What would possess a group of people to invade and occupy their own Capitol Building while their elected representatives were conducting official government business on their behalf? How could they convince themselves that this action was morally acceptable, or that it was even helpful to their cause? The troubling events this week in the United... Continue Reading →
“Prepare Ye, Prepare Ye”
In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord speaks of "the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth," and He foretells a time when "peace shall be taken from the earth" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, 35). But in the same chapter, He provides the following counsel: "Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is... Continue Reading →
“No Less Serviceable” – Alma 48:19
As we've studied about Alma's words to Corianton this week, I've wondered about Corianton's subsequent activities. Alma is clearly concerned about him, not only because of his behavior but because of misunderstandings which have thus far held him back from repenting. Were Alma's words effective in helping Corianton to change? We don't hear much more... Continue Reading →
What Should I Be Thankful For?
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States. In preparation for that holiday, I have been thinking about some of the things I am thankful for. Here are some ideas that occurred to me as I studied the Book of Mormon today: I'm grateful to be alive (Mosiah 2:20-21, Mosiah 7:12). I'm grateful for food and... Continue Reading →
How Much Power Does the Devil Have?
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how to overcome temptation. A friend of mine asked me to consider the following question: How much power does the devil have over us? Does he have any power at all if we choose not to listen to him? It's a good question, and the Book of Mormon... Continue Reading →
Why Did Mormon Say That Captain Moroni Had a “Perfect Understanding?”
Mormon admired Captain Moroni, a military leader who had successfully defended his people against a major invasion by their enemies. When Mormon described Moroni, he spoke of his physical abilities ("a strong and a mighty man"), his intellectual abilities ("a man of a perfect understanding"), his love for others ("a man who did labor exceedingly for... Continue Reading →
When Is Violence Justified?
"Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). The sixth of the Ten Commandments which the Lord gave to Moses on Mount Sinai is clear and uncontroversial. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expanded the commandment: Not only is it wrong to kill. It's wrong to be angry. It's wrong to call people names. These small... Continue Reading →
What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi?
Like the prophet Abraham, Nephi received a conditional promise from the Lord with an intergenerational impact. After the Lord commanded his father, Lehi, to abandon their home in Jerusalem and "depart into the wilderness" with his family, Nephi's brothers were angry. Nephi must have also been unhappy about the sudden change, but he prayed, and... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Self-Reliance?
A core message of the Book of Mormon is that we are nothing compared with God. King Benjamin reminded his people that God created them, and that he preserves them from day to day "by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Humble?
It’s hard to feel that you are sufficiently humble. If you did, you might not be. — Henry B. Eyring, "Come Unto Christ," BYU Speeches, 29 Oct 1989 The word "humble" (or "humbled") appears 68 times in the Book of Mormon. About 2/3 of the time (42 occurrences), the word functions as a reflexive verb:... Continue Reading →