Lecture Notes on Joseph Smith and the Ascension of Isaiah
Introduction
Discussion on Joseph Smith's initial perceived inaccuracies and eventual vindication related to the Ascension of Isaiah and the Book of Mormon.
Mention of the apocryphal texts supporting the claims made in the Book of Mormon.
Key Figures and Their Works
Joseph Smith: Founder of the Latter-day Saint movement; criticized for historical and prophetic inaccuracies.
Jonah Barnes: Author of "The Key to the Keystone," focusing on lost prophecies and apocryphal texts.
Dave Butler: Author of "In the Language of Adam," contributing to the discussion on ancient prophecies.
The Ascension of Isaiah
An apocryphal text rediscovered in 1522, translated into multiple languages including English by 1912.
Describes the prophet Isaiah's vision and subsequent martyrdom for his prophecies about the Messiah.
Isaiah's Prophecies and Their Significance
Isaiah's vision included the prophecy of the Messiah's birth, life, and crucifixion, considered offensive in his time.
The Ascension of Isaiah fills in gaps left in the canonical book of Isaiah, offering a more complete narrative.
Comparison between Isaiah’s and Nephi’s visions, suggesting a shared prophetic tradition.
The Book of Mormon and Apocryphal Texts
The Book of Mormon is argued to be an authentically ancient book substantiated by apocryphal texts discovered post-publication.
Discussion on the brass plates and their significance, predating the Old Testament.
Jonah Barnes and others explore the "Q source hypothesis" in religious texts.
Lost Prophecies of Isaiah
Isaiah’s prophecies were not included in the canonical texts, possibly due to their controversial nature.
Nephi's vision in the Book of Mormon parallels Isaiah's lost prophecies.
The controversy of sonship and corporeal nature of God highlighted.
Historical Context and Apostasy
The Great Forsakening
Deuteronomic Reforms: Revisions reducing emphasis on Messianic prophecies and corporal divinity.
Pre-Christ Apostasy: Loss of ordinances, festivals, and traditional beliefs before Christ, termed "the Great Forsakening."
Comparisons to Later Apostasy: Similarities drawn between earlier and later apostasy events in religious history.
Scholarly Perspectives and Debates
Discussion on the dating of the Ascension of Isaiah and other apocryphal texts.
Concerns about post hoc rationalization of texts and the importance of oral traditions in preserving prophecies.
The challenge of reconciling scholarly dating with scriptural evidence.
Key Takeaways
The Book of Mormon offers insights that align with ancient apocryphal texts, suggesting deeper connections to historical prophecies.
The importance of considering the Book of Mormon as a primary source in theological discussions, rather than seeking validation solely from contemporary scholarship.
The role of lost texts in illuminating religious narratives that were possibly altered or omitted from canonical scriptures.
Conclusion
Reaffirmation of the Book of Mormon’s ancient roots and its alignment with rediscovered texts.
Encouragement to explore apocryphal texts for a richer understanding of early prophetic traditions.
Acknowledgment of ongoing scholarly debates and the need for examining historical religious texts with an open perspective.