Thursday, October 11, 2007

The title of the Book of Mormon

When someone asks where the title of the Book of Mormon comes from, a member of the church will usually explain how Mormon was the prophet who abridged the ancient record and leave it at that. Tonight, however, I was reading in Mosiah, the story of Alma preaching to a group of rag-tag believers, and I realized that the title of our second testament of Jesus Christ is much deeper than that.

In 3 Nephi 5:12, Mormon explains that he was named after the land where Alma taught, and while we aren't given the exact definition of "Mormon," we are told a few interesting things about the place:

1. We're told that there was a fountain of pure water, and fountains, especially of pure water, represent Christ.
2. We're told that there were trees which would shelter the group during the day and hide them from the searches of the king; i.e. a shelter from physical/spiritual danger.
3. In Mosiah 18:8, Alma says, "behold the waters of Mormon" and then begins a sermon that has nothing to do with the actual location (instead outlines the requirements for following Christ), but has been equated with the setting nonetheless.
4. Now read in Mosiah 18:30, and we're told how beautiful the setting of Mormon was to "the eyes of them who there came to a knowledge of their Redeemer." In other words the setting is equated with joy that comes from accepting the gospel of Christ.

So to wrap up my thought: We're encouraged to read the Book of Mormon every day because in recalling the place, IT'S VERY TITLE represents Christ, calls attention to His protection, contains the requirements to follow Him, and hints at the joy of those who will find their Redeemer inside.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good thought, I agree.

Anonymous said...

also good thoughts