mormon prophets, long before Christ was born on the earth, had foreknowledge by revelation from God, as did also the people of Israel in Palestine, of the mission and coming of the Messiah in the flesh, and the redemption made possible by his mission. These prophets looked forward to the visit of Christ, and taught the laws of the Gospel while still conforming to the law of Moses. The resurrected Christ appeared to the Book of Mormon peoples, giving added proof of immortality and literal resurrection. He fulfilled the Mosaic Law, instituted the teachings, ordinances and organization to carry on the Gospel, reaffirming the message of the New Testament. Time and again the Book of Mormon returns to its theme of testifying of Christ and his mission for the benefit of Jew and Gentile.” (Franklin S. Harris, Jr., The Book of Mormon: Message and Evidences, 2nd. ed [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1961], 203)