contention

The prevalence of a spirit of contention amongst a people is a certain sign of deadness with respect to the things of religion. When men's spirits are hot with contention, they are cold to religion. - Jonathan Edwards “The Book of Mormon does not supplant the Bible. It expands, extends, clarifies, and amplifies our knowledge of the Savior. Surely, this second witness should be cause for great rejoicing by all Christians.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

The possession of mankind

A year ago, Elder Christofferson taught that "The Book of Mormon is the possession of mankind."

The Title Page explains that the abridgments of the record of the people of Nephi and the people of Jared was provided "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations."

With these principles in mind, we can think of the Book of Mormon as a way to bring all people to Christ, regardless of their current beliefs and affiliations. People of all faiths--and no faith--can appreciate the Book of Mormon for the truths it teaches. 

To the extent we use the Book of Mormon primarily as a missionary tool, we may be building more barriers than bridges. 

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Another approach would be sharing the Book of Mormon on its own merits. No one has to join any church to appreciate what the Book of Mormon teaches and how it brings people closer to Christ. 

Accepting the Book of Mormon for its merits would dissolve much of the disputes, contention and misunderstanding among various groups and individuals.

Because the Book of Mormon is squarely within the Christian tradition, MOBOM has a section on Why Christians need the Book of Mormon.

https://www.mobom.org/why-christians

Recently, I did an interview with an evangelical who is interested in the Restoration movement. You can see it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrZYof4yzzg



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I welcome your feedback. Email me at lostzarahemla@gmail.com and I'll discuss your feedback in this blog.

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