Quote:
Originally Posted by Yekcidmij
I don't even know that we need to discuss a Deutero-Isaiah theory. I don't have much of a problem with it and do find the subject interesting. Barkers theory is somewhat like a Deutero Isaiah theory, but a little different.
In any case, if you want to accept biblical criticism, and remain consistent and rational in your thinking, you must reject 1 Nephi 20-21, 2 Nephi 6-8, 3 Nephi 20 & 22, Mosiah 12, and Mosiah 14. Those chapters all quote from what would then be considered the corrupted deutero-Isaiah and would also be terribly anachronistic. You would probably also have to reject 2 Nephi 12-24, 27, 30 since those chapters represent an inappropriate division in the text of 1st Isaiah.
Not that I reject the deutero-Isaiah (or even tritero-Isaiah, since there is no consensus among scholars on the composition of the book) theory, but I just want to point out the logical conclusion of its acceptance by LDS. The logical conclusion would be that Joseph Smith was not a true prophet.
Now I personally lean toward a unity in Isaiah rather than multiple authors to the book. So those entire chapters in the Book of Mormon contain very little for me to object about.
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We do need to discuss 2nd Isaiah. For two reasons. First, the portions quoted in the Book of Mormon are actually among a key section in dispute. Word Print study was done on Isaiah, showing there probably was a Deutero-Isaiah, but did not include the chapters included in the Book of Mormon (
Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, ed Parry/Welch). Also, of the disputed chapters from Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, it only includes the chapters that do not make Yahweh and Elohim one being: one of the clear points of the Deuteronomist view.
The Book of Mormon supports the concept of two deities, Father and Son, El and Yahweh. And shows it in the Isaiah chapters. Either Joseph Smith was an amazing genius in choosing which chapters to use, or he was inspired to translate an actual ancient document.
A very good article by Kevin Christensen discusses some of the points in this thread, including points from Margaret Barker is found at this link.