The Book of Mormon Site
Anti-Universalism
See Anti-Universalist Rhetoric and the Book of Mormon YouTube video by Dan Vogel, based on the article:
Vogel, Dan, “Anti-Universalist Rhetoric in the Book of Mormon,” in Brent Lee Metcalfe, New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1993), 21-52.
Note that Vogel begins the video explaining Joseph Smith Sr.’s background as a Universalist, in contrast to Lucy Mack Smith’s Methodism, which set up the Smith family for religious schism, which had a deep impact on Joseph Smith, Jr.
Relevant Anti-Universalist chapters of the Book of Mormon include:
- 2 Nephi 28, Mosiah 2, 15
- Alma 1, 2, 3,11, 12, 14, 21, 39, 40, 41
- Helaman 12, Mormon 8
See also: State of Probation where another pastor (Joseph Goffe, 1803) uses 1 Peter 3 to preach against Universalism; also 1811 Universalist Hymn-Book, which has four independent textual touchpoints with the Book of Mormon.
< Back to Index