Freedom! Lessons from the ‘war chapters’ of the Book of Mormon, Part 2

How Moroni, and the Nephite majority, responded to the power-seekers and Lamanite aggressions Motivations for fighting and other responses The Nephites (Ns) wanted to protect their liberties – their land, families, religion & civic freedoms (43: 9, 29 & 30) Ns knew that not stopping the Lamanites (Ls) would destroy these – and them. They … Continue reading Freedom! Lessons from the ‘war chapters’ of the Book of Mormon, Part 2

Freedom! Lessons from the ‘war chapters’ for our time

The ‘war chapters’ – not so irrelevant as you might think. In considering Alma 43-63, I was hit hard with the repeated similarities between the circumstances among the Nephites and those in our societies right now. There are excellent spiritual-only lessons to learn from these chapters, and we’re pretty well-versed in them, I think. These … Continue reading Freedom! Lessons from the ‘war chapters’ for our time

How the Holy Spirit changes our desires (and why the Gift of His assistance is essential to salvation)

Alma 23:28 describes a linked process between reception of the Holy Spirit and the attributes of godliness.  Alma exhorts to, first, humble ourselves before God, then pray to Him, and be alert to temptation and our own weakness or preparation. This brings the influence of the Holy Spirit to us, makes us aware of that … Continue reading How the Holy Spirit changes our desires (and why the Gift of His assistance is essential to salvation)

The everlasting covenant and promised lands that keep moving

Briefly Second Nephi, with Terryl Givens – Maxwell Institute podcast I’ve been listening to/reading this podcast tonight, because I really like Second Nephi (and am looking forward to the next episode, about Jacob, which I also really like). In this, Terryl Givens, from the Neal A. Maxwell Institute, gives a fascinating introduction to what he … Continue reading The everlasting covenant and promised lands that keep moving