Officially, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appears to at least partially accept this position. The introduction to the Latter Day Saint (LDS) edition of The Book of Mormon'' states, "[T]he Lamanites ... are among the ancestors of the American Indians." However, this position of the Lamanites being among the ancestors of the American Indians is controversial. Based on genetic and archeological data, mainstream scientists have concluded that Native Americans are descended from the prehistoric inhabitants of East Asia, although mixed genetics are not precluded by either science or LDS doctrine. Thus, some Mormon scholars view Lamanites as (1) one small tribe among many in the ancient Americas, the remainder of whom were not discussed in the Book of Mormon although they were implied, (2) a tribe that intermarried with indigenous Native American cultures, or (3) those Native Americans who share the Haplogroup X Gene. An alternate belief would be that they are fictional characters intended to portray an allegory (a similar debate concerns the Old Testament Book of Job). The Book of Mormon prophesied of great pillage and destruction by those who would find the Lamanite descendants and dominate them before a final period of "carrying them upon their shoulders," implied as bringing them the "fulness of the gospel" and a pattern of free government. Links to various commentaries are listed on the official church website, although they do not represent official church positions. See also Gathering (LDS Church) Mormonism and Judaism Book of Joseph (Latter Day Saints) References Latter Day Saint belief and doctrine Latter Day Saint terms Mormonism and race