I am trying to create a graphic representation of Mormon cosmology. I was sifting through the Grammar and Alphabet of the Egyptian Language (GAEL) by myself until I found this. I feel like all of my research has been done for me now.
They do an unbelievable job at showing the cultural ideas that made it into early Mormonism. One example they tough on is how the various stars/planets “borrow light”. Its a foreign concept to us today. However, in the 19th century there was a belief that the sun was a planet and it’s atmosphere gave off light, but not heat. It was only when the light from the sun hit Earth’s atmosphere that it became hot. The light from the Moon gave off no heat. Earth itself did not produce any light.
They also do an awesome job of talking about literalism/traditionalism and non-literalism, which is something I’m very much digging lately. They theorized that Joseph Smith was “propheticly eclectic”. Basically Joseph Smith used the world around him to tell a story that would inspire people.
I also learned about “Midrash”. Midrash is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, usually scripture. They said that the PoGP essentially meets that definition.
Fascinating stuff. Now on to the artistic bits!