Key to the Science of Theology
By Parley P. Pratt
Synopsis: The 1979 Classics in Mormon Literature edition of this book that I read is a collection of two notable written works by Parley P. Pratt— The Key to the Science of Theology and A Voice of Warning together. First published in 1855, The Key to the Science of Theology represents Parley P. Pratt at his finest and most carefully thought out. It is a brief book, but treats topics of great depth within its pages. As to the title, the key to the science of theology is defined in the book in multiple places as the priesthood, its keys, and powers (p. 69, 73, 74), and the power or method of righteousness by which it becomes operative among mankind (p. 17, D&C 121:41-46).
Strong Points: The way the book starts out is reminiscent of the Lectures on Faith, giving the reader the expectation of an able analysis to come. And it does deliver. It builds clearly and logically upon the revelations of Joseph Smith, and this is manifested in so many instances: weighty discussion about the eternal race of the gods, men, and angels – which are the same race (p. 21-23); discussion about physical vs. spiritual as only the difference between courser and more refined matter (p. 27). A fascinating exploration and exegesis of the doctrine revealed by Joseph Smith the Prophet, this book gives the wide and broad scope of eternity and our relationship to it. Other things I liked were: its statement that the Hill Cumorah of scripture is in New York where Joseph Smith received the gold plates (p. 49), and not in Guatemala somewhere; the idea that ministering angels are often our family members (p. 71); the fascinating declaration that ministering spirits may sometimes have a romantic interest in those they tend to, having known their assignee in the pre-existence and having an expectation or hope of an eventual eternal union (p. 76); a thoughtful and penetrating analysis of phenomenon like hauntings and possession (p. 72-74). It is absolutely a profound composition.
Weak Points: The Key to the Science of Theology was, for some inexplicable reason, placed by the publishers as first in the book, before the earlier A Voice of Warning. Why? It makes no logical sense to put them in backwards chronological order, especially when Key to the Science of Theology builds upon the principles enunciated in A Voice of Warning. No explanation was given by the publishers as to the reasons behind their unusual choice. In fact, the publisher’s preface was unattributed and cut off abruptly in mid-sentence! It was gracious enough to explain that some few changes were made to the original text by Charles W. Penrose, since the time of Parley P. Pratt, “to conform to certain doctrinal considerations upon which Church leaders were agreed.” However, it makes no mention of what these altered parts were, although this would have been a fantastic opportunity for explanation or comparison of the original in some footnotes. A regretful oversight by the publisher (Deseret Book). As to the text itself, Elder Pratt’s writing style was a little wordy, and not altogether comfortable or easy for the reader. There were a few points in the book of which I would take doctrinal disagreement with: Elder Pratt stated confidently that Lehi and his family landed in Chile (p. 15), an erroneous assertion in my opinion; the thought that Shem and Melchizedek were different individuals (p. 40), when I believe that there is strong evidence that they are one and the same person; there was also a doctrinal error that conflated the idea of the power of the Holy Ghost with the Gift of the Holy Ghost in the case of Cornelius, which caused the author to stumble on that point (p. 50). Had the author had ready access to Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 199), published much later in 1938, this unfortunate blunder would have certainly been avoided. Also, the revelation we now know as D&C 76 was quoted in its entirety for the reader. This seemed like an inefficient use of text; I can read the scriptures readily from my own copy of the standard works – I would have liked much better to have read Elder Pratt’s commentary on key points of the revelation instead of just having it repeated with so little comment.
Interesting: 5/5
Must Read: 4.7/5
Overall: 4.9/5
Pages: 114
Selected Quote: “First. Theology is the science of communication, or of correspondence, between God, angels, spirits, and men, by means of visions, dreams, interpretations, conversations, inspirations, or the spirit of prophecy and revelation.
“Second. It is the science by which the worlds are organized, sustained, and directed, and the elements controlled.
“Third. It is the science of knowledge, and the key and power thereof, by which the heavens are opened, and lawful access is obtained to the treasures of wisdom and intelligence—inexhaustible, infinite, embracing the past, the present, and the future.
“Fourth. It is the science of life, endless and eternal, by which the living are changed or translated and the dead raised.
“Fifth. It is the science of faith, reformation, and remission of sins, whereby a fallen race of mortals may be justified, cleansed, and restored to the communion and fellowship of that Holy Spirit which is the light of the world and of every intelligence therein.
“Sixth. It is the science of spiritual gifts, by which the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the sick are healed, and demons are expelled from the human system.
“Seventh. It is the science of all other sciences and useful arts, being in fact the very fountain from which they emanate. It includes philosophy, astronomy, history, mathematics, geography, languages, the science of letters; and blends the knowledge of all matters of fact, in every branch of art or of research. It includes also all the scientific discoveries and inventions—agriculture, the mechanical arts, architecture, shipbuilding, the properties and applications of the mariner’s compass, navigation, and music. All that is useful, great, and good; all that is calculated to sustain, comfort, instruct, edify, purify, refine, or exalt intelligences, originated by this science, and this science alone, all other sciences being but branches growing out of this—the root.” (p. 1-2).
“The key to the science of theology is the key of divine revelation. Without this key, no man, no assemblage of men, ever did or ever will know the Eternal Father or Jesus Christ.” (p. 17).