Nephi's Purpose

The different writers in the Book of Mormon offer many different reasons for contributing to the ancient record. Its editor-in-chief, Mormon, wrote that the Book of Mormon was written as a second witness to the Bible (Mormon 7:8-10). The title page includes many reasons, including reminding men of the great things God has done and "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ".

Nephi, the first author in the Book of Mormon, explains one of his purposes in writing in the very first chapter of the book. After relating how his father was called, served and rejected as a prophet-- along with numerous others called of God in Jerusalem-- he states:

But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

There are many messages in this single sentence. One is the message of a merciful god. Another might be that we are chosen and extended mercy based upon our faithfulness. Still another may be that we can become mighty if we have faith and the grace of God.

A message that stands out to me in this passage is the role of agency in our path to deliverance. Even with faith and the grace of God, Nephi aims to show us through his experiences that we are not automatically delivered but rather given the strength and power necessary to bring about deliverance. In other words, though God may give us strength, we must still choose how that strength is used. God will not force our salvation. Though God may give us insight, we must choose to use that insight to build our testimonies. Though God may extend tender mercies without number, it is our decision to take action and make our goals reality.

Nephi exemplifies this principle throughout his life. The Lord preserved his brothers from the hands of Laban, but Nephi had to choose to make another attempt to get the plates. The Lord guided Nephi through his encounters with Laban and with Zoram, but Nephi had to choose to obey the spirit. He gave Nephi power to expound the truth to his brothers, but Nephi had to choose to open his mouth even when it angered them. The Lord taught Nephi how to build a ship that could cross the ocean, but Nephi had to construct the tools, make the bellows and build the ship.

When times got tough, Nephi chose to remember the tender mercies he had received and gather strength from the memory of them. When his heart groaned inside, he responded resoundingly: "I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions...filled me with his love...confounded mine enemies...heard my cry...[and] given me knowledge... O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?" (2 Nephi 4:17-35).

Like Nephi, it is given to us to choose. Each of us may experience the tender mercies of the Lord in our lives. How do we respond? Do we remember the prompting to spend more time with the kids when the boss asks if we can work more overtime this week? When we cannot see what lies ahead do we trust that God will see us through? Are we willing to share the testimonies God has given us and remember the special experiences that helped it grow?

Whatever tender mercies the Lord has blessed us with, the full benefit of God's grace often relies upon our righteous use of agency. We must choose to use the many tools he has given us to allow our experiences to buoy up our spirits and those around us. If we will do so, we can become mighty, as Nephi was mighty, to not only the power of deliverance but also to the ultimate goal of deliverance itself. We can be free from sin and death and return to live with our Heavenly Father through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Reaching that destination requires working together with the Lord and a great deal of his grace, but it is possible if we will choose that path.

This is the message of agency and empowerment that inspired Nephi to make his record in the Book of Mormon. His efforts were guided by the Lord and his words are true. With prayerful study, I hope that Nephi's reason for writing may also become our reason for reading-- that through the guidance of the scriptures we may have the opportunity to act in faith and be numbered among the mighty.

Our Divine Creator

The more we learn about the universe the less it looks like a great machine and the more it looks like a great thought.  ~Sir Arthur Eddington

About Polygamy

Perhaps one of the most talked about (former) practices of the LDS Church is the practice of plural marriage that existed to varying degrees in the Church from 1831 to about 1904. Plural marriage was officially ended in October 1890 with this declaration from then-President Wilford Woodruff:

Inasmuch as laws have been enacted by Congress forbidding plural marriages, which laws have been pronounced constitutional by the court of last resort, I hereby declare my intention to submit to those laws, and to use my influence with the members of the Church over which I preside to have them do likewise (Official Declaration 1).

President Woodruff's declaration, called the Manifesto, was unanimously accepted by the membership of the Church at that conference. In 1904, finding that some plural marriages had continued to be performed primarily in Mexico and Canada, President Joseph F. Smith called for a prohibition of plural marriage which was also unanimously accepted. Since that time, the Church has not allowed those practicing plural marriage to obtain and/or retain membership.

To understand why God would allow for plural marriage, and why He would subsequently command against it, we must first understand God's law for marriage and the precedent for its plurality. The Lord has taught that "there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women" (Jacob 2:27-28).

Paul taught the same doctrine in the ancient church when he taught the Corinthians to, "let every man have his own wife, and every woman have her own husband" (1 Cor. 7:2). The Lord revealed the same law to Joseph Smith in 1831:

Whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man. Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation; And that it might be filled with the measure of man... (D&C 49:15-16).

The law of God for man is monogamy. Yet the practice of plural marriage is not without precedent. Abraham, the great patriarch, fathered many nations through the practice of plural marriage (Genesis 16:1-3). Jacob, Abraham's grandson who would later be known as Israel, also practiced plural marriage (Genesis 29:23-30). Moses may have practiced plural marriage (D&C 132:38) and the law of Moses contains provisions for the equal treatment of plural wives (Exodus 21:10), suggesting the practice may have been more widespread (though the practice has always been carefully directed by prophets rather than the general practice of the majority). King David and King Solomon also righteously practiced plural marriage on the whole, despite David's sin with Bathsheba (D&C 132:38-39).

Exceptions to the monogamy rule always have specific purpose. After establishing monogamy as the rule, the Lord taught Jacob, "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things [monogamy]" (Jacob 2:30).

So the Lord explained to Joseph Smith:

God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people... Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation? Verily I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord commanded it.

Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.

He continues:

Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children; and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law; as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded...

David also received many wives and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses my servants, as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things which they received not of me.


David's wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets... and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife (D&C 132:34-39).

So if the Lord commanded the early members of the LDS Church to practice polygamy to grow the population of the Church, why would he command for polygamy to stop in 1890?

One obvious possibility is because the Church had grown considerably. Though still relatively small, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates church membership had grown to over 188,000 by 1890.

Perhaps another reason can be found in this verse, given long before the practice of plural marriage created persecutions and political problems for the Church. The Lord taught that:

When I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings (D&C 124:49).

The Church website includes this statement about the end of plural marriage, or polygamy:

Influenced by rumors and exaggerated reports, the United States Congress, beginning in 1862, enacted a series of laws against polygamy that became increasingly harsh. By the 1880s many Latter-day Saint men were imprisoned or went into hiding.

In 1889 in the face of increasing hardships and the threat of government confiscation of Church property, including temples, Wilford Woodruff, President of the Church at the time, prayed for guidance. He was inspired to issue a document that officially ended the sanction of plural marriage by the Church.

In summary, it is clear that monogamy is the standard for us to live by. Prophets in our day have taught that the family is ordained of God, that marriage is between one man and one woman, and that children are entitled to be reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Throughout history, God has commanded plural marriage as an exception, primarily to allow for rapid population growth. This is done with great care and direction from the Lord himself through the prophets that serve as his mouthpiece. When the goals of plural marriage are accomplished, or when the faithful have done all they can do to be obedient, even if unsuccessfully, plural marriage is again taken from the Church and forbidden by God.

So it is today. The late President Gordon B. Hinckley emphasized that plural marriage is “against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows [the practice of a man having more than one wife], the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage."

Any groups or individuals who teach or practice plural marriage today are not members of nor affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Fasting as Communion

Almost two years ago, I blogged about three purposes of fasting. Using Moses, Elijah and Christ as examples, I wrote that we could fast for our own welfare, the welfare of others or to bring our souls in communion with God.

These examples remain powerful. Consider the Sons of Mosiah who fasted before their missions to the Lamanites (Alma 17:2-3) or the disciples of Christ who fasted to add power to priesthood blessings (Alma 13:1-3, Matthew 17:14-21). Each of these are further examples of the power of fasting for yourself or others and each has obvious outward consequences-- a converted Lamanite people, healings, etc.

Fasting to bring our souls in communion with God is also extremely private (Matthew 6:16-18, 1 Cor. 7:5). Through fasting we can follow Isaiah's charge to seek strength against temptation (Isaiah 58:3-12). We can express our deepest sorrow, as Elijah did for his sinful people (1 Kings 19:8-18) or as the people of the Book of Mormon mourned the loss of those who had died (Alma 28:6, 30:1-2, Helaman 9:10). We can also express to God our gratitude and great joy for the blessings He has given us (Alma 45:1, D&C 59:13-14, Luke 2:36-37).

A sincere and willing fast allows for self-expression beyond words. God knows and understands even our most inexpressible feelings; we give volume to those feelings through fasting. Simultaneously, fasting makes each of us better listeners, so that in giving our will to God we receive not only a better outlet to express our souls but also a better method for learning spiritual truths.

In fasting we can become like the Nephites just prior to the coming of Christ:

Nevertheless, they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. ~Helaman 3:35

Fasting can be intensely personal, powerful and uplifting. It can express or strengthen or change even the deepest portions of our souls or the souls of those for whom we fast. As we fast often and with sincerity, we can become sanctified and pure-- better people, better spouses, better friends, better parents, better disciples of Christ.


That is the kind of Is this the fast you have chosen?

Temples a Place of Thanksgiving, of Learning and of God

Gilbert Arizona Temple

Through all gospel dispensations, God has commanded men to build temples. From the mobile tabernacle of Moses' time to Solomon's gold-furnished temple to the temples of ancient America and the dozens of temples on the earth today, this commandment has been consistent throughout all of time.

In our own dispensation, the Lord has accompanied the command to build with an explanation of why we build temples and how we will be rewarded building and frequenting these sacred structures.

Speaking of why we have temples, the Lord teaches they are built:

For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and for a place of instruction... That [we] may be perfected in the understanding of [our] ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth. ~D&C 97:13-14

The Lord gives two reasons for temples: first, as a place of thanksgiving; and second, for a place of instruction. How often do you visit the temple to give thanks for an experience, something you have learned or a blessing you have been given? Do you seek to learn more about your life's mission, about gospel doctrine or about the Lord's earthly kingdom while participating in temple ordinances?

If we build temples in the name of the Lord and keep it holy, the Lord promises:

My glory shall rest upon it; Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God. ~D&C 97:15-16

The spirit of God is present in the temple. We progress toward exaltation, toward returning to the presence of God, as we participate in temple ordinances. As we attend the temple with pure hearts, we will also see God in temple; we will recognize the spirit, the divinity and the authority where a proud or impure heart may find only religious rituals of debatable value.

The Lord has commanded the Saint of His Church to build temples around the world. In so doing, the Lord extends an opportunity to express gratitute, to understand His plan for us, to feel of His spirit and to see God. If we are worthy, we should take advantage of the opportunity extended to us by attending the temple. If unworthy, we should strive to become worthy. As we strive to do what is asked of us, we will be accepted of Him:

Verily I say unto you, all amoung [you] who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice--yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command--they are accepted of me. ~D&C 97:8

No sacrifice is so great that it isn't worth trading for the blessings the Lord has in store for us. Those blessings, including exaltation, await as we worthily attend the Lord's temple.

The Case for Santa Claus

It's Christmas time and Santa Claus is everywhere you look. He is at whatever mall we happen to be visiting at precisely the same time as we are. He was at our church Christmas party. I've seen him selling Chevys, Mercedes and Coca-Cola on TV. At my work Christmas party, he flew in on a helicopter.

One can only imagine what had the reindeer tied up.

The point is that Santa has become a major figure-- some would argue the major figure-- of the Christmas season. And for some conservative Christians, this poses a problem.

Commercialism is undoubtedly a significant player in the evolution of ol' Saint Nick. His image and popularity has received significant contributions from the likes of Harper's Weekly, Norman Rockwell and Coca-Cola. Advertisers have snuck brand labels on his apparel and filled his bags with expensive toys, excuses for growing credit card debt and most every kind of worldly indulgence.

With so much business invading Christmas, I've heard some wonder if we have lost the 'Christ' in Christmas. They'll be relieved to know that we have not. At least not entirely. We have Santa, after all.

Santa Claus, also known as St. Nicholas, is much more than a symbol of Christmas commercialism. He is also a symbol of the reason we celebrate Christmas, which is Christ. Santa is the deliverer of the Christmas spirit that makes all of us better, more cheerful people. He is the ultimate giver of gifts and a figure whose coming rapidly motivates children young and old to repent and walk the strait and narrow.

Unproven by science and in the face of impossible odds, Santa Claus allows us all to admit that true belief can transcend physical evidence; that belief in something unseen can be more convincing and more real than if it were right before our eyes. At Christmas time we celebrate the faith of our children and remind the adults that we, too, must learn to have the faith of a child.

Wrapped in his red suit with each of our names printed neatly on his list, Santa Claus can help us remember the Savior that remembers us. Though materialism may increase in the world, the symbol of Santa Claus stands ready to turn the believing soul to Christ, the true author of Christmas.

In the legend of St. Nicholas, if not the man as well, we also find a prime example of what we ought to be as Christians. Through his kindness and giving, millions of people over nearly two thousand years have learned about faith, about serving others, and about the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.

The world should see Christ in the way we live our lives, too. While Santa is all around us each Christmas, we can evaluate our willingness to believe in what is good by asking ourselves one simple question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

New Lessons from Ancient Scripture

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke in the most recent General Conference about scripture study. It's a topic most of us have heard about on a number of occasions. Some of those familiar lessons were woven into Elder Scott's remarks. At the same time, Elder Scott also brought up a number of insights about the scriptures that are not as commonly shared and/or understood, at least in the wards where I have attended. Several principles, familiar or otherwise, are worth repeating. Here's a short list.

1. The scriptures are a record of 'solutions to life's most perplexing problems'. Notice the omission here-- not life's most perplexing spiritual problems, but the scriptures contain solutions to work problems, societal problems, family problems, confidence problems, health problems... life's problems.

2. The scriptures function as 'a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ'. Faith is necessary to unlock the power of scripture.

3. 'Because scriptures are generated from inspired communication through the Holy Ghost, they are pure truth.'

4. The scriptures, 'can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ'. The primary goal of scripture study is to commune with God. Remembering that the scriptural definition of enduring to the end is to study the scriptures, hearken to the spirit, pray and keep our covenants, it becomes increasingly clear that the way to endure is to communicate frequently with our Father in Heaven.

5. 'Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. Memorizing scriptures can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.'

6. 'Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one's ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior, They can accelerate physical healing.'


7. 'Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs.'


8. 'Those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God.'

Whether these insights are familiar or new to us, each of us can experience the power of the scriptures in our lives as we have faith in Christ and seek to commune with our Heavenly Father. There we can find the answers to the questions of our souls, strength that can motivate emotional or physical healing, the will to change, and a clear view of reality and truth amid a world swirling with the philosophies of men.

Each of us seeking answers, strength, happiness, peace, communion or clarity will find what we seek as we accept Elder Scott's invitation to study, memorize, and ponder the scriptures.