When Mormon learned that there was some disputation in the church relating to baptism, he was concerned. When the Savior had visited the American continent, He had emphasized the importance of unity in the performance of baptisms. "Thus shall ye baptize," He had said. "And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have... Continue Reading →
“When I Speak the Word of God with Sharpness” – Moroni 9:4
In a letter to his son, Mormon laments a dilemma he faces: how to calibrate the tone of his message so that his people will listen. Here's how he describes the situation: When I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it.Moroni... Continue Reading →
“Will Ye Persist in Supposing That Ye Are Better One Than Another?” – Alma 5:54
Equality is a core principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Alma resigned as chief judge and dedicated himself to the ministry because of the inequality he saw among his people. Members of the church were becoming proud, wearing expensive clothing, being "scornful, one towards another," and persecuting those who believed differently from them (Alma... Continue Reading →
“I Have Spoken Unto You Plainly” – Alma 5:43
From the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi set the standard: in this book, the word of God would be preached in plainness. In the opening chapter, Nephi's father, Lehi, sees a vision which "[manifests] plainly" to him "of the coming of the Messiah" (1 Nephi 1:19). Nephi later foresees a time when corrupt... Continue Reading →
“That I Might Rid My Garments of Your Blood” – Mosiah 2:27-28
Blood on our clothing is a metaphor for unresolved sins at the Final Judgment. Alma asked the people of Zarahemla, "How will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness?" (Alma 5:22). He urged them to turn to the... Continue Reading →
“The Pleasing Word of God” – Jacob 2:8, Jacob 3:2
At the beginning of Jacob's second sermon, he expresses sorrow that many innocent people in the congregation will be subjected to a strict call to repentance. He acknowledges the people present, "many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God. He says that he imagines that they have come to the... Continue Reading →
“All Flesh Is of the Dust” – Jacob 2:21
After creating the earth, dividing the light from the darkness and the water from the land, and populating the earth with living things, God created people in His own image. We look like Him, but whereas He is eternal, we are fragile—subject to disease, injury, and death. Underscoring the temporary nature of our current existence,... Continue Reading →
“Tender and Chaste and Delicate” – Jacob 2:7
When the prophet Jacob called his people to repentance, he was keenly aware of the innocent people who would surely be emotionally wounded by this recitation of evil. "It grieveth me, " he said, "that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Refute?
This is the third of six posts answering a series of questions raised by President Russell M. Nelson in the October 2017 general conference. So far, I have discussed what the Book of Mormon is and what it affirms. Today, I am listing some of the fallacies it refutes. It refutes the concept of original sin,... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When Prophetic Teachings Are Difficult to Understand or Accept?
Prophetic teachings are generally not intended to be soothing. A primary role of prophets is to call us to repentance, which means making course corrections or incremental improvements. Therefore, when we have the opportunity to hear messages from prophets, we should plan to be challenged. Samuel the Lamanite denounced the people of Zarahemla for supporting... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 