This morning I woke up with an interesting and fairly puzzling thought. King Lamoni was a tyrant. He did as he pleased, and killed those whom displeased him, and likely committed many other sins himself. But, is this truly his own fault? I say nay, at least to the extent that his ignorance of God's laws would allow. The Lamanite culture was built around being a warlike and sin filled people people, and their was evidence that populace was filled with plunderers and murderers. King Lamoni was clearly raised by a father who, due to the culture and traditions of the Lamanites, was basically a tyrant, and left with no other role model or influence in his life that provided an alternative point of view, King Lamoni became one himself. Thus it can be said that Lamoni probably was little more than a spoiled brat, who never had to think all that deeply about his position or way of life, and who's antics of tyranny were the result of him not really knowing any better. Up to the point where Ammon showed up, King Lamoni probably had only been exposed to only Tyranny and bloodshed his entire life. And yet, he became one of the most righteous leaders in the Book of Mormon.
Does this story not sound familiar? The description above seems to not only describe Lamoni, but also Kim Jong Un. We Americans hate on him and make fun of him regularly, but is that really warranted? Is it not hypocritical? It is said in the bible that we should love our enemies, do good to those that spit upon you, and spitefully use you, and that we should wish them well? By shaming him, are we not disobeying that commandment from the Lord? Was not the Book of Mormon written for our day? I say unto you, that if you insult him, then you believe that it is not.
Yes, Kim Jong Un has done terrible things, and those terrible things should not be condoned; yet, King Lamoni, Alma the Younger, and Paul did terrible things as well. When converted, did they not become powerful beacons of hope to the world? Did they not have a huge change of heart? So... think about things from Kim Jong Un's point of view. Think about how he probably was raised, and what his life has been like. Think about why he does what he does. Why he constantly blusters and raves against us and our allies... why he murders those who displease him, and why he throws those citizens who break the laws into concentration camps. Is he REALLY all that evil, or is he just someone who, like King Lamoni, was exposed only to Tyranny and bloodshed growing up? Is he not, just someone who hasn't been exposed to alternative viewpoints? Someone who, like King Lear from Shakespeare, and King Lamoni from the Book of Mormon, hasn't thought all that deeply his entire life?
So, who are we to judge him? Are we not all sinners? Only the Lord can truly see the thoughts and desires of our hearts; only He can make a true and just judgement... for He has all the information. Many Christians say that we should denounce the sin, but love the sinner... so should we not put this into practice? And just like how Lamoni has surely been misjudged by some of the Nephites, so too we may have misjudged others.
Who else will take up this pledge?I Durzan, herby solemnly pledge, to preach the Gospel in North Korea, should God ever call me to do so.