A New Book for the Pearl of Great Price?

[Mortal Man]

Shortly after purchasing the Egyptian papyri from Michael Chandler, Joseph Smith discovered that "one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham, another the writings of Joseph of Egypt." -- HC vol. 2 p. 236

Unfortunately, JS was only able to translate a few brief excerpts from the Joseph-of-Egypt scroll before he was martyred.

At long last, however, Michael Rhodes has finally translated the Book of Joseph.

Should the church officially accept this long-awaited book of scripture?

[nicolasconnault]

Why don't you just leave the choices as "Yes" and "No", then let people explain why they picked one or the other?

[Duncan]

I have never ever heard of the Book of Joseph

[Gohan]

I've only heard of it because of one of Cleon Skouson's 'Thousand Years' books. From what I recall of the book, he said something of us not receiving it because we weren't ready for it?

Regardless if that's the real reason or not, that's my opinion as well. We don't need it yet, we aren't really 'feasting upon the words' he's already given us. We - as a general church, not individually - need to appreciate and utilize the scriptures we currently have before we get more.

Would be cool though...

[Sargon]

Please...nobody be dense enough to vote in this poll.

[Bill Hamblin]

Please...nobody be dense enough to vote in this poll.

This vote is about as legitimate as an Egyptian presidential election!

[Mortal Man]

Why don't you just leave the choices as "Yes" and "No", then let people explain why they picked one or the other?

Think of them as possible reasons for voting either way. If your actual reasons are different then feel free to explain.

I have never ever heard of the Book of Joseph

Well, now you have!

"Upon the subject of the Egyptian records, or rather the writings of Abraham and Joseph, and I may say a few words. This record is beautifully written in papyrus with black, and a small part, red ink or paint, in perfect preservation. The characters are such as you find upon the coffins of Mummies, hierogliphics, &c. with many characters or letters exactly like the present, though perhaps not quite so square, form of the Hebrew, without points.

...

The language in which this record is written is very com-prehensive, and many of the hierogliphics exceedingly stri-king. The evidence is apparent upon the face, that they were written by persons acquainted with the history of the creation, the fall of man, and more or less of the correct ideas of notions of the Deity. The representation of the God-head

[erichard]

Shortly after purchasing the Egyptian papyri from Michael Chandler, Joseph Smith discovered that "one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham, another the writings of Joseph of Egypt." -- HC vol. 2 p. 236

Unfortunately, JS was only able to translate a few brief excerpts from the Joseph-of-Egypt scroll before he was martyred.

...

Hi,

Although I myself choose to disenfranchise myself from your poll, I do give you high marks for humor!

Richard

[Robert F. Smith]

Shortly after purchasing the Egyptian papyri from Michael Chandler, Joseph Smith discovered that "one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham, another the writings of Joseph of Egypt." -- HC vol. 2 p. 236

Unfortunately, JS was only able to translate a few brief excerpts from the Joseph-of-Egypt scroll before he was martyred.

At long last, however, Michael Rhodes has finally translated the Book of Joseph.

Should the church officially accept this long-awaited book of scripture?

Real scholarship is all about systematic and thoroughgoing study and publication. This somewhat pricey volume, with its wonderfully sharp and complete set of photos accompanied by full notes and translation, and keyed to other translations of the same material, finally gives us what remains of the Joseph Smith Papyri -- many of which are gone and not recoverable. Another volume in this series is also just out and deals (with equally satisfying thoroughness) with many of the Kirtland Egyptian Papers.

The good thing about all this is that one can finally judge for oneself whether all the absurd claims about these materials have even a shred of evidence in their favor. Till now, some to those with access to good quality photos refused to share, preferring to create the aura of authentic knowledge.

Propagating silly myths about these documents is much easier than dealing with the hard realities, which requires serious consideration of what Brother Joseph in fact did and said. It requires an even-handed presentation of information and ideas, regardless of the consequences to one's a priori beliefs or ideology.

Mortal Man is to be congratulated for calling this to our attention, even if with tongue in cheek.

[Nemesis]

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Mormon Dialogue & Discussion Board Staff