2 Nephi 29

(August 10, 2014)

                This is a chapter that at first glance would seem to present little challenge for a modern Mormon.  After all, we have no trouble recognizing that there is more than just the Bible that represents the word of God.  But when this scripture is likened unto ourselves, we find that it is in fact a much more challenging situation than we thought.

                For example, are we truly open to the new revelation that comes to us?  It is easy to look at the confirmation of doctrine that we have long become accustomed to, but revelation often is difficult for us to accept when it comes from the Priesthood leadership if that revelation contradicts some of our beliefs.  Do we, at that point, speak up and say “A Book of Mormon, a Book of Mormon, we already have a Book of Mormon and we don’t need more revelation on (gay marriage, illegal immigration, or pick your poison)!”

                The other thought was something I have seen several times – how the Lord has never left His people without someone to build them and draw them closer to Him.  The language in verse 12 is as clear as it could be – “I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.”  What does that mean for the Koran, or the writings of Confucius?  I would dare say that we can posit with some confidence that these sacred books likely have not only truth, but revealed truth prepared for the people who would receive them.  We may have the fullness of the Gospel, but that does not mean that we should not have a holy envy for those elements of other faiths that are more developed than our own.