The Book of Mormon, a Member Manual

For a reason not usually considered, the Book of Mormon is unique among the standard works for the Church and, for that matter, any book that thus far has ever been written. This reason provides, perhaps, a major explanation for why prophets such as Ezra Taft Benson have emphasized the special need for its study by Church members and how and why its message was written specifically for our day. This reason is that the Book of Mormon is the record of a people who possessed the fulness of the Gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12) for over 1000 years. As such, it provides a very important model for members of the Church to follow, since we also exist in this same kind of religious setting.

I take the phrase “fulness of the Gospel” to mean:
1) Men with the authority and keys of the Melchizedek priesthood are in leadership.
2) Members are taught and understand the plan of salvation (see PREACH MY GOSPEL, 2004, pp. 55-56) as including:
–Knowledge of where we came from, why we are here, and where we will go after this life
–Knowing that a loving Heavenly Father instituted this plan to help us progress in this life, be happy, and live successfully, so that we can return to his presence and become like him
–The mission and atonement of Jesus Christ was central to the plan, overcoming physical death and providing a way for us to be cleansed and forgiven for our sins so that we can return to live with a holy God
–Forgiveness and cleansing are available through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by authoritative administrators, the receipt of the Holy Ghost, and “enduring to the end” faithfully.
3) Ordinances of salvation, including baptism, and bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost were administered, by proper authority.

Other standard works, while containing important truths, do not have this background of a people trying to live the gospel for over a millenium:
The Old Testament is mostly about a people who had rejected the fulness of the Gospel when offered it by Moses and were given, in its place, a preparatory and lesser law and structure, the Law of Moses. Only the Book of Genesis gives a brief glimpse of earlier times when the fulness of the gospel was present.
The New Testament, after the testimonies of the life and mission of the Savior, describes a kind of Kirtland Church (Reynolds, EARLY CHRISTIANS IN DISARRAY, pp 8-9), increasingly characterized by dissension and wickedness, which existed only briefly before disintegrating into full apostasy.
The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations to modern prophets, largely in the first few years of the Restoration.
The Pearl of Great Price contains a few brief and added insights about the early times portrayed in the Old Testament.

On the other hand, the Book of Mormon gives rich detail about the efforts and struggles of individuals and groups to live the gospel as members of the ongoing Church of Jesus Christ, that we can and should relate to, as members of a church which has been administering the fulness of Gospel for over 180 years:
1) Wonderful examples of day-by-day faith, valiancy, and how these choices were made, by committed followers of the Lord, often in the face of trials and opposition (Lehi, Nephi, Abinadi, Helaman, Nephi II, Mormon, Moroni, etc., etc.).
2) The fruits of rebellion against the teachings of the Lord through his prophets and leaders, by persons who undoubtedly had been taught and/or been part of the gospel, even to the point that these persons became violent and murderous in their opposition (Laman and Lemuel, Zeezrom, Amalickiah, Zemnarihah, etc.), how as a member to deal with such opposition.
3) The process of returning to living faithfully (reactivation) on the part of members of the Church after engaging in such things as apostasy (Alma I), rebellion (Alma II), worldliness and materialism (Amulek), indifference and apathy (Enos), immorality and other serious sins (Corianton).
4) How baptized members may increase their spirituality to the point of knowing they have forgiveness and retaining a remission of their sins (the people of King Benjamin, in Mosiah 1:11; 2-5).
5) Ways to transmit the faith across generations, such as write a record of your spiritual experiences, teach from the scriptures, understand and learn from your family history, hold family councils and gatherings, give father’s blessings, be an example, bear testimony, give one-on-one counseling, give positive affirmation, be patient. (I have references for all of these)
6) Dealing with wayward children (Lehi; Alma I and Mosiah with their sons; Alma II with Corianton)
7) The covenant nature of the ordinances of salvation (Mosiah 8:8-10, 3 Ne 18:1-11).
8) Acquiring faith, hope, and charity as measures of a member’s spiritual progress (faith–Alma 32, Ether 12:6; hope–Ether 12:3, Alma 22:15-16, Moro 7:40-43, Moro 8:26; charity–Moro 7:44-48, 8:26)
9) How the Spirit is felt and experienced by a member (Alma 36, 32; 2 Ne 31, etc.)--how it can be driven away, how it can return.
10) The process and importance of true repentance, as experienced by members (Alma 34, 39, 42, etc.)
11) The need to sustain and support our leaders, to follow the prophet (many places).
12) Dealing with fighting in a war, as a member.
13) Being a missionary.
14) How the Church should function and be conducted.
15) Conducting the ordinances of salvation.
Etc.

Truly, among its many wonderful features, the Book of Mormon is a Member Manual, helping us since our baptisms 1) to progress in our personal spirituality and righteousness, 2) to bless and teach our families the Gospel, and 3) to support the growth of the Kingdom.