According to Warren and Ferguson, about fifty of the Israelite-Jewish names of the Messiah were applied to the New-World Messiah (see illustration). In Mesoamerica, as in the Near East, He was the God of the Sky and Earth, God of Abraham and Jacob, Great Lord, Yohualli, Sovereign Lord, Father of Life, God of Rains, Lord of the Green Earth, Creator, Son of God, the Wonderful King. [Bruce W. Warren and Thomas Stuart Ferguson, The Messiah in Ancient America, p. 22]
3 Nephi 11:14 I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth ([Illustration]): Old-World and New-World Names of the Messiah. [Bruce W. Warren and Thomas Stuart Ferguson, The Messiah in Ancient America, pp. 22-24]
“I Am the God of Israel and the God of the Whole Earth”
T. J. O'Brien gives the following list and asks the reader who it describes:
1. Born of a virgin about 2,000 years ago in the east.
2. Has a little-known childhood, identified with a star.
3. Appears as a holy man and teacher among men.
4. Is of fair complexion, and bearded.
5. Wears a long white robe and sandals.
6. Is tempted by the adversary and endures a 40-day fast.
7. Brings a message of peace, love, charity, and lives chastely.
8. Prays to his Father in Heaven and teaches others to pray.
9. Says: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, avoid violence.
10. Creates all people and blesses his followers.
11. Works miracles: walks on water, heals the sick, cures the blind.
12. Instigates confession, communion, fasting, and baptism of water.
13. Has a body, yet is worshiped as a god by his followers.
14. Is identified with healing and with the serpent.
15. Is persecuted by his enemies, yet offers forgiveness.
16. Is scourged, wears a crown of thorns, and carries a cross.
17. Is crucified, his side is pierced, and water flows from it.
18. Sheds his blood for our sins, and darkness occurs at his death.
19. Visits the underworld of the dead, and speaks of heaven and hell.
20. Although he dies on Friday, he resurrects three days later.
21. Ascends to the heavens, where he now dwells.
22. Returns to the throne of his Father, who is the Supreme God of heaven.
23. Becomes a Savior and Redeemer for all. Resurrects the dead.
24. Is worshiped as One God, yet forms part of a trinity with his father.
25. Is called the life and the light of the world, omnipotent, omniscient.
26. Apostles and disciples continue his work building temples and altars.
27. Will return to reign and bring about a resurrection and golden age.
According to O'Brien, it would appear that the list describes Jesus of Nazareth, for the list admittedly contains remarkable parallels with his life as depicted in the New Testament. But it is not Christ who is described here. It is, instead, the culture hero of the ancient Americas. [T.J. O'Brien, Fair Gods and Feathered Serpents, pp. 230-231]