Kerry Muhlestein - A Primer on Egyptian Religion, How it Parallels LDS Beliefs and Temples

ScriptureNotes... - Enjoy this interview with Kerry Muhlestine on a fascinating look into some basic elements of Egyptian religious thought, paralleled by a look into modern day religious thought. Then we will touch on parallels with LDS temples, and finally we will look at how it helps us understand the purpose of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

[@franciegwin]

Just discoverd your channel. Oh my! Can't wait to dive in!!!!

[@BazSupport]

1:36 - Background on the complexities and variations in Egyptian religious thought over 3,000 years of history
2:43 - The cultural reasons for Egyptians being comfortable with multiple creation stories and gods
3:45 - Simplified overview of the Egyptian creation narrative and the concept of ma'at (order) vs. isfet (chaos)
6:27 - The role of the king in upholding ma'at and preventing the uncreation of the world
8:01 - Parallels between Egyptian religious thought and LDS beliefs, including the separation of mankind from deity
9:50 - The Egyptian word for "holy" (djeser) and its connection to the idea of separation and becoming godly
11:45 - The temple as a means for mankind to become holy and reunite with the gods
12:49 - Symbols of rebirth in Egyptian religious thought, including the scarab beetle and the sun
14:22 - Similarities between Egyptian rebirth symbolism and LDS teachings on being born again
15:12 - The purposes of Egyptian temples: rebirth, redemption, and reunion
16:27 - The degrees of holiness in Egyptian temples and the rituals performed to approach the divine presence
19:13 - The priest's journey through the temple gates, including washings, anointings, and receiving a new name
21:40 - Symbols and rituals in Egyptian temples that may resonate with Latter-day Saints
23:06 - Possible reasons for similarities between Egyptian and LDS temple symbolism
24:31 - Dr. Muhlestein's recent book exploring the themes of recreation, redemption, and reunion in the Savior's life and Atonement
27:58 - The primal wound of separation from Heavenly Parents and the yearning for reunion
29:31 - Christ's experience of separation and abandonment to create infinite unity for mankind
32:06 - Resources for learning more about ancient Egypt, including books, online courses, and Dr. Muhlestein's own materials
37:41 - Information about Dr. Muhlestein's excavation projects and media appearances
40:39 - Q&A: The concept of Christ experiencing separation to create unity
42:06 - Q&A: The best path to seeing Egyptian influence in the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon
43:10 - Q&A: Fitting the Book of Abraham's mention of Egyptus into the 3,000-year history of Egypt
46:49 - Q&A: Abraham's role in introducing astronomical and religious concepts to the Egyptians
49:00 - Q&A: The Egyptian Book of Breathings and its similarities to the Book of Abraham
52:22 - Q&A: Dr. Muhlestein's working relationship with Egyptologist C. Wilfred Griggs
54:05 - Q&A: The theory of a prophetic calendar built into the measurements of the Great Pyramid
55:45 - The challenges of separating valid theories from "nuts and insanity" in Egyptology
57:07 - Q&A: Dr. Muhlestein's thoughts on who built the pyramids and how

[@johnthompson2256]

You discuss relationships at the 28-minute mark. I find it interesting that in our first estate, we were with G-d. The Hebrew letter with a value of 1 is Aleph. Aleph is the first letter of Elohim. It can symbolize unity, etc. We are in our second estate, and the letter with a value of 2 is Beit. Beith can also represent a house or relationship. The subsequent letter is meaningful; Gimmel can be judgment. Something to consider.

[@danettehansen2687]

The mention of water and chaos at the beginning of this episode made me think of a college class I had that talked about finding life on other planets which the first sign would be water. Water is required for life to exist.

[@DoctrineofChrist248]

Kerry is a good dude. Fascinating stuff, thanks Brother Oak

[@tylerzika]

35:35 does this apply to Joseph Smith?

[@StandforTruth712]

The Father withdrew so that Christ's atonement would be complete. To conquer death and he'll, Christ had to experience the depths of hell which was and is complete separation from the Father.

[@jaredshipp9207]

"I have tred the wine press alone"

[@tylerzika]

People are addicted to feeling they have secret knowledge for benefits.

[@PrairieChristianOutreach]

4:00. How do Mormons identify themselves as monotheists given their ontological understanding of God as coming from other Gods in endless succession? That statement seems disingenuous.

[@ScriptureNotes]

Great question. Thanks for asking it. The answer is found in the simple understanding that Jesus was God and so was his Father. What did Jesus teach? Worship the Father in his name. What's the goal? To be one with Christ as he is one with his Father. Jesus prayed that his disciples would be one with Christ in the same way he was one with his Father (John 17:21-22) for he said his Father was "greater" than he was (John 14:28). In other words, he was exalted to a higher exalted state, or estate. So members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, worship the Father as Jesus instructed us, while recognizing that Jesus is also a God. Stephen saw Jesus on the right hand (side) of the Father as he was being stoned to death (Acts 7). They truly are separate beings.

[@roburry]

Is it disingenuous that I identify as having only one father even though it is obvious that I have numerous grand and great-grand fathers? Nope. In fact I do have only one father. It is only when non-sensical definitions start being applied that things start seeming disingenuous.

[@PrairieChristianOutreach]

@@ScriptureNotes Thank you for your response. Studying comparative religions is very interesting. I always find it helpful to clarify terms. Your explanation helps me better understand how Mormons view God. As a classical Trinitarian I view the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as being three persons in one God. They are ontologically one by the fact that all three are all knowing, all powerful, all present, and eternal. These attributes by nature lead to one in substance. I think your understanding of oneness is one in purpose, but not in nature given that you view of God is not eternal, meaning from everlasting to everlasting.

[@PrairieChristianOutreach]

@@roburry I'm sorry if I used the wrong term in my earlier comment. I was not trying to be crass. I understand oneness in the sense of classic Trinitarian or even Jewish thought. I was trying to elucidate a clear perspective from a Mormon or LDS standpoint, because from my understanding it appears that Mormons believe in a pantheon of Gods.
Regarding being non-sensical, I think God by definition exists outside the realm of human sensibility, so yes, it can be foolishness to us. I'm also uncertain if one can apply human reproductive relationships to God. The titles of the Godhead reflect their relationships within that eternal covenant.
Blessings,

[@ScriptureNotes]

​@@PrairieChristianOutreach, it seems to me that even though we can't comprehend the full nature of God, we know we are made in his image, we know Jesus became mortal, died, and was resurrected in a body which he then returned with and told witnesses to feel the prints of the nails so they would know he was real. Do you believe he still has this body and will continue to possess it? We do. We believe God has always existed and will always exist and always be "above" us. We just take literal things like Jesus saying in John 5:19-20
"19. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel."
Thus the Father previously did what Jesus did by taking upon himself flesh and performing an atonement for the children of *HIS* Father.
Going backwards in time is always harder to comprehend because we are linear beings. We think we have a start point but no end (ie. immortality and eternal life), but in reality we don't have a start point of existence. We have always existed and so has God, but our memory is veiled on earth and we have forgotten everything we knew as pre-mortal children of God.
There is no "pantheon" of Gods we worship like various pagan religions. There is only one God that we worship. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism."