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Key to the science of theology, designed as an introduction to the first principles of spiritual philosophy, religion, law and government, as delivered by the ancients, and as restored in this age for the final development of universal peace, truth and...
Designed as an Introduction to the First Principles of Spiritual Philosophy, Religion, Law and Government, as Delivered by the Ancients, and as Restored in this Age, for the final Development of Universal Peace, Truth and Knowledge. Reveals Keys to the Mysteries of the Godhead, Initiations, Miracles, Dreams, and Spirits.
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First published January 1, 1855
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About the author
Parley P. Pratt
88 books17 followersParley Parker Pratt, Sr. was an early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement whose writings became a significant early nineteenth-century exposition of the Latter Day Saint faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 22, 2010
One of my favorite quotes is about the Holy Ghost - "It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tasts, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."
This quote was footnoted in another book I read - hence, the path to this book, which is filled with similar profound and enlightening thoughts.
Well worth the effort of tracking it down!
This quote was footnoted in another book I read - hence, the path to this book, which is filled with similar profound and enlightening thoughts.
Well worth the effort of tracking it down!
August 6, 2013
I read this one during my missionary prep days back in 1975. I was so enamored with it I thought I would use it to teach the kids in my Sunday School class. I was only a few years older than them. They scoffed and made it clear they wee very uncomfortable with both the ideas found in the book as well as the intensity of my feelings for the book. I was saddened. It had been such a spiritual eye-opener for me. Parley P Pratt was a theologian and deep thinker. I guess the 19th century wording and 16-year-olds just did not mix well. I was only 18 myself. Oh well, It still holds a dear place in my heart.
If you want to know how an apostle felt about Mormonism and how the spirit blessed his life and that of his family, take the time to read this book. It is available in many editions. If you want some depth about how the spirit world operates, read chapter XII - Angels and Spirits. It is mostly about the ministry of angels but includes what happens when you encounter one who has an evil spirit - either one that has never been embodied or one that has once roamed the earth and now is unhappy with his lot. This apostle clearly teaches us about "unclean" and "foul" spirits.
"A person, on looking another in the eye who is possessed of an evil spirit, will feel a shock - a nervous feeling, which will, as it were, make his hair stand on end; in short, a shock resembling that produced in the nervous system by the sight of a serpent." There were many such spirits manifest in the early days of the church and Parley was witness to this. He recorded, "They will sometimes enter human bodies and will distract them, throw them into fits, cast them into the water, into the fire, etc. They will trouble them with dreams, nightmares, hysterics, fevers, etc.
"They will also deform them in body and in features by convulsions, cramps, contortions, etc and will compel them to utter blasphemies, horrible curses, and even words of other languages. If permitted, they will often cause death. Some of these spirits are adulterous, and suggest to the mind all manner of lasciviousness, all kinds of evil thoughts and temptations." Try teaching that to a class of sixteen-year-olds who don't even know if they believe in a God or a devil, let alone any kind of spirits, evil or otherwise. This chapter is just an example of the depth of this book and the understanding of this great theologian who was taken from earth too soon at age fifty.
It also contains one of the most oft-quoted passages in our modern church curriculum about how the gift of the Holy Ghost works upon us: "It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature.
"It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."
Just wanted to make sure you knew that Parley understood and acknowledged how the Holy Ghost blessed his life. I feel the same way.
If you want to know how an apostle felt about Mormonism and how the spirit blessed his life and that of his family, take the time to read this book. It is available in many editions. If you want some depth about how the spirit world operates, read chapter XII - Angels and Spirits. It is mostly about the ministry of angels but includes what happens when you encounter one who has an evil spirit - either one that has never been embodied or one that has once roamed the earth and now is unhappy with his lot. This apostle clearly teaches us about "unclean" and "foul" spirits.
"A person, on looking another in the eye who is possessed of an evil spirit, will feel a shock - a nervous feeling, which will, as it were, make his hair stand on end; in short, a shock resembling that produced in the nervous system by the sight of a serpent." There were many such spirits manifest in the early days of the church and Parley was witness to this. He recorded, "They will sometimes enter human bodies and will distract them, throw them into fits, cast them into the water, into the fire, etc. They will trouble them with dreams, nightmares, hysterics, fevers, etc.
"They will also deform them in body and in features by convulsions, cramps, contortions, etc and will compel them to utter blasphemies, horrible curses, and even words of other languages. If permitted, they will often cause death. Some of these spirits are adulterous, and suggest to the mind all manner of lasciviousness, all kinds of evil thoughts and temptations." Try teaching that to a class of sixteen-year-olds who don't even know if they believe in a God or a devil, let alone any kind of spirits, evil or otherwise. This chapter is just an example of the depth of this book and the understanding of this great theologian who was taken from earth too soon at age fifty.
It also contains one of the most oft-quoted passages in our modern church curriculum about how the gift of the Holy Ghost works upon us: "It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature.
"It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."
Just wanted to make sure you knew that Parley understood and acknowledged how the Holy Ghost blessed his life. I feel the same way.
August 21, 2015
This was a fascinatinating book to read after having been a member of the Church for my entire life and having taught religion for almost 20 years. There are some great passages in here, particularly about the importance of knowing the truth about God's nature, our relationship to him, and the role of marriage and procreation in the eternities. There are some other passages-for example, the discussion of "the Spirit"- in which Elder Pratt's understanding doesn't fit with current Church doctrine. In the instance of the Spirit, however, it could be argued that Pratt is really describing the "light of Christ" or the "influence" of the Holy Spirit, but this is a theological refinement that would come only after Pratt's time. And given what Parley and Orson wrote elsewhere, this would be a more significant modification to reconcile the two views. This is all alright and as it should be in a Church that believes in continuing revelation where members, even leaders, sometimes have to adjust their views to align with official Church doctrine. What Elder Pratt really is doing in this book is what more members of the Church need to do more of-namely, pondering and exploring the marvelous and eternal implications and ramifications of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This kind of study and meditation would lift our sights and our actions to the plane intended by God and by His appointed prophets, of which Parley P. Pratt is indeed one.
May 8, 2016
To appreciate this book, we have to first understand and contextualize it as a by-product of a remarkable time--the restoration of the Gospel during a time of great advances in knowledge. Written in the passionate, often poetic style of the mid-1800s by Elder Parley Parker Pratt, who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just five months after it had been organized on April 6, 1830, the book touches on a broad array of ideas ranging from the purpose of government, through the creation of the universe, the purpose of science and the arts, and of course, the mysteries of the Godhead. An indefatigable missionary and writer, Elder Pratt wanted members throughout the fledgling Church to know about the concepts that the Prophet taught. So Pratt wrote countless missionary tracts, books including the History of the Missouri Persecutions, and founded the Millennial Star, the oldest publication issued by the Church. He served numerous missions, was imprisoned for his views, as well called as an apostle on the first Council of Twelve for the Church along with his brother Orson Pratt. To know more about his remarkable life, I would recommend the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (Deseret Book, 1874).
This book is fascinating as it shows how the time Elder Pratt spent with the Prophet Joseph Smith broadened his vision of what life holds for the follower of Christ. For Elder Pratt, truth was all encompassed within the Gospel--all part of what he called the science of theology. Some of the most interesting chapters span the second half of the book, including ruminations on the powers and calling of angels, the divine nature of dreams, qualifications for understanding the "science" of theology, the differentiation of spirits, and the power of miracles. Some members of the Church may not feel that there is anything new here, but a careful contextualization reminds us that these ideas were for the time, almost unimaginable and often breathtaking in their scope.
The book has many often quoted passages including a personal favorite on the refining influence of the Holy Ghost: "It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."
This book is fascinating as it shows how the time Elder Pratt spent with the Prophet Joseph Smith broadened his vision of what life holds for the follower of Christ. For Elder Pratt, truth was all encompassed within the Gospel--all part of what he called the science of theology. Some of the most interesting chapters span the second half of the book, including ruminations on the powers and calling of angels, the divine nature of dreams, qualifications for understanding the "science" of theology, the differentiation of spirits, and the power of miracles. Some members of the Church may not feel that there is anything new here, but a careful contextualization reminds us that these ideas were for the time, almost unimaginable and often breathtaking in their scope.
The book has many often quoted passages including a personal favorite on the refining influence of the Holy Ghost: "It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."
May 5, 2018
It's been on my to-read shelf for a very long time. I am glad I finally got around to it. Pratt knew and understood the gospel extremely well. I am glad for the insights he gave me. This will now make a great reference book.
April 23, 2022
In Key to the Science of Theology, Parley P. Pratt, who was a brilliant thinker of the nineteenth century, argues that all of the various sciences and arts are appendages to theology. He argues the reality that for those with faith in God, as Creator, there is no difference between science and faith. Whether it's by math, chemistry, physics, or any other art or science, these are merely universal laws and tools how God uses the elements to expand His kingdom and offer salvation to His children and every living creature He organized.
Parley P. Pratt was an early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement whose writings, particularly this book, became a significant early nineteenth-century exposition of the Latter Day Saint faith. Unfortunately, like his colleagues, Parley not only believed God has authorized his polygamous marriages.
Additional Information about this brilliant thinker and writer:
Scarcely known in Arkansas during his lifetime, Pratt was murdered on May 13, 1857, in Crawford County by Hector McLean, the estranged husband of Eleanor McComb McLean, who had become Pratt’s twelfth plural wife. The murder shocked the Latter-day Saint community and became front-page news throughout the nation. Eleanor McLean portrayed Pratt as a martyr who had rescued her from her alcoholic, abusive husband; however, national accounts, unfavorable to the Mormons’ practice of polygamy (discontinued in 1890), reported that Pratt had seduced Eleanor away from her husband.
Pratt and Eleanor McLean had met three years earlier while Pratt was living in San Francisco, California, and presiding over the Church’s Pacific mission. Eleanor embraced Mormon principles and was baptized into the Church with her husband’s consent. In 1855, following a domestic dispute, Hector McLean secretly sent their children from San Francisco to New Orleans, Louisiana, to live with their maternal grandparents, whereupon Eleanor determined to leave him. She then traveled to New Orleans to get her children.
Eleanor and Pratt had decided to meet at Fort Smith (Sebastian County) and travel back to Utah together. Hector McLean heard of their intended rendezvous and beat them to Arkansas, where he filed charges against them and got warrants for their arrests. Hector caught up with Eleanor and Pratt in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) and again took the children away. Hours later, a state marshal arrested Eleanor on a charge of stealing children’s clothing, while a military escort apprehended Pratt. They were first taken to Fort Gibson and then to Van Buren. There, Eleanor was brought before Judge John Ogden, who released her without further charges. Pratt, whose trial was postponed because of public outrage and general hostility, was kept overnight and secretly released early the next day. Hector McLean learned of Pratt’s release and caught up with Pratt on the Zealey Wynn property in Fine Springs (Crawford County), some twelve miles northwest of Van Buren, where he shot and stabbed Pratt.
As he lay dying, Pratt requested that his remains be interred with his family in Utah. For many years, family and descendants attempted to locate and remove his remains from the Wynn Cemetery in Fine Springs—north of Alma (Crawford County)—to the space reserved for him in the family plot in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2008, the most sophisticated scientific tools available (including ground-penetrating radar) were used to ascertain the location of Pratt’s remains. Despite evidence of a burial, no human remains were found.
Today, exiting Interstate 49 at the Rudy (Crawford County) exit and then turning left at the first road, visitors can find the Pratt grave site in the small Wynn Cemetery. The site is open to the public and is marked by a large granite monument upon which is engraved one of Pratt’s most well-known hymns, “The Morning Breaks.”
For additional information:
Armstrong, Gregory K., Matthew J. Grow, and Dennis J. Siler, eds. Parley P. Pratt and the Making of Mormonism. Norman, OK: Arthur H. Clark Company, 2011.
Givens, Terry L., and Matthew J. Grow. Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Jared Pratt Family Association. http://jared.pratt-family.org/ (accessed October 21, 2021).
Pratt, Parley P., Jr., ed. The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt: One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Embracing His Life, Ministry, and Travels, with Extracts, in Prose and Verse, from His Miscellaneous Writings. Arlington, VA: Stratford Books, 2005.
Parley P. Pratt was an early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement whose writings, particularly this book, became a significant early nineteenth-century exposition of the Latter Day Saint faith. Unfortunately, like his colleagues, Parley not only believed God has authorized his polygamous marriages.
Additional Information about this brilliant thinker and writer:
Scarcely known in Arkansas during his lifetime, Pratt was murdered on May 13, 1857, in Crawford County by Hector McLean, the estranged husband of Eleanor McComb McLean, who had become Pratt’s twelfth plural wife. The murder shocked the Latter-day Saint community and became front-page news throughout the nation. Eleanor McLean portrayed Pratt as a martyr who had rescued her from her alcoholic, abusive husband; however, national accounts, unfavorable to the Mormons’ practice of polygamy (discontinued in 1890), reported that Pratt had seduced Eleanor away from her husband.
Pratt and Eleanor McLean had met three years earlier while Pratt was living in San Francisco, California, and presiding over the Church’s Pacific mission. Eleanor embraced Mormon principles and was baptized into the Church with her husband’s consent. In 1855, following a domestic dispute, Hector McLean secretly sent their children from San Francisco to New Orleans, Louisiana, to live with their maternal grandparents, whereupon Eleanor determined to leave him. She then traveled to New Orleans to get her children.
Eleanor and Pratt had decided to meet at Fort Smith (Sebastian County) and travel back to Utah together. Hector McLean heard of their intended rendezvous and beat them to Arkansas, where he filed charges against them and got warrants for their arrests. Hector caught up with Eleanor and Pratt in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) and again took the children away. Hours later, a state marshal arrested Eleanor on a charge of stealing children’s clothing, while a military escort apprehended Pratt. They were first taken to Fort Gibson and then to Van Buren. There, Eleanor was brought before Judge John Ogden, who released her without further charges. Pratt, whose trial was postponed because of public outrage and general hostility, was kept overnight and secretly released early the next day. Hector McLean learned of Pratt’s release and caught up with Pratt on the Zealey Wynn property in Fine Springs (Crawford County), some twelve miles northwest of Van Buren, where he shot and stabbed Pratt.
As he lay dying, Pratt requested that his remains be interred with his family in Utah. For many years, family and descendants attempted to locate and remove his remains from the Wynn Cemetery in Fine Springs—north of Alma (Crawford County)—to the space reserved for him in the family plot in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2008, the most sophisticated scientific tools available (including ground-penetrating radar) were used to ascertain the location of Pratt’s remains. Despite evidence of a burial, no human remains were found.
Today, exiting Interstate 49 at the Rudy (Crawford County) exit and then turning left at the first road, visitors can find the Pratt grave site in the small Wynn Cemetery. The site is open to the public and is marked by a large granite monument upon which is engraved one of Pratt’s most well-known hymns, “The Morning Breaks.”
For additional information:
Armstrong, Gregory K., Matthew J. Grow, and Dennis J. Siler, eds. Parley P. Pratt and the Making of Mormonism. Norman, OK: Arthur H. Clark Company, 2011.
Givens, Terry L., and Matthew J. Grow. Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Jared Pratt Family Association. http://jared.pratt-family.org/ (accessed October 21, 2021).
Pratt, Parley P., Jr., ed. The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt: One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Embracing His Life, Ministry, and Travels, with Extracts, in Prose and Verse, from His Miscellaneous Writings. Arlington, VA: Stratford Books, 2005.
July 25, 2019
""There is one only living and true God, without body, parts, or passions; consisting of three persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
It is painful to the human mind to be compelled to admit, that such wonderful inconsistencies of language or ideas, have ever found place in any human creed. Yet, so it is."
^ lol
There's some good stuff in here. The chapters covering miracles and the continuity of the gifts of the spirit were particular favourites of mine. The one about Joseph Smith's martyrdom was pretty good too. These and a few others were the chapters where I found some good quotes and insights, akin to those of my favourite religious author CS Lewis.
Most of the other chapters, however, were pretty basic. They were fine, but I didn't find them very interesting, and I didn't pull much from them. The chapter on marriage made me uncomfortable. That being said, it was consistently interesting when he talked about science and technology, partially because he really was quite a learned and intelligent man, but also simply because you don't often read about people's understanding of science in the 1800's. I was impressed at how much understanding of the world they had with their limited technological advancements.
I would recommend individual chapters to people, but not necessarily the whole book. That being said, it's not very long, so it's not too hard to to just go through the whole thing.
It is painful to the human mind to be compelled to admit, that such wonderful inconsistencies of language or ideas, have ever found place in any human creed. Yet, so it is."
^ lol
There's some good stuff in here. The chapters covering miracles and the continuity of the gifts of the spirit were particular favourites of mine. The one about Joseph Smith's martyrdom was pretty good too. These and a few others were the chapters where I found some good quotes and insights, akin to those of my favourite religious author CS Lewis.
Most of the other chapters, however, were pretty basic. They were fine, but I didn't find them very interesting, and I didn't pull much from them. The chapter on marriage made me uncomfortable. That being said, it was consistently interesting when he talked about science and technology, partially because he really was quite a learned and intelligent man, but also simply because you don't often read about people's understanding of science in the 1800's. I was impressed at how much understanding of the world they had with their limited technological advancements.
I would recommend individual chapters to people, but not necessarily the whole book. That being said, it's not very long, so it's not too hard to to just go through the whole thing.
May 14, 2025
Intelligently Written…
The logic presented flows well and is enlightening. The last chapter is a bit time sensitive and should be considered under this the times for which it was written. However, do not allow this to interfere with the logic, science, and reason presented. Well worth your time and is considered recommended.
The logic presented flows well and is enlightening. The last chapter is a bit time sensitive and should be considered under this the times for which it was written. However, do not allow this to interfere with the logic, science, and reason presented. Well worth your time and is considered recommended.
August 10, 2020
Every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should read and study this work. I place it with JESUS THE CHRIST by Talmadge. Well worth your time. It was my Sunday afternoon reading for a few weeks.
June 12, 2017
There is so much to contemplate from these relatively few pages I will need to read them repeatedly. Open to almost any page and find a treasure trove upon which to wonder, ponder and meditate.
January 5, 2018
Teaches deep eternal truths he learned personally from Joseph Smith Jr. while they were missionary companions.
December 26, 2019
Interesting to read this old book by someone I've always heard about.
July 18, 2022
Parley P Pratt has a great gift for language. For expressing gospel doctrine beautifully and without apology.
July 3, 2023
Contains neat insights into LDS theology and beliefs. Definitely expanded my vision.
January 20, 2025
8.5/10⭐️
August 25, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - Key to the Science of Theology, Parley Pratt (1981)
Parley P. Pratt’s Key to the Science of Theology remains one of the most important early works articulating the intellectual and spiritual foundations of Latter-day Saint theology. Written in the mid-nineteenth century, the book reflects Pratt’s brilliance as both a preacher and philosopher, and it serves as an inspired attempt to systematize LDS doctrine in a way that harmonizes faith and reason.
At its heart, the book argues that theology is not an abstract or speculative pursuit but rather a true and universal science. For Pratt, religion and revelation are not opposed to reason but form part of the same divine order. He consistently emphasizes that true knowledge—whether gained through study, faith, or revelation—must be consistent with eternal laws established by God. This framing reflects a hallmark of Latter-day Saint thought: that the gospel is not only spiritual but also deeply rational, practical, and grounded in eternal principles, including science.
One of Pratt’s central themes is the universality of truth. He argues that the principles of the gospel encompass all truth, whether found in scripture, in nature, or in human reason. This expansive view allows him to portray Mormon theology as both ancient and modern, timeless and yet adapted to the progress of human understanding. In doing so, he sought to counter the idea that faith and science are opposed, instead presenting them as allies in the pursuit of divine knowledge. Which, to some degree was quite radical, for the period of the post Second Great Awakening when the book was published.
The book also touches on uniquely Latter-day Saint doctrines such as eternal progression, the premortal existence of souls, the potential of humanity to become like God, and the role of modern revelation. Pratt’s bold articulation of these ideas helped shape the confidence and distinctiveness of LDS theology. His message continues to resonate: that the restored gospel brings not only spiritual salvation but also a framework for understanding the cosmos, the destiny of humankind, and the eternal nature of truth.
Pratt’s work continues to inspire because it addresses a timeless concern—how to reconcile faith with intellect, and how to understand theology as a living science rather than a relic of the past. For Latter-day Saints, Key to the Science of Theology affirms that their faith is not irrational but rather a coherent, truth-seeking system that embraces revelation, reason, and moral progress.
Quotes:
“The science of theology is the science of all other sciences and useful arts—being in fact the only true philosophy—the only system of ethics—the only law—religion—and government—for it is founded on eternal truth. It is the fountain of light, of knowledge, of life, of immortality, and of eternal exaltation; while all other sciences combined are but ministers to this, the greatest of all sciences. They may, indeed, serve to adorn, to embellish, to supply temporal convenience, or to minister to the necessities of mortal man. But, without this science of theology, they would be as the body without the spirit, or as a world without a sun to give it light, life, or motion.”
“It is the province of theology to unite all systems of truth in one grand whole; to harmonize all discoveries in the heavens and upon the earth; to cement the creeds of nations into one great system of light and truth, from which will flow knowledge, life, power, glory, and eternal happiness. It is for this cause that God has spoken again in the last days, revealing from heaven those principles of truth, those keys of knowledge, those ordinances of power, and those revelations of eternity, which, gathering up the truths of all ages and all dispensations, will consummate the great system of salvation, and restore to man the dominion, the intelligence, and the immortality which he enjoyed before the fall.”
Parley P. Pratt’s Key to the Science of Theology remains one of the most important early works articulating the intellectual and spiritual foundations of Latter-day Saint theology. Written in the mid-nineteenth century, the book reflects Pratt’s brilliance as both a preacher and philosopher, and it serves as an inspired attempt to systematize LDS doctrine in a way that harmonizes faith and reason.
At its heart, the book argues that theology is not an abstract or speculative pursuit but rather a true and universal science. For Pratt, religion and revelation are not opposed to reason but form part of the same divine order. He consistently emphasizes that true knowledge—whether gained through study, faith, or revelation—must be consistent with eternal laws established by God. This framing reflects a hallmark of Latter-day Saint thought: that the gospel is not only spiritual but also deeply rational, practical, and grounded in eternal principles, including science.
One of Pratt’s central themes is the universality of truth. He argues that the principles of the gospel encompass all truth, whether found in scripture, in nature, or in human reason. This expansive view allows him to portray Mormon theology as both ancient and modern, timeless and yet adapted to the progress of human understanding. In doing so, he sought to counter the idea that faith and science are opposed, instead presenting them as allies in the pursuit of divine knowledge. Which, to some degree was quite radical, for the period of the post Second Great Awakening when the book was published.
The book also touches on uniquely Latter-day Saint doctrines such as eternal progression, the premortal existence of souls, the potential of humanity to become like God, and the role of modern revelation. Pratt’s bold articulation of these ideas helped shape the confidence and distinctiveness of LDS theology. His message continues to resonate: that the restored gospel brings not only spiritual salvation but also a framework for understanding the cosmos, the destiny of humankind, and the eternal nature of truth.
Pratt’s work continues to inspire because it addresses a timeless concern—how to reconcile faith with intellect, and how to understand theology as a living science rather than a relic of the past. For Latter-day Saints, Key to the Science of Theology affirms that their faith is not irrational but rather a coherent, truth-seeking system that embraces revelation, reason, and moral progress.
Quotes:
“The science of theology is the science of all other sciences and useful arts—being in fact the only true philosophy—the only system of ethics—the only law—religion—and government—for it is founded on eternal truth. It is the fountain of light, of knowledge, of life, of immortality, and of eternal exaltation; while all other sciences combined are but ministers to this, the greatest of all sciences. They may, indeed, serve to adorn, to embellish, to supply temporal convenience, or to minister to the necessities of mortal man. But, without this science of theology, they would be as the body without the spirit, or as a world without a sun to give it light, life, or motion.”
“It is the province of theology to unite all systems of truth in one grand whole; to harmonize all discoveries in the heavens and upon the earth; to cement the creeds of nations into one great system of light and truth, from which will flow knowledge, life, power, glory, and eternal happiness. It is for this cause that God has spoken again in the last days, revealing from heaven those principles of truth, those keys of knowledge, those ordinances of power, and those revelations of eternity, which, gathering up the truths of all ages and all dispensations, will consummate the great system of salvation, and restore to man the dominion, the intelligence, and the immortality which he enjoyed before the fall.”
January 15, 2014
Free on the kindle!
It was interesting to read this book by Parley P. Pratt, he covers so many interesting topics: the Godhead, universe, knowledge, miracles, angels and spirits, priesthood, spirit world, resurrection, earth life, marriage and procreation, plural marriage, millenium, eternal life.
It was a very interesting read, but I will admit it was sometimes hard for me to get through...it was very dense with doctrine, theology, and insights. Definitely not a quick light hearted read! But well worth it.
One of my favorite quotes:
A knowledge of the Truth can alone bring the desired union, and bid discord cease. If the Scriptures be true, it is not religious opinion which will cover the earth, and universally pervade every bosom, but it is, a Knowledge, "The knowledge of God." "God is Truth." To know him, is to know the Truth.
It was interesting to read this book by Parley P. Pratt, he covers so many interesting topics: the Godhead, universe, knowledge, miracles, angels and spirits, priesthood, spirit world, resurrection, earth life, marriage and procreation, plural marriage, millenium, eternal life.
It was a very interesting read, but I will admit it was sometimes hard for me to get through...it was very dense with doctrine, theology, and insights. Definitely not a quick light hearted read! But well worth it.
One of my favorite quotes:
A knowledge of the Truth can alone bring the desired union, and bid discord cease. If the Scriptures be true, it is not religious opinion which will cover the earth, and universally pervade every bosom, but it is, a Knowledge, "The knowledge of God." "God is Truth." To know him, is to know the Truth.
June 3, 2013
I read this book for my book club. While I liked it, I feel that the title kind of over-promises while the content under-delivers. Don't get me wrong - the subject matter is very good - but I suppose I was hoping to become more enlightened. It turns out that most of the material was information I already knew or with which I was at least somewhat familiar. But there are several very quotable passages and what I like to call "gems" in these pages that make it well worth the read. Certain items did make me think deeply and consider some new angles on subjects that fascinate me. I look forward to discussing it at our next book club meeting.
August 4, 2009
This is an early work of Mormon scholarship. It's greatest value today, I would argue, is to help flesh out the evolution of Mormon thought. As a case in point, when Pratt was still alive, many in the church seriously expected to return to Missouri for the Second Coming.
It's been forever since I read this. And to make matters worse, I plowed through it in one shot and didn't make a concerted attempt to digest it. But I remember enjoying Parley P. Pratt's voice and thought process. Even as an inactive Mormon, I'll give him that much credit to this day.
It's been forever since I read this. And to make matters worse, I plowed through it in one shot and didn't make a concerted attempt to digest it. But I remember enjoying Parley P. Pratt's voice and thought process. Even as an inactive Mormon, I'll give him that much credit to this day.
August 28, 2017
This was my attempt to read a Mormon theology book and from my research this may have been the first one ever written. It was much easier to understand than the theology articles I see being written today. However, probably because this was the first, there was very little new to me and those parts which were not new to me didn't seem like they could be true because I had never heard them elsewhere (I understand that this means that the book was probably destined for failure to me, but it's my subjective rating).
March 16, 2008
The language is remarkable, a language that we have lost as a culture. Parley P. Pratt seems to identify what we already know, by such eloquence, that I read some parts over and over. It is interesting that these writings were used as a manual for nearly a hundred years in the early church. His knowledge, of and ability to present the plan of salvation, sheds tremendous insight into church doctrine.
February 12, 2012
Some interesting insights from Parley Pratt. Far more persuasive writing than I expected, and heavily opinionated. There were some nuggets along the way, but nothing here was significantly moving or inspiring to me. Perhaps I was too hung up on how factual he presented his information, the dated approach he had or the lack of consistent scriptural backup. I'd be curious to know more about the circumstances surrounding his writing and publishing this book.
February 14, 2016
Parley sure knew his stuff! He writes with passion, that much is clear. It is a book from its day, and as a result some of the language took me a while to digest. Some content I thought could have been written with a kinder tone, but it some sense that comes with that age of writing. He was an extremely intelligent person and was clearly very much in tune with spiritual thinking. He helped me find deeper layers of meaning in some of the scripture he quotes.
December 7, 2012
I loved this book! It was sealed in the cornerstone of the Salt Lake Temple along with the standard works of scripture. Multiple times as I read this book I felt as though Brother Pratt had laid some dynamite in my brain and pushed the t-bar down.
August 30, 2007
This is a great book about some of the scientific teachings of Parley Pratt. He was a pretty smart guy.
February 17, 2008
We actually have a copy that's almost 75 years old. There are nuggets of gold in this book. And his writing is just beautiful. Worth finding.
July 30, 2008
Interesting read.
October 22, 2008
An extremely erudite and poetic study of the creation and of man's relationship with the universe and with deity. Impressive.
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January 23, 2009I read this book awhile back and remember really enjoying studying some of the meat of the gospel as taught back in the early days of the Church. I am planning on reading it again soon.
July 5, 2009
I learned a lot from this book and especially liked the thoughts he had on life after death.
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