M Scott Bradshaw

Unexpected Parallels M Scott Bradshaw

Note: Book updated April 16, 2020. Unexpected Parallels describes newly-discovered links between the revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805-1844) and the teachings and experiences of Eastern Orthodox saints and monks. Many of these connections are seen in the dates and themes of Joseph's revelations in The Doctrine and Covenants ("D& C") and in the corresponding feast dates on the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. Some of the links are simply stunning! For example, every reference to temples and temple ordinances in the D& C falls on an appropriate feast date on the Orthodox calendars (Julian and Revised Julian). Four such revelations fall on dates for the feast of the Old Testament Prophet Elijah, who is believed by Latter-day Saints to have restored sacred temple authority in 1836. Despite these ties, there is no apparent way that Joseph could have intentionally connected his revelations to dates on the Orthodox calendar. He had no access to the Orthodox materials described in this book. Unexpected Parallels presents several chapters that are intended to build appreciation for Orthodox worship and teachings among readers. Noted Orthodox scholars are cited to aid in understanding the Divine Liturgy (i.e., sacrament service) and other Orthodox services. Unexpected Parallels also presents new perspectives on theosis, or deification, which is the Orthodox teaching that believers can become gods. The writings of St. Gregory Palamas (fourteenth century) on divine light and deification are brought into focus with interesting parallels to sections of the D& C-notably to Sections 88 and 93. St. Gregory's writings on light and deification are considered authoritative in Eastern Orthodoxy. Unexpected Parallels also tells the story of a Russian monk, St. Seraphim of Sarov (1754-1833), whose teachings show similarities to Joseph's in several respects. Seraphim even had a revelation in which he heard God speak to him using words similar to those spoken by the Lord to Joseph during his First Vision in 1820. Other chapters provide sketches of famed monks from centuries past whose lives serve, in a sense, as the spiritual pedigree of St. Seraphim. Among these are St. Alexander of Svir, who in 1508 experienced a vision in which he saw the three personages of the Godhead (Trinity). St. Alexander and Joseph share a feast day (Alexander's birth/Joseph's death) with the Prophet Amos (see Amos 3:7, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, abut he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."). Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind, and not treat these parallels as "proof" of their own particular religious views. The author, a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, suggests that these correlations attest to the deep spirituality of Eastern Orthodox worship and underscore the holiness of its saints. The author believes that they also bolster the claim for divine inspiration in Joseph Smith's revelations and for the sacred role of temple worship. This story is relevant for all Christians. With these seemingly-providential connection points between two very different Christian churches, the collective Christian story of faith rings truer, not less true. This may be a very important consideration in a world where traditional church attendance is declining in many countries. Updated on 16 April 2020, to correct formatting issues, minor textual problems, and a few errors (see "Errata" at the end of this book). Several paragraphs were rewritten for better clarity. Some new date correlation material was added; see Table 2 "The Restoration and Correlations to Feasts of Mary."