John Taylor and Quetzalcoatl: Exploring Connections

John Taylor, the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a significant figure in the early history of the Church. Among his many contributions, one particularly intriguing topic he addressed was the connection between the ancient Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl and Jesus Christ. This essay will explore Taylor’s viewpoints on this subject, contextualize them within Latter-day Saint beliefs, and examine how this idea has been received and interpreted by members of the Church.

Who is Quetzalcoatl? Quetzalcoatl, often depicted as the "Feathered Serpent," is one of the most important deities in ancient Mesoamerican culture. Revered by the Aztecs, Toltecs, and other indigenous civilizations, Quetzalcoatl was associated with numerous aspects of life, including wind, air, and learning. Some legends describe him as a white, bearded deity who came from across the sea, preached peace, and promised to return.

Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon: The Book of Mormon, a central text in Latter-day Saint theology, recounts the history of ancient peoples in the Americas. One of its most profound narratives is the visit of the resurrected Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of the Americas (3 Nephi 11-28). This event is described with great reverence, depicting Jesus teaching righteous living, performing miracles, and establishing his church among the people.

John Taylor’s Writings and Thoughts: John Taylor found intriguing connections between the accounts of Quetzalcoatl and the story of Christ’s visit to the Americas. In his writings, he speculated that the legends of Quetzalcoatl might be cultural memories or distorted historical accounts of Jesus Christ’s visit as detailed in the Book of Mormon. Taylor’s interest in this connection was not unprecedented; earlier Church leaders, including Orson Pratt, had also speculated on similar lines.

In his book "Mediation and Atonement," Taylor noted the existence of ancient records and traditions among indigenous peoples of the Americas that spoke of a great white god who visited their ancestors. Taylor surmised that these traditions could point to the actual historical event of Christ’s post-resurrection visit as recorded in the Book of Mormon.

Impact and Interpretation Among Latter-day Saints: Taylor’s ideas did not become official doctrine but have been the subject of much fascination and study among Latter-day Saints. For many members, the idea that Quetzalcoatl could be a remembrance of Christ’s visit serves as a potential link between the Book of Mormon and ancient American civilization—a "second witness" to the presence of divine interaction in the Americas.

This theory also resonates with the Latter-day Saint belief in continuing revelation and the idea that truth can be found in many places, cultures, and traditions. It encourages a broader perspective on how divine influence might manifest across different cultures and times.

Modern Views: In more recent years, scholars within and outside the Church have explored the connections between Mesoamerican traditions and the narratives found in the Book of Mormon. While some academic circles remain skeptical of direct connections, the hypothesis remains an interesting area for both faithful inquiry and academic research.

The Church itself has not made an official statement regarding the identity of Quetzalcoatl as Christ, but encourages members to study history, culture, and scripture to find personal insights and testimonies.

Conclusion: John Taylor’s thoughts on Quetzalcoatl and Jesus Christ reflect the Latter-day Saint tradition of seeking understanding and connections between scripture and world history. While not doctrinal, these speculations have sparked interest and exploration within the community. Whether viewed as a literal connection or a symbolic parallel, the association between Quetzalcoatl and Christ’s visit to the Americas invites members to consider the profound ways in which divine truths might echo through the histories and legends of diverse cultures.