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