The book of abraham is a book of lds scripture that joseph smith translated from a collection of ancient egyptian papyri the church purchased. The book of abraham is a work produced between 1835 and 1842 by the latter day saints lds movement founder joseph smith that he said was based on. Jan 04, 2005 in each instance where the book of moses refers to a singular god, the book of abraham replaces that wording with gods. Part 2 deals with the content of the book and joseph smiths comments on three egyptian drawings that have been attached to the published book of abraham. The book of abraham quote cited in the criticism above has inspired both kinds of nonsense, including the interpretation found on the web site where this criticism appeared. Evidence for the book of abraham daniel c peterson youtube. I return herewith, under separate cover, the pearl of great price.
Abraham refers to a picture in the text of the book of abraham abr. In early july 1835, joseph smith and other latterday saints in kirtland, ohio, acquired four ancient egyptian mummies. Jun 27, 20 the book of abraham comprises five chapters of text and three facsimiles of vignettes from the papyri collection, together with josephs proffered explanations. In 1912, a letter about the book of abraham was published by arthur cruttenden mace, assistant curator in the department of egyptian art in new yorks metropolitan museum of art. Book of moses vs book of abraham book of abraham mormon. A range of articles and resources to assist the investigation of joseph smiths controversial claim that he discovered and translated a lost record of the biblical patriarch abraham. It is now included in the pearl of great price, one of the books that members of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints consider scripture in addition to the bible, the book of mormon, and the doctrine and covenants. The most recent jsp revelations and translation vol. What is the apologetic response to this discrepancy. The book of abraham is a work produced between 1835 and 1842 by joseph smith based, he said, on egyptian papyri purchased from a traveling mummy. If the book of moses was inspired, why doesnt it emphasize the idea of multiple gods as the book of abraham does. Fairmormon conf kerry muehlstein on the book of abraham. The papyri used by joseph smith for translating the book of abraham is dated close to 2,000 years after abraham could have written it. A translation and commentary, which was the second volume in the series entitled studies in the book of abraham by the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms at brigham young university.
For example, the book of abraham says, now the lord had said unto me. The lost book of abraham full video institute for religious reseach. Maintaining the divine authority of the book of abraham is every bit as vital to the doctrines and theology of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints today as it was in the days of joseph smith, brigham young and their successors. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. The book of abraham mormon truth videos gospel topics hub. Hauglids jeremy runnells and the book of abraham essay.
Over the past thirty years, an enormous amount of research has been conducted into mormon originsjoseph smiths early life, the book of mormon, the. It is specifically an amuletic disc made of cartonnage, bronze, textile, or rare. The book of abraham skinny frequently, when reading a discussion on the lds problem of the book of abraham, the apologists and critics beat around the bushconfusing the reader. Every year it holds a conference in which mormon scholars and apologists present papers of relevance to the defense of mormonism. The book of abraham is part of the standard works or written scriptures of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. From abraham to the beginning of the book of mormon.
In october 1835, mormon prophet, joseph smith, claimed to have translated the book of abraham from an ancient egyptian papyrus containing hieroglyphics which he had previously purchased a few months prior. Miraculous claims surrounding the coming forth of the book of mormon are an evidence of the prophetic calling of joseph smith. Book of abraham, book of mormon, tithing required to gain salvationenter the temple etc. Mormon handbook the book of abraham since abraham lived before moses, who authored the torah the first five books of the old testament, it would make the papyrus older than the book of genesis. The book of abraham the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Book of mormon memes for those who have actually read the book of mormon. The church of jesus christ of latterday saints embraces the book of abraham as scripture. First, the association of facsimile 1 with the book of abraham cannot derive from abraham, since facsimile 1 dates to approximately 100 b. The book of abraham imparts profound truths about the nature of god, his relationship to us as his children, and the purpose of this mortal life. Translation and historicity of the book of abraham university of. Smith reported that the papyri were the writings of abraham while he was in egypt, called the book of abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus.
In the twentieth century there were two events that put the authenticity of the book of abraham as an ancient text and not a modern pseudepigraphon in doubt. Where the bom says he, the boa says they, and so on. If he in fact translated an ancient record of the patriarch abraham through the power of god, he must have been the prophet and seer he claimed to be. Abraham, first called abram, was called of god to leave his native country and go to a promised land which would be shown to him. The book of abraham comes first on my list, because ultimately the divinity of josephs calling rests upon it. Hauglid after eleven joseph smith papyri fragments were returned to the church in 1967, critics concluded that joseph smith had fabricated the book of abraham. Ten questions and answers on the book of abraham mormons in. It was sold at deseret books for several years and is still available there by special order.
From abraham to the beginning of the book of mormon and epilogue bruce satterfield professor in the department of religious education, ricks college. Published on may 5, 20 in 2011, fair produced a video that provides evidences for and answers to critical questions about the book of abraham. For those who are not familiar with the book of abraham, it is a book of lds scripture that joseph smith claims to have translated from egyptian scrolls that he purchased from a traveling salesman. An insiders view of mormon origins by grant palmer. Complaint based on british law that prohibits false representations made to secure a profit. Fairmormon comprises volunteers who seek to answer questions submitted to its web site. Includes color photos of the surviving joseph smith papyri, articles by mormon and non mormon egyptologists, and free download of a 240page book that surveys the history of the book of abraham controversy. Hagar was the egyptian servant of sarah, abraham s wife. If you would like to watch the presentations from our 2019 conference, you can still purchase the video streaming. The translation was published serially in the times and seasons beginning march 1, 1842, at nauvoo, illinois. When the book of abraham was first published to the world in 1842, it was published as a translation of some ancient records that have fallen into joseph smith. In addition, i noted some of the facts about the translation process joseph smith using a rock in a hat, that joseph smith didnt use the.
The introduction to the book claims that it is a record that was originally written by abraham himself. A journal of mormon thought, spring, 1995 by his own hand upon papyrus. Among the early book of abraham relatedmanuscripts that have survived from the days of joseph smith are a number of papers collectively referred to as the kirtland egyptian papers kep. According to mormon writers, the book of abraham was supposed to have been written on papyrus by abraham about 4,000 years ago. From a believers perspective, however, there are several possible theories to account for this. The book of abraham papyrus found, as it relates to the source of. Smith translated the papyrus and published it under the title, the book of abraham. The book of commandments, smiths journal and william claytons journal all say smith used his brown peep stone for the book of abraham translation. Joseph smith began the translation in 1835 after obtaining some egyptian papyri. Hauglid discusses more about his brand new book, a textual history of the book of abraham in part two. Translation and historicity of the book of abraham response. The book of abraham is consistent with various details found in nonbiblical stories about abraham that circulated in the ancient world around the time the papyri were likely created. The term hypocephalus refers to a piece of late period and ptolemaic circa 66430 bc funerary equipment. Nov 17, 2011 hence, a series of westward migrations, in a modern version of the book of exodus, that took them from upstate new york to ohio to missouri, and to nauvoo, ill.
Disproves lds claims that joseph smith received the book of abraham through revelation and proves that joseph smiths source for his translation was a pagan egyptian text, the book of breathings. The fourth and final category im going to mention is the english text of the book of abraham and this tends to get short shrift in the discussion. Joseph smiths interpretation of these cuts is a farrago of nonsense from beginning to end. The book of mormon if the book of abraham was a fraud. Cuts 1 and 3 are inaccurate copies of well known scenes on funeral papyri, and cut 2 is a copy of one of the magical discs. The wording of joseph smiths explanation of figure 5 in facsimile 2 of the book of abraham is, in fact, very difficult to interpret.
Debunking fairmormon letter to a ces director table of. In this chapter we will examine another book of the mormon scriptures called the book of abraham. An inspired translation of the writings of abraham. This page deals primarily with the question of the source of the book of abraham now available online at. Except for those willfully blind, the case is closed jeremys rebuttal to brian m. Jeremys rebuttal to fairmormons kevin christensens eye of the beholder essay. Death blow to mormonism the book of abraham is a fake. The story of abraham is wellknown to both jews and christians. In the book of abraham, god teaches abraham about the sun, the moon, and the stars. Although no formal training in egyptology, joseph smith created a translation of part of the papyri, and the work was published called the the book of abraham. Bruce porter exposes what you need to know about the book of abraham. The book of mormon was born in the old testament world.
Joseph smith had in his possession three or four long scrolls, plus a hypocephalus facsimile 2. Well the book was derived from a set of egyptian papyri purchased by the joseph smith in 1835 from a traveling mummy show. The book of abraham claims to be or at least joseph smith claims it to be the translation of an autograph 2 of abraham, which autograph came into joseph smiths possession, this autograph having been written by abraham while he was in egypt. Details of criminal fraud case against mormon and co provided by tom phillips pdf. Fall of the book of abraham utah lighthouse ministry. If one assumes that fairmormons undisputed silence is acceptance of the facts, fairmormon agrees with 90. Fairmormon john gee on the book of abraham at fairmormon. Polemicists dont want to talk about the actual book of abraham they want to talk about all the egyptian stuff. These articles address specific issues related to book of abraham astronomical concepts.
Book of abraham and egyptian material the joseph smith papers. Mar 19, 2011 first off, some information, what is the book of abraham. It is also one of the most controversial issues in mormonism, responsible for many lifelong, faithful mormons questioning their religion. Kerry muhlestein many critics have claimed that joseph smiths translation of egyptian papyri and his interpretation of egyptian drawings do not match with what egyptologists would say about these things. In the book, jehovah reveals to abraham the nature of the universe and the order of all things, in a personal conversation, including knowledge of the planet kolob, which is close to where god. The truth of the book of abraham is ultimately found through careful study of its teachings, sincere prayer, and the confirmation of the spirit. It was eventually canonized by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints in 1880 as part of the pearl of great price, and 7 years later it continues to serve as a major. Official response of the mormon church to the book of abraham. As an evangelical scholar engaged in research, writing, and ministry in relation to mormonism, i try to keep up with what fairmormon does and have made.
The book of abraham, it is hardly necessary to say, is a pure fabrication. The evidence is conclusive that joseph used the 1 st century ad scroll of horus, which we now possess, in translating the book of abraham. A careful study of the book of abraham provides a better measure of the book s merits than any hypothesis that treats the text as a conventional translation. The community for those interested in faithful discussions related to the church of jesus christ of latterday saints and its members, known. Part 3, ancient records offer new support for the book of abraham, looks at some. According to church history, the angel moroni had already permanently taken back the urim and thummin years earlier.
Critical appraisal of the book of abraham wikipedia. The book of abraham makes several references to astronomy which draw criticism. Thoughts on the book of abraham religious studies center. This book, a record of the biblical prophet and patriarch abraham. The papyri used by joseph smith is a common pagan egyptian funerary text. The truth of the book of abraham is ultimately found through careful study of its teachings, sincere. There are passages in the text of the book of abraham which are attributed to abraham and which refer to facsimile 1 abr. The book of abraham does not match the papyri used by joseph smith. The book of abraham is not central to the restored gospel of christ. Rhodes published his ninetysevenpage book, the hor book of breathings. Having faith in and through the book of mormon brant gardner duration.
Of these original materials, only a handful of fragments were recovered at the metropolitan museum. In the last chapter, we saw some of the problems mormonism faces with the book of mormon and archaeology. Fairmormon is acknowledging that the prophet joseph smith considered the 1 st century ad scroll of horus to be the source of the book of abraham. The book of mormon if the book of abraham was a fraud, is. Debunking fairmormon letter to a ces director book of abraham.
Book of abraham joseph smith papyri book of abraham. A story from the book of jasher the following is a story from the early life of abraham which is partially summarized and partially quoted directly from the book of jasher. Critics intent on discrediting the restoration point to dna studies on. It is that abraham and his seed including those adopted into his family shall have all of the blessings of the gospel, of the priesthood, and of eternal life. The full text can be found in the book of jasher 11. Sarah had been barren for a long time and sought a way to fulfill gods promise to abraham that abraham would be father of many nations, especially since they were getting older, so she offered hagar to abraham as a second wife hagar became pregnant, and tension arose between the two women. This podcast series features past fairmormon conference presentations. Doctrine and covenants 7 tells of a secret parchment, written by the apostle john, which joseph did not have access to, but was still able to translate. The book of mormon is translated with the use of urim and thummim and a seer stone, with little actual contact with the metal plates.
The book of abraham is a book of ancient scripture translated by the prophet joseph smith from ancient papyri. Mormon, who edited the book of mormon, assumed his reader had an understanding of the old testament. The above donut chart shows percentages of the book of abraham section of letter to a ces director that fairmormon is in agreement, disagreement, and neutral on if one assumes that fairmormons undisputed silence is acceptance of the facts, fairmormon agrees with 90. Book of abraham mormonism, the mormon church, beliefs. Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a land that i will show thee abr. This very same papyrus, it is claimed, was acquired by joseph smith in 1835. It is evident that the writings of abraham while he was in egypt, of which our printed book of abraham is a copy, must of necessity be older than. Hugh nibleys book the message of the joseph smith papyri, an egyptian endowment vinyl bound 1975. Ten questions and answers on the book of abraham mormons. For instance, on a webpage previously housed at byu, a farms author avoids the most obvious question that any lds person would have regarding facsimile 2.
The book of abraham by common consent, a mormon blog. In the book of genesis we learn that he was the son of terah, born in ur of the chaldees genesis 11. In the ces letter, i also argued that the translation of the kinderhook plates and the book of abraham cast doubt on the translation of the book of mormon. Book of abraham the above donut chart shows percentages of the book of abraham section of letter to a ces director that fairmormon is in agreement, disagreement, and neutral on. Includes color photos of the surviving joseph smith papyri, articles by mormon and nonmormon egyptologists, and free download of a 240page book that surveys the history of the book of abraham controversy. Explores the joseph smith papyrus and demonstrates that joseph smiths claim that he had translated the book of abraham from it was a fabrication. Fairmormon is arguably the leading mormon organization devoted to defending the lds religion. Fairmormon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing welldocumented answers to criticisms of latterday saint mormon doctrine, beliefs. Not only did lincoln check out a copy of the book of mormon from the library of congress during his presidency and during the bleakest part of the civil war, there is much evidence that is presented in this book that he actually read it or parts of it and believed its message. Daniel peterson 2014 fair mormon conference duration. The book of abraham interview with brian hauglid fair. I was talking with my tbm dad tonight about the book of abraham and how its been proven right.