A Prophecy in Alma

Today we read Alma chapter 36. There's an interesting prophecy that Alma states about the records that he entrusts to Helaman. He states in verse 4 that these plates should be "kept and handed down" (exact wording: "they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon."

I was thinking about how brave and convinced a man like Alma had to be to state this so affirmatively. He had to have had some kind of personal revelation regarding this. I had to wonder what others of his day thought of these records. Were they more trouble than they were worth? Alma had seen firsthand in Alma Chapter 14 the Ammonihahites destroy the records and believers. Perhaps it led him to consider the longterm safety of his own records.

Whatever the case, his discussion with Helaman leads him to state one of my all-time favorite scriptures in all the Book of Mormon... Alma 37: 6-7

6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold
I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his
great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.

Good stuff! And I love how Alma defers to his ponderings as possible "foolishness" in him. He did not expect his own spiritual speculations and personal insights to be some hard set rule that Helaman had to defer to unquestioningly. He allowed his son the possibility of seeking to know according to Helaman's own faith. In fact in verse 11 he states that he doesn't know the end of all these things, or the full significance of the records that he is passing on to his son, thus Alma stops speculating at that point. (A very spiritually mature thing to do... how many of us stop speculating at the boundary of what has and has not been revealed to us personally?)

At the same time, he impresses upon Helaman (in following verses 12-20) the strict command that he keep God's commandments, especially pertaining to the records. It is interesting that Alma does not fully understand the NEED for the commandment, though clearly he has received a witness of much of what these records would and could accomplish in the lives and faith of others, but he still insists upon obedience. How often must we know why we obey, before we'll obey? It is to Alma's (and Helaman's) credit that they did not fully understand the importance of these records to us in our day, yet acted in good faith nonetheless.

I am led to wonder, "What acts in good faith have I donethat will have a lasting import to future generations?"

Finally, something funny, I asked Katie, who was pretty sleepy to read the second to last verse. She was yawning when she read the first sentence.

46. O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

There's a lengthy sermon that I'm not willing to go into about slothfulness, and the ease of the way... In many ways the simple day to day, boring, dull, or should I more rightly say, PREDICTABLE, life of faith, obedience and enduring to the end, might lead some of us to occasionally wander a little from the path... for a little bloodcurdling danger, I suppose... or just to check up on old weaknesses, or for whatever reason... yet... Alma points out the goal is eternal life, and all it takes is a little more gratitude and a little less complacency.

I suppose that's easier said than done... cuz it's so easy! Hehehe...

--Ray

More 0n Korihor

This morning we read the first part of Alma Chapter 30 as a part of our family scripture discussion. Sondra made a germaine point that I, for some funky reason, had always interpretted differently. In verse 19-20 Korihor preaches to the Anti-Nephi-Lehites or as the Nephites called them, the People of Ammon, who were converted Lamanites. The narrative observes:

verse 19 states: "But behold they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest over that people."

I always figured the commentator was observing that the wisdom was evidenced by how they handled the problem of Korihor, because of the conjunction "for", and I had never really made the connection that they as a people might be collectively more "wise". Certainly both ways of looking at the verse are fine. They were wise to cast him out. Sondra delved deeper into "why" the people as a whole were considered wise. She stated that the reason the Lamanites were not fooled or enticed by Korihor was that they had lived the lifestyle he espoused. The preaching of Korihor would most likely have horrified them, and as a result they were wise because of the life they had left behind. They had actual wisdom due to their life experience (which more correctly fits the traditional definition of wisdom).

This is a strong statement as to the benefit of true conversion and change from a life void of light to one filled with the light of the Gospel. There really is a wisdom bestowed upon folks as to how to handle things like the destructive beliefs of those who espouse differing philosophies. They were those "who had been there and done that."

They didn't take for granted their gift or blessed state. They had actually used the atonement of Christ in miraculous terms, and cherished just how rare and precious it was. They actually sacrificed for it. Knew of Christ's power to change their life, and as a result they could not be deceived by the seductive chant of a man who espoused what the world might view as a pragmatist's philosophy of Occam's Razor.

Oh that I might likewise have such wisdom, rather than returning again and again to seductive notions that usurp faith for doubt and supplant testimony for acrimony.

It is also interesting to me, also, how this chapter sets up the dillemma of Korihor, by noting (in verses 7-12) at some great length, that all people were upon equal ground because they afforded their people the freedom of belief. Because they believed in the free exchange of ideas, they were vulnerable to freedom's exploits. Therefore, the consequence to freedom of belief is a Korihor, A man who claims to fervently believe what he believes--that there is no God, that one cannot believe in God, that all God-like testimony is really the result of what Scrooge (in the Christmas Carol, by Dickens) blamed on indigestion.

I often read the sequence of events in the Book of Mormon in principle/consequence or happenstance/consequence pairs. There are a lot of unstated sermons in observing simple statements and the consequence of those statements.

For example, when the King of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's dies and names his son King is when the Amulonites and Amalekites make their move for power and stir up the other Lamanites to war. Over and over again, though the Book of Mormon really never states it outright, it consistently tells of how when one leader changes to another, there is a cycle of contention.

Another interesting consequence is this one of freedom of belief, leading eventually to King Men, leading eventually to the Title of Liberty, leading to the quashing of the King Men rebellion, leading to Pahoran's children fighting for the throne and Paanchi's execution, leading eventually to the secret combinations of Kishkumen, leading to the entire destruction of the government. Though the cycle takes generations to complete, it appears to run hand in hand, and make strong commentary about the corrupting nature of power and the importance of righteous leadership.

These are unstated sermons that are nevertheless fascinating to me. When I think of how contentious the last election was, I can't help but think that again the Book of Mormon teaches us directly applicable lessons for today.

--Ray

How do you read the Book of Mormon in the morning, before school with your kids, without the urge to kill them rising to kill the Spirit? In our family, we have taken up the challenge to finish the Book of Mormon as a family before the end of the year to commemorate the 200th Birthday of Joseph Smith, and to honor Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley's council.

Ironically, we have been reading every day already, usually in the evening. Sondra suggested we change the reading time to early morning. At first I was resistant to the notion. Though it is true we are more organized in the morning, rather than at the evening, but it is harder to get certain factions to congeal at the beginning of the day. I have to confess that one of the reasons evening scripture reading was easier to accomplish is because my youngest two daughters often fall asleep during the time we read.

Thing is, in the morning, I'm not entirely certain that folks are entirely in the best spirits to receive the good Lord's word. It just seems that certain folks are a little stressed out. They are focused on getting out the door, to the bus stop, hair brushed, chores done, waking up, last minute homework, and so forth. There just isn't time to enjoy the scriptures as a family. Is this how you teach your children to read the scriptures?

Is it something you do because you have to? Is it something you do because you love it?

I wonder if the kids couldn't do their chores when they get home from school, or if there might be some way to relax before scripture time started. The funny thing is, if they miss the bus, and I'm there, heck, I can take them to school. I just don't understand why it has to be so contentious. It's something that has been bothering me for a while now, perhaps because I love scripture time so much. I love talking about them, perhaps too much. Heaven knows, I talk the walk more than walk the walk.

It is funny, the kids want to read more and more. They want their share of verses to read through. Katie (in 3rd grade) and Becca (in 2nd grade) often try to out-do each other. Sondra and I also get drawn into this. Sometimes it is torturous as we stumble over the language. Certain readers seem somewhat hostile to stopping and discussing confusing passages, again, I sometimes think we've become fixated on the objective to get done, rather than the point of opening the book in the first place.

I think of Pres. Hinckley's promise that there will be a greater outpouring of the Spirit, should we take up his challenge and read as a family... this morning, I am afraid that outpouring was of a different kind of spirit.

--Ray

(Alma 12: 1) 1. NOW Alma, seeing that the words of Amulek had silenced Zeezrom, for he beheld that Amulek had caught him in his lying and deceiving to destroy him, and seeing that he began to tremble under a consciousness of his guilt, he opened his mouth and began to speak unto him, and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that which Amulek had done.

Okay... The following verse is one of my "beefs" with the language in the Book of Mormon. I offer this discussion not as criticism of the content, but of the difficulty of communicating with the English language, and the use of the pronoun He and Him.

Being something of a writer myself, I find this sort of thing an important one to clarify in my own writing. I try to explain to my children, when reading this, because the pronouns leave a question as to whom the various He and Him pronouns refer.

Does the first He refer to Alma or Zeezrom? The second pronoun him clearly refers to Zeezrom.

So here's my attempt at a rewrite...

NOW Alma, seeing that the words of Amulek had silenced Zeezrom, for he (Alma or Zeezrom?, I think Alma makes more sense.) beheld that Amulek had caught him (Zeezrom) in his (Zeezrom's) lying and deceiving to destroy him (Amulek (and Alma, though Zeezrom specifically engaged Amulek)), and seeing that he (Zeezrom) began to tremble under a consciousness of his (Zeezrom's) guilt, he (Alma) opened his (Alma's) mouth and began to speak unto him (Zeezrom), and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that which Amulek had done.

As you can see there are some clear places where the overuse of the pronoun "he" causes a little difficulty in communicating what occurred. Anyhow, in the hope of creating more clarity, I post this as something to think about when you read the Book of Mormon.

Best regards,

--Ray

My friend Aimee sent me this link, http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13379 is reporting a "Book of Mormon" comicbook and asked what I thought about it.

I'm a big fan of comicbooks, but never thought of it as a spiritual medium. I can't imagine that Alma's discourse to his son Corianton would come off well in comicbook form. Of course it's perfect comicbook material to see Isabel seduce Corianton (or vice versa). Even the more exciting King Benjamin's address, which while interesting that it was on a tower, was a pretty lengthy discussion of the plan of happiness.

In a way I wonder if it won't give people the wrong impression about the Book of Mormon. It's not an adventure romp, though it certainly has dramatic situations in it, it's a very spiritual text, filled with the insights and revelations of the nature of life, happiness and spirituality. That kind of stuff really doesn't translate well to a narrative form.

What would be interesting, and something I have very little objection to (as I've thought about writing a story along these lines as well) is a fictionalization of events and the creation of characters that interract with the characters described by the Book of Mormon IF it is abundantly clear that it is a fictionalization and that people are free to interpret the Book of Mormon as and how they'd like.

Though I've not read them, I know that the early history of the church was done in this way, in a series called "The Work and the Glory" by Gerald N. Lund. My wife loves these books. I can't recommend them, only because I haven't read them, but I understand they're very enjoyable books to read that do a fair job of representing major events in LDS church history...

Anyhow I am of the opinion that the more exposure the Book of Mormon gets, the better, not because the exposure is necessary a credit to the book, but because the book is true, and it stands on its own. It is a powerful testament of Christ, and has changed my life for the better. I can imagine that even a piece of the story will help others, and I only encourage people to get the whole thing, cherish it and make it a part of their lives.

It's a great gift, so the more the merrier, I say!

--Ray

This week in church I presented the story of Nephi (Son of Helaman, from the Book of Helaman Chapters 6-9) in a primary class. It's a rather long and complicated story, which I've often enjoyed, but never had to explain in much detail before this class. My oldest daughter, Katie was in the class, which made it all the more fun to do.

While explaining the story, it became clear to me a few principles that I'd never thought of until I was attempting to explain the reactions of these people to the mourning prophet to seven and eight year old kids. As Nephi laments the fate of a people hardened in iniquity, he wishes that he might have been born in a time when people listened to God. Despite the fact that Nephi had had great success among the Lamanites, he is so attached to his people that he almost ignores this great miracle, for his heart is so weighed down by the sins of his own nation.

I sometimes wonder if there is not a parallel here. I remember a time when being religious and respectful of one another, and (Dare I say?) "christian" was not uncommon or at least not a matter of public disdain. Such now seems to be under constant attack.

The people, upon discovering Nephi's revelation about the murder of the Chief Judge, assume that Nephi has made a pact with someone to murder him. They do this, because this is how they think. It is inconceivable to them that Nephi could be a prophet privy to know the fate via spiritual discernment, because their hearts are beholden to the enemy of all righteousness. It wasn't until such discernment was deployed to catch the murderer, and Nephi was released that people began to suspect there was more to Nephi than that he was just another murderer.

I thought the popular reaction was very insightful. People tend to see people as they see themselves. I suppose this would allow us to judge a man by what they assume about others. Not that their interpretation of others is correct, but that it says something about their minds, and where their hearts are. This is troublesome for our struggling nation, for, if I am not mistaken, the public mind seems permanently fixed upon scandal, deceit, hype, vanity, selfishness, and cynicism (this coming from someone who is frequenly accused of being an optimist).

Yet I don't want to be a part of that. I want to believe there is great good, potential for greatness even in a nation filled with such notions. Dunno if that's naieve in a fallen world, but while I lament the drift of current, I can't help but continue to hold out great hope for us all.

--Ray

Hey Nathan.

Since we're talking about comforting passages, I'd like to submit when Christ quotes Isaiah to the Nephites, "And great shall be the peace of their children," and "they shall be far from war and from terror."

Such is the legacy of those that believe in the Almighty. A wonderful promise. Here's a link to the chapter...

10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.

15 Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee, not by me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the aservants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

Beautiful words, imo... (btw, updated my email)

--Ray

Ever goofed? Ever been chastised by someone, for doing something wrong? Try being the Brother of Jared, who for three hours endured the Lord's lecture, because he forgot to call upon the Lord. (Ether 2:14) And you thought perhaps your parents were bad?

One might wonder, gee, how do you forget to call upon the Lord, after he's helped you out, promised you a great land, and directly answered your prayers.

I have to think that perhaps the Brother of Jared, after being led away with all their stuff, found that they liked where they were. Perhaps he suspected that God would ask greater things of them. God may have attempted to prod him a time or two... Perhaps he knew that a challenge was coming, and was busying himself with the business of everyday life to avoid those promptings.

Why do I suspect this? Mostly because this is what I tend to do... call upon God when a calamity is pending or has just wiped me out, but otherwise I tend to be the type that wants nothing further... it's good enough... you want me to do what?!

Aw well... I keep praying that I'll change that part of myself... who knows, maybe this year I'll get it right.

The brother of Jared eventually saw all things. Beheld God Himself... because he continued in faith. Where will my journey end?

Helaman Chapter 12 is currently my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon. It's not one that comes easily, and for a newcomer to the Book of Mormon, it's probably seen as overly pessimistic. However, as I evaluate my life, and really attempt to put into practice "good things," I find that I am unstable and unsteady. As a kid, being good was pretty simple, doing good, seemed to be something easy, but as I get older I see that much of the "good" in my life was simply rationalized selfishness on my own part.

Good is not an accident among men. A life dedicated to creating lasting good is a constant battle and as Helaman 12 tells us, men are more inclined to do the opposite. It's a good reminder for me.

Paanchi and his lackeys really would've benefitted from some patience. In the book of Helaman, Pahoran dies, leaving three sons who contended for the judgement seat: Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni.

Pahoran wins the vote, and Paanchi is so wroth, he begins to stir up the people in rebellion against his brother. In the old days of the Nephites, perhaps this might have worked, but ever since Captain Moroni got the laws changed to make it legal for him to put to death anyone who dissented from the Nephites--or attempted acts of sedition--the Nephites are pretty swift with their justice, and Paanchi is put to death.

Because of anger over this, Gadianton and Kishkumen, who were sympathizers hoping to gain power over the government through association with Paanchi, assassinate Pahoran, leaving the third son, Pacumeni, to rule. (Mormon (who is abridging this part of the Nephite history) goes on to credit Gadianton and Kishkumen with the establishment of a secret band of murderers "to get gain", which causes the utter destruction of the Nephites some 500 years later.)

Pacumeni is shortly thereafter slain by King Tubaloth's new general, Coriantumer who plunders the Nephite capital city of Zarahemla.

Now follow.

If Paanchi had just chilled, and backed down. Pahoran would've been slain in the sacking of Zarahemla, instead of Pacumeni. Pahoran (and his lackeys) would've controled the Nephites without the need of intrigue or sedition (which Paanchi was executed for). Sure he would've been a sucky ruler and the Nephites would not have benefitted from one who had supporters who had secret murders in their hearts, but I think it is telling, nonetheless. Paanchi could've gotten his desires had he been willing to wait a year for the Lamanites. Then again one of character as Paanchi is unlikely to possess a virtue like patience.

I admire my brother Brent. In my family many a joke has been crafted about him and his "slowness", because unlike the rest of the family, he takes his time getting from point A to point B. His deliberateness has at times exasperated a very efficient, and results oriented mother of mine.

Despite all this, I find myself wishing I possessed his sense of calm pleasantness. I'm always scheming, needing the next big thrill. I like to choose fun, and cram as much of it into a single day as possible. I just don't see that with my mellow brother Brent. Maybe I have completely mistaken his character, but he seems to possess a predisposition to take it easy, and think things out, and do all around thorough job the first time around.

I bring this up, in the context of my ponderings of the Book of Mormon chapter Alma 32, because planting a seed takes time. It's a thing that can't be rushed, and truths are often based upon lifetimes of patient hope.

Heck, faith in Christ is based on the hope of the Savior coming to earth and fulfilling a mission that spans many thousands of years--the whole history of man.

I think in an age of immediate feedback, zippy cars, internet emails, and wireless devices, we're losing a sense of patience. The whole allegory of faith in truth may be lost upon generations who think they can plant a seed, like putting a potpie in the microwave, and have an immediate answer to their prayers or immediate prosperity.

It makes me wonder how long it can last, and who will be left behind. Ah well... if I am left behind, may I be there with my good brother Brent, who probably won't care one way or the other.

--Ray

Happy New Year to everyone who reads this blog... who is... well... me... but whatever...

It always amuses me when I read passages in the Book of Mormon, like Alma 9:31-32, which states...


31 - Now it came to pass that when I, Alma, had spoken these words, behold, the people were wroth with me because I said unto them that they were a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.

32 - And also because I said unto them that they were a lost and a fallen people they were angry with me, and sought to lay their hands upon me, that they might cast me into prison.

Um... Alma? What did you think they'd do? I do find this story interesting, the only reason that Alma went back and bothered was because he was commanded to do so. A lot of people are more than willing to pelt you with a denunciation of your faults and evils, but that's not the same thing as what Alma was commanded to do. He was commanded to warn the people for their sake.

Sometimes I wonder if the delivery could've been better... like with Nephi and his brothers... they never liked being told they needed to repent either...

--Ray

Really got the kids attention explaining one of the "War Chapters" in the Book of Alma (Alma 43 and 44) when I pointed out that the Lamanites wore only a skin to cover their "weenies". This got their attention, and we talked about what we would do if we had to fight an army. My oldest daughter got all the answers right, and really got engaged. She suggested getting shields, and sneak attacks and praying to God. I was quite impressed by how much attention I was able to hold by this somewhat controversial, but down to earth discussion. (My oldest is only about 7 years old).

--Ray

Just finished the Isaiah chapters of 2 Nephi again. I love those chapters. It always leaves me pondering them. They do scare me though. I just don't know who is whom in the interpretation of the symbols. I suppose I sin in trying to use the prophecies like a divining rod; I should just be glad to let the principles govern my life, but I can't help but wonder to what degree of literal interpretation can one view the future through those words. I see a lot of signs in it.

Today in Jacob chapter 2, I was struck by the warning phrase that Jacob gives to his people that they have begun to "labor in sin". He refers to them wresting the scriptures to excuse them in committing whoredoms and getting rich to the exclusion of others. I think it is interesting terminology, though. How often do we labor in sin? We work so hard to justify it, and dedicate our lives to it, and spend our strength in the pursuit of it. It was just a good reminder, and I had to ask myself, to what degree do I labor in sin?How often do I labor to do the things that I know--deep down--are wrong.

--Ray

Anyone who believes that the Book of Mormon is racist needs to read 4 Nephi. This single chapter contains a verse which describes the state of the people of the Book of Mormon when they finally accepted Christ and were living in perfection. And it makes the observation that there were no Nephites or Lamanites or any kind of "ites". Race, family privileges, lineage, birthright, wealth, class; none of it was important nor did it exist when these people were living the teachings of Christ to their fullest... Very cool. How I wish we could all do so.

--Ray

I'm in the middle of the teachings of Christ to the Nephites. It amazes me how far away my mind is from these teachings, when I turn it on in the morning or after work. Here're the pinnacle of Christian teachings, and I'm singing "Play that funky music, white boy" when it comes on. Something of a reminder of just how surreal life is, and a jarring refresh of what's important in life. And one wonders why we are encouraged to partake of the sacrament (bread and wine (water)) often?

--Ray

A little detail I never noticed today, that I did... When Alma meets Ammon when traveling to the land of Manti, because Ammon and the converted Lamanites are fleeing their brethren, Alma goes back with Ammon to the people of Ammon and in meeting with them, he tells them his conversion story. Just a fun little detail, I can imagine Ammon being terrified that he's leading his people to death among the Nephites, because here comes a horde of Lamanites and having known the Nephite stereotypes and terrible hatred of all things Lamanite (as evidenced by what the Nephites told the sons of Ammon when they left to go on their mission to the Lamanites), he probably feared that the Nephites would shun the Lamanites, not trust them, mistake them for an army, and so in this state of uncertainty and fleeing from the brutal Amalekites who openly sought their destruction, Ammon is wandering into the land of the Nephites, and who should he come across but ALMA his good friend and fellow convert. The very friend who was with the sons of Mosiah when they were all converted to the Lord. What a wonderful coincidence... as if it were solely a coincidence...--Ray

Want to make a quick update: still listening to the Book of Mormon everyday, but I don't have much time to update this blog. sadly...

I find it interesting that Ammon makes the distinction that (Alma 18:34) "in the beginning" man was formed in God's image. It makes me wonder if that doesn't imply something about the form of man now, and if it has at all devolved, changed, or implies a corruption of flesh, implying the physical creation, making distinction between a spiritual and physical creation. Yeah... it's space doctrine, but it is the way I think about things.

The same chapter is interesting because I find it amusing that Ammon is seen as 'exemplary' because he does a good job at his work. Says something about the Lamanite-Work-Ethic. I suppose the commentators don't lie whey they're described as idle. I think the same can be applied today. If you are excellent at what you do, people notice and are often mystified by it.

The second part I like from Chapter 18 of Alma is how the king marvels that Ammon can perceive his thoughts. This makes me wonder just how savage the lamanites were at that time. When I read the account, I think it's pretty obvious why the king would be alarmed. I am not entirely sure that Ammon's gift of perception wasn't something more common today, known as common sense or empathy. What would it be like to live in a society so brutal that it had no empathy for the suffering of others? What might it be like to live by the sword, kill or be killed, like so many did back then? You get a sense of the brutal nature of the lamanites from the Nephites who defected over to them. How they became savage and hell-bent on war. It makes me grateful of the society in I currently live, a place where differences are settled by discussion, rather than brutality.

--Ray

I haven't posted anything in quite a while. Mostly due to work and my vacation daze. I've been thinking a lot of deep thoughts about the Book of Mormon, of course, and in particular I find the story of Ammon and Amulek, and their experience in the city of Ammonihah fascinating. It often goes untold, I believe, because it is overshadowed by the mission of the sons of Mosiah, the tale of Ammon, and all that. It's a powerful story, however, and one that bothers me, because I really don't want to be one of those believers that God allows to be thrown into a fiery furnace because they believe in God and all that. While I like to think that I could do it, I have to confess that I certainly don't have my heart set on being a martyr. I've known folk who have been, and on my mission, I was probably one of them. I believe the reason I wanted to be a martyr on my mission was that I was, for the first time in my life, living the commandments to the best of my abilities, and I wanted a fast-track to heaven, and not have to work out my salvation with good works for the remainder of an otherwise dull existence. Of course, we all know that such a notion is pure folley, and thankfully God didn't take one ultra-zealous missionary boy back home when I was out there on my mission, cuz, quite frankly, I've come to realize that this ultra-zealous kid, has a lot of room for improvement, and I'm thankful for the time I have to try to get things right.

This last year has been spectacular for me. I've gone through the full course of the Book of Mormon over fifteen times. (I lost track of counting... but I estimate 15 because I was getting through the full Book of Mormon in little less than a month, and I never slowed that pace. It might actually be more... ) I took an hour a day, every day that I drove to work, and often on trips about town, to listen to the Book of Mormon. Ironically it still hasn't gotten old. I love it. It is a standard that I strive toward, and it's an awfully high standard.

Many times I have tried to think about what the Book of Mormon is trying to say. What is the message to our people? I think, ultimately, it is a message of hope. It is a very positive message, despite the horrible consequences of those who had the ill fortune of sealing the testimony of Christ. It is a message of hope BECAUSE WE HAVE IT! It signifies that God has not given up on us. That despite centuries of men trying to do Christ in their own way, Christ cares enough to clarify and restate his Gospel to us today. He cares enough to give us another chance.

Another confession I must make, despite the terrible things that will happen in the last days, I have to confess that to the people of the church, perhaps on the American continent, I am not entirely sure that things will be absolutely horrible. There will be punishments, we are promised, if we treat God lightly in this land, but in terms of his return, I am left wondering if Zion will pass through it all untouched. It makes me all the more eager to see Zion established. I know that there will be heart ache, and fear, and death and all types of calamities to come, and I take the prophetic counsel to be prepared very seriously, but I see a possibility that due to our best efforts there is a path or a choice to avoid all that too. I am not sure if this path is visible because I know that if we do repent and live the commandments of God that we will be blessed as a nation, and I am simply seeing the mercy and nature of God's dealings with men, or if I am seeing a possible prophecy. That I cannot say. But I do think that in this age of terror and fear, that it is now more important than ever that we apply the teachings of Christ, that we seek God's Spirit in our lives, that we turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give our coat to those who ask of it, forgive 7x70 times, forgive that we're forgiven, take the beam from our own eye, pray for those that spitefully use us, love our enemies, and bless those that persecute us. It is time that we stopped being afraid of the prophecies and darkness of the future and got to work living the principles that have brought us freedom and civilization, peace and prosperity. The Book of Mormon underlines these principles. It delineates the terrible consequences that come from being racist, selfish, obsessed with revenge, and disobedient to the commands of God. We can avoid those consequences, and live in the rest of God. It is a great new year, and new opportunity. I hope that it lasts, that we can make it last, and that we can put down the destroyer, through the publishing of truth, mercy and love. The parable of Zenock and the Olive Tree makes me think that this process is happening, and that while there may be a hiccup now and again, the vineyard will be purified and we will be brought to see the joy in bringing forth good fruit.

--Ray

The last chapter of Helaman and 3 Nephi talks about how folks react to the many signs and wonders that god sends. It also makes an interesting comment that the signs were told ahead of time (Helaman 16:5), that the people might know ahead of time that what the prophets had said were right and true. I guess it is a sort of witness God makes about His word. I mean, if his prophets have been trying to coerce the people to repent, and God honors their prophecies, it's a bit like a stamp of approval from God that one should listen. To those who did listen, it must be energizing to their faith. To those who didn't, a righteous judgement may still be preserved because the people were duly warned.

When the people are destroyed in 3 Nephi 8, as was prophesied would happen at the crucifiction of Christ, Mormon makes an interesting plea to the reader (probably because he was witnessing the final destruction of the whole of his people, which had been likewise prophesied) in 3 Nephi 10:14, reminding all who read that the things that the Nephites suffered were things that had been known by prophets, and the people had been sufficiently warned of the impending destruction, but paid it no heed.

What I find interesting is the comments by the people after signs started appearing. The excuses are interesting, as I've probably noted elsewhere, they said, "It is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ exist." I imagine it's a bit like today. Why should I believe that God came to earth two thousand years ago, and saved all men? It seems ridiculous that God would do such a thing. The Nephites were a proud people, and it was hard for them to accept that God might be working some great work in a distant land, and not among themselves. (Of course this complaint lacked clear understanding of what Christ would do among them.) Their complaint seems silly because we know that Christ came to them, and established his church. I think that our complaints about the lack of interractivity with God will likewise condemn us if we embrace them over faith, because we know that God will do a "marvelous work and wonder" in this age, and in our own generation. God is busy in the lives of everyone who faithfully seeks Him.

I can witness of this myself. My life has its ups and downs, spiritually speaking. Sometimes I put as much energy into my doubts as I do my faith, but I can honestly say that when I have trusted in God, God has been there. God has buoyed me up in the face of uncertainty and ruin, and delivered me from my own demons and trials. When the sign of Christ's birth was given, those who put their energy into their doubts were stricken with fear, and fell even as though they were dead (see 3 Nephi 1). Imagine the shame! To place your whole life's meaning and trust in works that destroyed God's people and his plan. Talk about missing the boat! I hope I can be one of those folks who endures faithfully to the end, despite the folks crying that God has abandoned them, or that the world is a dead place devoid of spirit and God.

--Ray