"don't embarrass yourself by asking about metallurgy..."

[_Kishkumen]

Why is it necessary to think that the Book of Abraham was written by a guy named Abraham who appears also in the Bible?

[_Tobin]

But since the contents of the document bought from the traveling showman bore no relation to the Book of Abraham, surely any other text in hieroglyphics could have done the job just as well?

For all intentional purposes yes, but if the original existed and was the source of the corrupted Egyptian papyri, that eventually ended up in Joseph Smith's hands as a result, I wouldn't simply discount that.

[Guest]

Why is it necessary to think that the Book of Abraham was written by a guy named Abraham who appears also in the Bible?

The Book of Abraham communicates a very interesting and disturbing thing about Abraham's character and the Lord himself I think. As we know, Abraham was asked to offer his own son for human sacrifice to the Lord. However, from the Book of Abraham we find out that Abraham was also offered up as human sacrifice. This must have been something that haunted Abraham and was an indication to him of the falsity and dangers of believing in and following these pagan Gods. Then the Lord himself asks this very thing of Abraham - this terrible thing that he must have despised - and interestingly he complied with every intention of carrying through with it. That worries me a lot. Are these the types of trials the Lord has instore for those who follow him? Can I bear giving up (or doing) what I dread the most to follow the Lord? I often reflect that I might flee from such a request and that disturbs me a lot.

[_Shulem]

Why is it necessary to think that the Book of Abraham was written by a guy named Abraham who appears also in the Bible?

That is the dumbest question I've heard in a long time. What the hell is wrong with you?

Jesus.

Paul O

[_Kishkumen]

Why is it necessary to think that the Book of Abraham was written by a guy named Abraham who appears also in the Bible?

The Book of Abraham communicates a very interesting and disturbing thing about Abraham's character and the Lord himself I think. As we know, Abraham was asked to offer his own son for human sacrifice to the Lord. However, from the Book of Abraham we find out that Abraham was also offered up as human sacrifice. This must have been something that haunted Abraham and was an indication to him of the falsity and dangers of believing in and following these pagan Gods. Then the Lord himself asks this very thing of Abraham - this terrible thing that he must have despised - and interestingly he complied with every intention of carrying through with it. That worries me a lot. Are these the types of trials the Lord has instore for those who follow him? Can I bear giving up (or doing) what I dread the most to follow the Lord? I often reflect that I might flee from such a request and that disturbs me a lot.

I don't see how a moral dilemma in a story makes the story historical. Maybe I am not following your reasoning.

[_Kishkumen]

That is the dumbest question I've heard in a long time. What the hell is wrong with you?

Jesus.

Paul O

Stop behaving like a three year old.

[_Tobin]

I don't see how a moral dilemma in a story makes the story historical. Maybe I am not following your reasoning.

I didn't say it made it historical, I said it made it interesting and a bit disturbing. I hate people that point at scriptures as proof in and of themselves that they are true. I find the stories and themes interesting is all.

[_Shulem]

That is the dumbest question I've heard in a long time. What the hell is wrong with you?

Jesus.

Paul O

Stop behaving like a three year old.

Excuse me, but I'm 6.

Paul O

[_Kishkumen]

Excuse me, but I'm 6.

Paul O

LOL! Oops! My bad.

[_Themis]

But since the contents of the document bought from the traveling showman bore no relation to the Book of Abraham, surely any other text in hieroglyphics could have done the job just as well?

Joseph didn't need it for the B of Moses. Tobin appears to be arguing two different hypothesis. One being the papyri does resemble Abraham's story used and changed by the Egyptians, and the other where it has nothing to do with Abraham but was a catalyst to get Joseph to ask God about it. Neither are thought out well. Neither has an evidence to even suggest we should take them seriously. They are made up from nothing but a desire to protect a belief. It still makes God and Joseph into idiots. Why is a guy who claims to be talking to God on a regular basis not getting it right. Does God have such a problem here. Why even give a guy something you know is wrong. Joseph gave explanations he claimed are revelation from God for each hieroglyph and for particular parts of the facsimiles.

Joseph screwed up here trying to impress with his first ancient document. He should have just stuck with how he did the B of Moses, but then it doesn't appear as good. Not to mention since he claims to be able to translate ancient languages the papyri was something he couldn't ignore without followers questioning his claims.