"The Most Useful Piece of Knowledge" by Elder Christensen

Read Elder Clayton M. Christensen's moving testimony of how he found out the Book of Mormon is true.

His invitation:

For those of you who may still be living on the testimonies of others, I invite you to set aside an hour every day and find out for yourself if the Book of Mormon is true, because it will change your heart as it has changed mine. Then someday you’ll be able to go to the place where you lived at the time that God revealed this to you and point at it for your children and spouse and say, “That’s a sacred place because that’s where I learned that Jesus is the Christ.”

Clayton M. Christensen, “The Most Useful Piece of Knowledge,” NewEra, Jan 2009, 40–42

United States Divided

As I've written previously, the Book of Mormon is written for our day. It gives us insight into what we should expect leading up to the Second Coming of Christ.

One of the events that happened in Book of Mormon times before Christ visited them was the destruction of the government and the people dividing into "tribes" as described in 3 Nephi 7:1-7. Every time I read this passage, I wondered if something similar would ever happen to the United States.

Joseph Smith has prophesied, according to many people, that the United States government would be on the brink and that the Constitution would hang by a thread (read "What do we know about the purported statement of Joseph Smith that the Constitution would hang by a thread and that the elders would save it?" D. Michael Stewart, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1976, 64–65)

So with all this in mind, I was honestly surprised to see an article link from a major US News site that read "Professor Predicts end of USA". The article appears on the Wall Street Journal and is entitled "As if Things Weren't Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.
In Moscow, Igor Panarin's Forecasts Are All the Rage; America 'Disintegrates' in 2010"

I'm not sure if that link will stay hot, so I'll post the article in its entirety here:

By ANDREW OSBORN
MOSCOW -- For a decade, Russian academic Igor Panarin has been predicting the U.S. will fall apart in 2010. For most of that time, he admits, few took his argument -- that an economic and moral collapse will trigger a civil war and the eventual breakup of the U.S. -- very seriously. Now he's found an eager audience: Russian state media.

In recent weeks, he's been interviewed as much as twice a day about his predictions. "It's a record," says Prof. Panarin. "But I think the attention is going to grow even stronger."
Prof. Panarin, 50 years old, is not a fringe figure. A former KGB analyst, he is dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry's academy for future diplomats. He is invited to Kremlin receptions, lectures students, publishes books, and appears in the media as an expert on U.S.-Russia relations.

But it's his bleak forecast for the U.S. that is music to the ears of the Kremlin, which in recent years has blamed Washington for everything from instability in the Middle East to the global financial crisis. Mr. Panarin's views also fit neatly with the Kremlin's narrative that Russia is returning to its rightful place on the world stage after the weakness of the 1990s, when many feared that the country would go economically and politically bankrupt and break into separate territories.

A polite and cheerful man with a buzz cut, Mr. Panarin insists he does not dislike Americans. But he warns that the outlook for them is dire.

"There's a 55-45% chance right now that disintegration will occur," he says. "One could rejoice in that process," he adds, poker-faced. "But if we're talking reasonably, it's not the best scenario -- for Russia." Though Russia would become more powerful on the global stage, he says, its economy would suffer because it currently depends heavily on the dollar and on trade with the U.S.

Mr. Panarin posits, in brief, that mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar. Around the end of June 2010, or early July, he says, the U.S. will break into six pieces -- with Alaska reverting to Russian control.

In addition to increasing coverage in state media, which are tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Mr. Panarin's ideas are now being widely discussed among local experts. He presented his theory at a recent roundtable discussion at the Foreign Ministry. The country's top international relations school has hosted him as a keynote speaker. During an appearance on the state TV channel Rossiya, the station cut between his comments and TV footage of lines at soup kitchens and crowds of homeless people in the U.S. The professor has also been featured on the Kremlin's English-language propaganda channel, Russia Today.

Mr. Panarin's apocalyptic vision "reflects a very pronounced degree of anti-Americanism in Russia today," says Vladimir Pozner, a prominent TV journalist in Russia. "It's much stronger than it was in the Soviet Union."

Mr. Pozner and other Russian commentators and experts on the U.S. dismiss Mr. Panarin's predictions. "Crazy ideas are not usually discussed by serious people," says Sergei Rogov, director of the government-run Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies, who thinks Mr. Panarin's theories don't hold water.

Mr. Panarin's résumé includes many years in the Soviet KGB, an experience shared by other top Russian officials. His office, in downtown Moscow, shows his national pride, with pennants on the wall bearing the emblem of the FSB, the KGB's successor agency. It is also full of statuettes of eagles; a double-headed eagle was the symbol of czarist Russia.

The professor says he began his career in the KGB in 1976. In post-Soviet Russia, he got a doctorate in political science, studied U.S. economics, and worked for FAPSI, then the Russian equivalent of the U.S. National Security Agency. He says he did strategy forecasts for then-President Boris Yeltsin, adding that the details are "classified."

In September 1998, he attended a conference in Linz, Austria, devoted to information warfare, the use of data to get an edge over a rival. It was there, in front of 400 fellow delegates, that he first presented his theory about the collapse of the U.S. in 2010.

"When I pushed the button on my computer and the map of the United States disintegrated, hundreds of people cried out in surprise," he remembers. He says most in the audience were skeptical. "They didn't believe me."

At the end of the presentation, he says many delegates asked him to autograph copies of the map showing a dismembered U.S.

He based the forecast on classified data supplied to him by FAPSI analysts, he says. He predicts that economic, financial and demographic trends will provoke a political and social crisis in the U.S. When the going gets tough, he says, wealthier states will withhold funds from the federal government and effectively secede from the union. Social unrest up to and including a civil war will follow. The U.S. will then split along ethnic lines, and foreign powers will move in.

California will form the nucleus of what he calls "The Californian Republic," and will be part of China or under Chinese influence. Texas will be the heart of "The Texas Republic," a cluster of states that will go to Mexico or fall under Mexican influence. Washington, D.C., and New York will be part of an "Atlantic America" that may join the European Union. Canada will grab a group of Northern states Prof. Panarin calls "The Central North American Republic." Hawaii, he suggests, will be a protectorate of Japan or China, and Alaska will be subsumed into Russia.

"It would be reasonable for Russia to lay claim to Alaska; it was part of the Russian Empire for a long time." A framed satellite image of the Bering Strait that separates Alaska from Russia like a thread hangs from his office wall. "It's not there for no reason," he says with a sly grin.

Interest in his forecast revived this fall when he published an article in Izvestia, one of Russia's biggest national dailies. In it, he reiterated his theory, called U.S. foreign debt "a pyramid scheme," and predicted China and Russia would usurp Washington's role as a global financial regulator.

Americans hope President-elect Barack Obama "can work miracles," he wrote. "But when spring comes, it will be clear that there are no miracles."

The article prompted a question about the White House's reaction to Prof. Panarin's forecast at a December news conference. "I'll have to decline to comment," spokeswoman Dana Perino said amid much laughter.

For Prof. Panarin, Ms. Perino's response was significant. "The way the answer was phrased was an indication that my views are being listened to very carefully," he says.

The professor says he's convinced that people are taking his theory more seriously. People like him have forecast similar cataclysms before, he says, and been right. He cites French political scientist Emmanuel Todd. Mr. Todd is famous for having rightly forecast the demise of the Soviet Union -- 15 years beforehand. "When he forecast the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1976, people laughed at him," says Prof. Panarin.

I'm not sure if I believe all of this or not. But it is very interesting to see that the idea of the United States disintegrating is being talked about and even being considered not insane these days.

My original commentary on 3 Nephi 7 & 8

Organizing Blog

Over the next few days, I'll be organizing this blog to make it easier to navigate.


Before upgrading to the current template, I used to have an index containing a direct link to each post. I'll be recreating that index. You can see the index on the right hand column towards the bottom.

I'm also going to be labeling each post according to the subject matter of the post. This part will take the longest.

Lastly, I might add some other side-bar content ... but I've not decided if and what to add.

The Crux of My Testimony and Life

It has been just over five months since I finished reading the Book of Mormon and completed my "inspection" (commentary) of it. Since then, I've started working my way through Isaiah and posting my thoughts on a blog about what I've been learning.

But as many know, Isaiah is very difficult to read. Sometimes I have a lot of gumption and can pound out a few chapters a week. Other times, I have low or no desire to read and study Isaiah. I'm currently in a bit of slump, but I'm still determined to finish it.

So I've been in somewhat of a funk when it comes to feeding my testimony. I greatly missed that daily study of the Book of Mormon.

During this same time, I've continued to read lots of LDS blogs. There are a LOT of ideas and insights out there in the Internet when it comes to LDS culture, scriptures, gospel doctrine and church history. When it comes to Church History, it seems to me that many peoples' testimonies have either weakened or been lost because they found something out about the Church's history that has shocked them.

This is somewhat understandable. From July of last year until about December, I was reading Rough Stone Rolling by Richad Bushman (buy book at Amazon and B&N). I admit, I learned a lot of things from that book that I either had not heard of before or if I had, I did not know much about the subject.

Now that I have set up what kind of situtation I found myself in, I can tell you what I have recently begun to do (again). I used to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish almost every day a few years ago. It was a habit I started after President Hinckley suggested to us missionaries in Guatemala that we read the Book of Mormon in Spanish the rest of our lives. With his passing, I recalled this specific counsel he gave to a group of about 600 of missionaries in 1996. So I decided to read el Libro de Mormon each night before I go to sleep. After reading a chapter, I say my prayers and then go to sleep.

The difference in my attitude and spiritual life has been dramatic. I cannot fully express the tremendous effect reading the Book of Mormon has in my life. Since I've begun reading that special book again, I have felt steadier, more in control and at greater peace with myself than before. I LOVE READING THE BOOK OF MORMON! It is one of the most simplest and most fulfilling pleasures in my life.

I was prompted to post this tonight after reading an excellent post over at Mormanity (Jeff Lindsay's blog). His latest post discusses how some people seem to focus too much on issues such as polygamy and other less discussed Church history topics. These same people, however, fail to focus on the several witnesses of the Book of Mormon. If you have a minute, read the entire post: Troubled by Mormon History?

Just as the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religon, it is the crux of my testimony and perhaps my life. If I don't read the Book of Mormon on a regular basis, then nothing seems to flow so well ... I get stuck in ruts and I don't feel settled or at peace. But when I add this unique ingredient to my life, then everything seems better. I am happier, I feel at peace, guided, in balance and whole.

Indeed the Book of Mormon is the crux of my testimony and life. I can't live without it.

My Testimony

I finished posting the last commentary to the blog last night on October 9, 2007. The commentary and insights have come a long way since December 12, 1996 in Coban Guatemala. It has taken me many tries to complete this little project to my liking. And I'm sure that I will continue to revise it through the years. To me, it is a treasure and will help me more easily remember all that the Lord has taught me while I've read this sacred book.

Today was a beautiful north Texas fall day. I had to work the night shift last night and so when I came home from work, I fell asleep and then got up around 1:00pm. By then, it was clear and dry and 80 degrees outside. As usual, I went on my run … today's route would be four miles.

I hadn't had much time to myself, so I was looking forward to spending my time in prayer while I ran. As I started to run, my thoughts turned to my family. I began to say a prayer in my head. I thanked our Heavenly Father for my beautiful children and my lovely wife. I let my mind wander thinking of all the blessings we have received. Indeed I feel so blessed and sometimes wonder why I should deserve those blessings.

I asked for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings. I expressed my gratitude for the feelings of goodness within my heart and how I wish I always had them with me to help me resist temptations. I asked for strength to always choose the right.

Then I began to pray about the Book of Mormon. I told Heavenly Father that I love the book and how it has brought me joy in my life. I told Him that I know that by reading the Book of Mormon and following its teachings, I have learned the true way to happiness. And then something extraordinary happened. I told our Father in Heaven that even if all the evidence in the world came out against the Book of Mormon and that it were proven to not be true without any doubt, I would still believe in the Book of Mormon … I would still read it and I would still love it; I would still follow the teachings found therein. I would never "trample" on (see 1 Nephi 19:7) the Book of Mormon. I simply could not do it; I love the book too much to ever turn my back to it.

Unexpectedly, while I was running, tears welled up in my eyes and my heart began to thump a little harder. It was if a curtain was lifted and I could see. I began to cry out loud. I felt the Holy Ghost tell me that what I had determined in my heart was what Heavenly Father desired of me. Immediately, the words of Mormon in 3 Nephi 6:14 came to my mind, "They were firm, and steadfast, and immovable." I felt at that moment that Heavenly Father was pleased with me and He told me that I was on the right path. It was such a peaceful and powerful feeling. It was real to me and I shall never forget it.

I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it dearly. Because I know the Book of Mormon is from God, I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. I also know the prophet who leads the Church is a prophet of God. I know these things are true and knowing that makes me happy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Moroni 10

The Book of Mormon Challenge

Moroni begins his final chapter with a challenge. He asks us to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men” from the time of Adam to his day. He asks us to ponder in our hearts the mercy of the Lord and “these things” meaning the writings of Mormon and Moroni.

And when we “receive these things,” then we must ask our Heavenly Father “if these things are not true.” And if we ask in the name of Christ, having faith in Christ and with a sincere heart and real intent, then the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth of the Book of Mormon to us.

For me, I’ve always felt the Book of Mormon is true. It is ingrained within me and is a part of me. I can’t imagine what my life would be without it. I truly love the Book of Mormon. Notwithstanding these facts, I’ve felt the desire to pray about the Book of Mormon. I still feel a desire to pray about the Book of Mormon every time I finish reading it. Each time I do so, my testimony of it grows stronger. I think of all the lessons and spiritual experiences I’ve had while reading and pondering the Book of Mormon. And when I think of those things, my testimony grows.

While I was a missionary in the MTC, I finished reading the Book of Mormon and desired to have the Holy Ghost manifest to me the truth of the Book of Mormon before I embarked on a mission to Guatemala. Early in the morning, I got up and went out in the hallway to have some time to myself. I read Joseph Smith’s history that morning and then prayed about the Book of Mormon. After I finished praying, I simply knew it … I was just happy. Everything seemed to fall into place and I simply knew at that moment that the Book of Mormon is a true book and that Joseph was a true prophet and that the Church is the true church of Christ today. It was a happy moment in my spiritual life.

Spiritual Gifts

The Spirit of God to teach the word of wisdom (Moroni 10:9, 1 Cor. 12:8, D&C 46:17)

Elder Oaks describes this gift as the gift to wisely apply knowledge or the gift of judgment. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sep 1986, 68)

Teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit (Moroni 10:10, 1 Cor. 12:8, D&C 46:18)

The D&C elaborates on this gift by adding, “that all may be taught to be wise and have knowledge.” I have seen many Sunday School teachers and seminary teachers and others exercise this gift. My parents have this gift. I have always sought this gift and feel that I have had it while teaching others on my mission as well as training missionaries in the MTC.

Exceedingly great faith (Moroni 10:11, 1 Cor. 12:9)

We have seen many of the Book of Mormon have this gift. The first example that comes to my mind is the old Lamanite king who Aaron taught. The old king believed Aaron’s words and exercised faith and was converted. (see Alma 22)

The gifts of healing (Moroni 10:11, 1 Cor. 12:9, D&C 46:19-20)

In the first area I served as a missionary (Pinares del Norte, Guatemala City), the sister who cooked our meals had this gift. Almost every morning while I ate her breakfast, some woman would bring her child over to this hermana to have the child be healed. I asked the hermana about this and she told me she has the gift of healing. She doesn’t know how it came to be, but that she just knows what ails a person and can heal them with remedies. I knew I was in good hands after I saw her heal these children.

Work mighty miracles (Moroni 10:12, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:21)

Miracles are all around us. What we need is to see them and recognize them. Just this evening, the kids and I read out of the Friend a story about a little boy who had pneumonia and meningitis and was hospitalized. The ward and even his little friends fasted for him. The doctors and his parents did not know if he would survive. But the faith of those fasting and praying for him miraculously healed him. (Susan Denney, “Jake’s Miracle,” Friend, Oct 2007, 16–17)

Gift of prophesy (Moroni 10:13, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:22)

Who can really dispute the gift of prophesy that President Hinckley possesses. He has forewarned and warned us of many things. He counseled us to get our homes in order. He taught us time and time again of the importance of the family and how the world attacks it. At least in my mind, I see his counsel and warnings as the gift of prophesy. He truly is able to lead us away from danger far before it is imminent.

Beholding of angels and ministering of spirits (Moroni 10:14, 1 Cor. 12:10)

Nephi and Alma and many others of the Book of Mormon had this gift. Joseph Smith seemed to have this gift too as he was taught by many different angels. I think that many who are close to the Spirit can have this gift when we do work for others in the temple. In counseling me to regularly attend the temple, my patriarchal blessing teaches me “that the veil between this life and the spirit world is thin.” I know I am not the only one who truly knows that truth.

Interpretation of tongues (Moroni 10:15-16, 1 Cor. 12:10, D&C 46:24-25)

How could the work of the Lord roll forward without this gift? Many missionaries and interpreters have received this gift and have used it as it was intended. The Book of Mormon and other Church publications are translated into dozens of languages. Just the General Conference page has almost 70 different language options.



Come Unto Christ

The clarion call of the Book of Mormon is that Christ lives and that we must come unto him. Moroni teaches us to come unto Christ “and be perfected in him.” (Moroni 10:32)

We must deny ourselves of ungodliness. We cannot expect to be God’s people if we do not strive to be like him. We must be different from the world. We must be the light and we are required to lead by example.

We must love God with all our might, mind and strength. In all that we do and in all that we think, we must exert the maximum effort in order for God’s grace to be sufficient.

If we do these things, then we are sanctified (Moroni 10:33) and our sins are remitted. Then we are holy and without spot.

As missionaries, we were often told that we had two years to work and the rest of our lives to think about it. The intent of that counsel was to help us to never tire of working … we were to squeeze every ounce out of our time. The same is true with lives. This life is too short and we have too much to accomplish in that short span. We must give God our all.

Moroni’s words are quite an inspiration and pep talk to go out and get to work.

Carry on, carry on, carry on (Hymn 255).

Moroni 8 & 9

Mindful of you

One of my favorite scriptures is Moroni 8:3. My father would sometimes begin his letters to me by quoting this verse. “I am mindful of you always in my prayers.” Whenever I read those words, I think of my father kneeling by the kitchen table and humbly praying to our Father in Heaven for me. I often kept that image and thought in my mind when I was serving as a missionary.

Baptism

Mormon teaches that little children must not be baptized because they are innocent in Christ, meaning they cannot sin. When they reach the age of accountability, then they should be baptized. D&C 68:25-28 teaches us that the age of accountability is eight years of age. We also learn from D&C 68 that parents are to teach their children the doctrine of the gospel and to pray.

Labor Diligently

In Moroni 9:6, Mormon exhorts Moroni to never cease to labor teaching the Nephites to repent. We too must never cease to labor, but to diligently labor. We must not serve in spurts and then “rest” a bit. Rather, we must be steady in our service to others. I remember Elder Ballard discussing this topic recently in a General Conference. He taught, “While there may be times when our Church callings require more intense effort and unusual focus, we need to strive to keep things in proper balance. We should never allow our service to replace the attention needed by other important priorities in our lives. Remember King Benjamin’s counsel: “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27).” (M. Russell Ballard, “O Be Wise,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 17–20)

Mormon Chose to Hope

Despite mentioning all the horrendous things the Lamanites and Nephites were doing, Mormon still had hope. Mormon’s words to his son ring full of hope. “My son, be faithful in Christ … may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hop of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.” (Moroni 9:25)

Moroni 7

Peaceable Followers of Christ

Peaceable is a very interesting word. There are several synonyms for the word: serene, harmonious, calm, quiet, compliant. Each one of those synonyms represents what it means to follow Christ’s teachings. It seems that these saints to whom Mormon was talking demonstrated that they were really Christians by they way they treated other people.

In my mind, a true Christian does not cause discord. He serves quietly and anonymously. He does not speak loudly, but lives a reverent life. He complies with the commandments and willingly follows Christ’s teachings. He prays fervently and studies the scriptures diligently. I often think of my parents as peaceable followers of Christ. My Sunbeam teacher, Grace Nelson, was a true peaceable follower of Christ. There are many peaceable followers of Christ among us, but you must watch carefully for them, because they will not stand out in the world’s sense.

Pray With Real Intent

If we are praying aimlessly and giving no thought for what we are thankful for and what we stand in need of, then our prayers will not reach heaven. It will profit us nothing. When we pray, we must mean it. We must have a purpose to our words. They must be thoughtful. We ought to meditate when we pray and we ought to really search our souls for the things we are thankful for and the things we desire of our Father. If we do not pray with real intent, we are not really praying. We are just saying words.

The Devil Fights God Continually

The word that stands out in Moroni 7:12 is continually. The devil will never stop fighting that which is good. But opposite of the devil is God who also invites and entices us to do good continually. Galatians 6:9 counsels us to “not be weary in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 gives similar counsel. We must endure to the end and never tire in striving to do good. As we strive to do good, our Father in Heaven will help us.

Judgment and Spirit of Christ

Each of us knows the difference between right and wrong. This is called the Spirit of Christ. Since we know wrong from right, we are given the change to judge between good and evil. The task is simple yet hard to complete. Anything that invites and entices to do good comes from Christ. Anything that persuades and entices us to do evil and to deny the Christ is of the devil. Therefore, we must choose the good and shun the evil. As we continually choose the good, our ability to choose the good becomes stronger and we become a child of Christ. (Moroni 7:19)

How Faith in Christ Began

Men began to have faith in Christ when God sent angels who in turn ministered to men. Just within the pages of the Book of Mormon we read of Nephi’s vision and how an angel ministered to him. (see 1 Nephi 11) King Benjamin was taught by an angel before he taught the Nephites. (see Mosiah 3:2) We also are very familiar with the story of Alma and the angel that visited him more than once. (see Mosiah 27; Alma 8:14)

Not only have angels ministered to men, but our Heavenly Father and Christ have taught men. We have just read about the brother of Jared and how Christ showed Himself to him hundreds of years before Christ was mortal. Thus these seeds are planted among men and we begin to have faith in Christ.

But what about those of us today … Christ has already appeared. How are we to exercise faith in Christ? My favorite part of an Apostle’s talk is his testimony. If you are tuned into the Spirit and listen closely, the Holy Ghost will testify in your heart the truthfulness of the words of the Apostles’.

I’ve mentioned this before and I’ll mention it again. One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve heard came from Elder Henry B. Eyring shortly after he was called to be an Apostle. He gave a talk at the MTC while I was training there. I do not remember the subject of his talk. But what has remained with me all these years is the spirit I felt when he bore his testimony. I know that he really knows that Christ lives. And as such, I know that Christ lives.

Angels Minister Today

Mormon taught that angels have not ceased to minister to men. (Moroni 7:29) He teaches that angels are subject to God and according to His command they show “themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.” (Moroni 7:30) Those who are taught by angels are taught the gospel of repentance. Those who are taught are then commanded to preach to men. They are to preach repentance and to teach men to fulfill the work of God. They are to bear testimony of Christ. Thus “the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ.” (Moroni 7:32)

Pre-requisites of Faith and Hope

Mormon teaches that in order for a man to have faith and hope, he must be meek and lowly of heart. In other words, he must be a peaceable follower of Christ.

He must also confess that Jesus is the Christ and he must have charity.

Charity

Suffereth long – to me, this means that when placed under a trail or persecution, we do not retaliate. We suffer or endure through the trail or persecution asking God what He wants us to learn from it. We are quick to praise God and slow to complain.

Kind – If we are kind to others, then we have charity. Are we kind to disobedient children? Are we kind to drivers who cut us off? Are we kind to those who offend us? Can we at least treat others with decent respect?

Envieth not – If we have envy, then we are jealous or spiteful or malicious. To have charity means we should not covet other’s possessions or status in life. If we are “keeping up with the Jones” then we do not have charity. If we are constantly comparing our lot in life to others’ then we do not have charity. If we experience scheudenfraude (happy about another’s demise or ill luck), then we probably don’t have charity.

Is not puffed up – being “puffed up” means that we’re flaunting ourselves. When we are pompous, it tends to put others down and that is not charity. Puffing yourself up implies that you are putting others down.

Seeketh not her own – this is similar to being puffed up. If we are constantly looking out for ourselves without regard for others, then we are seeking after our own.

Is not easily provoked – this one is similar to suffereth long. At times, others may try to make us angry … they are trying to aggravate and goad us into fighting back. But if we do not fall for this tactic, then we are beginning to have charity.

Thinketh no evil – a person who does not think evil is pure in heart. A child does not think evil.

Rejoiceth not in iniquity – There are those who glory in their sinful life. They take delight in exercising their agency to the full extent.

Rejoiceth in the truth – On the other hand, there are those who love the truth and who want to be happy and seek true happiness for others. These rejoice in the truth.

Beareth all things – I think in this definition, we are to bear the trials and tribulations the Lord places on us. I don’t think the Lord expects us to tolerate all kinds of sin and iniquity. We are to allow others the use of their agency, but we can use our agency to exhort others to repentance. I am reminded of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he was in jail; he had to endure all kinds of taunting and vile talk. One night in the Richmond Jail, as guards in “dreadful blasphemies and filthy language” boasted of their participation in the Saints’ persecution, Joseph rebuked them in the name of Jesus Christ in a “voice of thunder”: “SILENCE, ye fiends of the infernal pit. … Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!” The “quailing guards … begged his pardon.” Parley wrote, “Dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obscure village of Missouri.” (Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (1985), 179–80 see also Matthew J. Grow, “The Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt,” Ensign, Apr 2007, 56–61)

Believeth all things – Along the same lines of bearing all things, we are to believe all things the Lord teaches us. Obviously we are not to believe the lies Satan and his angels would have us believe. Rather, we ought to believe that Christ lives and we are to believe all that Christ has taught and we are to believe in his prophets and apostles. We are to be as a little child and be “submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)

Hopeth all things – We must always have hope. We hope for a better world. We hope our children will choose the right when they are on their own. We hope they will marry in the temple. We hope they will serve and be faithful all their lives. We hope we will be a family forever. We hope that all the gospel offers us and our family will be realized. We must always hope. Without hope, we’d be in constant despair.

Endureth all things – Not only are we to endure what this life throws at us, but we are to endure it well. There are so many people who are bitter about their lot in life. We may not be able to choose what will happen to us, but we can always choose how we will react to it.

Pray for Charity

Charity is a gift from God. We can do our best to practice charity, but ultimately we must diligently pray for it. And we must pray with all our heart that God bestows this gift on us.

Moroni 6

Determination to Serve Christ to the End

After we are baptized, we must endure to the end. We can never give up or forsake our commitments. Elder Hales gave a wonderful talk in the April 1998 General Conference. He said, “We learn to endure to the end by learning to finish our current responsibilities, and we simply continue doing it all of our lives. We cannot expect to learn endurance in our later years if we have developed the habit of quitting when things get difficult now.” (Robert D. Hales, “‘Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure’,” Ensign, May 1998, 75)

Nourished by the Good Word of God

If ever there were a scripture for fellowshipping and home teaching and visiting teaching, Moroni 6:4 would be it. The pattern for a new member entering the Gospel is for him to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and then endure to the end. To help him endure to the end, the members must nourish him with the good word of God … in other words, he must have home teachers and he must be fellowshipped at church. By having the members help this new convert, the convert is kept in the right way and is watched. We as home and visiting teachers must exhort him or her to continually pray and study the scriptures. The bishop ought to extend the convert a calling to keep him or her active in the ward. President Hinckley’s 1999 talk discusses what we as members need to do (see Gordon B. Hinckley, “Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 104)

Manner of Conducting Meetings

In the days of the Nephites, meetings were conducted “after the manner of the workings of the Spirit.” (Moroni 6:9) If the Sprit directed them to sing, they would sing. If the Spirit directed them to preach, they would preach. Today our meetings are much more structured. But that does not mean the bishop or whoever is presiding over the meeting cannot call upon someone to bear testimony or to alter the course of the meeting.

I think the concept here is that we follow the Spirit in our meetings. This can apply to us individually when we are giving a talk or lesson. If we’ve prepared something but later during the lesson or talk we feel we should say it differently or to say something else or hold something back, then we should follow the promptings of the Spirit. I’ve had this happen to me many times. Something might pop into my head and it fits perfecting into what I’m trying to convey … so I’ll say it. We never know when someone will be touched by what we say.

In the last General Conference (April 2007), President Monson noted the following event while he was giving a talk, “During the message I delivered at general conference in October 1975, I felt prompted to direct my remarks to a little girl with long, blonde hair, who was seated in the balcony of this building. I called the attention of the audience to her and felt a freedom of expression which testified to me that this small girl needed the message I had in mind concerning the faith of another young lady.

“At the conclusion of the session, I returned to my office and found waiting for me a young child by the name of Misti White, together with her grandparents and an aunt. “As I greeted them, I recognized Misti as the one in the balcony to whom I had directed my remarks. I learned that as her eighth birthday approached, she was in a quandary concerning whether or not to be baptized. She felt she would like to be baptized, and her grandparents, with whom she lived, wanted her to be baptized, but her less-active mother suggested she wait until she was 18 years of age to make the decision. Misti had told her grandparents, “If we go to conference in Salt Lake City, maybe Heavenly Father will let me know what I should do.”

“Misti and her grandparents and her aunt had traveled from California to Salt Lake City for conference and were able to obtain seats in the Tabernacle for the Saturday afternoon session. This was where they were seated when my attention was drawn to Misti and my decision made to speak to her.

“As we continued our visit after the session, Misti’s grandmother said to me, “I think Misti has something she would like to tell you.” This sweet young girl said, “Brother Monson, while you were speaking in conference, you answered my question. I want to be baptized!”

“The family returned to California, and Misti was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through all the years since, Misti has remained true and faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fourteen years ago, it was my privilege to perform her temple marriage to a fine young man, and together they are rearing five beautiful children, with another one on the way.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Tabernacle Memories,” Ensign, May 2007, 41–42)

Moroni 1-5

Moroni’s Last Thoughts

Moroni thought that after summarizing the Jaredite history that he’d be close to death. But he found that he had more time to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites.” (Moroni 1:4)

How can I apply Moroni 1 to my life? Moroni thought that his life would have already been taken by the time he gets to writing his last thoughts. So instead of giving up and “resting”, he decides to write more! He wants to write more things that perhaps they “may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites.” Moroni didn’t lose sight of his goal and he made the best use of his time and energy.

Christ Gives Power to Confer the Holy Ghost

Jesus gave the Nephite apostles the power to confer the Holy Ghost. After a person is baptized, Melchizedek priesthood holders lay their hands on the person’s head and confer upon him the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ordinations

Moroni 3 teaches how the Nephite apostles ordained elders, priests and teachers.

The Sacrament

Chapters 4 and 5 discuss the sacrament.

I’ve always wanted to do this … have a side-by-side comparison of the blessing of the bread and water to clearly see this similarities and differences.

Both bless and sanctify the emblems.

Both identify the emblem it represents. The water blessing adds that it was shed for us.

In both blessings, we make a covenant … we witness unto God.

In the bread blessing, we pecifically promise that we are willing to take upon us His name and keep his commandments.

In the water blessing, we witness unto God that we will (DO) remember Christ.

Finally, if we are willing to take upon us His name and willing to keep his commandments and willing to remember Him (and do remember Him), then we’ll always (bread) have his spirit with us.

In a church meeting back in November 2004, President Gary Riding of our Stake Presidency asked us to do one thing every week to help us sanctify ourselves. He suggested that either Saturday night or Sunday morning, we sit down and review our past week. Then we identify ways in which we can improve and be better sons and daughters of God. Then we should improve on those things for the next week. Then during the Sacrament, we need to sing the song and read and listen to the words of the hymn. We should think of Jesus and how we can be more faithful to him and how we can remember him. President Riding also suggested that if we have small children, that each parent trade off each week when it comes to tending to them. In this way both of us can have a chance every other week or so, to completely reflect during the sacrament.

Ether 13-15

Ether 13 talks about how the land upon which we live is a choice land above all other lands in the world. We learn from Ether 13:2 that it became a choice land after the great flood. In Ether 13:3 we learn that this land will be the place where the New Jerusalem will be built. I’ve always taken an interest in these verses because my patriarchal blessing states, “you will be involved in the gathering of Israel and in the preparation for the building of the New Jerusalem here upon the earth.” I don’t know to what extent I’ll be involved in the preparation for the building of the New Jerusalem.

Scriptures, Quotes and Notes on The New Jerusalem

The Old Jerusalem in New Times

Zechariah 14 describes what will happen to Jerusalem before the Second Coming of Christ. The Lord will fight for Israel and He will stand on the Mount of Olives. He will be King over all the earth. Referring to Jerusalem, Zechariah 14:11 says, “And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.”

Isaiah 65:17-25 “I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” There will be peace on the earth and the wolf and the lamb will feed together. This passage refers to the Jerusalem in Israel.

The New Jerusalem

These two passages refer strictly to the Old Jerusalem. There will also be a New Jerusalem built in the Western hemisphere.

Isaiah explains that the old Jerusalem and new Jerusalem will be world capitols where one will administer the law and the other will preach the word. Isaiah 2:2-3 says, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us ago up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (see also Micah 4:1-7)

Joel also mentions two world capitols, “And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.” (Joel 2:30-32)

“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

“So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.” (Joel 3:16-17)

The Lord told Enoch, “And the Lord said unto Enoch: As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfil the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah;

“And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve;

“And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem. (Moses 7:60-62)

John the Revelator saw the New Jerusalem, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Revelation 21:2-3)

Ether, the Jaredite prophet prophesied of the New Jerusalem, “And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.

“Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land.

“And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come—after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto the house of Israel.

“And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type.” (Ether 13:3-6)

Modern revelation says the following of the New Jerusalem, “And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;

“And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

“And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.

“And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.

“And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.

“And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.” (D&C 45:66-71)

“The graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever." (D&C 133:56.) Among other things they shall sing:

The Lord hath brought again Zion;
The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel
According to the election of grace,
Which was brought to pass by the faith
And covenant of their fathers.

The Lord hath redeemed his people;
And Satan is bound and time is no longer.
The Lord hath gathered all things in one.
The Lord hath brought down Zion from above.
The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.

The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength;
And truth is established in her bowels;
And the heavens have smiled upon her;
And she is clothed with the glory of her God;
For he stands in the midst of his people.

Glory, and honor, and power, and might,
Be ascribed to our God; for he is full of mercy,
Justice, grace and truth, and peace,
Forever and ever, Amen.
—D&C 84:99-102

In D&C 84:2-3 we learn of the location of the New Jerusalem, “Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.

“Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.”

Another Nephite and Jaredite Parallel

The Land is Cursed

In Ether 14:1, we read of a great curse on the land. “If a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it.”

The Nephites were cursed similarly. “And behold, if a man hide up a treasure in the earth, and the Lord shall say—Let it be accursed, because of the iniquity of him who hath hid it up—behold, it shall be accursed.” (Helaman 12:18)

Helaman 13:31, 33, 36 and Mormon 1:18 document the curse on the land as well.

Endless War

The war among the Jaredites became very bloody. Coriantumr became the target for many warriors, but he would not die. “So great and lasting had been the war, and so long had been the scene of bloodshed and carnage, that the whole face of the land was covered with the bodies of the dead … [there were] none left to bury the dead.” (Ether 14:21-22)

The Final Battle

Coriantumr was injured by Shiz. During his recovery, “he began to remember the words which Ether had spoken to him.” (Ether 15:1) Two million people had already died. He tried to make peace with Shiz, but the people did not desire peace and the war continued.

For four years, all the people were gathered to one place to battle … men, women and children. They finally met. Every day for a week, the people battled. The numbers grew smaller until there were only a handful of people left. “Satan had full power over the hearts of the people” and they continued to fight. Finally, all men were killed except for Shiz and Coriantumr. Coriantumr then cut off the head of Shiz and the battle was finally won.

Ether witnessed the last scene, made a record and hid it so that the people of Limhi would find it. Coriantumr eventually recovered from the war and lived among the people of Zarahemla for about nine months. (Omni 1:20-22)

Ether 12

Faith, Hope and Charity

This chapter is Moroni’s discourse on faith, hope and charity.

I’ve tried to really understand how faith, hope and charity all relate. I think I finally understand how these three attributes combine to become the “fountain of all righteousness.” (Ether 12:28)

Ether 12:4 sums up how the three attributes relate. A person comes to believe in God with a hope in a better place (better than this life or earth that we are on). This hope comes from having faith. This hope, which comes from faith, makes an anchor for our souls. We are not swayed by the persuasions of the world; rather we are persuaded that there is a better life that we can attain if we do what is right. Believing that if we do what is right, we’ll obtain a better place, we therefore choose good works, thus faith turns into charity.

Later on in Ether 12:6, Moroni explains a little more about how to obtain faith. He says that “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.” So we begin with hope (not a sure hope); just simple hope. What do we hope for? We hope for a better world than this. We hope that we’ll live with Christ and God. We hope that we will be with our family and loved ones forever. We hope that Christ’s mission was real and that we will attain forgiveness of sins so that we are pure and can live with God. We hope for a better life. We hope that everything that we’ve been taught is true, because if these things are true, then we will have a better life – we will be eternally happy. So this simple hope turns into faith. We hope for these things, but we do not see them nor are we 100% sure that they are true or real. We have faith in them. Now, going back to Ether 12:4, if we believe in God or if we have faith in God, then our hope is more sure. With can hope with a for a better world with a surety. This sure hope comes from faith. This sure hope also anchors our souls into doing good. Now comes the trial of our faith (Ether 12:6). If we are sure in our faith and hope in God, then we will do as he has commanded us. Our faith is put on trial. Do you have faith? Prove it! I will prove my faith through my works. My faith will be put on trial through my works. After we do, then we receive a witness.

To summarize: simple hope leads to faith, faith (especially in Christ) leads to sure hope, sure hope anchors our souls because we believe if we do what is right, we’ll receive blessings, so we put our faith on trial by showing God that we keep his commandments (enter charity) and as we keep his commandments, God witnesses to us that the things we hope for are indeed true and our hope and faith turn into knowledge. Hope, faith and action lead to charity and a witness.

Elder Maxwell calls this sure hope “ultimate hope.” “For a variety of reasons, brothers and sisters, today’s society seems to struggle in order to be hopeful. The associated causes and effects co-mingle ever so subtly.

“Our everyday usage of the word hope includes how we “hope” to arrive at a certain destination by a certain time. We “hope” the world economy will improve. We “hope” for the visit of a loved one. Such typify our sincere but proximate hopes.

“Life’s disappointments often represent the debris of our failed, proximate hopes. Instead, however, I speak of the crucial need for ultimate hope.

“Ultimate hope is a different matter. It is tied to Jesus and the blessings of the great Atonement, blessings resulting in the universal Resurrection and the precious opportunity provided thereby for us to practice emancipating repentance, making possible what the scriptures call “a perfect brightness of hope” (2 Ne. 31:20).” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 61)

Examples of Faith and Hope

In all the examples that Moroni cites, the believers acted upon their faith. Alma and Amulek taught the people in faith knowing that God would protect them. At the opportune time, God delivered them from the prison according to the prayers of Alma.

Nephi and Lehi acted on their faith by believing that they could convert bloodthirsty Lamanites. So powerful was their faith, that they converted thousands of Lamanites and in this way regained the Nephite lands which were at the center of their battles.

Ammon and his brethren believed that they could convert the Lamanites of their day. They hoped that they could be the means of saving many souls. The Lord wrought a great change among many Lamanites through the work of Ammon, Aaron, Omer and Himni.

Another example from the Bible is that of Moses. I don’t know if this is scripture, but I’ve heard that Moses had to take a few or even quite a few steps into the Red Sea before the waters would part. Can you imagine what faith he had to have had? He could not doubt. He could not be thinking, “I hope this works!” He knew that God would deliver them and he took a course of action that led God to help them. He acted on his faith. This is the same with all the other prophets who have preached and made prophesies and who have wrought miracles. They had faith in God, nothing doubting, that God would deliver them.

“And neither at any time has any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believe in the Son of God.” (Ether 12:18)

Consider the Prophet Joseph Smith. When he was considering which church to join, he had a degree of hope of finding the correct one to join. He didn’t feel right about any church, but he did not let the matter drop. He pressed on and read the Bible and found the passage of James. In his heart stirred emotions and a swelling of faith that God would be good on his word and that if God promised something, God would deliver. Joseph challenged God on His promise and acted on faith. He went to the Grove and prayed. He was seized and he was delivered. He saw God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ. There in that meeting, Joseph received wisdom, just as God had promised. Joseph hoped, had faith, acted and then received a witness.

Our Weaknesses

Later in the chapter, Moroni talks about weaknesses and how if we are humble, we will know of our weaknesses and the Lord will help us to make those weaknesses into strengths.

Neal A. Maxwell also discussed this point in the same talk. “Because God wants us to come home after having become more like Him and His Son, part of this developmental process, of necessity, consists of showing unto us our weaknesses. Hence, if we have ultimate hope we will be submissive, because, with His help, those weaknesses can even become strengths (see Ether 12:27).

It is not an easy thing, however, to be shown one’s weaknesses, as these are regularly demonstrated by life’s circumstances. Nevertheless, this is part of coming unto Christ, and it is a vital, if painful, part of God’s plan of happiness. Besides, as Elder Henry B. Eyring has wisely observed, “If you want praise more than instruction, you may get neither” (“To Choose and Keep a Mentor,” Addresses Delivered at the 1993 Annual University Conference, Brigham Young University [1993], 42).” (Maxwell, Ensign Nov. 1998)

This is a tremendous sermon on hope, faith and charity. I encourage anyone to read and ponder the words found in Ether 12.

Ether 9-11

Jaredites Nearly Destroyed

Because of the secret combinations among the Jaredites, they are nearly wiped out. The war between the sons of Akish and Akish lasted many years and destroyed “nearly all the people of the kingdom, yea, even all, save it were thirty souls, and they who fled with the house of Omer.” (Ether 9:12)

The Righteousness of Emer

Once Akish and his sons were destroyed, Omer was restored as king of the land. His son Emer became king and prospered in the land because of his righteousness. Emer “saw peace in the land; yea, and he even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did rejoice and glory in his day; and he died in peace.” (Ether 9:22)

Jaredite Cycle

We often refer to the Nephite Cycle as the cycle where the Nephites would be righteous for many years and then turn wicked, were punished and then turned back to righteousness again and the cycle would begin anew. It seems that the Jaredites had their own cycles. After nearly being destroyed, the Jaredites repented and prospered before turning again to secret combinations.

In Ether 9:26 we read the great-grandson of Emer, whose name was Heth, “began to embrace the secret plans again of old, to destroy his father.”

Prophets began to cry repentance to the people (Ether 9:28), but the people and the king simply killed the prophets.

A dearth was sent by the Lord to the land and people began to die. Poisonous serpents pursued the people and the beasts. “When the people saw that they must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the Lord.” (Ether 9:34) When they humbled themselves, the Lord sent rain again to the land and the people were preserved.

In Ether 10, we read how the cycle continues to repeat over and over again.

Nephite and Jaredite Parallels

Riplakish and Noah

There are many similarities between Riplakish and King Noah. Both had many wives and concubines and laid heavy taxes on the people to support themselves and their wives and concubines. (Mosiah 11:6 and Ether 10:5) Both built lavish buildings and thrones and had them ornamented with many fine things. (Mosiah 11:8 and Ether 10:6-7)

Robbers in the Land

In Ether 10:33 we learn that the Jaredites had robbers among them and that these robbers adopted the old plans referring to the secret oaths and promises. The king of the land at the time (Com) fought them much, but he was not able to prevail against them.

The Nephites and Lamanites were also plagued with many robbers and fought them much too. (3 Nephi 2:11-19)

Prophesy of Complete Destruction

Both the Nephites and Jaredites were warned by prophets that if they did not repent, they would be completely destroyed from the face of the land. (Helaman 13:10 and Ether 11:6)

Another People to Possess the Land

In both the Nephite and Jaredite histories, it was foretold that another people would possess the land. (1 Nephi 13:14 and Ether 11:21)

Ether 8

Secret Plans to Obtain Kingdoms and Great Glory

Secret combinations enter into the Jaredites’ hearts in Ether 8:8-9 when the daughter of Jared (a wicked man) sees that her father is sad because he has lost his kingdom. She tells him of the ancient secret plans which are mentioned in the records the Jaredites brought with them. She dances for Akish and Akish desires her for a wife. Jared asks Akish to kill the King Omer and then Akish can have the daughter of Jared. Akish then administers the secret oaths to his friends and family and thus the secret combinations begin among the Jaredites.

Moroni teaches us that these evil practices have been passed down from Cain who was “a murderer from the beginning.” (Ether 8:15) Moroni explains that the devil has kept up these secret oaths.

Moroni warns all nations in Ether 8:22 that those nations who embrace these secret combinations, will eventually be utterly destroyed. This is manifest among the Jaredites and among the Nephites and Lamanites.

I have wondered to what extend secret combinations have crept into our (American) government and businesses. Some have suggested that powerful business men and government officials are behind many of the wars our country has fought. Some have suggested these same individuals are responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks, thus prompting a new war among the people of the earth. Personally, I don’t know if these accusations are true or not. But it would not surprise me if at some future day we find out that secret combinations in our government and/or businesses have been responsible for many of the wars and destructions we see on the news today.

Moroni’s loud warning is for all of us: “O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you.” (Ether 8:23) Note how he phrases this warning … we should not suffer that these combinations get above us, implying that they are in our leadership positions.

In Ether 8:26, Moroni is commanded of the Lord to write these warnings so that someday, evil might be overcome and Satan will have no power over the children of men again.

A Modern Prophet’s Testimony

Ezra Taft Benson said in 1988, “I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

“I testify that the church and kingdom of God is increasing in strength. Its numbers are growing, as is the faithfulness of its faithful members. It has never been better organized or equipped to perform its divine mission.

“I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer’s leadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership of Jesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until the final confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, all mankind will eventually be required to align themselves either for the kingdom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage, either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God’s wrath will soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on the wicked without measure. (See JS—H 1:45; D&C 1:9.) But God will provide strength for the righteous and the means of escape; and eventually and finally truth will triumph. (See 1 Ne. 22:15–23.) (Ezra Taft Benson, “I Testify,” Ensign, Nov 1988, 86)

Ether 5-7

The Three Witnesses

This chapter almost reads like a revelation from the Doctrine and Covenants. It seems as though Moroni were directing his words specifically to Joseph Smith.

After or as this chapter was being translated, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris asked Joseph to inquire of the Lord about these three witnesses. These three gentlemen later were shown the gold plates by Moroni. Moroni also showed them the Sword of Laben, the Liahona and the Urim and Thummim. (See D&C 17)

The Jaredites Cross the Sea

In chapter 6, we resume the account of the Jaredites crossing the great ocean. They travel for 344 days on the water (Ether 6:11). When they arrived at the Promised Land, they bowed themselves down on the land and were humbled and cried. Is this not symbolic of our journey through life? After a long, tough journey, will we not bow ourselves before the Lord and shed tears of joy before the Lord?

The Brother of Jared’s Counsel

The people want a king and the Brother of Jared warns that kingships will lead to captivity. (see Ether 6:22-23) His prophesy is fulfilled many times.

The first king established is Orihah. Orihah passed the kingship to his son Kib. Kib had a son named Corihor. Corihor rebelled against his father and eventually took the king captive, thus fulfilling the Brother of Jared’s prophecy in just a few years. (see Ether 7:5)

Ether 4

The Benjamin-Mosiah Name Change

In original 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 21:28 and Ether 4:1 both refer to King Benjamin. In subsequent editions, Benjamin was changed to Mosiah.



The Maxwell Institute at BYU has the following under its FAQ section:

“King Benjamin's death is recorded in Mosiah 6:5, so why does the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon have him living at a later time (see Mosiah 21:28 and Ether 4:1), while subsequent editions changed the name to Mosiah in the later references?

“King Benjamin lived for three years after his son Mosiah2 was made king. It was at the end of these three years that the expedition was sent to the Land of Nephi, where the plates of Ether were found. After relinquishing his kingship, Benjamin may have continued to act as a seer for the three-year interval. The chronology in this part of the book is not all that clear. We do not know how long Ammon and his brethren were in the Land of Nephi. It could have been only a matter of weeks or months. It is not inconceivable then, that Benjamin passed away shortly after their return, which still would have been "after three years" (Mosiah 6:5). It is certainly possible that the keeper of the record of Zeniff or Mormon and Moroni (Ether 4:1) may have erred in compiling the records. After all they were mortals, capable of making mistakes (which both Mormon and Moroni admitted). The issue of whether the individual was Mosiah or Benjamin is not that important as far as salvation is concerned (the Bible displays similar apparent anomalies). It is also possible that this was an example of a scribal error, later corrected by Joseph Smith the translator.

“It is interesting that the Bible has a situation similar to that found in the Book of Mormon. We read in 1 Kings 14:29-15:5 that Abijam (also called Abijah, as in the parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 12:16) became king of Judah after the death of his father Rehoboam and that, despite his sins, the Lord preserved his kingship for the sake of his ancestor David. Then, in the verses that follow (1 Kings 15:6-7), we read, "And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life. Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam." The name Rehoboam is anachronistic, since he was dead and the passage was intended to describe events in the days of his son Abijam. The error is actually corrected in a few Hebrew manuscripts and in the Peshitta (Christian Syriac) version to read, "And there was war between Abijah the son of Rehoboam." The parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 13:2 reads, "And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam." (http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/faq.php?id=14&table=questions)

Never Were Greater Things Shown to Man

In Ether 4, Moroni continues his narration with some commentary of his own. He tells us that there were never greater things shown to man than to the Brother of Jared. (Ether 4:4) He tells us that he has sealed his writings concerning the things which the Brother of Jared has seen. (Ether 4:5)

The Power of God

In Ether 4:9, we are reminded of the great power that God has over his domain of which the Earth is a part. He can make the heavens open and shut. He can cause earthquakes and he can cause the Earth to burn. This knowledge is important to have since it reminds us that God is all-powerful; and that if we do not keep his commandments, he can destroy us. In this age of independence, we could do well to remember that God is still our Maker and that if we choose not to obey His law, then we will suffer the consequences.

Whatsoever Thing Persuadeth Men to do Good is of God

The Lord persuades men to do good. This is one of the ways we can tell if something is of God or of the devil. If it persuades us to be good and to do good, then it is of God. If it persuades us to do evil, then it is of the devil. (Ether 4:11-12 see also Moroni 7:17)

Found Faithful

“Blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day.” (Ether 4:19) Just as the parable of the workers, there are those who are called to labor in the fields all day and there are those who are called to labor in the field in the final hour. (see Matthew 20:1-16) What is important is that we are found laboring in the field when the Lord comes. Our eternal destination does not depend on how far you’ve walked on the path, but that you are on the path and that you are moving forward.

Ether 3

Stones of Light

In Ether 3, the Brother of Jared goes into a large mountain and melts rock to make 16 clear, white, small stones and then takes them before the Lord. He asks the Lord to touch them and he believes that if the Lord touches them, then they will be lit up and will provide light for them.

The Faith of the Brother of Jared

The faith of the Brother of Jared was so great, that he saw the finger of the Lord. The Lord then revealed himself to the Brother of Jared. From that point on, the Lord could not withhold anything from the Brother of Jared.

I find his faith fascinating as I read about his faith in Ether 3:4, 5 and 12. He says, “I know,” “We know,” and “I know” in each respective verse. His faith is almost to the point of knowledge when the Lord reveals himself. At that point, he has knowledge and no longer has faith. We also learn that he is redeemed from the fall – he is brought back into the presence of the Lord.

Because of the Brother of Jared’s faith, the Lord revealed to him everything … all that has been and all that will be “even unto the ends of the earth.” (Ether 3:25) This seems to be the same vision Nephi and John the Revelator saw too.

Urim and Thummim

In Ether 3:23, the Lord gives him two stones, the Urim and Thummim, to be sealed up with his account of his personal visitation. These stones are to be the means of translating his sealed record of the Lord. D&C 17:1 states that the Urim and Thummim that Joseph Smith used are these two stones. How they fell into the hands of Moroni, we do not know. When we first learn of how the 24 gold plates of the Jaradites are obtained by the people of Limhi, there is nothing said of two stones. Later on, we learn that King Mosiah had the gift of seership. We do not know if he had a separate set of Urim and Thummim. I would imagine that at some point, these stones fell into the Nephite prophet’s hands and then were eventually passed down to Moroni who passed them to Joseph Smith.

Ether 2

Deseret

In Ether 2:3, we learn that deseret means honey bee. I always found this interesting since during my mission, I learned K’ekchi (Mayan dialect) and the word for bee in K’ekchi is ser. Take off the de and et from deseret and you have ser! But I'm not a linguist and so this is simply interesting to me.

Divine Explorers

"And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea, into that quarter where there never had man been." (Ether 2:5)

The Decree from God

As with the Nephites and every other nation that possessed the Promised Land, the Jaredites were warned of God that if they did not serve God, they would be "swept off" when they are fully ripened in iniquity. (Ether 2:8-10)

At this point, Moroni makes it a point to remind us Gentiles that unless we repent, we too will be "swept off."

Barges, Air holes and Light

In Ether 2:6, we learn that they had built barges in which they did cross many waters including the "sea in the wilderness" (Ether 2:7). At some point they arrive at the ocean (or the "great sea that divideth the lands" Ether 2:13) and dwelled there for the space of four years. At the end of those four years, the Lord came to the Brother of Jared and chastised him for three hours for not praying. Then the Lord told him to build more barges. After they had built the barges, the Brother of Jared
went to the Lord and asked him two questions. One, how will they see in the barges because of the lack of light and two, how will they breath. The Lord responds to his second question immediately by giving the solution of making a hole in the top and bottom and putting corks in them. Again, the Brother of Jared did as he was told and then posed the question of light in the barges to the Lord again. The Lord responds by asking the Brother of Jared what he would like him (the Lord) to do.

At this point, my next question comes up. If they had built barges previously, why were the issues of breathing and light not discussed with the Lord? My only guess is that they had a pretty good idea of what they could endure. They probably arrived at some large body of water and figured that they could reach the other side without light and with the air already in the barges. This idea may be supported by the fact that when they arrived at the ocean, they stayed there for four years and probably did not do much in the manner of ship-building. They did not act until the Lord chastised the Brother of Jared. Whereas the other bodies of water were probably manageable in their view and they figured they could cross without major risk.

Another way of looking at it is perhaps after building these barges, they endured the lack of air and light and when confronted with crossing the ocean, the brother of Jared realized that this next crossing would take a long time compared to previous crossings.

Ether 1

Personal Questions about the Jaredites

The Book of Ether is a really interesting history of a people who were not confounded by the Lord at the building of the Tower of Babel. Instead of being cursed with the rest of the people, Jared asks his brother to plead before the Lord that he would not curse them. The Lord does not curse them and instead promises to take them to a promised land.

It is here that I pose the first of many questions that I hope I might be able to answer or someday find the answer to them. Maybe I can do some more reading and research on this to find out, but I can’t help but ask this: Why were Jared and his brother and their families not cursed? Were they not helping build the Tower of Babel? If they were not helping and were just afraid of being cursed, then everything makes sense. Perhaps they were not taking part in the building, but the vast majority of the people were and therefore if the vast majority of the people were not going to be able to understand each other, then there may have not been any point in staying in that land. I don’t know … this is all speculation.

The Greatest Nation on Earth

The Lord promises them that they will be taken to the Promised Land and that they will be the greatest nation of the earth.

In reading about the Olmecs and ancient civilizations in Mexico, I came across a book (“Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs, 5th ed.” By Michael D. Coe and Rex Koontz) on amazon.com. One of the summaries mentioned this about the Olmec civilization, “Prof. Coe presents recent archeology showing that Mexico had developed the elements of a true civilization between 2300 B.C. - 1800 B.C. This Olmec Civilization predates the Jewish presence in Israel and occurred before there was a single town or city in all of Western Europe.
“(By the time Solomon built the First Temple in Isreal in 960 B.C., the Olmec capital at San Lorenzo was already over 400 years old.)”

If indeed if the Jaredites and the Olmecs were one and the same, then it would appear that the Lord’s promise was fulfilled.

Jaredites Origins

Joktan

"Some have suggested that the Jaredites may have been descendants of Shem. The reasoning is as follows. Moroni begins his abridgement of the Book of Ether by saying that he is omitting those parts of Ether's record that are had in the Bible; he says he will begin where the biblical record leaves off. He then begins with a genealogy, going from Ether back to Jared. This may imply that his point of departure from the biblical record is also a genealogy.

"In the Bible, Genesis 10 lists the descendants of Shem (Shem - Arphaxad - Salah - Eber). Shem's great-grandson Eber (or, Heber) is said to have two sons, Peleg and Joktan (or, Yoktan), noting that in their day, the earth was divided. The record briefly lists Joktan's children but then his line dead-ends. The record returns to Peleg and follows his line after telling the tower of Babel story.

"Some interpret "the earth was divided" to mean that the covenant line was divided into two groups, one of which went to America. They point out that one of Joktan's sons is named "Jerah," which is similar to Jared. They propose that Moroni's genealogy of Ether begins where Genesis 10 leaves off. Some have further hypothesized that the word Yucatán is derived from Joktan. (The above is from an uncited Wikipedia entry. I searched Gospelink.com and found similar claims in Reynolds and Sjodahl's work. See Commentary on the Book of Mormon vol. 6 George Reynolds and Janne M Sjodahl)

Olmecs

"Some Mormon scholars have argued for substantial parallels between the Jaredites and the Olmecs. For example, one scholar pointed to writings by an ancient Native American historian Ixtlilxochitl who wrote in his history about a group of people who came from the great tower to Mesoamerica. According to Ixtlilxochitl's writings, they lived in an area in the northern parts of the land along the Gulf Coast of Mexico." (Allen 1989, 55)

The above quote is also from Wikipedia. The citation is incomplete and so I assume it is citing Joseph L. Allen's Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon which was published in 1989.

Adding to this hypothesis is the following section from the Wikipedia entry for the Tower of Babel:

"Various traditions similar to that of the tower of Babel are found in Central America. One holds that Xelhua, one of the seven giants rescued from the deluge, built the Great Pyramid of Cholula in order to storm Heaven. The gods destroyed it with fire and confounded the language of the builders. The Dominican friar Diego Duran (1537-1588) reported hearing this account from a hundred-year-old priest at Cholula, shortly after the conquest of Mexico.

"Another story, attributed by the native historian Don Ferdinand d'Alva Ixtilxochitl (c. 1565-1648) to the ancient Toltecs, states that after men had multiplied following a great deluge, they erected a tall zacuali or tower, to preserve themselves in the event of a second deluge. However, their languages were confounded and they went to separate parts of the earth.

"Still another story, attributed to the Tohono O'odham Indians, holds that Montezuma escaped a great flood, then became wicked and attempted to build a house reaching to heaven, but the Great Spirit destroyed it with thunderbolts. (Bancroft, vol. 3, p.76; also in History of Arizona)"

In that first paragraph, it mentions Xelhua, one of the seven giants. In reading Ether 1:34 today, I noted that it said the brother of Jared was a "large and mighty man."

Mormon 9

Racked with a consciousness of guilt

Moroni warns us that we'd be better off repenting of our sins and changing our ways in this life rather than facing God and being "racked with a consciousness of guilt." (Mormon 9:3) He teaches us that we'd be more miserable in the presence of God than with the damned souls of hell and that our nakedness (not being clothed in purity … see 2 Nephi 9:14) would be like a flame of unquenchable fire. (Mormon 9:5)

We are not helpless with regard to being racked with a consciousness of guilt. We can do something about this matter in this life. We can repent and turn to God.

Man is the Variable, Not God

Many people say that God has changed. They think that since there are not many miracles occurring today that God has changed. It seems that many preachers in Joseph Smith's era taught that God had revealed all to the biblical prophets and that he no longer dealt in revelations or miracles. This notion is incorrect. God does not change his modus operandi. Rather it is the natural man who varies and changes. We think God has changed when indeed he is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Mormon 9:9)

Mormon later explains that "the reason why he [God] ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief." (Mormon 9:20) Again, the natural man is the one who changes his beliefs. God does not change.

Ask and ye shall receive

One of the most repeated messages in the scriptures is the message of asking God and receiving. Mormon repeats this important message in Mormon 9:21.

"Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ is shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth."

When we do ask of our Father, we must "doubt not, but be believing." (Mormon 9:27)

Work out your own salvation

God will never take away our agency. No man will be forced to Heaven. He had given His son so that we have a chance to repent. Christ has done His part and now all that is left to be done is if we repent and keep the commandments. We are responsible for our salvation. Through the grace of God, the way is made possible. But we must do our part.

As Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:12-15)

More Counsel from Mormon

"Be wise in the days of your probation." In other words, don't waste time in sin. Repent and keep the commandments.

"Strip yourselves of uncleanness." Is our desire like the Lamanite king who Aaron taught in that we desire to "give away all [our] sins" to know God? (Alma 22:18)

"Ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation." How often do we pray that we are not lead into temptation? I think that if we prayed for this more often, we'd see a significant increase in our purity.

"Serve the true and living God." In our prayers, we should also ask for strength in our efforts to serve others.

Reformed Egyptian

There seems to be a lot of academic studies on the Book of Mormon being written in reformed Egyptian. Moroni explains in Mormon 9:32-33 that were they able to write in Hebrew, there would have been no imperfections. Instead, the Book of Mormon writers used reformed Egyptian to perhaps save on space.

The "I Have a Question" section in the October 1986 Ensign does a pretty good job of explaining the writing process of the Book of Mormon historians.

Below are some pictures from the Reformed Egyptian Wikipedia entry.