Corianton's Gift to us all...

Some of the most beautifully clear discussion of the atonement, our relationship with God, and Christ's atonement are found in Alma chapters 39-41, Alma's advice to his son Corianton. Sure. His son had problems, but I have to admit I'm grateful for his indiscretion. You can tell Alma loved his son enough to record his thoughts in great detail. Probably his best written speeches, because he wanted to make sure his son could have them, and in the end we got them too.

Had Corianton been as good as Shiblon, we might have gotten just half a chapter (judging from the relatively short chapter we got for his son Shiblon). So thank goodness for youthful indiscretion, if only that it can lead to good for all... well... if your Dad's a prophet... :)

--Ray

Faith unto Salvation...

The idea that (I accredit to) Joseph Smith put forth about a man needing sufficient faith "unto salvation" has always intrigued me. A comment he made about "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation" (Lectures on Faith 6:7)

That our faith, must keep us on the path til the end and beyond, striving, trying and returning to God, is clear from this implication. It is not a weak faith that is required, but one that propels souls to life and salvation--and renders the believer capable of weathering any sacrifice.

While reading in Alma Chapter 34 today, I read a verse that struck me as somewhat peculiar, and yet in remarkable harmony with the above sentiment--as to the codependent nature of faith and salvation.

Normally when I read these passages I get bogged down in the meaning of the Law, it's requirements on us and God's demands of Justice, and how unfair it is that Mercy cannot rob Justice.

SO I usually miss the section that I have highlighted.

13 Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away.
14 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, finfinite and eternal.
15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.
17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;

(Note my emphasis highlights the SECOND reason for the infinite and eternal sacrifice of Christ, Amulek mentions two reasons, though he focuses primarily (through context of the verses around v. 15) on the first reason...)

It occurs to me that while the atonement satisfies God's laws, which are just, and clearly that is the main purpose of the scripture, Amulek notes also that it is not sufficient for us to have the faith unto salvation unless Christ himself should, in a very public, humiliating, and terrible way, give his life for us all.

Christ's sacrifice is one such that it inspires men to have faith "sufficient to save". Without that sacrifice, while we might have great laws and ideas, even inspiration from God, it would not be sufficient for us in the end... it is only in the face of the stark realization that God suffered infinitely for our sins, that we have what it takes to believe in ourselves.

Christ's sacrifice does not only put us right with God. It puts us right with us. It is so essential that we all come to lean upon the infinite atonement of Christ. That we believe in this great and last sacrifice, through which we can be made clean and perfected--perfected in Christ.

Marital Pride Cycle

(Quick Thought)

We often study the Pride Cycle in the Book of Mormon, and think of it in terms of our civilizations, but have you ever applied it to a failed marriage?

It occurs to me that I have a friend getting married soon. He's nonLDS but I am really thinking it would be a good idea to give him a Book of Mormon and explain the pride cycle in detail to him... and how it parallels our relationship, and when we begin to take each other for granted because things are going well, and what happens when we do that... and how we should try to always keep reverence for each other in a relationship.

I wonder how many other lessons are contained in the Book of Mormon that apply equally if we think in terms of the spiritual precepts taught therein.

--Ray

Edit: It occurs to me that whereever there's a covenant relationship (in the case of the Nephites it was a covenant tween God and the Nephites that he would preserve and prosper them if they trusted in Him and always remembered him), that the Book of Mormon and the Pride Cycle applies. (Then again perhaps that's my analytical side applying too restrictive a parallel... )

Here's a link to an article about Pride in Marriage from the LDS church magazine, "The Ensign" that I thought correllated with my thought.

The Last Few

The Last Few...

I just finished another go-round with the Book of Mormon, and as usual, my heart is drawn out in sympathy and sorrow for a people once enlightened by Christ that, after having been so richly blessed, turned so fully from it.

There are so many unanswered questions--so many curiosities and details left untold by the ending of the Book of Mormon. Quite obviously, because of the way that the Nephite people were destroyed, it would be impossible for someone to give a full account of the end of this great people, and Moroni makes that case in his very sad explanation at the end of Mormon ( Mormon 8:5).

One of the curiosities I often wonder about is just how many righteous Nephites remained at the time the whole Nephite nation was destroyed. Now one might wonder, "What Righteous!? They were all wicked and depraved!" and I would agree that a surface examination of the evidence does seem to indicate this. After all, the chapter Moroni Chapter 9 is a strong condemnation of the depravity and abominations of the Nephites. Certainly there were plenty who deserved the fate they got, but I do wonder if there were other Nephites who were faithful to Christ, besides the prophet.

Consider:

- Mormon 9:24 states that many of the Nephites deserted unto the Lamanites. It is possible that many of these folks were not wicked (especially considering what many of the brethren were doing) but could see that their people were doomed.

- Moroni 1:2 states that the Lamanites put to death any who will not deny the Christ, which perhaps was done because of those who deserted, or like Moroni, never surrendered, but fled elsewhere. Clearly the Lamanites weren't content just to destroy the Nephites, but they then turned on themselves and began a wholesale holocaust to eliminate all Nephite sympathizers. Whatever the case, the fact that those who would not deny the Christ were slain, and Moroni knew this, is evidence that there were actual people who were faithful to Christ and willing to lay down their lives for him--by not denying him, else Moroni would just be exaggerating his plight (which is just silly, and completely out of character for Moroni, seeing as how he tends to understate the gravity of his situtation).

Finally, I give as evidence, the whole book of Moroni, and in particular, Moroni Chapter 7, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful chapters of encouragement in Christlike Virtues in all scripture. Clearly Mormon was not speaking to a degenerate and depraved congregation, for if he were, he would not describe them as he did in verse 3, as "that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven," instead he would (as Jacob was constrained to do in 2 Nephi 9:48) be giving a very different type of sermon.

Chapter 7 really is what sparks my curiosity and conjures in me a deep sadness, perhaps more than the very depressing Chapter 9. It is evident that the prophet Mormon didn't spend all his days condemning and lamenting the Nephite wholesale endorsement of all things abominable, though clearly that's how his days ended.

What happened to these people who were encouraged to seek charity?

There are few possibilities that I can imagine:

1. They were destroyed with the wicked Nephites.
2. They fled and abandoned the Nephites, going to lands previously unknown.
3. They all turned wicked with the Nephites and were destroyed.
4. They fled to the Lamanites and eventually denied Christ or were discovered and destroyed.
5. Moroni was only addressing women and children, who were innocent victims of both the Nephites and the Lamanites.

Chances are it was a combination of all these factors. No doubt this is one of those unsolveable curiosities that will remain, but the implications are a bit troubling. We have faith that because we adhere to the principles of the Gospel and try our best in the church, that we will be protected, but if the people in which this church exists turn against the Spirit upon which that people is founded, and reject the covenants upon which they were founded, those few who remain--those last few--are quite often the innocent victim of the majority.

Captain Moroni observed, when his people were underseige.

13 For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God. (Alma 60:13)

And isn't it curious the language is shared between Captain Moroni's words so mirror the last hopeful sermon that Moroni records from his father Mormon in Chapter 7 of the book of Moroni. It is almost as though Mormon could see his people were doomed, and gave the sermon in Moroni chapter 7 to the last few faithful he could find, as encouragement to not be afraid, even though they were about to "enter into the rest of the Lord" through a brutal and horrifying death.

And that's where my heart lingers in sorrow. As a father of faithful daughters, in a generation that is turning from the God that gave them breath and freedom and such fair abundance, will they be among the fallen in this world, whose blood cries for retribution? I sorrow for these last few faithful Nephites who had no name, and were swept away, and I hope and pray that my fears are just fears and not some premonition of grevious things to come.

--Ray

Captivity of Fathers

It is evident to me that Alma thought it was very important that we not forget the "captivity of our fathers". In particular, Alma Chapter 36, which easily qualifies as one of the best chapters in all the Book of Mormon (according to me). I don't have time to go into great depth of thought in this regard, but think about your own history. Are there stories or incidents that help and guide your life and create lasting lessons that you wish to pass on to your own children?

What is your legacy?

Further, before discovering Christ, what type of captivity did you personally experience?

This morning, watching teenagers drag themselves to Seminary, it got me to thinking about how these young men and women have yet to experience true captivity--whether it be a physical loss of freedom, or a spiritual one. Then where will they turn?

It is interesting to see Alma's course of action, when he realized his own captivity, when he was about to be "cast off". Desperate for self-destruction he remembered Christ and experiencing the deepest and most miraculous healing, it changed him forever. He had no other arm to lean upon, so he trusted in God's...

It is a reminder I need, when I am discouraged due to personal weakness.

--Ray

PS> The idea that we can learn from our ancestors, and pass on a legacy is one of the great functions of personal revelation mixed with scripture. Were scripture solely confined to one book, this very process would be thwarted, yet, thanks to the Book of Mormon we know that the legacy of prophets continues even to the present day. It is a great thing!

PPS> If you search (scriptures.lds.org) in the Book of Mormon, you'll find that Alma is the prophet who uses the expression "Captivity of (my/our/their) Fathers" more than any other prophet in scripture. This was very important to him, perhaps because of how he had rejected his own father's story for a while and fought against the church... who knows... here are some references... Alma 5:6, Alma 29:11-12, and Alma 36 (both beginning and end of the chiasmus) .

New Testament Parallels

This morning, while reading John chapter 7, it occurred to me that there are so many interesting parallels between the way men received the Christ and the way they receive his servant Joseph Smith Jr. the prophet who revealed the Book of Mormon, and restored Christ's church.

I find it interesting that many folks refuse to even ask God (Moroni 10:3-5) or inquire from whence cometh these apparently "new" things, often using the Bible to claim that there is no record or prophecy or indication that such a prophet should come. This is precisely what the Jews said, as they plotted to murder him, in justification--that because he came "of Galilee" (see John 7:50-53) and the scriptures said nothing of Galilee that he could not possibly be the Messiah.

Yet, I ask, had there been a verse detailing the color of Jesus's home in Galilee, would it have mattered?

--Ray

Cookie of Doom

(here's a little something I wrote from an experience... Happy New Year, all!)

It may have been chocolate chip, it may have been oatmeal raisin, but when I saw the great cookie, little did I understand the power that it would wield over the peace of my family. This cookie was the cookie of chaos, bringing with it the power of war, envy, coercion, strife and devilry.

The story started when, after a long day of driving in the car to random shopping locales, that let’s just say, was not my choice. Mom was getting the groceries, after the shopping market had been emptied by a wayward fire alarm. As consolation, the supermarket unleashed fist-sized cookies upon the patrons who waited for the fire department to turn off the annoying buzzer. So it was that our family did wait eagerly for mother to return.

The children were at peace. They had gotten to see a large fire truck come blazing with lights and sirens into the parking lot. They had been “evacuated” from a mock disaster, and had done so safely. We were all feeling grateful that nothing menacing had clouded the event, and this had been more excitement than the girl’s had had all day. So it was with relative peace and joy that they sat content to watch the flashing lights.

Then came mother. She gave the Cookie of Doom to one of the girls in the backseat. It was implied that the cookie would be shared, but alas, immediately howls sounded, for there was cookie, but the children strapped in the front two seats had no cookie. And why should this one who was sharing the cookie the one to share the cookie? So too did the sister sitting beside the cookie bearer protest and possibly resort to physical means to obtain the cookie for herself.

The wounded psyche’s cried out. What’s wrong with me that I have no cookie?

Sondra made the observation, “Before the cookie came, you were perfectly happy.”

So you, like me, are probably pondering the deeper lessons in all things…

If you consider the absurdity of this experience, you must be thinking, as I am, that my children are insane. And yet, it appears to me this cookie had the power to exert influence bent upon creating strife and conflict. For is not the very existence of a cookie to make people happy?

I ask. Is it normal that a thing that is supposed to make people happy to have the power to bring such conflict? The children were happy, until the cookie appeared. So if you introduce an item that is designed to increase happiness, the natural thought would be that the overall happiness ratio would increase, at least a little.

How often does this sort of thing happen in our own life? How often do we receive answers to our prayers, and find ourselves less happy with the solution? Or rather than being happy with a net increase, something a bit better, we are angry and embittered because it is not as good as our neighbor or our friend, or as we “might have done” had more miracles just kept pouring in.

I suppose nowhere is this perspective more plainly illustrated in a spiritual context, than in the Book of Mormon, where comparative envy caused the entire destruction of a nation. Who knows, it might’ve even all started with a simple cookie. How is it that we with our treasures and rare items cannot rejoice one with another for the gifts we each are given and try to make the most of the happiness we are blessed to receive? Why must we continually live by comparison, by so and so and her kids, or their husband, or that wife, getting such and such and not me?

I should lead a political campaign to ban all cookies—all sources of joy—so that we’re all equally content, or miserable. Or I suppose we could swallow our pride, so that cookie was sweeter, no matter the size, when we swallowed it. :)

--Ray

Minute Details

I noticed something funny about Alma 39 today while reading it with the family.

Corianton is the third son.

Helaman and Shiblon are his older (and by Alma's comments, "wiser") brothers.

Now you may wonder why that even matters, or why this is even noteworthy. It's definitely not a very astute observation. After all, it's clear from the context and the verses this is the case, and I've always known Corianton was young, and really it has nothing to do with Corianton at all, but with my own sensitivities and the way the Book of Mormon starts.

Laman was a first-born. Sure Lemuel was a close second, but they're really not known as Lemuelites. Laman pretty much receives most of the credit when it comes to much of the misery and misunderstanding in the Book of Mormon--a whole people is named after him. Nephi makes a big deal about this, and he's not off base to feel slighted. Considering the jewish tradition of birthright, Laman had certain responsibilities that he never lived up to.

Being the first-born, I've always kind of had a sort of unconscious/conscious dislike for that aspect of the Book of Mormon. Maybe it's due to some extrapolation or lecturizing a parent might have done, the insinuation that the first born can be a bad egg. Maybe it's just a sensitivity of personal weakness. But having read today, I realized that it's a stupid thing to be sensitive about one's position in family. Whether you're born first or last, and even when your dad's a prophet, there's no real garantee that your kids end up living up to or rejecting the Gospel. It's a matter of personal choice and so it is with Corianton.

Heck, Mosiah had four sons that were all bad, until an angel intervened.

I suppose it's a silly little thing, but somehow I do think it's of interest to note that there's no real significance in holding a grudge (or by contrast holding in favor) for any particular position in the family. We're all free to make and break choices...

--Ray

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