10 Teachings from the Book of Mormon
For many people, the Book of Mormon can seem like a large and unfamiliar book filled with ancient names, journeys, sermons, and prophecies. Yet beneath its historical narratives lies a remarkably consistent set of teachings about God, humanity, and the purpose of life. Its prophets return again and again to a handful of foundational principles: faith in Jesus Christ, compassion for others, personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and the hope of redemption.
A Contrite and Humble Spirit
Note: This article was originally posted June 20, 2020.
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” -Isaiah 57:15
As we read the above scripture from Isaiah, we heard God tell us that He dwells with those who have a humble and contrite spirit. But, what does it mean to have a contrite spirit?
Teshuvah in the Torah of Moses from the Plates of Brass
Teshuvah is not merely something we do, as human beings, re-aligning ourselves with God. It is as an act of love and mercy on God’s part.
5 Ideas from the Mormon Kabbalah Creation Story
Human beings have always asked the same big questions: Why are we here? Where did we come from? Why do we feel homesick for something we cannot quite remember?
The Stick of Joseph and the Stick of Judah
The Book of Mormon speaks about an ancient record closely connected to the house of Israel: the Plates of Brass. Because these records were originally part of the Josephite tradition preserved in Jerusalem, they represent an important link to their scriptural heritage.
Why the Plates of Brass Now?
One of the recurring promises found in the Book of Mormon is that God preserves sacred knowledge and reveals it in His own time. The book teaches that many truths, teachings, and prophetic writings have been hidden throughout history. God’s knowledge will not be lost forever, but carefully preserved until the moment when they can bless future generations.
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.