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.
Tsohar’s Message of Returning to Eden through Love and Divine Unity
For their attempts to unite in love had begun by oath and covenant with the fathers before them in their Holy rites in their ages past; and they did perform these rites, believing in the God of their salvation for the purpose of drawing them together eternally. And because they were willing to do this by oath and covenant, going through the performance of union until the love of God did bind them together eternally.” -Writings of Moroni 11:4-6 [11:2b-d]
At an event in Missouri last weekend, the Fellowship brought a lot of different books to give away. One that many had questions about was Tsohar. Tsohar is a collection of revelations, translations, and other divine writings from the Latter Day Saint movement. Some Rabbis believe the Hebrew word “Tzohar” as used in Genesis 6:16, describes a precious stone in Noah’s ark that emitted light. This word can also mean “light, noon, or window,” making it a fitting title for this collection. Tsohar presents itself as a continuation of the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon, but cautions that its books should not always be taken literally. It acknowledges that these texts are compiled by humans and, like all scripture, should be read prayerfully for personal revelation.
When to Forgive
“Then came Peter to him, and said” Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? And Jesus saith unto him: I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” -Matthew 18:21-22
How much we should take when others push us? How much should we give when others only take? How much should we hurt and come back when others purposely or even go out of their way to hurt us?
Being a Prophetic People
Our religion becomes less of a book club setup to argue over dogma and more of a relationship where we grow in Christ and as one in His name.
The Role of Women in the Plates of Brass
One of the most striking distinctions between the traditional Torah and the Torah written to the seed of Joseph on the plates of brass is the portrayal of women.
God is Love!
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” -John 13:34-35
Sometimes we justify our dislike for others by saying things like “but they’re sport-stars (they play for the opposite team etc)” or “they’re celebrities, I don’t know them personally so…” The fact is that when we start to justify our displeasure for others, we are beginning to loose sight of the Celestial love of Christ, that we should all be aiming to have in our hearts at all times.
Why the Book of Mormon is True
“And [God] gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon; which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them—proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.” -Doctrines of the Saints 2a:8-11
All holy books have truth and wisdom in them; yet we do not accept all holy books as scripture the way we do the Bible and Book of Mormon. We claim the Book of Mormon is “true.” We say that the Gospel is “true.” But what does this mean? What is “truth?”