Book of Abraham

The Book of Abraham was purportedly translated by Joseph Smith from Egyptian papyri. George Albert Smith stated in 1976 that it is “a translation of some ancient records... from the catacombs of Egypt; the writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus.”1

What Do Modern Scholars Say?

Modern scholars have raised significant questions regarding the authenticity of the papyri from which Joseph Smith claimed to translate the Book of Abraham. Henry B. Eyring noted that the discovery of the papyrus scrolls revealed nothing that scholars found comparable to the Book of Abraham. Eyring indicated that this lack of correlation did not concern him, suggesting instead that “God doesn’t need a crib sheet in the form of a papyrus scroll to reveal Abraham’s thoughts and words to Joseph Smith.”2

Historical Context

B.H. Roberts discussed the historical implications embedded within the Book of Abraham. He described it as rich in doctrine and historical incidents, which include notions about the black race’s descent from Cain and Egyptian religious influences in Chaldea during Abraham’s time. He concluded that the book contains critical historical items, thus framing it as a vital testament of Latter-day Saint theology.3

Roberts elaborated further on the potential ramifications if Smith’s translations were disproven. He emphasized that if Smith’s translation of the Egyptian parchment was discredited, it could undermine belief in his translation of the Book of Mormon and nullify his claims as a translator.4 This suggests the importance of the Book of Abraham within the broader framework of Latter-day Saint beliefs.

Doctrinal Significance

The Book of Abraham is seen by Latter-day Saints as a basis for understanding various gospel doctrines. According to an LDS manual, the book provided knowledge of gospel principles that were not previously understood, essentially clarifying truths found in other scriptures.5 This indicates that the text functions as an important religious document within the context of Latter-day Saint teachings.

Recent Discoveries

In 1967, fragments of the Joseph Smith papyri were rediscovered, prompting a reevaluation of their significance. These fragments were confirmed to be mainly ancient Egyptian funerary texts, which raised further questions about their connection to the Book of Abraham. Despite Joseph Smith not explaining how he translated the text, it is still viewed by Latter-day Saints as product of divine inspiration.6

References

  1. George Albert Smith, Conference Reports, October 1976, 30.

  2. Henry B. Eyring, Reflections of a Scientist (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book Company, 1983), 45–46.

  3. B.H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1930), 2:128.

  4. Ibid., 138.

  5. The Pearl of Great Price Teacher Manual Religion 327 (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2000), 35.

  6. Church History in the Fulness of Times: Religion 341–43 (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2003), 258.

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