Church History Matters 031 The Book of Abraham: Origins and Controversies
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Oct 3, 2023 This episode delves into the fascinating story of how a 19th century grave robber in Egypt led to the expansion of the Latter-day Saint canon. It explores the origins of the Book of Abraham, theories on what source material Joseph Smith translated from, and the controversies surrounding the surviving papyri fragments. The significance of the book to different religious groups is also discussed.
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Book of Abraham's Importance
- The Book of Abraham details God's covenant with Abraham, offering unique insights not found in Genesis.
- It also teaches about premortality, the creation, and Abraham's near-sacrifice as a youth, adding depth to his story.
Napoleon and Lebolo in Egypt
- Napoleon's Egyptian exploits in 1798 sparked a wave of exploration into Egyptian antiquities.
- Antonio Lebolo, a grave robber, later found mummies and papyri near Thebes, starting the Book of Abraham's journey.
From Italy to Joseph Smith
- Lebolo's collection went to Michael Chandler, who toured with and sold the artifacts.
- Joseph Smith, interested in the papyri, bought the remaining mummies and scrolls in 1835.