Friday, September 26, 2014

Word vs Sword

 Form Analyzed

Understanding the context of the communication between the ruler and his general via letter. I focused on how Pahoran handles criticism from a religious, political, and military leader.


Passage Analyzed
I was assigned to read Alma 54 to Alma 61. In that section I analyzed specifically Pahorans letter to Moroni.

 Breakdown / Listing of things found:

Pahoran just received a letter from the main general, Moroni. In the letter, Moroni was quick to accuse Pahoran of rebellion and all manner of wickedness. Moroni threatens to come with the sword and bring justice upon his head. Pahoran responds in an interesting way. He doesn’t respond with hostility but he responds with an obnoxious amount of understanding and sympathy. In his letter back to Moroni, he mentions that the hostile letter “mattereth not” and that he is glad Moroni’s heart is in the right place.
Pahoran wrote with a very passive tone. The subject matter tended to be more passive than Moroni’s as well. Moroni emphasizes the defense of righteousness with the sword. Pahoran emphasizes the importance of resisting with the word first, and then the sword if all else fails. He mentions that “We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage if it were requisite with the justice of God,” but he explains that it is justified that they should fight for freedom.


 Interpretation:

 It seems as if Pahoran used this moment of admirable humility to teach Moroni that violence isn’t always the answer. Although this is a letter directly to Moroni, it seems obvious to me that it was included to be applied to us as the audience as well. Pahoran was quick to find common ground and to support those the Lord has called. Pahoran took advantage of a teaching moment. It would have been easy for him to be defensive or even to demand an apology. Instead of rebuking Moroni, he taught Moroni. He showed Moroni that the sword won’t solve all of life’s problems. He also taught the future reader a lesson. He taught that a person can still be lead of God even though they make mistakes.

Connections/Questions

I wonder why Moroni included this letter into the record. Did Pahoran have the foresight to see this letter be of great importance to future generations? How can Pahoran’s example be of help to LDS members how may disagree with things the Brethren may say or teach? If all people were like unto Moroni, hell would have no power. This example may be of help to those that want to support church leaders despite disagreements when it comes to different social issues.

2 comments:

  1. Great observations! I find it interesting how doing a literary analyses of the scriptures can shed so much spiritual like on the text. There seems to be a common theme of using sword and word to oppose each other, and it seems so fitting. Just goes to show the amount of detail that is in the scriptures.

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  2. I had a similar question about whether Pahoran had the foresight to see the influence to future generations. Moreover, Pahoran's attitude teach us about how the cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It is certainly a state of mind that is well worth developing.

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