Item Detail
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26637
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1
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0
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English
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Reformed Egyptian and the Book of Abraham Papyri : A Shared Scriptural Dilemma across the Restoration
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Restoration Studies
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11
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Independence, MO
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John Whitmer Historical Association; Community of Christ Seminary Press
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164-179
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In this paper, I argue that the Book of Abraham is not a burden, but a blessing, an entry point into a new understanding of Restoration scripture. Whether canonized or not, the Book of Abraham confronts every member of the Restoration, and allows for a departure from worn-out arguments over scriptural literalism, and entry into scripture as inspired mythos, a necessary foundation that is central to our identities and faith. This new understanding shifts emphasis from source to content for all scripture: Hebrew, Christian, and Restoration. In this paper, I will begin with the origins of Restoration scripture, followed by a history of the Book of Abraham. I will then shift to a new understanding of inspired translation as sacramental mythos, followed by the failures of the Book of Abraham to stand up to scholarly research. I will conclude with the need for a breathing canon of scripture and new understanding of prophecy and revelation. [From the article]