If we start right, it is easy to go right all the time; but if we start wrong we may go wrong, and it will be a hard matter to get right.
Joseph Smith 1844 King Follett Sermon
This quote from Joseph Smith means a lot to me. I think it is generally true, not only in spiritual matters, but in life in general. Chaos theory holds that a slight change in the way things start makes a big difference in the eventual outcome. For example, people who grow up in poverty may struggle to gain access to education and better jobs.
The Chaos Theory also has a lot to say about starting right. Edward Lorenz defined Chaos theory thus:
Chaos: When the present determines the future, but the approximate present does not approximately determine the future.
A slight difference in the way things start makes a huge difference in the eventual outcome. Lorenz published an article in 1972 titled, "Predictability: Does the Flap of a Butterfly's Wings in Brazil Set Off a Tornado in Texas?" This not to say every butterfly is responsible for a tornado in Texas, but the butterfly can make a difference in the course of major events.
Abinadi had a huge impact on the century after his death
We don't know a lot about Abinadi's back story. I really enjoyed Roger Terry's article about a potential scenario here, but to make a long story short, Abinadi preached among the people and was cast out. Then after two years, he returned in disguise and started preaching. I don't think subtlety was his specialty when he said,
Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations.
Somehow they figured out it was him and still didn't like his message the second time around. Then they took him to the king for an epic confrontation filling the next six chapters. I think this was a spectator sport with the priests showing off their wisdom and knowledge in front of a crowd, hoping to publicly humiliate Abinadi. That would provide extra motivation for the priests to try and cut him off before he finished speaking. He is filled with the power of God and delivers the whole message he was supposed to deliver. The wicked priests and Noah kill him by burning him at the stake.
Abinadi had a major impact on both Lamanites and Nephites for the next 100 years because of his impact on all the parties in his story.
Ripple #1: Gideon the humble hero
Before Abinadi is on the scene, there is no dissatisfaction, no dissent, and no subversive factions among the people. Abinadi may not have been the cause, but he was a forerunner and kicked off the party. After Abinadi dies, Alma converts hundreds and leaves. Soon after that, a "lesser part began to breathe out threatenings against the king" (Mos 19:3). Gideon is the leader of this group, and he really hated King Noah (Mosiah 19:4, 19:18). Gideon was influenced by Abinadi enough to remember his prophecies and recognize their fulfillment when the Lamanites come for trouble.
Snowball effect #2: Golden age of the Lamanites
The ripples from Abinadi's ministry have a significant impact on the Lamanite economy:
- Abinadi alienated the people from Noah and his priests (for example, Gideon)
- The priests were cast out, and wormed their way into leadership with the Lamanites
- The priests teach the Lamanites the Nephite language and how to trade (reference). This is the beginning of trade and commerce among the Lamanites, and starts a change in their society.
- This is a factor in the great success of the sons of Mosiah, and later Nephi and Lehi.
For example, Ammon lays the records before King Lamoni (here)
Alma summarizes the importance of the scriptures in the Lamanites' conversion here - Eventually all of the Lamanites are either converted or become Gadianton Robbers. The Lamanites and Nephites economies are unified about 120 years after Abinadi's preaching.
Alma the Elder had proper authority, but was wicked as he was a priest of Noah. While the rest of the priests were evil, manipulative, and hardened in iniquity, Alma the Elder repented because of Abinadi's words. He became a leader of a small group, and after rejoining the main body of the Nephites, he became the high priest of the whole church. Alma the Elder and his posterity were the record keepers and national leaders of the Nephites until Christ came and afterwards. Brothers Nephi and Lehi, the great-great-grandsons of Alma the Elder converted many of the Lamanites. This family line had a large impact on national events for the next 100 years and more. The way Abinadi decided to live and give his life to God was like the flap of a butterfly's wings which caused major changes for decades.
What you do with me, after this, shall be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come.
Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. ... And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried unto them, saying: Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God.
No comments:
Post a Comment