Book of Abraham
The Book of Abraham is a work that is considered scripture by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It is believed to be an inspired translation of writings attributed to Abraham. The book was first published in 1842 and later canonized as part of the LDS Church’s Pearl of Great Price in 1880.
The content of the Book of Abraham includes a narrative of Abraham’s life, his travels to Canaan and Egypt, and visions he received concerning the universe, a pre-mortal existence, and the creation of the world. The book comprises five chapters, each detailing various aspects of Abraham’s life and teachings. Notably, it recounts how Abraham’s father Terah and his forefathers turned to idolatry, and how Abraham was rescued by an angel from being sacrificed by Chaldean priests.
The translation of the Book of Abraham began in 1835 when Joseph Smith acquired several Egyptian papyri along with mummies. Smith, along with scribes such as W. W. Phelps and Oliver Cowdery, started translating the characters or hieroglyphics from these papyri, claiming that one of the scrolls contained the writings of Abraham. The translation process and the resulting text have been subject to much discussion and analysis over the years, particularly in relation to their historical and linguistic accuracy.
It’s important to note that the Book of Abraham has been the subject of extensive discussion within both religious and academic circles. Scholarly perspectives on the book’s origins, translation process, and historical context vary, with some questioning its credibility as an ancient text due to its reliance on the King James Bible and anachronisms related to the timing of the creation of Genesis.
Contents and structure
The Book of Abraham is structured into five chapters, each detailing various aspects of Abraham’s life and teachings. Here’s a brief overview of its contents and structure:
Chapter 1: This chapter describes Abraham’s early life in Ur of the Chaldees. It discusses the idolatrous practices of his father, Terah, and their community. The chapter also narrates an incident where Abraham was nearly sacrificed by pagan priests and his subsequent rescue by an angel.
Chapter 2: This chapter outlines God’s covenant with Abraham, including the promises of land and posterity. It also covers Abraham’s journey from Ur to Canaan, and then to Egypt.
Chapter 3: This chapter presents a vision Abraham had, where he learns about the stars and the universe. It delves into the concept of a pre-mortal existence and introduces a cosmological understanding from Abraham’s perspective.
Chapter 4: This chapter is a retelling of the creation story, paralleling the biblical account found in Genesis. It describes the process of the Earth’s creation by the council of gods.
Chapter 5: Similar to Chapter 4, this chapter continues with the creation story, emphasizing the creation of life and mankind. It also discusses God’s commandments to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The Book of Mormon concludes with the promise that those who read it and ask God about its truthfulness will receive a spiritual confirmation of its truth. This unique blend of historical narrative and spiritual teachings is central to its role as a religious text in the Latter Day Saint movement.
About Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith (1805-1844) was the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, most widely known for establishing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Born in Vermont, USA, Smith grew up in a family with deep religious interests but were not strongly committed to any church.
Smith’s significant religious experiences began in his teenage years. At age 14, he claimed to have a vision, known as the First Vision, where God and Jesus Christ appeared to him. This vision, he said, led him to restore the true church of Christ. In 1827, he reported that an angel named Moroni guided him to golden plates buried in a hill near his home in New York, which he translated into the Book of Mormon, published in 1830. This book is a religious text of the Latter Day Saint movement, believed to be a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americas and their dealings with God.
Smith’s teachings were radical for the time, including ideas about the nature of God, prophethood, and religious authority. He established the Church of Christ in 1830, which later became the LDS Church. His life was marked by controversy, including conflicts with non-Mormon neighbors, legal troubles, and internal disputes within the church.
Smith continued to receive revelations throughout his life, leading to the establishment of new doctrines and practices, such as baptism for the dead and, controversially, plural marriage. He also oversaw the construction of temples and the organization of a theocratic government in Nauvoo, Illinois.
In 1844, tensions in Nauvoo led to Smith’s arrest and subsequent assassination by a mob while in jail. His death marked a significant turning point in the Latter Day Saint movement, leading to a succession crisis and the eventual formation of several denominations, with the largest being the LDS Church, which regards Smith as a prophet and seminal figure.
About the Latter Day Saint movement
The Latter Day Saint movement, commonly known as Mormonism, began in the early 19th century with the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith. Central to this movement is the belief in the Book of Mormon as a sacred scripture, alongside the Bible. The movement is characterized by its unique doctrines, including continuous revelation, the priesthood authority, and the importance of modern prophets.
After Smith’s death in 1844, the movement split into several factions. The largest is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Other significant groups include the Community of Christ.
Key practices in Mormonism include baptism, confirmation, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, temple ordinances, and missionary work. The family is considered central, with a strong emphasis on morality, health (as guided by the Word of Wisdom), and education.
Mormon theology emphasizes a plan of salvation, the potential for humans to become like God, and the importance of free will. It also teaches about a pre-mortal existence and a three-degree concept of heaven.
Throughout its history, Mormonism has faced opposition and controversy, notably for practices like plural marriage (now discontinued by the LDS Church). Despite challenges, the movement has grown significantly, with the LDS Church reporting millions of members worldwide. It continues to evolve, with recent years seeing changes in its approach to social issues, interfaith relations, and cultural practices., commonly known as Mormonism, began in the early 19th century with the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith. Central to this movement is the belief in the Book of Mormon as a sacred scripture, alongside the Bible. The movement is characterized by its unique doctrines, including continuous revelation, the priesthood authority, and the importance of modern prophets.
See also
External links
- Offical LDS web presence
- Official LDS Library and Scriptures
- Book of Abraham | LDS Scriptures
- Book of Abraham | Wikipedia