The uncanny relationship between Mormonism and Swedenborgianism

[xixxvmcm85]

I never before heard of ‘Swedenborgianism’, however after reading this wiki article about the sect, I’m intrigued by the similar theology that this sect shares with Mormonism (though being a century older than Mormonism.

I’m curious, does anyone know if Joseph Smith Jr. (the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) had any connection to Swedeborgianism (after all he did visit quite a few churches prior to creating his own)? Did he have any access to Swedenborgian literature (and please don’t tell me he was illiterate as history has proven this false)?

Essentially: Is there any evidence that Swedenborgianism may be one of the many faith-traditions from which Joseph Smith Jr. ripped off in order to create his religion?

 

[why_me]

craigwmiller.tripod.com/interest.htm

This article seems interesting and seems to take a middle ground.

 

[RebeccaJ]

I never before heard of ‘Swedenborgianism’, however after reading this wiki article about the sect, I’m intrigued by the similar theology that this sect shares with Mormonism (though being a century older than Mormonism.

I’m curious, does anyone know if Joseph Smith Jr. (the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) had any connection to Swedeborgianism (after all he did visit quite a few churches prior to creating his own)? Did he have any access to Swedenborgian literature (and please don’t tell me he was illiterate as history has proven this false)?

Essentially: Is there any evidence that Swedenborgianism may be one of the many faith-traditions from which Joseph Smith Jr. ripped off in order to create his religion?

I have read articles re: this, the circumstantial evidence is there, and of course, the evidence of a plagiarism itself…perhaps we can employ Tsuzuki’s term, and call JS a paradigm pirate.

 

[BartBurk]

I never before heard of ‘Swedenborgianism’, however after reading this wiki article about the sect, I’m intrigued by the similar theology that this sect shares with Mormonism (though being a century older than Mormonism.

I’m curious, does anyone know if Joseph Smith Jr. (the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) had any connection to Swedeborgianism (after all he did visit quite a few churches prior to creating his own)? Did he have any access to Swedenborgian literature (and please don’t tell me he was illiterate as history has proven this false)?

Essentially: Is there any evidence that Swedenborgianism may be one of the many faith-traditions from which Joseph Smith Jr. ripped off in order to create his religion?

Swedenborgianism was fairly popular during the time of Joseph Smith. If you’ve ever read any Ralph Waldo Emerson you will find he refers to it quite a bit. Johnny Appleseed was a Swedenborgian. The ideas were in the air. It seems natural that Joseph Smith would pick up some his theology from that source as well.

 

[BartBurk]

craigwmiller.tripod.com/interest.htm

This article seems interesting and seems to take a middle ground.

From his article:

Most of Christianity rejects the idea of purgatory, or a spiritual abode separate from heaven or hell, as being non-scriptural.

Does the author have any idea who most of Christianity is? The reality is that most of Christianity is Catholic so I would say most of Christianity accepts the idea of purgatory.

 

[zerinus]

craigwmiller.tripod.com/interest.htm

This article seems interesting and seems to take a middle ground.

Here is another interesting article about Mormonism and Swedenborgianism:

members.lycos.co.uk/essays/USsweden.pdf

zerinus

 

[nebula]

Swedenborgianism was fairly popular during the time of Joseph Smith. If you’ve ever read any Ralph Waldo Emerson you will find he refers to it quite a bit. Johnny Appleseed was a Swedenborgian. The ideas were in the air. It seems natural that Joseph Smith would pick up some his theology from that source as well.

I think that’s a great way to put it. No matter if you think Joseph Smith was a prophet or not, there’s no denying that he was a smart, creative guy, and very curious. If he heard something that he thought would add to Mormonism either consciously or unconsciously he’d use it (biggest case in point is the temple ceremony and masonry).