A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 2 Just a few thoughts on what appears to be accounts of civil process and war. I am first reminded that nothing is included in the Book of Mormon unless there are spiritual ramifications attached to it. On a different note, it is interesting to me that there was an exact count ( vs. 19 ), at the first encounter on the battle field, of exactly how many souls had perished, suggesting that every life lost was known to God. The final thought, and this is almost harder to pull out because of the circumstances (they were in the middle of a war), is that when we are on the Lord's side, we are entitled to the enabling and strengthening power that comes from God to do the impossible. ( vs. 27-33 )

Alma 1:16-33 We learn here in the remainder of this chapter that priestcraft did not come to an end among the people of Nephi at this time. Yet there was a distinct separation between those who were steadfast in the church verses those who separated themselves from the church and followed after preistcraft. It is that separation or distinction between the people of the church and those that did not belong to the church that occupies these verses. There actually appears to be two points of division that take place. First, it is a distinction between those inside, and those outside the church -- those that were more humble being persecuted by those who did not belong to the church or would not take upon themselves the name of Christ.( vs. 19 )  What was the cause of their persecution? Or what motivated those outside of the church to be so concerned about what those inside of the church were doing? Those of the church were not proud, and they would impart the word of God without mone...

Alma 1:1-15 There is a premise introduced in these verses that I feel that I have overlooked in past readings of the account of Nehor. The premise is this: King Mosiah, being a righteous king, had established a form of government with laws that had been acknowledged by the people. "Therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made." ( vs. 1 ) I suppose that I have never given much personal consideration to the obligation on my part to obey the laws of the land as a means of ensuring my liberties and freedoms. Yet this is the very reason for why organized government should exist: to preserve and ensure freedom. The account goes on to explain the account of Nehor, his priestcraft and his crimes, and then in verse 14 , Alma explains the violation of the law which Nehor had committed: Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must a...