A Voice Outside the Box
Reflecting on my friendship with Anthony E. Larson brings to mind a man whose unorthodox thinking and profound insights left an indelible mark on my understanding of prophecy and the restored gospel. Anthony was not one to confine himself to conventional interpretations; he ventured beyond traditional boundaries to explore the intersections of ancient history, cosmology, and scripture.
How We Met
Our correspondence began in 2008, sparked by my interest in his “Prophecy Trilogy,” particularly the opening volume, And the Moon Shall Turn to Blood. This trilogy delves into the catastrophic events prophesied in scripture, offering a perspective deeply rooted in the teachings of early Latter-day Saint leaders and supported by scriptural references. Anthony’s approach was both scholarly and accessible, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of prophetic imagery.
Publishing and Teaching Outside the Norm
In addition to his published works, Anthony maintained a blog titled “Things as They Are, Were and Are to Come,” where he shared a collection of essays and monographs aimed at helping Latter-day Saints better understand their scriptures, prophets, and temple experiences. His writings often drew connections between ancient planetary history, plasma physics, and prophetic symbolism, suggesting that many scriptural metaphors have roots in real astronomical phenomena.
Anthony also produced a video course titled The Ancient Skies and the Restored Gospel, consisting of 16 one-hour classes. In this series, he used slides and video clips to guide viewers through his research, aiming to deepen their comprehension of the restored gospel through the lens of ancient cosmological events.
His Legacy Lives On
His YouTube channel, under the username “toeknee1943,” remains a repository of his lectures and presentations, offering visual supplements to his written work. For those interested in exploring his publications, many are available on his Scribd profile, providing access to a wide range of his essays and articles. His books are still in print and available for purchase online.
Anthony’s influence extended to other independent thinkers. Vaughn Hughes, for instance, presented a lecture titled The Electric Book of Abraham & Book of Mormon, drawing heavily upon Anthony’s research and the Electric Universe theory to explore scriptural narratives.
Our Shared Encounters
Reflecting on our interactions, I recall the seminars Anthony invited my wife, Carol, and me to attend. These gatherings were reminiscent of the gospel symposia of earlier days, fostering deep discussions on topics often overlooked in standard curricula. I documented one such experience in a 2009 blog post, noting the resurgence of these enriching forums.
Over the years, I’ve written several posts discussing Anthony’s work and its impact on my perspective. His interpretations, though considered unconventional by some, provided me with a richer understanding of prophetic texts and the symbolic language of scripture. Anthony’s dedication to exploring the depths of the restored gospel serves as a reminder of the value in seeking knowledge beyond the surface.
A Promise Renewed
As I approach retirement, I am reminded of a promise I made to Anthony: to write a work of fiction inspired by his research. With more time on the horizon, I am eager to embark on this project, hoping to encapsulate the essence of his teachings in a narrative form. Anthony’s legacy is not just in his writings but in the way he inspired others to think critically and explore fearlessly. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
Summary of Anthony Larson’s Two Major Series
Note: If you can’t find these on Anthony’s Scribd site and would like copies, shoot me an email. Anthony gifted them to me and allowed me to share them.
Eschatus Newsletter Series (1999–2005)
Anthony Larson’s Eschatus newsletter spanned seven volumes and represents the foundational articulation of his cosmological theology. Key themes include:
- Catastrophism and the Prophets: Biblical and Book of Mormon prophets witnessed planetary catastrophes and encoded these in symbolic language.
- Temple Iconography: Ancient planetary alignments influenced temple design, especially the Salt Lake Temple.
- Kolob and the Polar Configuration: Kolob is equated with Saturn, central in a former alignment of visible planets above Earth.
- Symbolism Restored: Egyptian gods, beasts, and heavenly bodies are reinterpreted as ancient memories of close planetary encounters.
- Modern Apostasy: The Saints have lost touch with Joseph Smith’s revealed cosmology.
- Literal Fulfillment of Prophecy: Larson argued that future signs would replicate ancient celestial disturbances, including a rogue planet’s return.
Keys to Prophecy Series (2004–2006)
This structured twelve-part monograph collection retools the insights of Eschatus into a coherent system for interpreting scripture. Highlights include:
- Prophets as Symbol Readers: Joseph Smith taught that prophetic visions are composed of symbols, not literal beasts or events.
- Planetary Origins of Symbolism: “Stars,” “dragons,” and “wings” in prophecy originate from visual plasma discharges and celestial alignments.
- The Grand Sign: Joseph’s teachings and journal entries imply the Second Coming will be heralded by a comet-like planet.
- Restoration Reframed: The Book of Abraham, the temple endowment, and the facsimiles are reinterpreted as records of ancient cosmic events.
- The Gospel Litmus Test: Prophetic understanding is the true measure of scriptural literacy and doctrinal depth.
Resources and Posts on Anthony E. Larson
Anthony’s Sites
Related Work by Others
- Vaughn Hughes – The Electric Book of Abraham & Book of Mormon
- Seeking YHWH – Anthony E. Larson & Joseph Smith – Catastrophists
My Previous Posts on Anthony’s Work
- The Electric Universe: Fact or Fiction? (2008)
- Doctrines of the Book of Abraham (2008)
- When Prophets Need to Know (2009)
- Orthodox Mormonism (2012)
- The End of the World Is Not Imminent (2009)
- And the Moon Shall Turn to Blood (2013)
- Bringing on the Apocalypse (2014)
- Let Them Serve as Signs (2015)
- Remembering Myths Are History (2015)
- Thoughts on the End of the World (2018)
Thank you, Anthony, for your curiosity, your courage, and your commitment to truth. You are remembered. I am dedicated to keeping my promise. You planted the seed. You gave me the idea. The book will be completed, hopefully this year.
You may want to add my Red Carpet post, which is a nice little post about Anthony and his work https://seekingyhwh.org/2018/10/11/red-carpets/ .
Also I have a Polar Configuration resource page I have a lot in it about the Polar Configuration and links to some of his most recent lectures I hosted for him https://seekingyhwh.org/resources/polar-configuration/ .
I did a commentary on the movie Ender’s Game, which has a lot of Polar Configuration imagery in it https://seekingyhwh.org/2024/12/01/enders-game/ .
Polar Configuration has a part in the second coming and I show this some here https://seekingyhwh.org/resources/second-coming/ .
I have more coming with the Polar Configuration in it, if I get to finishing them. It is true history and future, and the source of alot of imagery, including the Heaven Man.
Steven: Thank you so much for including these links to your posts that contain substantial details about the Polar Configuration and Heaven Man. I have found over the years that almost nobody in the church, at least down here in California, has any idea that Joseph taught about the polar configuration. It’s so sad that people rarely think about the events that are prophesied and foretold to be seen in the last days, which could indeed be in our lifetime. I’ll be revisiting your posts as I refresh my memory from all my studies on this subject in my earlier years in an effort to fulfill my promise to Anthony.
I think the majority don’t know, because it’s not taught at the pulpit. And most don’t search for truth beyond that, which is sad. I will say I believe the Polar Configuration is important, but I will also say knowing only about it will not save you, where as only knowing the gospel will save you. And most importantly if you listen to and heed the words of YHWH from the coming Mighty and Strong One, who does know about the Polar Configuration, you will find safety in Zion. I have an unfinished post that talks about many of the great things that are described in the Millenium is because of the effects of the Polar Configuration. The Mighty and Strong One will “throw” two planets during the end of the sixth seal, which will cause the destructions during the wrath and the last trumpet and bowl has Heaven Man. See https://seekingyhwh.org/resources/second-coming/ and https://seekingyhwh.org/resources/mighty-and-strong-one/ . I may not do a lot on the subject now adays, as I was kicked out of the FB group I helped create, but I do believe it still, and see it the past, and it will be coming back with a bang.
Also if you have the will power to watch all the Ender’s Game commentary I did, I bring out lots of Polar Configuration in it.
https://seekingyhwh.org/2024/12/01/enders-game/
I don’t see how to contact you, if you feel inclined please go to my contact page such we can start an email discussion.
Oh almost forgot, it’s all over the LDS Conference center, including containing the Philo document, and Heaven Man.
Not one word here on what exactly happened to Anthony? Did the arm jab finally get him?
Alturas, Ca. – September 15, 2018 – Renowned author and teacher Anthony E. Larson, 75, died peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018, from complications caused by cancer.
While Tony was well-known for his work exploring the intricacies and historical connections between the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, prophecies, and ancient history, he lived a full life exploring all the world had to offer. And providing an example that a life well-lived doesn’t require constant adherence to pleasing others.
Tony’s gifts for writing and composing hadn’t come to fruition in high school, when he built a rat rod, drove it around the block once, and then sold it because he knew that the car was nothing but trouble. And that he’d never get his dream of a Beatles cover band off the ground with grease under his fingernails.
After graduating from high school, Tony served in the Army Reserves. His service to his country was a proud experience for him, and created a special connection with two of his children, Andrew and Sarah, when they followed in his footsteps.
Tony’s explorative nature was first exposed during his mission to Mexico. It was there he honed his mastery of the Spanish language, his affinity for a beautiful sombrero, and his love for a great tostada. It was also where he first found his love of teaching and sharing knowledge with others.
Once he returned from his mission, Tony began to open up his view of the world. He completed his degree in Communications at Brigham Young University, began writing music, working on video production, and seeking ways to tie the two together. He formed a band, The Rapid Transit, and began working in marketing.
He turned a love of writing into a career, penning five books, countless journalistic articles on a variety of subjects, creating a website, and continuing to compose music and produce videos that allowed him to flex his creative side.
He fell in love with a bright orange Datsun 240Z sports car and waited months to get one, a sign of his love for all things automotive. He once put a Chevy V-6 in a Datsun pickup truck, teaching his kids to gauge their speed off the tachometer and what gear it was in. He never missed an opportunity to discuss that love with his grandchildren, often regaling them with stories of beautiful cars he’d seen over the years.
He also decided the big city life wasn’t for him, packing up his family and moving to the big skies and mountains of Northern California. And spending months laboring with his family to literally build their home with their own hands.
After leaving city life behind, Tony finally found the time to really explore the prophecies. He built a legacy of knowledge as he led others in an exploration of the LDS religion, its history, and the ways it tied in to the world around us in ways no one had ever considered. He asked others to question their initial impressions in life, looking beyond the surface to find the source of the beauty they saw. And he taught them to slow down and enjoy life in a time when so many are in the fast lane.
His patience was evident in his ever-green grass, a labor of love that required constant tending and allowed him to enjoy being one with nature and getting away from the computer, the keyboard, and the pen. He carried that into maintenance of the road to his house, the fence around the pasture, and the farm equipment he’d amassed over the years.
Along the way, Tony’s family grew to eight children, 18 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild, all of whom took a small piece of him and his beliefs into the world around them.
Tony was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan, and two children, Judath and Rebekah. He is survived by his wife, Laurel Nelson Larson, and children Tony, Joey, Sarah, Andrew, David, and Tim.
Services will be held at the Alturas branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1 pm on Saturday, 29 September.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.e.larson