Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

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Arenera
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Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Arenera »

Prophets ask us. Stake Presidents ask us. Bishops ask us. Christ asks us.
D&C 84
54 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.

56 And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.

57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—

58 That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.
What is the fruit?
From President Nelson:
Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things,
I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is,
what it affirms,
what it refutes,
what it fulfills,
what it clarifies, and
what it reveals.

Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you.

During these six months, I have invited various groups—including my Brethren in the Quorum of the Twelve, missionaries in Chile, and mission presidents and their wives gathered in Argentina—to consider three related questions that I urge you to think about today:

First, what would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? Second, what would you not know? And third, what would you not have?
What lenses do you use to view the Book of Mormon?

What has the Book of Mormon done for you?

Spaced_Out
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Spaced_Out »

Because our spirituality is under attack, and there too many outside influences that distract us like LDSFF and social media....
“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

I don't accept the apostate view of D&C 84. where in times past the members minds were darkened because of unbelief - the church had only been established for 2 years, and it was and admonition to do missionary work and share the Book of Mormon, by vs 61 they were already forgiven. The BoM has basically flooded the world and it is now time that the hastening has finished and the Lord calls his servants back home and the world is punished by allowing them to destroy each other.

lundbaek
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by lundbaek »

I don't see that the Bool of Mormon has flooded the world. I think it is available to most everyone who might be aware of it but still needs to be
brought to the attention of lots more people.

I assume we are admonished to read the Book of Mormon because it is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.

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marc
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by marc »

Nearer to God by abiding by its precepts... Ether 4 brings you as close as you'll ever get while in the flesh.

eddie
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

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" The most correct book on earth."
Joseph Smith

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oneClimbs
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by oneClimbs »

I've been wanting to write a post on my blog about an idea I have related to this for a while and your thread here reminded me. First off, agree with what everyone has said. I like your idea of looking at the book through lenses. You're right, depending on how we approach the text, it can show us different things.

So one of my lenses is based on an observation I had back in my mission years. I noticed that the Book of Mormon was full of conversion stories and if you look carefully, they are all on a kind of spectrum. You have people like Lamoni who know nothing about God moving to the next level, apostates like Alma the younger converting, Zeezrom who was a wicked lawyer who should have known better and then repented, Enos who was raised with gospel knowledge but it never bore fruit until he found the desire, Nephi who went from being a faithful young man to a Moses-like prophet of power, and finally the Brother of Jared who went from being a holy man to speaking face to face with Christ.

I found that almost everyone can find someone in the Book of Mormon that represents where they are presently in their faith journey. You can then see what the corresponding person in the Book of Mormon does and do what they do. All the bases are covered and the path leads to Christ. The entire book presents these conversion stories within a framework that somewhat mirrors the tree life vision where you progress from darkness to light and then the presence of God.

It's important to note that Joseph Smith said that a man would grow nearer to God by abiding by its PRECEPTS. A precept is a moral commandment. Take note of all the moral commandments in the Book of Mormon, what are they? I love the Book of Mormon, most of my blog posts are about it in some way. We read it as a family every morning and drink deeply from each verse, we don't rush it. The book is the keystone of my life and my understanding of the gospel; it is true and it does bring you closer to God.

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Arenera
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Arenera »

5tev3 wrote: November 9th, 2017, 10:11 pm I've been wanting to write a post on my blog about an idea I have related to this for a while and your thread here reminded me. First off, agree with what everyone has said. I like your idea of looking at the book through lenses. You're right, depending on how we approach the text, it can show us different things.

So one of my lenses is based on an observation I had back in my mission years. I noticed that the Book of Mormon was full of conversion stories and if you look carefully, they are all on a kind of spectrum. You have people like Lamoni who know nothing about God moving to the next level, apostates like Alma the younger converting, Zeezrom who was a wicked lawyer who should have known better and then repented, Enos who was raised with gospel knowledge but it never bore fruit until he found the desire, Nephi who went from being a faithful young man to a Moses-like prophet of power, and finally the Brother of Jared who went from being a holy man to speaking face to face with Christ.

I found that almost everyone can find someone in the Book of Mormon that represents where they are presently in their faith journey. You can then see what the corresponding person in the Book of Mormon does and do what they do. All the bases are covered and the path leads to Christ. The entire book presents these conversion stories within a framework that somewhat mirrors the tree life vision where you progress from darkness to light and then the presence of God.

It's important to note that Joseph Smith said that a man would grow nearer to God by abiding by its PRECEPTS. A precept is a moral commandment. Take note of all the moral commandments in the Book of Mormon, what are they? I love the Book of Mormon, most of my blog posts are about it in some way. We read it as a family every morning and drink deeply from each verse, we don't rush it. The book is the keystone of my life and my understanding of the gospel; it is true and it does bring you closer to God.
You have some good/advanced understanding of the Book of Mormon. The BOM started to open up for me when you start to “liken” it to your own experiences. Like putting your name in place of one in the BOM.

Nephi was very good at it:
1 Nephi 19:23-24

23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning .
Your points on conversion, covers all of us!

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oneClimbs
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

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Arenera wrote: November 10th, 2017, 8:28 amThe BOM started to open up for me when you start to “liken” it to your own experiences. Like putting your name in place of one in the BOM.

Nephi was very good at it:
1 Nephi 19:23-24

23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning .
Your points on conversion, covers all of us!
It seems worthwhile to put your name in the place of some of the 'bad guys' as well. Sometimes we often read through the lens of the 'heros' when all of us in some way have some of the characteristics of those that don't seem desirable in the text.

We scoff at Laman and Lemuel but what if your father made you leave your home to wander in the wilderness for 8 years and then said he's going build a spaceship to the mars and populate a continent with all your descendants. We cast shame upon the Nephites when they were taking many wives and concubines but how many people use pornography as their own private harem of sex slaves? We think of how wicked the people were for casting arrows and stones at Samuel the Lamanite but how many mentally stone servants sent to them, like certain General Conference speakers, their Bishops or their home teachers by simply not caring if they come by or not, because hey, it's not like those two guys from my ward can have any impact in my life even though they are on the Lord's errand.

The Book of Mormon can both reinforce the good we do in life as well as identify and tear down our weapons of rebellion and hidden obstacles that keep us from our true potential. Laman and Lemuel were very resistant to seeing themselves as the wicked ones in scripture. They said Nephi spoke "hard things" against them that were "more than they could bear." Nephi said the righteous love the truth, they do not fear it and are not shaken. That's something we should all aspire to if we love the truth.

dewajack
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by dewajack »

Great point Stev3, a former institute teacher of mine wrote the following in an Ensign article.
One evening after reviewing some Book of Mormon stories with my five- and three-year-old boys, I suggested they could be like Nephi and Sam. I was startled when my five-year-old replied that they had decided to be like Laman and Lemuel. “You’ve got the wrong guys,” I assured them. “You want to be like Nephi and Sam.”

“No, Dad, we’ve talked about it. Laman and Lemuel like to gripe. We like to gripe, so we’ve decided we want to be like Laman and Lemuel.”

I went to bed that night quite concerned. Was I raising a Laman and Lemuel? I remembered that they did tend to complain. “Where had they gotten that habit?” I thought. I had to admit that my tendency to grumble and complain was influencing my children. This “wise and learned” parent had been confounded.

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Arenera
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

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5tev3 wrote: November 10th, 2017, 9:14 am
Arenera wrote: November 10th, 2017, 8:28 amThe BOM started to open up for me when you start to “liken” it to your own experiences. Like putting your name in place of one in the BOM.

Nephi was very good at it:
1 Nephi 19:23-24

23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning .
Your points on conversion, covers all of us!
It seems worthwhile to put your name in the place of some of the 'bad guys' as well. Sometimes we often read through the lens of the 'heros' when all of us in some way have some of the characteristics of those that don't seem desirable in the text.

We scoff at Laman and Lemuel but what if your father made you leave your home to wander in the wilderness for 8 years and then said he's going build a spaceship to the mars and populate a continent with all your descendants. We cast shame upon the Nephites when they were taking many wives and concubines but how many people use pornography as their own private harem of sex slaves? We think of how wicked the people were for casting arrows and stones at Samuel the Lamanite but how many mentally stone servants sent to them, like certain General Conference speakers, their Bishops or their home teachers by simply not caring if they come by or not, because hey, it's not like those two guys from my ward can have any impact in my life even though they are on the Lord's errand.

The Book of Mormon can both reinforce the good we do in life as well as identify and tear down our weapons of rebellion and hidden obstacles that keep us from our true potential. Laman and Lemuel were very resistant to seeing themselves as the wicked ones in scripture. They said Nephi spoke "hard things" against them that were "more than they could bear." Nephi said the righteous love the truth, they do not fear it and are not shaken. That's something we should all aspire to if we love the truth.
There are some good points being made, I appreciate all doing so.

I like the thought of reading slow, taking time to ponder a verse or a section. For example, 1N 2:16 has some important information in it.

Have you written anything about burying our weapons of rebellion?

Also, what do you think of this: but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer

Each of us believes in Christ. Why does Moroni tell us we are filled with unbelief? Is there a “higher” level that we are missing?

jim
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by jim »

Here are some reasons why I think we're asked to read the Book of Mormon.
I love the Book of Mormon for what it restores. I have been impressed lately that the Book of Mormon prophets state that all prophets testify of Christ. (Jacob 4:4-5, 7:11, Alma 30:6, Moroni 7:23).
This helps us see the need for prophets.
I think it also greatly clarifies what we need to do to get on the path that leads to eternal life (2 Nephi 31, Mos 18, 3 Ne 11) (basically it's AoF 4).
It makes known to Gentiles and Lehites (and Jews) what great blessings are promised to us because of promises obtained by righteous ancestors and prophets (like Lehi, and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) if we repent and covenant with the Lord.
It teaches us about Zion (4 Nephi).
It also gives us a glimpse of what it will be like when Christ comes again and what He'll teach us, and what scriptures we have to look forward to.
It teaches us clearly good examples and not so good examples of righteous individuals, and groups, usually juxtaposed right next to bad examples to make the contrast even starker to help clarify what types of behaviors, and attitudes God will bless and protect and which ones get chastened.
Also if the Lord is willing to forgive Anti-Nephi-Lehis, Alma the Elder, the Younger, sons of Mosiah, Zeezrom, and Corianton, there's hope for the rest of us if we'll repent.

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oneClimbs
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

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Arenera wrote: November 10th, 2017, 12:23 pm Have you written anything about burying our weapons of rebellion?

Also, what do you think of this: but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer

Each of us believes in Christ. Why does Moroni tell us we are filled with unbelief? Is there a “higher” level that we are missing?
All I can share is some thoughts. A weapon is "anything used or designed to be used in destroying or annoying an enemy," and a rebel is one who "willfully violates a law." I imagine you could look to your own life and discover "weapons" in your own life, they could be words, actions, ideologies, that are not used for uplifting others. The second definition is clear enough, I don't think it requires elaboration.

Nephi read the books of Moses to persuade his brothers but to "more fully persuade them," he read Isaiah. That should tell us that Isaiah is pretty important, and it is. Personally, my favorite translation is Avraham Gileadi's Isaiah Institute Translation: http://isaiahexplained.com

I'm not sure what reference speaks of being "filled with unbelief," but Moroni does talk of people 'dwindling' in unbelief. Dwindle means "to degenerate; to sink; to fall away." Belief precedes faith and has a scope that is defined by hope. In order to have a belief, you must have ideas to found those beliefs on. Faith nor belief can exist without an object. A lack of hope or desire can certainly cause one to dwindle, but even the most desirous can dwindle because they do not continually pursue and obtain knowledge. A set of scriptures may collect more dust than fingerprints.

We can also dwindle by limiting the scope of our faith. We can latch on to our own gospel patterns that bring us comfort so we can say "all is well." Is our belief strong enough to actually allow us to act in great faith when called upon? Do we believe in a manner that just gets us by or do we reach high into the heavens? Do we pour out our whole souls and truly feast on God's word? Who are we to our fellow man? A stranger? A minister? Do we just say we love, like it is a good idea that we agree with, or are we love, like our Father? Have we learned from him or do we clumsily try and imitate what we think love is?

Until we are one with God, we aren't.

brianj
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by brianj »

When I was a new member of the church I was continually, silently, offended. People never used the Bible! If the Bible contains the fullness of the gospel, as an Article of Faith teaches, then why focus on the Book of Mormon? When I was asked to teach a lesson, I would look at the Book of Mormon scriptures in the lesson, find Biblical references that teach the same thing, and use those. I was wrong to do that.

There is a spiritual power to reading the Book of Mormon. I short changed myself and those in my classes when I avoided it.

Last year when my wife left, I started reading the Book of Mormon daily. Sometime last November I resumed reading the book of Ether, then Moroni. Then I realized that if I read three chapters per day I would finish the Words of Mormon on New Years Eve. I continued reading like this, finishing the Words of Mormon just before General Conference in April. I slowed down a bit at that point, and read Words of Mormon the day before September / October General Conference.

A couple months ago I was shocked to recognize something that I honestly don't recall feeling: the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I can't say when, why, or how it happened, but I knew that I received this companionship because of my efforts to read the Book of Mormon daily, pray several times per day, and attend the temple frequently.

A year or two ago I heard a missionary give some statistics. I don't recall exactly what the numbers were, but I think he said that only about 4% of people who listen to the discussions are baptized. However, I think it was over half the people who read 1 Nephi were baptized.

We are asked to read the Book of Mormon to unlock access to the Holy Spirit and to keep ourselves closer to God.

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Arenera
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Mormon and Moroni

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Mormon compiled most of the plates for the Book of Mormon. He was inspired as to what should be included in the plates. He wanted our society to succeed instead of failing like the Nephites. When Mormon was killed during the last Nephite battles, his son Moroni finished the task. It's important to see what Mormon and Moroni added to the plates to help us, if only we will see.
Words of Mormon
1 And now I, Mormon, being about to deliver up the record which I have been making into the hands of my son Moroni, behold I have witnessed almost all the destruction of my people, the Nephites.

2 And it is many hundred years after the coming of Christ that I deliver these records into the hands of my son; and it supposeth me that he will witness the entire destruction of my people. But may God grant that he may survive them, that he may write somewhat concerning them, and somewhat concerning Christ, that perhaps some day it may profit them.
6 But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.

7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.

8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people.

15 And it came to pass that after there had been false Christs, and their mouths had been shut, and they punished according to their crimes;

16 And after there had been false prophets, and false preachers and teachers among the people, and all these having been punished according to their crimes; and after there having been much contention and many dissensions away unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to pass that king Benjamin, with the assistance of the holy prophets who were among his people—
Mormon 3
12 Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts.

17 Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance;

18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.

19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.

20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;

21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God.

22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.

Finrock
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Finrock »

It is elitist and spiritually dangerous to look at scriptural warnings and suppose that they always apply to those "other guys" as opposed to ourselves or our group.

Which group of people on this earth today is the largest reader of the Book of Mormon? Or, which group of people on this earth today is most likely to read the Book of Mormon to find direction, counsel, or as a source of truth? Its the Latter-day Saints. In my view it seems utterly ridiculous to assume that God is warning the rest of the world using a book that less than a fraction of the Earth's population is even exposed to, much less reading it, etc. No, the warnings, the directions, and the counsel in the Book of Mormon applies to us; God's "chosen" people.

Time to wake up!

-Finrock

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LdsMarco
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by LdsMarco »

I'll just point out a couple of things why I think it is important to continue to read the BOM over and over and over again.

1) It helps you have a better relationship with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost

2) Corrects false doctrine

3) Helps you become more Christlike

4) Reveals secret combinations

5) to have a FIRM testimony of the book/faith

6) Many prophecies to be fulfilled. So you won't be surprised when trials come

7) Avoid destruction

We can name more but the bottom line is that I feel we need to have a FIRM FOUNDATION OF THIS GOSPEL. I do believe we're heading for a test. Many will fall away because they're not sure if the Church is true anymore.


gardener4life
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by gardener4life »

Here's a thought I wanted to contribute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slTa15a3mp0

We need light. We can't make light on our own but we can partake and borrow the light from the Savior and his saving plan of redemption. We can get closer to light through the scriptures, following him, and through ordinances.

But we can't make our own light. We can't replace light with the philosophies of man. Populism and popular ideas can't replace light even though they may try to do so. Right now the crying out of the masses is trying to replace truth and light with philosophies of man to get gain. They also do this because they aren't practicing self sufficiency and want to borrow from others. (The 5 foolish virgins wanted to borrow oil from the 5 wise virgins; yet both knew the Bridegroom cometh.)

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Arenera
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Arenera »

"It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell." (Alma 12:9-11)
Do you want more or less?

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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

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Finrock wrote: November 16th, 2017, 3:52 pm It is elitist and spiritually dangerous to look at scriptural warnings and suppose that they always apply to those "other guys" as opposed to ourselves or our group.

Which group of people on this earth today is the largest reader of the Book of Mormon? Or, which group of people on this earth today is most likely to read the Book of Mormon to find direction, counsel, or as a source of truth? Its the Latter-day Saints. In my view it seems utterly ridiculous to assume that God is warning the rest of the world using a book that less than a fraction of the Earth's population is even exposed to, much less reading it, etc. No, the warnings, the directions, and the counsel in the Book of Mormon applies to us; God's "chosen" people.

Time to wake up!
Good point.
I do believe that the Book of Mormon is meant for us in the church & is inspired to help us navigate this crazy world. There are some beautiful teachings in it. But it is not the most correct book - with preaching racial prejudice, wars... and other things that are not godly...
  • *Racial prejudice, suggesting dark skin was God’s curse. 3Ne 2:15, Moses 7:8
    Haunting ghosts: 2Ne 26:16

    *Shame-based:
    After taking fruit, “ashamed” 1Ne 8:25
    “Take away our reproach” 2Ne 14:1
    “Curse of God” -Alma 23:18
    “Wrath of God” & polarized thinking -Alma 40:14

    *Whoever didn’t support Moroni’s “free government” was killed.” -Alma 46:35 & Alma 62:10
    *Those who tried to flee were killed. Alma 62:25-26

    They killed +2,000 Lamanites AFTER the Lamanites “surrendered themselves prisoners of war.” -Alma 57:14
Yet... there is so much that is good in the BofM...
  • “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” –Alma 32:21
    “And it did work for them according to their faith in God.” –Alma 37:40

    "For it must needs be that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither hood nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one." -2Ne 2:11
    "Live in thanksgiving daily." - Alma 34:38
    “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; & the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them…” -1 Nephi 10

    “Wherefore, press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, & a love of God & of all men.” -2 Nephi 31:20
    “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” –Mosiah 2:17

    “For behold, ye do love money, & your substance, & your fine apparel, & the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor & the needy, the sick & the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies – because of the praise of the world?” –Mormon 8:37-38

    “Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yeah, & who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?” –Mormon 9:16
    “Thou art a God of truth.” –Ether 3:12
    “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; & my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, & have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” –Ether 12:27

    “Charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail – But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever… Pray…with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love.” –Moroni 7:48
It’s not all-or-nothing. I see the BofM as inspired advise - through analogies to be likened - to us, thus the repeated “Book of Mormon Challenges.” No doubt, the BofM sets us apart from other religions. Yet, I also see the obsession with the BofM to the exclusion of the bible, as an attempt to isolate members from some scriptures in the bible that make the church’s actions look ungodly. It’s a shame that in the “Church of Jesus Christ” there is not such priority given to Christ’s life and teachings.

Blessed
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Blessed »

As mentioned in the OP, the book of Mormon is the new covenant. I think that role gets overlooked a lot.

Some thought should be given to that.

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nightlight
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by nightlight »

Thinker wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:04 pm
Finrock wrote: November 16th, 2017, 3:52 pm It is elitist and spiritually dangerous to look at scriptural warnings and suppose that they always apply to those "other guys" as opposed to ourselves or our group.

Which group of people on this earth today is the largest reader of the Book of Mormon? Or, which group of people on this earth today is most likely to read the Book of Mormon to find direction, counsel, or as a source of truth? Its the Latter-day Saints. In my view it seems utterly ridiculous to assume that God is warning the rest of the world using a book that less than a fraction of the Earth's population is even exposed to, much less reading it, etc. No, the warnings, the directions, and the counsel in the Book of Mormon applies to us; God's "chosen" people.

Time to wake up!
Good point.
I do believe that the Book of Mormon is meant for us in the church & is inspired to help us navigate this crazy world. There are some beautiful teachings in it. But it is not the most correct book - with preaching racial prejudice, wars... and other things that are not godly...
  • *Haunting ghosts: 2Ne 26:16

    *Shame-based:
    After taking fruit, “ashamed” 1Ne 8:25
    “Take away our reproach” 2Ne 14:1
    “Curse of God” -Alma 23:18
    “Wrath of God” & polarized thinking -Alma 40:14

    *Whoever didn’t support Moroni’s “free government” was killed.” -Alma 46:35 & Alma 62:10
    *Those who tried to flee were killed. Alma 62:25-26

    They killed +2,000 Lamanites AFTER the Lamanites “surrendered themselves prisoners of war.” -Alma 57:14
Yet... there is so much that is good in the BofM...
  • “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” –Alma 32:21
    “And it did work for them according to their faith in God.” –Alma 37:40

    "For it must needs be that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither hood nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one." -2Ne 2:11
    "Live in thanksgiving daily." - Alma 34:38
    “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; & the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them…” -1 Nephi 10

    “Wherefore, press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, & a love of God & of all men.” -2 Nephi 31:20
    “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” –Mosiah 2:17

    “For behold, ye do love money, & your substance, & your fine apparel, & the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor & the needy, the sick & the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies – because of the praise of the world?” –Mormon 8:37-38

    “Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yeah, & who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?” –Mormon 9:16
    “Thou art a God of truth.” –Ether 3:12
    “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; & my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, & have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” –Ether 12:27

    “Charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail – But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever… Pray…with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love.” –Moroni 7:48
It’s not all-or-nothing. I see the BofM as inspired advise - through analogies to be likened - to us, thus the repeated “Book of Mormon Challenges.” No doubt, the BofM sets us apart from other religions. Yet, I also see the obsession with the BofM to the exclusion of the bible, as an attempt to isolate members from some scriptures in the bible that make the church’s actions look ungodly. It’s a shame that in the “Church of Jesus Christ” there is not such priority given to Christ’s life and teachings.
Thinker.... Jesus Christ is the author of BoM. The phrophets of the BoM were just as close to Jesus Christ as Matthew, Mark,Luke,Jonh were.

I'm in a constant cycle between the New Testament in the Book of Mormon.... they are the same book

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Thinker
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Thinker »

Blessed wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:12 pm As mentioned in the OP, the book of Mormon is the new covenant. I think that role gets overlooked a lot.

Some thought should be given to that.
Maybe. And I realize the BofM tells of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Christ blessing and praying for the children in 3Nephi.

But what exactly is the “new covenant”?
Does it conflict with Christ’s greatest commandments, “which hang all the law and the prophets” - or do the greatest commandments conflict with the “new covenant”?

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Thinker
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Thinker »

NIGHTLIGHT wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:16 pm
Thinker wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:04 pm
Finrock wrote: November 16th, 2017, 3:52 pm It is elitist and spiritually dangerous to look at scriptural warnings and suppose that they always apply to those "other guys" as opposed to ourselves or our group.

Which group of people on this earth today is the largest reader of the Book of Mormon? Or, which group of people on this earth today is most likely to read the Book of Mormon to find direction, counsel, or as a source of truth? Its the Latter-day Saints. In my view it seems utterly ridiculous to assume that God is warning the rest of the world using a book that less than a fraction of the Earth's population is even exposed to, much less reading it, etc. No, the warnings, the directions, and the counsel in the Book of Mormon applies to us; God's "chosen" people.

Time to wake up!
Good point.
I do believe that the Book of Mormon is meant for us in the church & is inspired to help us navigate this crazy world. There are some beautiful teachings in it. But it is not the most correct book - with preaching racial prejudice, wars... and other things that are not godly...
  • *Haunting ghosts: 2Ne 26:16

    *Shame-based:
    After taking fruit, “ashamed” 1Ne 8:25
    “Take away our reproach” 2Ne 14:1
    “Curse of God” -Alma 23:18
    “Wrath of God” & polarized thinking -Alma 40:14

    *Whoever didn’t support Moroni’s “free government” was killed.” -Alma 46:35 & Alma 62:10
    *Those who tried to flee were killed. Alma 62:25-26

    They killed +2,000 Lamanites AFTER the Lamanites “surrendered themselves prisoners of war.” -Alma 57:14
Yet... there is so much that is good in the BofM...
  • “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” –Alma 32:21
    “And it did work for them according to their faith in God.” –Alma 37:40

    "For it must needs be that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither hood nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one." -2Ne 2:11
    "Live in thanksgiving daily." - Alma 34:38
    “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; & the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them…” -1 Nephi 10

    “Wherefore, press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, & a love of God & of all men.” -2 Nephi 31:20
    “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” –Mosiah 2:17

    “For behold, ye do love money, & your substance, & your fine apparel, & the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor & the needy, the sick & the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies – because of the praise of the world?” –Mormon 8:37-38

    “Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yeah, & who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?” –Mormon 9:16
    “Thou art a God of truth.” –Ether 3:12
    “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; & my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, & have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” –Ether 12:27

    “Charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail – But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever… Pray…with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love.” –Moroni 7:48
It’s not all-or-nothing. I see the BofM as inspired advise - through analogies to be likened - to us, thus the repeated “Book of Mormon Challenges.” No doubt, the BofM sets us apart from other religions. Yet, I also see the obsession with the BofM to the exclusion of the bible, as an attempt to isolate members from some scriptures in the bible that make the church’s actions look ungodly. It’s a shame that in the “Church of Jesus Christ” there is not such priority given to Christ’s life and teachings.
Thinker.... Jesus Christ is the author of BoM. The phrophets of the BoM were just as close to Jesus Christ as Matthew, Mark,Luke,Jonh were.

I'm in a constant cycle between the New Testament in the Book of Mormon.... they are the same book
Good for you! :) I also often read and think about both New Testament BofM.

I just wish that our church gave a “New Testament challenge” - but the obsession is the “Book of Mormon challenge.” Christ’s LIFE and his teachings during his life are ignored and I see that as ironic if there is insistance on using Christ’s name. It is no wonder that we are considered more “Mormon” than “the church of Jesus Christ.” The priority is the Book of Mormon - not ALL of Christ’s teachings.

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nightlight
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by nightlight »

Thinker wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:17 pm
Blessed wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:12 pm As mentioned in the OP, the book of Mormon is the new covenant. I think that role gets overlooked a lot.

Some thought should be given to that.
Maybe. And I realize the BofM tells of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Christ blessing and praying for the children in 3Nephi.

But what exactly is the “new covenant”?
Does it conflict with Christ’s greatest commandments, “which hang all the law and the prophets” - or do the greatest commandments conflict with the “new covenant”?
The new covenant is Christs blood of The New Testament....which is actually not the new covenant,it's the original covenant those of Holy Order of God have lived since Adam.

Christ is God...He stands between us and the Father.

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Thinker
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Re: Why are we asked to read the Book of Mormon?

Post by Thinker »

NIGHTLIGHT wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:26 pm
Thinker wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:17 pm
Blessed wrote: October 19th, 2018, 1:12 pm As mentioned in the OP, the book of Mormon is the new covenant. I think that role gets overlooked a lot.

Some thought should be given to that.
Maybe. And I realize the BofM tells of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Christ blessing and praying for the children in 3Nephi.

But what exactly is the “new covenant”?
Does it conflict with Christ’s greatest commandments, “which hang all the law and the prophets” - or do the greatest commandments conflict with the “new covenant”?
The new covenant is Christs blood of The New Testament....which is actually not the new covenant,it's the original covenant those of Holy Order of God have lived since Adam.

Christ is God...He stands between us and the Father.
Where in the BofM or bible is human sacrifice and scapegoating of Jesus taught? And even if it was - does it seem godly to you?

I believe that Christ was crucified not just in body but also later, by warping his words and teachings.

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