Lehi told his sons that their new land of promise was a land of liberty, and that they would be free as long as they remained righteous. Freedom doesn't mean absolution from accountability. It means autonomy within the constraints of the law.
Veritas Liberabit Vos
Truth makes us free for at least two reasons. First, when we don't acknowledge our sins, we are unable to overcome them. Second, increased knowledge brings increased power. God wants to give us more knowledge, so that we can be more free.
Freedom of Religion
When King Mosiah proposed to his people that they abolish the monarchy and establish a new government consisting of judges appointed "by the voice of the people," one important feature of this new system was the protection of each citizen's rights: Now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Stand Fast in the Liberty Wherewith God Hath Made Us Free?”
For a period of time, Alma taught the gospel in secret, in a place called the waters of Mormon. He challenged the people to be baptized there. He organized them into a church there. They began to meet weekly to teach one another and to worship God. The group steadily grew until the king became... Continue Reading →
Whether Among the Nephites or the Lamanites – Helaman 6:7-9
7 And behold, there was peace in all the land, insomuch that the Nephites did go into whatsoever part of the land they would, whether among the Nephites or the Lamanites. 8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did also go whithersoever they would, whether it were among the Lamanites or among the... Continue Reading →
Amlici Did Stir up Those Who Were in His Favor – Alma 2:7-10
7 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people. 8 Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those... Continue Reading →
“Surely This Thing Leadeth into Captivity” – Ether 6:22-24
22 And it came to pass that the people desired of them that they should anoint one of their sons to be a king over them. 23 And now behold, this was grievous unto them. And the brother of Jared said unto them: Surely this thing leadeth into captivity. 24 But Jared said unto his... Continue Reading →
Moroni Was a Strong and a Mighty Man – Alma 48:11-13
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; 12 Yea, a man whose heart... Continue Reading →
A Better Cause – Alma 43:45-47
45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.46 And they were doing that which they felt was... Continue Reading →