Peterson is a professor of islamic studies and arabic in the department of asian and near eastern languages at brigham young university and currently serves as editorinchief of byus. The book of abraham papyri were thought to have been lost in the 1871 great chicago fire. 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. Contemporary book of mormon apologetics really began with two lengthy series of articles from 1950 to 1952 by nibley on the book of mormon, published in 1952 as the book lehi in the desert and the world.
Unlike controversial and less respected mormon apologists, mr. Looking for an apologist to discuss book of mormon for. Ashments book, the use of magical papyri to authenticate the book of abraham. This page seeks to show that book of mormon concepts can plausibly fit into the fabric of ancient revealed truths known to jewish prophets and early christians truths which were muddled for centuries and restored beautifully in the book of mormon.
Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies byuorg. Joseph made up the translation for the facsimiles and the rest of the book of abraham, yet because of. The book of mormon also makes a strong point for gods spiritual and eternal unity see alma 11. Bill reel once again joins us and we proceed to lay out the following. So the farms author agrees that joseph smith was clueless as to the true meaning and purpose of the documents. Lds apologetics and the battle for mormon history christian. I received an email today from a fellow ill call enochville, who provided some good clarification with regards to apologists. This december, he and robin jensen, from the church history department, released the joseph smith papers volume dedicated to the book of abraham. Apologetics and underdetermination aka how fairmormon works. A collection of short articles from the farms newsletter in the 1980. Well firstly, joseph smith, the prophet, translated the papyri. Review of books on the book of mormon 19892011 volume 15number 1 article 25 112003 vol. How the book of abraham exposes the false nature of.
At that time, church president gordon hinckley said, farms represents the efforts of sincere and dedicated scholars. Critics say it is a work of fiction created by smith, while some mormon apologists defend its authenticity. Hauglid has acknowledged that most of my concerns and questions presented in the book of abraham section of the ces letter are legitimate questions and concerns. The book of abraham is a work produced between 1835 and 1842 by joseph smith based, he. Jun 25, 2012 it seems the mi hasnt had its heart in it for years. It seems the mi hasnt had its heart in it for years.
Those that are interested in the ongoing farmsmaxwell institute situation. I found something which was refreshing to read from an lds member, dr. Farms hopes that this information will help interested people to come unto christ and to understand and take more seriously these ancient witnesses of the atonement of jesus christ, the son of god. Those involved in evangelizing mormons know that young missionaries, when faced with difficulties in their scriptures, are quite likely to turn to farms materials for help, even.
Mormonism, also known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, claims to be the restoration of the true gospel and a revelation of the true god. Maxwell institute for religious scholarship when ispart changed names. I remember active engagement from mormon academics from various backgrounds, consistent publications, debate, amongst other activities. What is the story on the book of abraham of the church of jesus christ of. The foundation for ancient research and mormon studies functions as a research and publication center that focuses on scholarly analysis of the book of mormon, the book of abraham, the old testament, the new testament, early christian history, and ancient temples. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient evidence. Mm community, im looking to do a podcast series for mormon stories on book of mormon historicity and dna. Temple worship in the lost 116 pages by don bradley, as well as many other very interesting subjects. Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies wikipedia. Many laypeople in the lds church look to farms as the final authority on matters regarding the book of mormon and other lds scriptures such as the book of abraham.
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 role of apologetics in mormon studies interpreter. Apologetics press the book of mormon and the ancient. It refutes many of the antimormon assaults on the book of abraham. Accompanying this release and renewed interest in the topic. Apologetics research resources on religious cults and sects. In 2010, the foundation for ancient research was dissolved. The book of abraham missing scrolls, catalyst theories, and bad apologetics part 2 today we explore the book of abraham in radio free mormon style. In this chapter we will examine another book of the mormon scriptures called the book of abraham. Yet, the author of the book of mormon unquestionably was relying on acts 3. The papyri which joseph smith said he translated the book of abraham from have been exposed to be nothing more than funeral texts from ancient egypt at least eight egyptologists and semitists have studied the papyri and. Smith then gave 3 examples of what she considers high quality mormon apologetics. Jun 11, 2009 at that time, church president gordon hinckley said, farms represents the efforts of sincere and dedicated scholars.
In the introduction of the book of mormon, smith states that it is the record of gods dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the americas, which also contains the fullness of the everlasting. Lds apologists are members of the church that defend. While allowing some degree of academic freedom to its scholars, farms was committed to the conclusion that lds scriptures are authentic, historical texts written by prophets of god. Thousands of mormons left the church as the result of this discovery, while thousands more are completely unaware of this important piece of evidence. However while the text is part of the original article, the links are not. They are as busy as bees with this mission impossible task. Joseph smith began the translation in 1835 after obtaining some egyptian papyri. Joseph smiths interpretation of these cuts is a farrago of nonsense from beginning to end. How the book of abraham exposes the false nature of mormonism. Nowadays, mormon apologetics seems close to nonexistent relative to ten years ago.
I think i have proof that mormonism is not true youtube. A portion of the papyri used by joseph smith as the source of the book of abraham. While allowing some degree of academic freedom to its scholars, farms was committed to the conclusion that lds scriptures are authentic, historical texts written. 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. Thirdly, the book of abraham provides justification for important mormon doctrines, including the exaltation of man, plurality of gods, priesthood, and premortal existence not found in any of the other canonized scriptures of the lds.
The false translation of the book of abraham, therefore, casts serious doubt on the book of mormon as well, forever debilitating josephs claim he was a true, inspired prophet of god. Farms fair shields mormon apologetics farms and fair and shields apologize for the book of mormon and the book of abraham. Mormons apologists now argue the papyri are later transcriptions and copies of the ancient scrolls written by abraham. In case fair farms decide not participate, do any of you know anyone who is a believer in book of mormon. Yeah sure, just as soon as mormon apologetics admit that the book of abraham is a fraudyour getting close to doing sobut come on just come clean and admit it. His visit and speak at the mormon tabernacle generat. In the last chapter, we saw some of the problems mormonism faces with the book of mormon and archaeology. Find out about its teachings of men becoming gods, temples, the book of mormon, and joseph smith who claimed to have seen god the father. Here are some articles where these lds apologists defend the book of abraham.
The book of mormon only mentions one hill cumorah, as does joseph smith, said professor garloy p. 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. How the text of the book of mormon was brought to us was a witness to the prophets status as seer and translator as is the book of abraham. Problems book of abraham and mormon apologetics thursday, feb 17, 2005, at 11. This is true too of their defenses of the book of abraham and the book of mormon. That mormon leaders, writers, and apologists should be trusted when they have a history of deception. The prophet had 11 witnesses of the plates and there were witnesses to the translation as well.
Brian hauglid is a professor of ancient scripture at byu. 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 journal of book of mormon studies, once published under farms, continues to be published by the willes center. Fairmormon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing welldocumented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Contributors to an anthology on king benjamins sermon welch and ricks 1998 draw parallels to festivals, ceremonies, and orations of the. I would like to share it with you all thanks so much, enochville, to offer a small bit of closure to the raging post on fair farms and lds apologetics of last week. Share this video so that more people can be set free from the tangled lies of joseph smith. The book of abraham and other mormon scripture that not only contradicts the bible but, given mormon claims for them, are proven fraudulent. A farms anthology, warfare in the book of mormon ricks and hamblin 1990, argues that the book of mormon accurately depicts premodern war practices in the ancient near east, as well as in mesoamerica. 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.
Please add your farms or fair story or comments in the box below. The book contains several doctrines that are unique to mormonism such as the idea that god organized eternal elements. Ive approached mike ash to participate, and he has politely declined im waiting to hear back on his reasons. Three difficult questions for mormons catholic answers. Explores the joseph smith papyrus and demonstrates that joseph smiths claim that he had translated the book of abraham from it was a fabrication. The book of abraham is part of the pearl of great price, which mormons consider scripture. Updated 122395 includes the smithsonian letter on the book of mormon.
Aug 03, 2012 for those interested in the temple, topics will include book of abraham, i presume by john gee, and piercing the veil. 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. Fairmormon faithful answers to criticisms of the lds church. Smith once called the book of mormon the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion smith, 1902, 4. Aug 08, 2018 years ago, when i joined this site, the field of mormon apologetics was active. Fairmormon and these unofficial apologists have done more to destroy my testimony than any antimormon source ever could. The book of mormon has been criticized for its lack of significant female characters in the narrative. Hendricks, director of mormon research group farms. Farms stands for the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies.
Rhodes never comments on how his english translation of the egyptian texts supports or does not support the book of abraham. Hauglids essay, i would like to note here that i appreciate mr. The maxwell institute is still doing apologetics at some level, although the word itself and the idea behind it have fallen out of favor. The book of abraham issues translation problems mormonthink. Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms. Book of abraham and related manuscripts the joseph smith papers. Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, 7, no. Death blow to mormonism the book of abraham is a fake. The author of this article may or may not agree with the views expressed on those pages.
Each coloured link within the article will lead you to a related topic on a different page on this site. The problem was that excavations at the hill in new york identified by joseph smith as cumorah failed to uncover any trace of the two million people who supposedly died there a mere 1600 years ago. Farms and mormon apologetics how they spin damaging. Answers about mormons and mormon beliefs lds faq latter. Nov 10, 2015 rather, we should raise the bar and hasten the work in mormon apologetics. The foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms was an informal collaboration of academics devoted to latterday saint historical scholarship. He talks about lds apologetics how lds members defend the book of abraham. We have actual evidence that joseph smith was lying to mormons when he invented his new scripture the book of abraham.
The translation was published serially in the times and seasons beginning march 1, 1842, at nauvoo, illinois. The book of abraham, it is hardly necessary to say, is a pure fabrication. Second, the critics do not deal with the issues arising from the book of abraham that latterday saints care about. The book of abraham is a book of lds scripture that joseph smith translated from a collection of ancient egyptian papyri the church purchased. An inspired translation of the writings of abraham. This fact he tries to deny when he says, the book of abraham is not like the book of mormon. Its validity as scripture depends on its being historically authentic. If the events it records did not happen, and if it is actually modern rather than ancient in origin, then the book of mormon cannot be the word of god.
However, we have an opportunity here to verify or not verify the book of abraham through facsimile no. This is a great resource to show how farms spins damaging information to keep mormons under the illusion that all is well in mormonism. They are now referred to as the joseph smith papyri. Mormon scholars who encourage ongoing belief in and devotion to lds church truth and authority claims through nuance, metaphor, symbolism, humanities, poetry, recontextualization, the redefining of words, etc. The problems encountered here are devastating to the credibility of mormonism. The book of abraham was not translated, it was fabricated. Even before the book of abraham was published in 1842, joseph smith and other. Apologetics research resources on religious cults and. Lds apologist undermines the book of abraham mormon chronicle. However, in 1966 several fragments of the papyri were found in the archives of the metropolitan museum of art in new york and in the lds church archives. Why doesnt the translation of the egyptian papyri found in 1967.
In sifting through arguments pro and con for mormonism, i have found the following. Like the book of mormon and the bible revision, both of which were dictated by. In the name of the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms, the institute for the study and preservation of ancient religious texts institute supports study and research on the book of mormon, the book of abraham, the old testament and the new testament, studies of the early formative period of the christian tradition, ancient temples, and other related subjects. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. The book of mormon purports to be an inspired and accurate translation of an ancient historical narrative covering more than a thousand years. Sorry somehow this posted before i was far from complete lol and that is reflected in the title my apologies.
Joseph smith said that the fragments were associated with the book of abraham. Moreover, hugh nibley, the patron saint of farms, argued at length in such essays as new approaches to book of mormon study, which first appeared in 1953 and was then incorporated into his collected works via the 1989 anthology the prophetic book of mormon, that the proper way to examine the provenance of a disputed text is, first, to. Critics have charged that book of mormon theology is too modern. The book of mormon mistakenly has jesus including peters appended comments as if they were part of moses words in deuteronomy. Thousands of years ago, the prophet nephi learned that one purpose of the book of mormon was to establish the truth of the. Debunking fairmormon letter to a ces director book of abraham.
Mar 15, 2003 in the name of the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms, the institute for the study and preservation of ancient religious texts institute supports study and research on the book of mormon, the book of abraham, the old testament and the new testament, studies of the early formative period of the christian tradition, ancient temples, and other related subjects. In 1997, the group became a formal part of brigham young university byu, which is owned and operated by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds church. Rather, we should raise the bar and hasten the work in mormon apologetics. In some circles they are known as professional branch of mormon apologetics. Ravi zacharias was invitited to speak at the mormon tabernacle to an audience of 7,000 people. Index of articles on mormons, mormonism,the church of jesus christ of latterday saints, joseph smith, book of mormon, book of abraham, modern revelation, archeology, science, history, faith, christianity, judaism, apologetics, nature of god, council of gods, faith, dna and the book of mormon, cataclysm of 3rd nephi, signs in the sky. Ive also approach fair, and am waiting to hear back. Abraham refers to a picture in the text of the book of abraham abr. Established in 1979 as a private organization, farms is a group of mormon scholars dedicated to studying and defending the mormon faith. Nibley 19102005 taught at byu from 1946 until 1994 and produced an astonishing body of scholarship, mostly in defense of the book of mormon, the book of abraham, and lds theology.
In the old testament, male pronouns he and his are mentioned 6. The unceasing mormon defense of salvation by works, a doctrine the bible declares is cursed by god. By mighty curelom, january 4, 2005 in book of abrahammighty curelom, january 4, 2005 in book of abraham. Rhodes published his ninetysevenpage book, the hor book of breathings. This research primarily concerned the book of mormon, the book of abraham, the old testament, the new testament, early christian history, ancient temples, and other related subjects. He has been a prominent book of abraham apologists, publishing in farms and other byu outlets. Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies. Debunking fairmormon letter to a ces director book of. While translating the book of mormon, he used the urim and thummim rather. The state of mormon apologetics general discussions. This full issue is brought to you for free and open access by the all journals at byu scholarsarchive.
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