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The Pilgrim Hypothesis
America is a country with deep-seated roots of faith planted by pilgrims seeking religious independence. It was these men and women who paved the way for a free nation under God in this promised land—but what if those early voyagers were brought here for a much greater purpose? What if their arrival in this new land heralded the fulfillment of ancient prophecy,- laying the foundation of a country that would allow for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the gathering of scattered Israel? In The Pilgrim Hypothesis, readers are presented with a gripping new investigation by best-selling author and historian Timothy Ballard as he uncovers what the early colonists—a people who believed themselves to be the “New Israel”—may have known about their role in the restoration of the gospel. Delve into a complex history bridging the centuries and spanning the globe, as each clue leads to one compelling conclusion: history and scripture may be far more intertwined than you’ve ever realized.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2020
90 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Ballard
19 books256 followersTIMOTHY BALLARD graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University in Spanish and political science, then went on to receive an MA (summa cum laude) in international politics from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Tim has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency as well as an agent for the Department of Homeland Security. He is also the author of The American Covenant: One Nation under God. He lives in Southern California with his wife and six children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
November 11, 2021
"Delve into a complex history bridging the centuries and spanning the globe, as each clue leads to one compelling conclusion: history and scripture may be far more intertwined than you’ve ever realized."
-Covenant Communications, Inc.
-Covenant Communications, Inc.
June 25, 2020
There aren't enough stars to express how much I enjoyed this book! Every citizen of this nation needs to read this book. I listened to the audio book in one day. I just couldn't "put it down." Beautiful, insightful, inspiring. Ballard recounts the miracles that abounded in the founding of our great nation and emphasizes that this land is a covenant land. Those who live on this land must abide by God's covenant to serve Him. In return He promises those who live on the land will prosper and be protected from their enemies. The founders of this nation were led by God's hand and were deeply religious and fulfilled numerous prophecies. Ballard acknowledges that those people were not perfect. He did not ignore some of the controversies regarding Christopher Columbus, but he offered, in my opinion, a balanced view of the man, someone who was inspired and prepared by God for his mission to bring the Gospel again to the Americas. Was Columbus without fault? No, but then neither are we. God has only ever worked with imperfect people to bring about his purposes. This land truly was preserved as a promised land and will only remain such if we remember whose land it is-God's land.
February 12, 2021
TL:DR -- you do not have to believe these ideas to be a believing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Of course not, you might respond. It's called a "hypothesis" in the title, right? But so much of this book is the centralization of ideas I've been taught in Sunday school, in seminary, in religion classes, American Heritage, etc. And it would be so easy to just marvel at all the scriptural, apostolic, and historical connections Ballard has travelled the world to pick up in order to establish an age-old, national, land-based covenant God has offered to those who choose to follow Him. But here's the catch: It's not history. It's hagiography. Definition? Yahoo Search defines hagiography as "a biography that idealizes its subject." Perspectives and stories that do not fit the criteria of ideal behavior are ignored, deflected, minimized, or passed off as lamentable behavior during moments of confusion. And here's where I part ways with this whole book: Religion is too precious to expect marginalized characters to feel okay being marginalized just so the big picture "national covenant" can be preserved. I don't buy it because I don't think anyone who was born outside of the United States has to believe a word of it -- or interpret scriptures in this way -- in order to follow Christ. In fact, American Exceptionalism, White Saviorism, Colonialism, etc. May stop people from being able to join with us to worship because it does not leave room for their lived experience.
If you ascribe to all the content of this book, you might respond to me with an idea that kept troubling me as I read these pages. "You may not like it, but it's all there in the scriptures. Like it or lump it, this is how God has dealt with his people -- via national covenants and male-centered leadership that "unfortunately" often ends up in oppression of minorities." This thought kept coming back, over and over. Is this really how God works with his people? I mean, Ballard used a lot of scriptures, and it's stuff I've heard my whole life. But then I remembered the words of another Ballard: "We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism." (Oct 2017 General Conference). And the best answer I can come up with is that the scriptures contain the best descriptions man can conjure of how he believes God has worked with him. But there is always a better way. A more inclusive way, a way without social collateral damage. And it involves so much more than fixation on a land-based, exclusionary covenant.
The two stars were for his endnotes and organization. It was easy to read and easy to decide if I agreed or disagreed.
Of course not, you might respond. It's called a "hypothesis" in the title, right? But so much of this book is the centralization of ideas I've been taught in Sunday school, in seminary, in religion classes, American Heritage, etc. And it would be so easy to just marvel at all the scriptural, apostolic, and historical connections Ballard has travelled the world to pick up in order to establish an age-old, national, land-based covenant God has offered to those who choose to follow Him. But here's the catch: It's not history. It's hagiography. Definition? Yahoo Search defines hagiography as "a biography that idealizes its subject." Perspectives and stories that do not fit the criteria of ideal behavior are ignored, deflected, minimized, or passed off as lamentable behavior during moments of confusion. And here's where I part ways with this whole book: Religion is too precious to expect marginalized characters to feel okay being marginalized just so the big picture "national covenant" can be preserved. I don't buy it because I don't think anyone who was born outside of the United States has to believe a word of it -- or interpret scriptures in this way -- in order to follow Christ. In fact, American Exceptionalism, White Saviorism, Colonialism, etc. May stop people from being able to join with us to worship because it does not leave room for their lived experience.
If you ascribe to all the content of this book, you might respond to me with an idea that kept troubling me as I read these pages. "You may not like it, but it's all there in the scriptures. Like it or lump it, this is how God has dealt with his people -- via national covenants and male-centered leadership that "unfortunately" often ends up in oppression of minorities." This thought kept coming back, over and over. Is this really how God works with his people? I mean, Ballard used a lot of scriptures, and it's stuff I've heard my whole life. But then I remembered the words of another Ballard: "We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism." (Oct 2017 General Conference). And the best answer I can come up with is that the scriptures contain the best descriptions man can conjure of how he believes God has worked with him. But there is always a better way. A more inclusive way, a way without social collateral damage. And it involves so much more than fixation on a land-based, exclusionary covenant.
The two stars were for his endnotes and organization. It was easy to read and easy to decide if I agreed or disagreed.
June 4, 2020
I haven't ever really taken much of what Timithy Ballaed writes as history seriously. I have issues with his approach to history as a whole and trying to force a context of the restored gospel on everything. This book is no different. While he does make a few connections that can be taken credibly, he is really just rehashing what some earlier Saints have said and can be read in more credible books, such as his claims of Columbus being led by the spirit, etc.
One of my biggest peeves about this book is when the author tries using Hebrew to justify Britain being a land for Ephraim. He claims that British means "Covenant Man" or "Covenant People" (despite the word ish being strictly in the singular) and Britain means "Covenant Land." Well, if it was actual Hebrew it would be Ish Brit for man of the covenant, following proper Hebrew word order. And there is no word that means country or land in Hebrew that is spelled ain. The only word that fits that pronunciation is eye, which doesn't fit his hypothesis. And even then it would be ain brit, not Britain. Practically every scholar would disagree that Hebrew is the source for Britain's namesake for good reason.
If you are interested in an actual history meant for Latter-day Saints, I would recommend going to actual trained historians to learn history such as Alexander Baugh, Richard E. Bennett, Bushman, etc. Ballard is good for splashing in the kiddie pool but ultimately doesn't hold much water when his claims are put under close inspection.
One of my biggest peeves about this book is when the author tries using Hebrew to justify Britain being a land for Ephraim. He claims that British means "Covenant Man" or "Covenant People" (despite the word ish being strictly in the singular) and Britain means "Covenant Land." Well, if it was actual Hebrew it would be Ish Brit for man of the covenant, following proper Hebrew word order. And there is no word that means country or land in Hebrew that is spelled ain. The only word that fits that pronunciation is eye, which doesn't fit his hypothesis. And even then it would be ain brit, not Britain. Practically every scholar would disagree that Hebrew is the source for Britain's namesake for good reason.
If you are interested in an actual history meant for Latter-day Saints, I would recommend going to actual trained historians to learn history such as Alexander Baugh, Richard E. Bennett, Bushman, etc. Ballard is good for splashing in the kiddie pool but ultimately doesn't hold much water when his claims are put under close inspection.
June 5, 2020
This book surprised me. I thought I'd like it fine, but I honestly wasn't expecting to love it. However, I really did. This isn't like many books I read- this is a passion project. Tim Ballard's job with OUR is remarkable and his story is even more remarkable, but he isn't a writer by profession. He's authored some books out of sheer love for history and stories, and I think that is very cool. He's thrown himself into research and study and he's really done a good job of it. The book is fun to read for that reason- you can see his passion on each page and in each story he tells. The book reads like it is written by someone who doesn't make their living writing. It is a little clunky, drags in some places, and the writing doesn't blow me away, but I am much more forgiving reading through this because I know Tim Ballard's background. I think it is inspiring that someone learned some interesting things and couldn't help but share them with the world. I respect that. There is some conjecture in this book, and some guesswork, but that doesn't bother me either because he owns to it. I found it to be well-researched and, all things considered, pretty well-written. The organization is a little hard to follow, but even that didn't bother me much.
There are some genuinely interesting thoughts in here on Columbus and on some of the early pilgrim pioneers. I loved the information on Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. I thought the stuff on the Louisiana Purchase was a little harder to follow, but I appreciated the constant ties back to the restoration and Jesus Christ. I thought his testimony throughout was really well-balanced and well-connected to his point. Overall, I liked it and I would recommend it, even though it isn't the best book I've ever read in terms of the writing. The content is inspiring though. It resonated with me in ways that are more important than literary devices and rhetorical strategies. It reflects my own feelings about the country I love and the gospel that is at my core. Clunky writing or not, it is worth the read for me many times over, and I really appreciate people like Tim Ballard who make a passion and a dream a reality. I've said for years, "I should write a book. I should write a book." I never have. He has (multiple times, actually) and he's done a pretty dang good job. I'd definitely read his other stuff. Aside from all of that, I really respect Tim Ballard as a person, and I REALLY respect that he uses his notoriety for such good. He has gained a following due to his work literally saving children, which is a cause I couldn't support more if I tried, and while he's in the spotlight, he decides to constantly bear testimony and talk about the Savior. I respect the heck out of that. So, I'll read whatever he puts out because good men and women with good values deserve support.
Read it. You'll learn things you never knew, and you'll feel something too.
There are some genuinely interesting thoughts in here on Columbus and on some of the early pilgrim pioneers. I loved the information on Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. I thought the stuff on the Louisiana Purchase was a little harder to follow, but I appreciated the constant ties back to the restoration and Jesus Christ. I thought his testimony throughout was really well-balanced and well-connected to his point. Overall, I liked it and I would recommend it, even though it isn't the best book I've ever read in terms of the writing. The content is inspiring though. It resonated with me in ways that are more important than literary devices and rhetorical strategies. It reflects my own feelings about the country I love and the gospel that is at my core. Clunky writing or not, it is worth the read for me many times over, and I really appreciate people like Tim Ballard who make a passion and a dream a reality. I've said for years, "I should write a book. I should write a book." I never have. He has (multiple times, actually) and he's done a pretty dang good job. I'd definitely read his other stuff. Aside from all of that, I really respect Tim Ballard as a person, and I REALLY respect that he uses his notoriety for such good. He has gained a following due to his work literally saving children, which is a cause I couldn't support more if I tried, and while he's in the spotlight, he decides to constantly bear testimony and talk about the Savior. I respect the heck out of that. So, I'll read whatever he puts out because good men and women with good values deserve support.
Read it. You'll learn things you never knew, and you'll feel something too.
September 19, 2021
I tend to be cautious about people that everyone applauds. Tim Ballard and the OUR org sound great on paper... but, given what they do, it's understandably difficult to check on their claims. So I'm... cautious. Thus, my approach to his liberating stories isn't as emotionally fueled as some. I also appreciate that his political leanings are less... overt... than some.*
If you've read his other books, this is definitely in the same vein. He's unabashedly interested and passionate about his quest(so the tone isn't as professional), but I find some of his research, or combining of pre-researched material?, interesting. I also discovered that my New England mental geography is wayyyyyy off. I thought Massachusetts was below NY. How embarrassing.
I have 3 minor quibbles, this time.
1. He should have read Divine Signatures: The Confirming Hand of God. There's some interesting coinciding information regarding the Louisiana Purchase.
2. He dealt quite well with the issues surrounding Columbus, I thought. He did not address the issues surrounding Sally Hennings. Not even a nod. Is that related? Wellll, yes. Especially since he was trying to prove how much Jefferson loved his wife.
3. I really liked Mann's point of view of Squanto/Tisquantum in 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. I feel like both his points and Ballard's points could be true.
These aside, I didn't feel like the book wasted my time. In fact, I enjoyed it. I hope, truly, that the root of cautiousness will be unfounded, that others will read and enjoy this book(particularly the last couple of chapters), and that we can find the hand of God in the messiness of life. Because it is messy. And because it is there.
*That one guy who thought he could tell a certain community how to vote in 2016 because he once played a certain New Testament figure is a good example. However, I was a little wary at the intro.
If you've read his other books, this is definitely in the same vein. He's unabashedly interested and passionate about his quest(so the tone isn't as professional), but I find some of his research, or combining of pre-researched material?, interesting. I also discovered that my New England mental geography is wayyyyyy off. I thought Massachusetts was below NY. How embarrassing.
I have 3 minor quibbles, this time.
1. He should have read Divine Signatures: The Confirming Hand of God. There's some interesting coinciding information regarding the Louisiana Purchase.
2. He dealt quite well with the issues surrounding Columbus, I thought. He did not address the issues surrounding Sally Hennings. Not even a nod. Is that related? Wellll, yes. Especially since he was trying to prove how much Jefferson loved his wife.
3. I really liked Mann's point of view of Squanto/Tisquantum in 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. I feel like both his points and Ballard's points could be true.
These aside, I didn't feel like the book wasted my time. In fact, I enjoyed it. I hope, truly, that the root of cautiousness will be unfounded, that others will read and enjoy this book(particularly the last couple of chapters), and that we can find the hand of God in the messiness of life. Because it is messy. And because it is there.
*That one guy who thought he could tell a certain community how to vote in 2016 because he once played a certain New Testament figure is a good example. However, I was a little wary at the intro.
March 26, 2021
My husband and I read this together again. Living in Boston Area it means even more to go and visit some of the places he talks about.
Incredible book. Highly recommended! I first listened to it and now I have bought a hardcover copy and I will read it again and study it more. I love his included QR codes to videos. Its Excellent! I am related to the Bradford family and it was so interesting to learn more of William Bradford and his belief of God and of the founding fathers their belief also!
Incredible book. Highly recommended! I first listened to it and now I have bought a hardcover copy and I will read it again and study it more. I love his included QR codes to videos. Its Excellent! I am related to the Bradford family and it was so interesting to learn more of William Bradford and his belief of God and of the founding fathers their belief also!
June 12, 2020
Like the others in the Hypothesis series, this book was impossible to put down. I’m pretty sure I missed a couple of meals because of this book.
A quick breakdown of what I enjoyed:
Narrative style - the author is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Because of this, he quotes many scriptures from the Book of Mormon as well as other modern day prophets and researchers. Even with this bias, the narrative style was great! It didn’t read like a history book at all! It was more along the lines of hearing a master story teller not just telling a story, but making it come to life. Because of him, I could picture Hispaniola, Plymouth Rock, and the other sites. His style left me wanting more and not getting enough.
Balanced - in today’s overly, politically correct world, it’s popular to paint those who discovered and settled America in the worst possible light. It’s to the point where we no longer are able to celebrate Columbus Day. Tim is a breath of fresh air in this area. He acknowledges that these people weren’t perfect. He writes about their faults and doesn’t try to hide it. But, along with the faults, he provides balance and reminds us of the good they did. He reminds us of our nationally heritage and why these people should be celebrated and revered.
QR codes- throughout the book are codes that can be scanned. These usually introduce or close a chapter. These codes are videos made by Tim, on location. He not only masterly tells the story; he lets us see and experience the locations visually as well. For me, that made it come to life that much more.
What I didn’t like:
Length - most people might look at a history book this big and think it’s too large. Not me. I wish the book would’ve been longer. I understand this is written to the masses and to get people excited again about history. For me, it wasn’t nearly detailed enough or contain enough stories. But, because of this book, I’ve done more researching and reading myself. This book is a great introduction, but could’ve been told more and I would’ve happily read it.
A quick breakdown of what I enjoyed:
Narrative style - the author is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Because of this, he quotes many scriptures from the Book of Mormon as well as other modern day prophets and researchers. Even with this bias, the narrative style was great! It didn’t read like a history book at all! It was more along the lines of hearing a master story teller not just telling a story, but making it come to life. Because of him, I could picture Hispaniola, Plymouth Rock, and the other sites. His style left me wanting more and not getting enough.
Balanced - in today’s overly, politically correct world, it’s popular to paint those who discovered and settled America in the worst possible light. It’s to the point where we no longer are able to celebrate Columbus Day. Tim is a breath of fresh air in this area. He acknowledges that these people weren’t perfect. He writes about their faults and doesn’t try to hide it. But, along with the faults, he provides balance and reminds us of the good they did. He reminds us of our nationally heritage and why these people should be celebrated and revered.
QR codes- throughout the book are codes that can be scanned. These usually introduce or close a chapter. These codes are videos made by Tim, on location. He not only masterly tells the story; he lets us see and experience the locations visually as well. For me, that made it come to life that much more.
What I didn’t like:
Length - most people might look at a history book this big and think it’s too large. Not me. I wish the book would’ve been longer. I understand this is written to the masses and to get people excited again about history. For me, it wasn’t nearly detailed enough or contain enough stories. But, because of this book, I’ve done more researching and reading myself. This book is a great introduction, but could’ve been told more and I would’ve happily read it.
May 8, 2020
This was almost like Ballard set out to write a trilogy of books with the other two called "The Columbus Hypothesis" and "The Founding Fathers Hypothesis", and "The Pilgrim Hypothesis" just turned out to be the most prominent player of the three. Love the research and the stories and the doctrine in this.
October 21, 2023
This really is a must read. I loved reading historical tales mixed with baking of religion and scriptures. I will be reading his other books. This was a very eye opening book about the fascinating history of God and America.
November 24, 2020
Turmoil. That’s how I felt about Tim Ballards newest American history a la “Da Vinci Code”. He hops from location to location uncovering hidden secrets of the American covenant. All he needed was a bad guy. The sensational writing style was too dramatic for my preference.
I loved his other books. I loved many of his stories. I was glad he brought to light the wisdom of the Iroquois. I love & believe that America is a covenant nation. I also believe that God uses all of us to further his work, even the most broken of us. But I almost threw up when the author, our contemporary freedom fighter, placed Columbus and Jefferson on the pedestal next to the pilgrims, Washington and Lincoln. I appreciate the greatness of their gift to us. But the hypocrisy of Jefferson’s words and actions leave me sick. And I just can’t reconcile this. I would think that a man who fights slavery today would feel the same.
I loved his other books. I loved many of his stories. I was glad he brought to light the wisdom of the Iroquois. I love & believe that America is a covenant nation. I also believe that God uses all of us to further his work, even the most broken of us. But I almost threw up when the author, our contemporary freedom fighter, placed Columbus and Jefferson on the pedestal next to the pilgrims, Washington and Lincoln. I appreciate the greatness of their gift to us. But the hypocrisy of Jefferson’s words and actions leave me sick. And I just can’t reconcile this. I would think that a man who fights slavery today would feel the same.
July 7, 2020
I would actually give it 3.5 stars - 1/2 a star taken off for sensationalism. I actually really enjoyed the book a lot, but I don't like it when it feels like the author is inflating their discovery in some way in order to evoke some sort of emotion from me. Technically, his definition of hypothesis is accurate, but a hypothesis is generally something that can be tested or proven. Nothing in this book can really be tested and none of it will likely ever be proven correct or incorrect in this lifetime.
That being said, he brings up a lot of points that really makes the reader think and I think that anything that helps me think more on the nature of covenants is a good thing.
So I would definitely recommend this book - it's as good as his others, just don't get too swept away by his ideas!
That being said, he brings up a lot of points that really makes the reader think and I think that anything that helps me think more on the nature of covenants is a good thing.
So I would definitely recommend this book - it's as good as his others, just don't get too swept away by his ideas!
August 15, 2021
This book is painful to read.
While I belong to the same faith as the author and I also love America, this book was cringy. It reads like propaganda, mingled with history. The pattern throughout the book is basically
1) introduce a hypothesis,
2) insert a quote or actual fact,
3) add a generous helping of conjecture and a dose of conflation that "proves" the hypothesis,
4) tell a personal story.
To be fair, I gave the book two stars because I sincerely appreciated the direct quotes from some of the Founding Fathers. Assuming those were accurate, curating those and sharing them with us is valuable. Also, some of the hypotheses might be validated in the hereafter.
While I belong to the same faith as the author and I also love America, this book was cringy. It reads like propaganda, mingled with history. The pattern throughout the book is basically
1) introduce a hypothesis,
2) insert a quote or actual fact,
3) add a generous helping of conjecture and a dose of conflation that "proves" the hypothesis,
4) tell a personal story.
To be fair, I gave the book two stars because I sincerely appreciated the direct quotes from some of the Founding Fathers. Assuming those were accurate, curating those and sharing them with us is valuable. Also, some of the hypotheses might be validated in the hereafter.
September 5, 2020
Timothy Ballard is great at writing books that connect the past with the present. This book is no exception to that. He looks at the miracles that happened to the pilgrims to help them to get to America as well as the founders of the American democracy and how all of the things that happened had to be in place in order for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be restored. Although he presents facts, the connecting line is a hypothesis, but it makes sense. My favorite story in this book is about one of the pilgrims who was thrown overboard in the ocean and miraculously grasped onto a rope hundreds of feet from the ship and was able to hoist himself back to the ship and survived. His posterity includes several US Presidents and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Amazing! It wasn't a story I had heard anywhere else.
September 3, 2020
I wish every American would read this book and remember what a blessed nation we are. The research and information should be taught in school. I was struck by one person the author interviewed who said something like, “historians tend to leave out miracles”. I would agree and add they tend to leave out God as well. It was very refreshing to read about many who remembered God in the founding of this nation.
April 19, 2021
Fascinating. Definitely made me want to do more research and ponder on the faith and sacrifice of the pilgrims (many of whom are my own ancestors).
This one did take me a while to get through because after reading it for a short time I wanted to sit and think about about I just read.
This one did take me a while to get through because after reading it for a short time I wanted to sit and think about about I just read.
June 5, 2023
I am fascinated by the Pilgrims. I am also deeply grateful for their example. I loved reading about all of the symbolism in this book.
November 4, 2022
I really REALLY liked this book. It increased my faith and strengthened my resolve to be better.
April 18, 2022
Book was fun to read. It's just unfortunate that it is presented as history, instead of fiction, as it is far more speculative than history (The Da Vinci Code was way more historical than this). The publisher's note at the beginning is a strong exclamation that the conclusions drawn from the sporadic facts were more fabrications than inferences, yet, they still published it as history (????).
Ballard seems to rely on a form of apologetics that was strong in the 60's-90's. He focuses on the echoes of the restoration that can be found throughout history, effectively making historical figures part of the restoration movement. While drawing on parallels, he relies heavily on his own convictions/feelings, outdated LDS church manuals and other secrets revealed to him during this investigation (not all sources used fall into this category, just way more than should've been). He also just picks an chooses what he wants, disregarding the entirety of the source (i.e., when talking about a source from the apocrypha, he mentions that most of the book contradicts the teachings of the restoration, but it is still "worthy" of our consideration because of the one segment he uses; relying on the concept that not everything in the Apocrypha is true, but there is some truth).
Admittedly, the book did make me reflect on America and its foundation more than I thought it would. I can see why this book has so many positive reviews, as it gave me a feeling of patriotism. I just wish that the book had a firm foundation to support the arguments made. The weak foundation his "hypothesis" is built upon will not stand the test of time, and as the faults are exposed, it will likely do more harm in the long run than the immediate good.
Ballard seems to rely on a form of apologetics that was strong in the 60's-90's. He focuses on the echoes of the restoration that can be found throughout history, effectively making historical figures part of the restoration movement. While drawing on parallels, he relies heavily on his own convictions/feelings, outdated LDS church manuals and other secrets revealed to him during this investigation (not all sources used fall into this category, just way more than should've been). He also just picks an chooses what he wants, disregarding the entirety of the source (i.e., when talking about a source from the apocrypha, he mentions that most of the book contradicts the teachings of the restoration, but it is still "worthy" of our consideration because of the one segment he uses; relying on the concept that not everything in the Apocrypha is true, but there is some truth).
Admittedly, the book did make me reflect on America and its foundation more than I thought it would. I can see why this book has so many positive reviews, as it gave me a feeling of patriotism. I just wish that the book had a firm foundation to support the arguments made. The weak foundation his "hypothesis" is built upon will not stand the test of time, and as the faults are exposed, it will likely do more harm in the long run than the immediate good.
July 3, 2020
I loved this trilogy (Washington Hypothesis, Lincoln Hypothesis, and The Pilgrim Hypothesis). Ballard is an excellent historian who uncovers amazing details about our Founding Fathers and the birth of the United States of America. America's history starts with the Discovers, then goes through the Settlers, the Revolution, and then the Restoration. Ballard draws the powerful conclusion that America is great because of the covenants our forefathers made—and it can remain great if we uphold those covenants today. I found it historically accurate, powerfully moving, and I personally got caught up in Ballard's enthusiasm and passion. If you want to understand God's hand in the making of America, read these books!
December 5, 2020
Really interesting. I know this author might not be the expert on these topics and that a lot of these conclusions are more sensationalized than a normal history book, but he cites his sources exhaustively and I can't say that other history books are more objective. With a lot of American history being taught as a smear campaign, it's hard to think that modern histories of Columbus and the pilgrims are super objective.
I loved all the connections he found between the gathering of Israel and the missions of Columbus and the Pilgrims and I'm sure God has worked in mysterious ways to accomplish His purposes with all of this. I want to read his other books now!
I loved all the connections he found between the gathering of Israel and the missions of Columbus and the Pilgrims and I'm sure God has worked in mysterious ways to accomplish His purposes with all of this. I want to read his other books now!
November 18, 2020
This was an audiobook listen for bookclub. I really enjoyed learning more about people, events, and things I thought I understood. Applying the lens of covenant-keeping and of the restored Gospel even changed my understanding of history that I already knew. This book made me want to research deeper and to always remember the potential biases that might be applied by historical interpretation. This was a particularly good read in November and has helped me to have a more nuanced view of those on the Mayflower and the early years of their settlement.
July 4, 2020
This is one of my new favorite books!! The research and untold stories Timothy brings to light would make any American proud. Add to it the relationship to Gods plan for this promised land and it’s nothing short of divine that America is what it is because of the basis that it is built on. While other seek to dismiss God at every turn, this book shows you His hand in the country we now enjoy. If we follow God we will continue to prosper here.
November 28, 2020
Loved listening to this book and then watching the corresponding clips on pilgrimshypothesis.com
It was so interesting to see how God led the different groups to prepare the way for the restoration. Loved seeing Columbus, the pilgrims and the Native American stories in a new light. I know some of the info is his own conjecture but it gave me a lot to think about- and perfect to read leading up to Thanksgiving
It was so interesting to see how God led the different groups to prepare the way for the restoration. Loved seeing Columbus, the pilgrims and the Native American stories in a new light. I know some of the info is his own conjecture but it gave me a lot to think about- and perfect to read leading up to Thanksgiving
July 13, 2020
Knowing our American history is paramount in helping us recognize the sacrifices and virtues our freedom was founded upon. Where we go with protecting and honoring those people and the freedoms they helped us ensure are legacies that we must live up to. Much appreciation in Ballard’s honest review of shortcomings of these natural men and understanding their divinely driven missions.
July 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, and the videos that accompany it. You could probably just watch the videos to get a pretty good feel for the book, as the same information is shared in both. I especially appreciated the section on Christopher Columbus. So grateful Ballard including that information especially with so many people telling him not to.
August 17, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. He has a few others in the series that are just as good. I especially loved the QR codes that lead me to videos. I love the way Mr. Ballard teaches about history and provides a lens through which we can understand it better and comprehend why America may be in the position she is now. HIGHLY recommend.
June 26, 2020
Fantastic book! I’m always so excited when I hear new information about early US history. I really didn’t know anything about Columbus except the very basic information and this book was a treasure trove! Hypothesis or not, the theories covered in this book definitely have me thinking.
June 29, 2020
Awesome, as usual. Tim Ballard knows how to connect the dots and find the truth! He is a true American Hero! Not only for his books of light and truth, but his tremendous work in saving children from the horror of slavery! #Operation Underground Railroad
August 25, 2020
I’m speechless...so many amazing connections, insights, and discussions. I loved the history lessons that were an integral part of this book. I feel like this book needs to be read more then once to really soak it in.
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