Book of the Law of the Lord/Plates of Brass Comparison
There are a number of differences between the Book of the Law of the Lord and the plates of brass translated as the Books of Moses or the Stick of Ephraim.
Fasting with Purpose and Power
“I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.” -Doctrine and Covenants 85:21a CoC, 88:76 LdS
The meditation of prayer and listening to communicate with God is a key foundational practice of Mormon Kabbalah. Fasting has been a sacred practice carried out since time immemorial in nearly all cultures. Today, science tells us that fasting also has a number of benefits to our physical health, body and mind. Fasting can help detoxify the body and even contributes to the healing of some diseases.
Unconditional Love
“YHVH hath appeared of old unto me, saying: ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.'” -Jeremiah 31:3
What is love? Is there a difference between God’s love and mankind’s ideas of love? Does God ever stop loving us? There is an idea out in the world that God will only love us “if.” What must we do then to earn God’s love?
What is Sin?
“By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” -Romans 3:20-23
We have been told to abandon sin, to forsake sin, and not to sin. But what is sin? What does it mean to sin? And once we know, how do we avoid it?
Women in Fellowship
In the Fellowship of Christ, we envision the ideal relationship between men, women and all genders as one of equity, equality, and partnership.
When the Tree of Life Breaks
And in the circumcision of the heart, the qliphoth (husk) is removed, that Ha’Or En Sof (the everlasting light or the light of Christ) might shine forth to heal this creation, uniting the upper world of the heavens and the lower world of the earth.
–Zenock 27:34
Most readers of 1 Nephi encounter Laman and Lemuel as cautionary figures. They are examples of stubbornness, disbelief, or rebellion. But if we read their story only as a moral failure, we miss its deeper gift. The story of Laman and Lemuel is a mirror of our own spiritual blockages! In Mormon Kabbalah, scripture is not merely history or doctrine. It is a map of the soul.
The Role of the Plates of Brass in the Lives of Lehi, Nephi, and Their Descendants
According to the Book of Mormon, the Plates of Brass played a significant role in the lives of Lehi and his descendants.
The Tree of Life
“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” -Genesis 2:9
In the Garden of Eden it is said there were two very important trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The fruit of the tree of good and evil is a representative of the impulsive or reflexive submission to God’s law vs the endowment of moral autonomy (Genesis 3:22). It is the ability to choose and discern good from evil autonomously. By contrast, the the tree of life represents God’s love through Christ.
Walking the Path of Light
Have you ever felt like life is a journey where you are trying to find your way back home? In Mormon Kabbalah, that feeling isn’t just a metaphor, it is the very essence of the faith.
Zenock, Alma, and the Path to God
Throughout human history, sacred texts have served as maps to the divine, guiding souls toward understanding, devotion, and spiritual fulfillment.
The Ascending Voice of Moroni Part 2: Moroni’s Message
Last week we looked at four writings attributed to Moroni. This week we will examine how they fit together.
The Ascending Voice of Moroni Part 1: The Four Writings
It appears that these three phases of writings and Moroni’s ministry are intrinsically linked, demonstrating the comprehensive path from initial faith to exaltation, coupled with an urgent call to prepare for the end times.