|
While Methodism probably had the greatest influence on Joseph, there can be no doubt that Presbyterianism also made its mark. Indeed, many of his own family had joined with the Presbyterians. That Joseph was very familiar with the Presbyterian teachings is indicated in the apparent use of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms in the Book of Alma. Alexander Campbell considered this document to be a vital resource for gospel instruction among Presbyterian families. Below is a list of parallels between consecutive verses in Alma, chapter 40, and chapter 32 of the Confession.1
“the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection...” (Westminster Confession, chap. 32) “the spirits
... are taken home to that God who gave them (Alma 40:11) “their souls... return to God who gave them” (WC 32:1)
“the spirits of
those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness...”
(Alma 40:12) “The souls of the righteous... are received into the highest heavens...” (WC 32:1) “the spirits of
the wicked ... shall be cast out into outer darkness...” (Alma
40:13) “the souls of the wicked are cast into hell ...and utter darkness...” (WC 32:1) “the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, remain in this state...until the time of their resurrection” (Alma 40:14) “the souls of the wicked.... remain in.... darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day.” (WC 32:2) “the souls and
the bodies are re-united...” (Alma 40:20) “bodies ...shall be united again to their souls...” (WC 32:2)
1 The Confession of Faith: The Larger and Shorter Catechisms, Philadelphia, 1813, as printed in the Tanner’s Changing World of Mormonism, 112.
|
