The ancient prophet and historian Mormon's life was dominated by war and destruction, most of which he spent on the front lines. He lived to see and document the genocide of his people. I see his life as parallel to Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and other Biblical prophets who foresaw the destruction of their people. His life also reminds me of Noah who also preached in vain and saw his people destroyed.
Mormon maintained an intense focus on his connection with God through many years of war. Looking at his biography, I see that he was a brilliant war commander who attracted national attention at the age of 16. I think Mormon's major life lessons include:
1. When society is going down the tube, we can still firmly hold our own values.
2. War is awful.
3. Christ gives us hope for a better world and shows us how to get there for ourselves.
Mormon also compiled the history of about 19 generations into what we know as the Book of Mormon summarizing their accomplishments and weaknesses, their triumphs and struggles. He did this by etching the words into metal plates, as shown in this first picture.
I wouldn't put it past him to be more technically savvy though, and use a type set or other simple machine for the engraving instead of just using his hands.
Biography:
310 AD born in the Land Northward, his father's name was Mormon, a descendant of Nephi.
10 yrs old - As Mormon started school, the prophet Ammaron called him to be the nation's historian and spiritual leader.
11 yrs old - moved to Zarahemla with his father, a much larger city than his birth town.
15 yrs old - visited of the Lord and knows the goodness of Jesus, but is forbidden to preach
16 yrs old - leads the Nephite armies into war, humbling citing his stature as the reason for selection
40 yrs old - preaches repentance in vain
52 yrs old - resigns from service, disgusted by the Nephites' blood lust
65 yrs old - resumes service
75 yrs old - one of 24 soldiers surviving from an army of 230,000
soon after - killed by the Lamanites
Mormon's age during Nephite war years: 16-20, 35-40, 50 - 57, 65 - 75
This picture is just awesome. I imagine their armor and war decorations would have been a lot more unique and intense, but it gets the general feeling about right.
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