A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 27:20-26 Here is the account of the people of Ammon and their fleeing the persecution of the Lamanites and of their joining to the people of Nephi.  How timely this account is to our current world challenges with refugee resettlement! There are actually two accounts of good Samaritan type actions here: one on a micro level (that almost goes unnoticed by me) and the other on a macro scale. First, upon receiving these missionaries back from their labors, the account here says that Alma received Ammon and his brethren "even into his own house." ( vs. 20 ) The later action was the coordination and admission of the people of Ammon to live among the Nephites. I am impressed by the chief judge's approach to this significant social issue. When the issue of the acceptance of the people of Ammon was brought before the judgment seat, the chief judge deferred from making a decision on the matter himself. Instead, "the chief judge sent a proclamation throughout all th...

Mosiah 18:23-29 These verses continue with the commandments that Alma gave to the priests with whom he organized the church after their baptism. (I find in these commandments keys to their prosperity and access to the blessings of the Lord.) Alma commanded them to observe the Sabbath day and to keep it holy. That is a good distinction and this is good doctrine. It is a simple way in which we are reminded every week that we are not our own. Coupled with this commandment is also a reminder that every day we should give thanks to the Lord their God. Then the priest are commanded to "labor with their own hands for their support," ( vs 24 ).  There are other verses throughout the Book of Mormon that support this doctrine. Alma the Younger defends this point before several anti-Christ characters later on. (see Alma 1:3, 26; 30:32 ) But this point that the priests are to provide for their own needs is an unique and compelling doctrine. To separate any financial considerations from ...