NEW Refuting My Former Apologetic Self: Abraham as Astronomer. NOPE!

[I Have Questions]

I see promise in your analysis that Joseph used a similar process as that used by Artapanus. I’ll shamelessly say that process could be seen as a form of the roman a clef method that I see having been used in the composition of the Book of Mormon.

In the Book of Abraham, at its base, we find a man seeking priesthood authority, greater knowledge, and the blessings of the fathers, a rejection of contemporary religious practices, persecution, and authority from God.

All of which is compatible with Joseph’s developing prophetic role at the time he was composing the Book of Abraham.

I’d offer that Joseph could have been doing more than expanding Abraham’s story by projecting his own experiences and those of his inner circle into an ancient story. I’ve long thought that “Olimlah” represented Oliver, as Joseph’s slave. In fact I think the idea that “Abraham was bound” directly reflects the position Joseph found himself in, with his followers expectations of him “putting him in a bind,” so to speak.

Do you have insight into the distinctions between the 1835 and 1842 efforts that could reflect amendments to Joseph’s theology?

Essentially it seems clear to me that Joseph was doing with Abraham what earlier Jewish writers had already done by using an ancient figure to explain and legitimize the religious questions of their own time.

Joseph could also have been seeking to legitimise the march for his own authority by creating a precedent or foreshadow in something he could pass off as ancient scripture.

[Limnor]

Joseph could also have been seeking to legitimise the march for his own authority by creating a precedent or foreshadow in something he could pass off as ancient scripture.

Absolutely. The precedent for that method is in the Book of Mormon in which translation, seership, and authority are connected, in Mosiah 8, which is a convenient precedent for the kind of authority Joseph was claiming. So Joseph wasn’t just writing himself into ancient history. He building an ancient foundation for his own authority, beginning with translation and seership as the core that later evolved into the priesthood.

Joseph and Oliver wrote about the need for authority to administer ordinances in the accounts of 1829, and the fully developed priesthood framework emerged over time. And Whitmer said that expanded authority had been sought partly to satisfy demands of members, and that the development of greater institutional power came from leaders who wanted more authority.

The Book of Abraham conveniently provides an ancient precedent to satisfy these demands. The parallel between Abraham and Joseph is reflected in the possession of records that document that authority. The rightful religious leader possesses the ancient records establishing his authority. In the Book of Abraham, that contest is between Pharaoh and Abraham, in the “real world,” I think that contest was between Joseph and Rigdon. And just for fun, I’ve played around with Mahmackrah as representing Martin Harris (Harris was identified as Mahemson in the D&C), and Korash as representing Newel Knight.

Solving the “mystery” is the thing that keeps bringing me back. I think it’s fun and fascinating. Also, I can see the correlation to views about biblical history. I think the difference is Joseph’s methods are demonstrable.

[Shulem]

I’ve long thought that “Olimlah” represented Oliver, as Joseph’s slave.

Sorry, that just does not compute and makes no sense at all. Oliver was excommunicated in 1838 and lived in Ohio on his own terms as a nonmember of the church when the Book of Abraham was published in Nauvoo. I have a hard time imagining how the Second Elder of the Church who also served as Assistant President was considered Joseph's personal slave. That simply makes no sense!

Joseph Smith gave Oliver Cowdery a Patriarchal Blessing in 1835:

• he shall be made like unto the bow which the Lord hath set in the heavens

• he shall be a sign unto the nations

• he has done like Abraham

• He shall sit in the council of the patriarchs, with his brother Joseph

• He shall be equal in the councils of Israel, for he shall sit in the great assemblys of the house of Jacob

• He shall also stand in the councils of nations and states

• in repute even by governors and kings, and stand in the legislatures of nations

etc.

[Shulem]

Alas, no apologist will dare to answer ...

What about baby Smoot-boy? Do you suppose he would step in the ring and dance with me?

[Shulem]

Solving the “mystery” is the thing that keeps bringing me back. I think it’s fun and fascinating. Also, I can see the correlation to views about biblical history. I think the difference is Joseph’s methods are demonstrable.

Sounds like you're having fun and that makes it all worth it!