Jacob 1 - That We Might Persuade Them to Come Unto Christ I'm taking an online economics class right now, which prompted me to think of the definition of economics in the context of the scriptures. Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. In the case of Nephi and his successor Jacob, the plates upon which they engraved their record was a scarce resource. They were costly to make and difficult to engrave, and instilling a tradition of passing them through generations was surely cumbersome. Recognizing the great importance of spiritual things and the challenge of maintaining records, Nephi instructed Jacob to prioritize religious instruction saying, " if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people" (Jacob 1:4). This priority was not only reflecte
Five years after king Mosiah established a new political system among his people and Alma came to power, political turmoil and civil war erupted among the Nephites. A wicked man named Amlici tried to use a referendum election to put himself in power as king. When he failed, his followers still pronounced him their king and went to battle with the followers of Alma. Alma and his people fought back Amlici and his followers, who joined with the Lamanites and returned to battle Alma. Though Alma was able to fend off a second attack by Amlici and his Lamanite allies, thousands of people lost their lives.
Some of the most difficult passages for me to relate to in the Book of Mormon are those that detail political upheaval and war. Compared to the doctrinally rich sermons found in other parts of the Book of Mormon, it is hard for me to glean spiritual nourishment from historical accounts of "[Group A] led by [Leader 1] contended with [Group B] led by [Leader 2] in the Land of [X]. Tens of thousands were killed."
The best I can do is interpret them metaphorically and try to find connections to themes in my own life. This time reading Alma chapter 2 my mind is focused on political advocacy, and I am drawn to the steps that Alma and his people took to counter evil in their time. When Amlici first emerged as a political figure and sought to establish himself as a king, the people of the church were "alarmed ... for they knew that according to their law that such things must be established by the voice of the people" (Alma 2:3). Good people were familiar with their laws, and protective of their newly established democratic institutions. Furthermore, they were actively engaged in political discourse. "And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves together throughout all the land, every man according to his mind, whether it were for or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much dispute and wonderful contentions one with another" (Alma 2:5). My fundamental aversion to politics is rooted in its inherent conflict, and seeming dysfunction and futility. And yet I can't ignore examples of God's people in the scriptures debating, contending, and advocating, even against impossible odds, in defense of righteous principles.
When Amlici established himself as king of a seditious faction of the people, he led them to do battle with the Nephites. "Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to meet them" (Alma 2:12). The good people of that time were informed about the threat posed by their adversaries and made preparations to oppose them. In this example they prepared for literal battle, with parallels to the political and ideological conflicts of today. A statement often attributed to Edmund Burke observes that “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.” Reading this passage in the Book of Mormon has given me a stronger motivation to be forthcoming with my beliefs and confident in articulating the values that I embrace. As part of their preparations the Nephites organized themselves before the battle "... and there were appointed captains, and higher captains, and chief captains, according to their numbers" (Alma 2:13). There is strength in numbers and value in organization as we stand up to defend true principles.
Finally, Alma sought the strength and assistance of God in his efforts, and ensured that his motivations were pure. "And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much faith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people" (Alma 2:30). As I've observed the political activities of some of my friends who I deeply respect, I've noticed that we have reached different conclusions about policies governments should pursue. How can people I deem to be equally/more righteous than myself support political positions that are so contrary to my judgement? I think God allows for deep and legitimate differences of opinion around the best way to achieve social good. These difference are highly productive when motivations are sincerely centered on doing the right things and creating the best outcomes.
Application Questions
How can you advocate for righteous positions without descending into political banter and tribalism?
How can you ideologically contend with others from a place of love and curiosity?
How to you assess the purity of your political motivations?
What ideas and practices do you see that need to be challenged? What causes would you like to support? How can you improve the world around you?
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