Themes of the Book of Mormon.
As they prevail from Beginning to End.
1. End of the world and destruction of the wicked.
The word “destruction” appears 513 times, “repentance” 385 times. There are always Mass exterminations but always a remnant saved.
2. The Sharing of the Gospel.
3. The Lone Dissenter
Those who stand alone, example: Lehi, Bro. of Jared Moroni, Abinidi.
4. The Rechabite Motif
Groups and families go into the desert to live in religious security.
5. Leadership vs. Ambition.
Great leaders and great Rascals. In the Book of Mormon, Those who want to be leaders are the ones who should not be leaders
6. Organized Crime and Terrorism.
7. Riches –The Root of all Evil.
It is in the Book of Mormon, The sin of the Book of Mormon is “inequality” that is founded on pride and competition.
8. Power and Persuasion.
Power is mentioned outside of the Bible 669 times. There are two kinds of persuasion, “Military and Missionary.” Only one type is lasting.
9. Church Rites and Ordinances of the Old Jewish Customs,
The Book centers around the
10. The Reality of the
other world
Intrusions between the world of the living and the world of the Gods, manifestations, and angels throughout.
11. Promised Land Motif.
The promise is "if the inhabitants don’t keep the Commandments they will be destroyed".
12. History of Indians
and Laminites.
13. The Good vs. the
Bad.
The good are those repenting, the bad are those not repenting. Changes overnight,
14. The Gospel of
Repentance taught from beginning to end.
15. A Book of
Authenticity and evidence.
16. Literature.
Inspiration and History. The test of a classic is always internal.
17. Tour de Force.
It’s real we have it in our hands.
18. Natural History,
Geography, and natural disasters and calamities.
19.
Archeology and religious history.
20. Personal Relevance.
Written for our time, and for us as LDS, with the command to liken all scripture unto ourselves.