reflections on Alma 29 and 30

[Erudite]

I started the course yesterday with Alma 30. Today, I didn't want to go forward, because I haven't finished all of the lessons of Alma 30 so over breakfast, I read Alma 29. What I did do yesterday in Alma 30 was think through the first 12 verses and answer their questions. Because I did that, I saw Alma 29 in a new way.

Alma 29 is the "O that I were an angel" chapter. It's one of my favorites along with 2 N 4. Both show me "human" aspects of great prophets; they long to be more than they are and yet wish to be more than they are within the parameters that Heavenly Father has given them. I find it comforting to see their concerns and know that mine are real like theirs. I also love that Alma is finding such tremendous JOY in the gospel and he wants to share that joy with anyone and everyone!

But to see the two chapters together...verses 1-12 of Alma 30 is the introduction to Korihor, an anti-christ. In introducing Korihor, Alma explains that everyone can make their own choices on what they believe. I nearly hear sadness in that, when you compare the exclamation points of joy in 29 and the resignation and concern in 30. The stories feel like different times, but I wonder if they were written in the same sitting...Alma so excited about the gospel, and yet needing to convey what has happened because of the choice of others. (That's probaby not the case, since 29 is more than likely Alma's words where 30 is probably Mormon's abridging, but you see what I mean.)

I just found the comparison very, very interesting. I'm often suprised to see connections chapter to chapter, probably because we so often treat them as separate stories when they are not. But comparing one chapter to the next often reveals a new way to look at both chapters. In this case, it makes 29 all the more glorious and 30...all the more dreary.