Absurdities Of Immaterialism

Absurdities of Immaterialism is a theological work by Orson Pratt (1811-1881), the American Latter-day Saint apostle and theologian who was one of the most influential intellectual figures of nineteenth century Mormonism. Pratt was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church from 1835 until his death and produced wide doctrinal writing that shaped the developing Mormon theological tradition.

The Absurdities of Immaterialism attacks the philosophical and theological position that holds matter and spirit to be fundamentally different substances. Pratt argues, following the distinctive Mormon doctrinal position established by Joseph Smith, that spirit itself is a form of refined matter rather than something fundamentally non-material. The position has long implications for Mormon understanding of God, of the human soul, and of the nature of resurrection.

Pratt was broad involved in the early Mormon missions to Britain and produced much of his theological writing during these missionary years. His major work The Seer was published as a periodical from Washington D.C. in 1853-54. His various tracts and books shaped nineteenth century Mormon theological self-understanding.