Interview with Jonah Barnes

Introduction

• Interview with author Jonah Barnes, discussing his book "The Key to the Keystone."
• Jonah Barnes's book provides humorous and insightful perspectives on the Book of Mormon.
• Hosted by Greg Matson at the studios of the Stick of Joseph and Plain and Precious Publishing.
• Episode sponsored by Go and Do Travel, promoting upcoming Momentum Cruises.

Jonah Barnes's Journey

• Jonah Barnes's inspiration came from reading apocryphal documents while traveling.
• Noticed parallels between the Apocrypha and the Book of Mormon.
• Speculates that Apocryphal books may have been part of the brass plates.

The Brass Plates and the Apocrypha

• The brass plates are ancient documents that predate 600 BC.
• Often assumed to be the Old Testament, but likely contain additional texts like the Apocrypha.
• The Book of Mormon authors claim to draw from the brass plates, suggesting a link to the Apocrypha.
• The concept that the Apocrypha and Book of Mormon share common sources or traditions.

The Concept of Lost Books

• Discussion on the compilation of the Old Testament post-exilic with a Deuteronomic focus.
• The idea of a lost preaching of Christ in Old Testament times.
• The Book of Mormon provides a clearer depiction of Christ than the Old Testament.

Evidence from Apocryphal Texts

• Apocryphal texts often contain themes and phrases found in the Book of Mormon but absent in the Old Testament.
• Example: The metaphor of the "sting of death" shared between Apocrypha and New Testament writers, not Old Testament.
• Many New Testament figures, including Jesus, quoted from apocryphal texts.

The Role of the Apocrypha Today

• Early Saints were excited about the discovery of Apocryphal texts as they aligned with the Book of Mormon.
• Modern Latter-day Saints may not focus on Apocrypha due to having the fullness of the Gospel.
• The Apocrypha can provide additional insights and layers of understanding.

Examples of Apocryphal Influence

• 2 Nephi Chapter 2: Discusses the fall of man and parallels with apocryphal accounts of Adam and Eve.
• Satan's Role: More prominent in Apocrypha and Book of Mormon compared to the Old Testament.

Conclusion

• Jonah Barnes's book encourages looking at the Book of Mormon with new perspectives.
• It highlights the importance of understanding additional texts to enrich one's knowledge of scripture.

Final Thoughts

• The interview highlights the connection between the Book of Mormon and ancient texts, offering fresh insights into familiar scriptures.