You are here
Quetzalcoatl, the Maya Maize God, and Jesus Christ
Title | Quetzalcoatl, the Maya Maize God, and Jesus Christ |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2002 |
Authors | Wirth, Diane E. |
Journal | Journal of Book of Mormon Studies |
Volume | 11 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 4-15, 107 |
Keywords | Atonement; Jesus Christ; Maize God; Maya; Mesoamerica; Popol Vuh; Quetzacoatl; Underworld |
Abstract | Many scholars suggest that Quetzalcoatl of Mesoamerica (also known as the Feathered Serpent), the Maya Maize God, and Jesus Christ could all be the same being. By looking at ancient Mayan writings such as the Popol Vuh, this theory is further explored and developed. These ancient writings include several stories that coincide with the stories of Jesus Christ in the Bible, such as the creation and the resurrection. The role that both Quetzalcoatl and the Maize God played in bringing maize to humankind is comparable to Christ’s role in bringing the bread of life to humankind. Furthermore, Quetzalcoatl is said to have descended to the Underworld to perform a sacrifice strikingly similar to the atonement of Jesus Christ. These congruencies and others like them suggest that these three gods are, in fact, three representations of the same being. |
URL | https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol11/iss1/3 |
Terms of Use
Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central.
Bibliographic Citation
Subscribe
Get the latest updates on Book of Mormon topics and research for free