Editorial method

Three kinds of change only

From “About This Edition” in the book. The author’s words are preserved. Editorial changes are of three kinds only:

• Structure. The author’s twenty-five sections are now numbered chapters, grouped into six Parts. Each chapter keeps the author’s original title, followed by a descriptive subtitle written for this edition.
• Chapter summaries. Each chapter opens with a short “In brief” summary written for this edition from the chapter’s own argument. These summaries are editorial material, not the author’s words.
• Mechanical corrections. Obvious typographical and scanning errors were silently corrected, including misprinted scripture references. No argument was altered.

Material added by the editor appears in [square brackets] or is marked “—Ed.” Appendices B–D are labeled “Editor’s addition (2026).”

What this edition does not contain

No documented manuscript history; no notes identifying scholarship published after Seaich wrote; no subject or names index. The Scripture Index is a generated draft (878 citations, Chapters 1–25 only) to be hand-checked before it is described as verified. Quotations and bibliography entries are as supplied and have not had a systematic verification audit.

How to read a comparative argument

Seaich compares Latter-day Saint teachings with ancient sources. Comparisons, including theosis and exaltation, and Heavenly Mother, Asherah and Wisdom, should be read with attention to differences as well as similarities, and official teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should be kept separate from Seaich’s interpretation.