BYU (Brigham Young University) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.” As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.
In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.
In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages.)
Let us know if you’d like to receive your own digital copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.
Mormon Thoughts: The Power of Gathering Together
One of the greatest overarching aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is its concept of community, or the gathering together of individuals. The symbol of the Church is the Latter-day Saints themselves and their lives; the basic unit of the Church is the family; and the Church is further organized into close-knit wards, stakes, and regions which all coalesce into the worldwide Church. One of the aims of the latter days is to gather together the scattered twelve tribes of Israel. In the last days, it is foretold that the saints will gather together in Missouri or in their stakes. Countless more examples of importance gatherings in the Church exist in modern day prophecy and revelation, and numberless such examples exist also in the Book of Mormon. Over and over, it is made clear that incredible, truly miraculous things happen when members of the Church gather together.
For example, in the book of 3 Nephi, chapter three, the Nephites come under the attack of a wicked group called the Gadianton Robbers. To prepare to defend themselves, the people first gather their families and belongings together, as stated in verse thirteen: “Yea, and he sent a proclamation among all the people, that they should gather together their women, and their children, their flocks and their herds, and all their substance, save it were their land, unto one place.” Once gathered, the city was fortified around the people. Eventually, the Nephites defeat the Gadianton Robbers, and the people are saved.
The power of the individual is obvious, even in the Church. Prophets and wise men are written about extensively in the scriptures. Members of the Church today observe the modern-day prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and those who serve with him, work miracles, receive revelation, and make important decisions for the Church. However, in today’s world, families are being divided, nations are at odds over both important matters and petty feuds, and the unity of people is generally being mocked and downplayed. In this climate, I believe that the messages sent through the gathering and unity of the saints are essential. We are commanded to serve and love our fellow men. Surely it is expected that we join together, worship together, and live peaceably and happily together, as well. The saints are stronger together–united under one belief, one God, and one Savior, than divided by disagreements or the determination to “go it alone.” I know I feel incredible peace and happiness in my life when I am praising the Lord or simply having fun with my friends, and especially when I am with my close, united family.
I know that if the rest of the world remembers the importance of families and the importance of the unity of people at large, blessings will rain down upon the righteous. They will have the power to repel evil and resist sin and temptation, just as the Nephites were able to guard themselves against the fruitless efforts of the Gadianton Robbers. I have faith that God will always protect those who choose to live with and love their families and neighbors and encourage them to keep the faith and live the gospel righteously.
If these reflections helped you, or if you have any questions or comments, I would be happy to hear from you.
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