The Prophet Elias Puzzle

Brown, Samuel

Abstract

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The Prophet Elias Puzzle

Samuel M. Brown

University of Utah School of Medicine

Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 1-17, Fall 2006

Abstract:
Mormon founder Joseph Smith revealed an Elias separate from the Old Testament prophet Elijah. This bifurcation has occasioned both ridicule and energetic apologetics. In this paper I demonstrate that Smith split Elias from Elijah in order to separate the traditional role of Elijah as harbinger of the Millennium from the patron angel of his new temple rites and theologies. What has long appeared a translator's gaffe opens an important window into early Mormon death culture.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 17

Keywords: Mormonism, Death, Elijah, early American Republic, Religious Culture

Accepted Paper Series

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Date posted: November 15, 2007

Suggested Citation

Brown, Samuel M., The Prophet Elias Puzzle. Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 1-17, Fall 2006. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1030110

Contact Information

Samuel M. Brown (Contact Author)

University of Utah School of Medicine ( email )

1645 E. Campus Center
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
United States