Real People and Real Experiences in the Book of Mormon

It is amazing to think about the day-to-day lives of people thousands of years ago.  Sometimes we forget that the characters in the Book of Mormon were in fact just normal people like you or I.  However, the following examples selected from Mosiah 15 - Mosiah 24, will demonstrate an thought-provoking way that the Book of Mormon can be likened to one’s own life. 

In Mosiah 20: 6-26, a group of people is terrorized by the idea that someone has harmed members of their family.  When this happens, they jump to conclusion and act out harshly against the innocent people they suspect of the crime.  Tori Fawson did not have her daughters kidnapped by wicked priests like the Lamanites did, however, when she expressed her feeling of “anger at the doctors, for doing this to her,” or, “fear as I thought my mom was going to die,” or, “Panic,” and all of the other worries she felt about losing her mom, we can imagine that the Lamanites felt similar fears and worries regarding what was to come of their family, and how their lives would be affected.

Later, a leader, after hearing his people complain and complain, he finally accedes to letting them do what they want (Mos. 21:6).  King Limhi, being the son of the previous king, probably did not climb to his position without warning, like Josh Smith.  However, I am sure that they both, as people in a new position, had those feelings like Josh described when he said that everyone “looked to me as if I was one ‘in charge’.”

Lastly, in Mosiah 21:28-36, the people feel sorrow for the past and make plans for the future.  They were “filled with sorrow because so many of their brethren had been slain.”  Josh Smith shared a similar experience about when the high school students were all strongly impacted by the death of a young girl, and the mourning experience “healed” them.  I am sure that the people of King Limhi also paid their respects and let their hearts pour out to those who were affected by death’s stinging hand.

Leadership in the time of Death

So I really struggled with this assignment.  All of my chapters in the Book of Mormon are war chapters, and it's kind of hard to draw similarities between war and sentimental, memorable situations.  So here it goes folks!

Example #1 paying attention to character
Alma 53:8-20.  The 2000 stripling warriors are described as young men who were raised well by their parents and who were strong in faith and it defending their family.

I likened this to Tori Fawson's post about how a creepy, old man said that their parents did a good job with their children.  They may be referencing physical attributes maybe.  But, I think we can all say the parents of the stripling warriors did a good job.

Alma 53:8-20 also describes the Nephites and the 2000 Stripling Warriors protecting and taking care of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, or the inhabitants of Zarahemla.  These are people that could not have land of their own, take care of themselves or defend themselves on their own.

I saw similarities in both Jeremy Hardman's  post about helping and taking care of a woman who could not take care of herself, and Viridiana Balderas' post about her grandmother saving her from falling.

Example #2 paying attention to dialogue
Alma 46: 14-21 Moroni expresses his displeasure that the Kingmen will not rise up and fight against the enemy that is attacking them.  He also expresses displeasure in their pride and nobility and compels them to be better.  He uses very strong words.

I likened this to Darren Torrie's comments on Elder Bailey and how he is a good man, but a man that is not afraid to express his displeasure.  Like Captain Moroni, he had good and motivating intentions but his voice could get a little loud.

Example #3 paying attention to tone
Alma 48:7-19.  Captain Moroni is described with a tone of reverence.  He is one that could boost morale, one who prepares "the minds of the people to be faithful" and prepares them in all things for the future battle.

I thought the tone in Andrew Olson's post was very similar in how football coaches and Linkin Park were able to give powerful pre-game speeches to boost morale in a time of turmoil.

The Feelings In Their Hearts

Example #1: Character

In Mosiah 14, a man (Jesus Christ) bears "griefs and sorrows" and is hurt by others' actions. He took them without responding back.
Miranda had to bear grief and sorrow because of someone else's actions. She wanted to say things to them, but she only said them when she was alone at her house baking.

Example #2: Plot

In Mosiah 7, a young man (Ammon) has to goes on a mission (an assignment) with his friends to search for missing people. They have to travel to foreign lands, and communicate with people they've never met before (a speech to find the missing people from Zarahemla). They just want to find people.
Darren went on his own mission (an assignment) with a friend (to find the lost souls of Christ). He had to travel to a new land, though maybe not foreign but foreign to him. He had to communicate with people he had never met before (a speech about the restored Gospel).

Example #3: Narrative Point of View

Keegan went to Africa, and went to a funeral. Here, he encountered a group of people who were mourning the death of a loved one. He had to deal with death, and it was not the best sight. He thought about Jesus Christ, and he felt peace. He knew the people mourning probably didn't know they would see their son again.
In Mosiah 11, a group of people (King Noah's people) had to deal with the death of their loved ones as a rival group (the Lamanites) came in to murder them. Death was unfortunately a common thing during the time of this specific ruler's reign. The ruler (King Noah) is very prideful, and does not have his thoughts on the Lord. The narrator of this passage shows the desires of the ruler as he "placed his heart upon his riches" and he had fine work made for himself, and had all manner of concubines. His heart was not upon the right things.
When the ruler's people drove back the rival group (Lamanites), they boasted in their hearts. Even though the reflection of their (the people of King Noah) hearts is not about death, this example relates to Keegan as he considered the feelings of the African's hearts.

The Greatness of King Mosiah

Example #1 Character

In Mosiah 25 we see a fathering of diverse people from different lineages. They all abide in the same city (Zarahemla) and agree that all of them will be known as Nephites. These people listen as the account of a man and his followers is told.

Example #2 Dialogue

Mosiah 26:12 explains that  many individuals who have committed crimes have been brought to the king to be tried. The king speaks with a religious leader and explains that it is not his place (the kings) to judge, but it is the religious leaders obligation to do so.

Example #3 Plot

Mosiah 27: 1-2 tells of many members of a church who are being persecuted by non-members. The persecutions became so intense that they had to receive help from the king and other leaders. In order to assist the persecuted church members, the king proclaimed that non-members should no longer persecute members and that they should have peace.

I commented on Alyssa's post about connecting with your heritage. She told of practicing cultural dances from Hawaii. Her dancing with others allowed them to connect as friends through practicing dances and sewing Hawaiian skirts. Although in Mosiah there is no account of dancing with one another, the residents of Zarahemla were encouraged to have unity among one another. I imagine they performed dances and sang with eachother. 

Nephi: A Born Leader

1 Nephi 8:10 Lehi Prophesies of the Messiah and the House of Israel. Note this example focuses on narrative point of view.

Lehi spake concerning to the Jews that after they should be destroyed, even that great city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon. Moreover Lehi counseled that all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer. Finally, Lehi spake that all mankind should prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight; Gentiles and the House of Israel should be compared like unto an olive tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth.

1 Nephi 2:3 The brothers Return for the Brass Plates. Note this example is paying attention to plot.

Nephi the main character returned from speaking with the Lord, his father Lehi told him that he had a dream in which the Lord hath commanded Nephi and his brothers to return to Jerusalem. Even though Nephi’s brothers murmured, he was willing to do what the Lord wanted him to do. Their first attempt was when Laman (Nephi’s brother) went to Laban’s house to ask for the plates but he had no success. During the second attempt Nephi and his brothers took his father’s gold and silver to trade them for the plates nevertheless, they did not obtained the plates. Finally, and angel of the Lord told Nephi and his brothers to go to Jerusalem again and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands. In this final attempt, Nephi found Laban who was drunk and proceed to kill him, after that took Laban’s garments and put them upon him, Nephi recovered the plates.

1 Nephi 10-11. Nephi Desires to Know for Himself. Note this example is paying attention to character.

Nephi being one of the youngest brothers and having heard all the words of his father concerning the things which he saw in vision, also the things he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, Nephi was desirous to see, hear, and know the things his father had seen.

Believing that the Lord was able to make him know, Nephi sat pondering in his heart, he was caught away in the spirit of the Lord. Finally, Nephi was able to see the things his father saw and also an angel showed him the coming of Jesus in the Old World.

Reviewing a fellow student’s blog post

Even though Miranda did not see an Angel of the Lord, describing her feelings about baking in correlation with the unhealthy relationship she had, its similar to Nephi’s desire. Both Miranda and Nephi, wanted to know and see by themselves what the Lord had prepared for them in this life. Also, just as Miranda was seeking for help through her friends, Nephi prayed to the Lord continually to achieve his goal of being guided to see the things his father had already seen.

What We Learn From Nephi's Preaching From the Tower

Example #1.  Note this example is paying attention to narrative point of view:

-     In Helaman 6:1-9, we learn of the inner thoughts of a man, which are centered on the way that his community is decaying or has already decayed.  We also learn of his feelings, which are very sober and worried because of this decaying of his community.  Then, the narrative shifts to this man's actual spoken words in verses 7-9.  Because of the previous narrative on his thoughts and feelings, we understand why he is saying what he is saying.

Example #2.  Note this example is paying attention to plot:

-     In Helaman 6, we learn more about a man who is trying his best to repair the damages in his broken community.  We see how this man is looked down on and attacked by his peers, who believe that everything is alright and that nothing needs to change.

Example #3.  Note this example is paying attention to character:

-     In Helaman 6, we learn of a good man trying to do his duty and yet suffering for it.  We also learn of this man’s struggles trying to help his community, and we see how these struggles shape his life and who he is.

I commented in Allyson J’s post titled “Homeless but Hopeful” and related some of what she posted to the Book of Mormon.

Mosiah: Following the Counsel of His Father

Example 1: Mosiah 1:10, also Mosiah 2:1

• In Mosiah 1:10, we see see a young man follow the counsel of his father to make a proclamation among his people.

Example 2: Mosiah 1:2-3

• In Mosiah 1:2-3, a father tries to provide the best life he can for his sons by offering them educational opportunities and teaching them their family history.

Example 3: Mosiah 2:5

• In Mosiah 2:5, families gathered together to camp out for a big event.

Example 4: Mosiah 2:30

• In Mosiah 2:30, a man experienced stage fright while giving a big speech in front of many people. 

Relation to other students' posts:

Hailey's post about her mother could be likened to Mosiah following his father's counsel. She might share a story about doing something her mother asked her to and there could be a relation there; faith to follow what her mother asked her to do even if she didn't understand it in the moment. 

Josh's post about becoming a leader suddenly and having all of that responsibility is similar to the position Mosiah found himself in when his father died.

Andrew's post about feeling strong emotions can be related to King Benjamin's people's experiences while he was delivering his sermon. 

Nephi: Simpler Than You Would Assume

Example #1: Note this example is paying attention to the Character:

·      In 2^nd Nephi 21:7 the main character Nephi shows his empathetic side for his people by crying and having anguish in his soul over the future of his people.

Example #2: Note this example is paying attention to the Description/Imagery:

·      In 2^nd Nephi 26:4-6 the main character Nephi describes the future using the imagery of being burned to stubble, earthquakes, lightnings, building falling and crushing people to pieces, and whirlwinds carrying people away.

Example #3: Note this example is paying attention to the Setting:

·      In 2^nd Nephi 23:19-22 Babylon is described as being desolate, uninhabitable, being a place where only creatures would like to live and not people.

Reviewing Other’s Blog Posts

·      In Tori’s post she can be compared with Nephi of having that empathetic side for her Mom as she was going through the trials and hardships that she was experiencing.

·      In Eliza’s post about the celestial lawn, she uses imagery and vivid description to have those images pop into our minds, which is like what Nephi did, but in a more positive and happy way.

·      In Romney’s post he describes the setting of Guatemala not in the negative way as in 2^nd Nephi but describes it in such a way that it vividly describes the setting where the experience is taking place.