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Pres. Nelson said back in 1999 it is best to read the Book of Mormon with its purpose in mind: to bring people to Jesus Christ. ( https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/1999-10-03/elder-russell-m-nelson-a-testimony-of-the-book-of-mormon-121840 The full quote is:
Quote:Some authors have focused upon its stories, its people, or its vignettes of history. Others have been intrigued by its language structure or its records of weapons, geography, animal life, techniques of building, or systems of weights and measures.
Interesting as these matters may be, study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose — to testify of Jesus Christ. By comparison, all other issues are incidental.
I really like that statement, and he has said similar things over the years. I wish more leaders would speak of it that way. I know a formal refutation of historicity would be thorny or even faith-crushing for many members, so I don’t see it being preached in that way over the General Conference pulpit, but I like anything that opens official doors for other approaches – and focusing only on its testimony of Jesus is something I like, especially since it is the stated purpose in the book itself.
Thanks for sharing this Old-Timer. Since my testimony of the Book of Mormon is pretty simply that it brings people closer to God and testifies of Jesus Christ this idea fits perfectly with where I am. If Jesus Christ is what you’re looking for you will find it in the Book of Mormon. That said, I still prefer the four gospels when I want to learn of Christ but it’s not really either/or. The BoM is Christ centered from the first page to the last. It is a thoroughly Christian work. Roy wrote:
The BoM is Christ centered from the first page to the last. It is a thoroughly Christian work.
Yes, despite what the critics say!
One thing that really brings this home is if you have a copy of the BoM and highlight every mention of his name. You can also highlight all his other titles -savior etc.
I think the important message that comes out of the BoM other than Jesus himself is rise and fall. It talks about two societies (and a few others) which flourish, become too comfortable and, end up becoming rotten, and then return to God after this fall has taken place. We experience that a lot in our own lives.
SamBee wrote:
I think the important message that comes out of the BoM other than Jesus himself is rise and fall. It talks about two societies (and a few others) which flourish, become too comfortable and, end up becoming rotten, and then return to God after this fall has taken place. We experience that a lot in our own lives.
I always thought the Book of Mormon had some really interesting social commentary. It seems like the New Testament is more focused on the individual aspect of being a Christian and accepting Christ as savior, while the Book of Mormon shows how Christian principles function at the societal level. It’s more of a zoomed out view that shows the broader and long-term consequences of people as a whole either living according to Christ’s teachings by being kind, merciful, and charitable, or failing by becoming prideful and hateful.
For me at least, that is a different meaning of “testify of Christ.” Rather than just testifying of Christ’s divinity and position as savior, it testifies of the good that can come from following Christ’s teachings. This angle works better for me since I’m more agnostic regarding matters of divinity, but still appreciate the teachings that lead people to be better.
Nice thread, I agree. Many people get caught up in everything except what the Book of Mormon is about. It reminds me of President Benson’s Book of Mormon talk in the late 80’s. !989?
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