Bold Prophecies

1: Form Analyzed:
I decided to look at the Context of Communication.

2:Passage Analyzed:
Mosiah 12:2-5 (page 205)

3: Annotated Text:

4: Breakdown:
Abinadi has come back to preach to the people of Zeniff, disguised so the people don't recognize him. The people of Zeniff are very prideful over their triumph over the Lamanites, and Abinadi is warning them of the tribulations that will come if they continue in transgression. The speaker is the Lord through Abinadi, with the secondary audience being to the readers of the Book Of Mormon in the Latter Days.

5: Interpretations:
The prophesizing is written in poetry form, which makes it different than the rest of the speakers. Because is has come from the Lord, it is poetic and esteemed more sacred, and deserves a different layout. The word choice, such as "devour their flesh" and "have burdens lashed upon their backs" suggests terrible circumstances.

6: Connections:
This kind of approach makes the readers fear God and provide a witness against them for their iniquity.
The word choice also provides some questions. The word "lashed" seems more frightening and terrifying to the audience rather than "draped upon." How would the whole Book of Mormon change if the chastisement of Heavenly Father was not as bold and terrifying? How would history have played out, and the actions of so many people changed - especially Alma the Younger, whose chastisement changed his heart and helped him become a prophet - if Heavenly Father simply beat around the bush?

Pride Takes Away the Glory We Should Give to Heavenly Father

Orson F. Whitney wrote: "It is for God's glory. not man's. Let not vanity and pride possess you. Without humility there is no power."

Nephi Anderson's Added Upon emphasizes the importance of God's glory. He depicts the assembly in the Pre-Earth Life, where Lucifer and Jesus volunteer to be the Savior of the world. Because Jesus' plan gives God the glory and gives man agency, Heavenly Father chooses this plan. But Lucifer is furious, he's the Son of Morning, his light is brighter than many other's, his plan saves all mankind, and all he asks is for glory in return. Part First is an emphasis on giving the glory to Heavenly Father, and showing how Lucifer's vanity is his setback.

During Part Second, Rupert is given many blessings, on which he prides himself. Rupert puts himself on a pedestal above others because it was his reservoir that made the town thrive. It isn't until later, when Rupert is given the gospel by Signe, that he realizes that pride was his downfall. This reiterates Whitney's comment: "Let not vanity and pride possess you."

Once again, Anderson re-emphasizes pride to make the audience think about their own pride. Pride doesn't have to be a high esteem above others, as Rupert's was. Pride can also be like Henrik's, unwilling to listen to the missionary - he has his own religion. Henrik isn't really nice to the missionary or accept what he says at first. His mind is wandering. 

Nephi Anderson warns his readers to not let pride invade our hearts and shut out the glory we should give to Heavenly Father. Anderson wants us to reflect on our lives and our actions. Being prideful will fail us, sending us to the depths to gain humility and remember the glory of Heavenly Father.