The Shrouded Controversy Surrounding the Mormon Religion: The Multi-Authorship of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

The Mormon religion, especially the Book of Mormon, has long been a subject of scrutiny and controversy, particularly the claim of its ancient origins. A significant and often overlooked debate revolves around the multi-authorship of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, including the complex layers of Proto-Isaiah, Deutero-Isaiah, and Trito-Isaiah. This article delves into this shrouded controversy, examining the evidence and implications for both the historical and religious claims of the Book of Mormon.

The Complexity of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon, a foundational text of the Mormon faith, includes biblical quotes, particularly from Isaiah. However, the text introduces a complex and often confusing layering of Isaiah's work. This is especially evident in the Book of Mormon's reference to Isaiah as a prophet whose writings are supposedly recorded on ancient plates that were brought to America by its early inhabitants.

The Case for Multiple Isaiah Authors: Proto-Isaiah, Deutero-Isaiah, and Trito-Isaiah

The evidence of multiple Isaiah authors is well-documented in biblical scholarship. This complexity is often attributed to the emergence of Isaiah's work over time due to various historical, cultural, and linguistic factors. Here is a brief overview of the three main stages:

Proto-Isaiah

Proto-Isaiah is believed to have originated before the Babylonian exile, around the 8th century BC, and is thought to have focused on the inviolability of Jerusalem. However, historical records and archeology indicate that Jerusalem was indeed destroyed during that period.

Deutero-Isaiah

Deutero-Isaiah is a much later form of Isaiah's writings, dating to the post-exilic period (around the 6th century BC). This section focuses on comfort and restoration to the exiled Israelites, a language and imagery that would have become familiar only after the return from exile.

Trito-Isaiah

Considered the latest form of Isaiah's writings, Trito-Isaiah is believed to have originated after the return of the exiles from Babylon (around the 6th-5th century BC). It reflects the experience of those who returned and faced the challenges of rebuilding their community.

The Historical Anachronism in the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon faith, is credited with translating the Book of Mormon from ancient plates. The text mentions Isaiah's works within anachronistic contexts, making the argument more complex. Here are the key points that suggest the text cannot be an ancient record:

Impossibilities of the Brass Plates

The text claims that the Brass Plates, where Isaiah's writings were supposedly recorded, were written in Egyptian characters and on a codex, or book format. However, these forms did not exist in the ancient Near East until after 550 BC, long after the purported time period of the Book of Mormon (around 600 BC).

The Post-Exilic Language in the Book of Mormon

Key passages in the Book of Mormon, such as sermons by Jacob and Moroni, employ language that aligns with Trito-Isaiah, the latest and most post-exilic form of Isaiah's writings. This includes phrases like 'arise from the dust, O daughter of Jerusalem and out on thy garments.' These phrases would have been meaningless to the historical Isaiah or earlier prophets, thus raising serious questions about the authenticity of the text.

The Role of King Cyrus in the Book of Mormon

The mention of King Cyrus, the Persian ruler who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, is also a critical piece of evidence. The Book of Mormon attributes great significance to this figure, yet the historical Cyrus lived many centuries before the purported date of the events described in the Book of Mormon.

Conclusion: A 19th-Century Creation

The complexity of Isaiah's writings, coupled with the anachronistic language and events in the Book of Mormon, strongly suggests that the text is a product of the 19th century, reflecting the cultural and religious understanding of that time. While other theories and controversies related to the Book of Mormon, such as Masonic and anti-Masonic beliefs, remain outside the scope of this discussion, the evidence presented here adds a significant layer of controversy to the often-debated origins and authenticity of the Mormon text.

Further Reading and Sources

To delve deeper into the topic, readers are encouraged to explore scholarly works on biblical criticism, the history of the Book of Mormon, and the complex layers of Isaiah in the biblical canon. Recommended sources include academic journals, religious studies publications, and historical texts on early American religious movements.