What does it mean to be nice?

Many who receive honor, praise, and the laurels of recognition receive it for their bold, daring deeds. Our capitalistic society recognizes those who take great risks and earn great rewards. Many people respect people who are bullies, tyrants, and blunt loudmouths because of their "courage." I think it takes more character to be nice than to be abrasive, and it is harder to be effective than to be loud. Today the question I am trying to answer is,
     "Who was the nicest prophet in the Book of Mormon?"

"Nice" is a generic term, but what I mean by someone nice is someone who is humble, happy to serve in whatever capacity is necessary, and someone who is sensitive and yields to others' desires. I thought about Jacob and his sensitivity to the tender-hearted, and Nephi son of Lehi who forgave his brothers frankly for their attempts to kill him. I thought about Samuel the Lamanite and how he did not get angry as he gave his mission. I thought about Ammon who was more than happy to risk his life for the Lamanite king, the sworn enemy of the kingdom that could have been his. While there are many great examples in the Book of Mormon, Helaman the son of Alma stood out especially to me.

Criteria:
1. Peacemaker
Alma had just departed and was never seen again when Amalackiah starts rallying the people to appoint him king. What effect does Helaman have?
And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the words of Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against their brethren. (Alma 46:1 emphasis added)
Anyone who listened to Helaman was not involved in the conflict.

2. Willing to take any role, big or small
Helaman was asked to take on several roles and never declined or let others' expectations prevent him from serving. Helaman was willing to lead the church and did his very best at it. Mormon says Helaman and his brethren preached with exceeding great care, and that they were no less serviceable [than Captain Moroni]. Helaman's father was the first chief judge and lead the Nephite armies into battle against Amlici. Instead of feeling pressure to prove himself, Helaman was happy enough to lead a small band of 2,000 warriors, whom he called "his sons."

3. Plays a pivotal role but gives others credit
How many times does the commander get the credit for the victory? The commander makes a huge difference in the outcome of the battle, yet I am struck by Helaman's tribute to his rookie soldiers and their fighting.

4. Excercises influcence by persuasion and long-suffering
Like in this example:
But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made.

While Captain Moroni is a wonderful example of direct action, dramatic rallying, and passionate endeavors, Helaman quietly and effectively does his best to help his people. Helaman son of Alma is a wonderful example of someone who is humble and meek, or in other words, just a really nice guy. I hope I can remember and be more like him.

Abinadi and Chaos Theory

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.

Edward Lorenz

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.
  

Snowball effect #3: Alma the Elder and posterity

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. 

Mos 13:10

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.

Mos 17:10,14,15

Questions in the Church

A few people close to me have recently come across questions they feel are important, but they hadn't found a good place to discuss them with other people. They felt the desire to discuss it at church, as the questions were mostly doctrinal or doctrine-related, but they felt like there was no forum designed to take their questions. One friend phrased it this way, "What questions should be asked and when?"

Questions at church can be hard to answer in the three hour block... (drawing credit: DSB)

Many of these questions were about the mysteries of God. The Greek word "musterion" (Strong's number 3466) denotes religious secrets not communicated to the uninitiated. This is not truths that are unknowable, but truths that only God can tell us. Hearing something from God is the only way we can know some truths.

Why should I think about the questions I ask?

In my work as an engineer, questions are quite important. The questions I ask and their timing is crucial to the success of my projects. Asking the right question at the right time means that I am solving the true problem at hand, and that I am focusing on adding value to the project. I can ask many questions, but many of them will take me in totally useless directions. Some of them may be valid and well founded in sound science, but if it doesn't add value to my project, I don't ask those questions. 

My father has worked with several Nobel Prize winners in his field (Physics) over the course of his career. He told me that they are all extremely bright and committed to their work above all else. However, those are necessary but not sufficient conditions to winning a Nobel Prize. The distinguishing characteristic was that they asked the right question. These are people whose questions changed the world. Einstein and his imagination asked questions that no one in their right mind would ask, and entire fields of study sprang into existence because of his questions.

In the end, it isn't really our physical appearance that determines our quality of life, our legacy, or our impact on the people and world around us. Our primary and distinguishing characteristic is how we use our time. The way we ask our questions becomes part of our character and changes the course of our life. Our questions and how we answer them in word and deed are the only thing that differentiate us from each other.

Alma the Younger is a great example of getting answers to deep doctrinal questions

Alma the Younger grew up and was quite a rebel, going about destroying the church for many years. This is actually quite similar to his father, as Alma the Elder was a priest for wicked King Noah until Abinadi came and taught him a lesson. Alma the Elder prayed his son an angelic visitor, and after three days of total reset, Alma the Younger had a change of heart. This is where the primary story ends and they pick it up a few weeks later after the sons of Mosiah go on a mission.

Alma the Younger had a son named Corianton. This son seems to have gotten the rebellious gene that his brothers Helaman and Shiblon did not. While Helaman and Shiblon receive praise and commendation from their father for their diligence, Corianton gets an intense doctrinal discourse to resolve some behavioral and doctrinal concerns he has. Of the many lessons to be learned from these chapters, here are a few things I learned about asking questions:

1. Even the prophet can have concerns and deep doctrinal questions 

     If you were called as the prophet, whom would you ask your deep doctrinal questions? We have several stories in the Book of Mormon about prophets who were stumped on very specific questions. Alma the Elder didn't know how to respond to unrepentant wickedness in the Church (Mosiah 26). The Nephite disciples of Christ were concerned about the name of the church in the new dispensation (3 Nephi 27-28). Alma the Younger was not immediately endowed with deep spiritual knowledge when he decided he wanted to follow Christ. He says, "I fasted and prayed many days that I might know of these things for myself" (Alma 5).

2. Answering your own questions can help others with their questions

     Alma probably had many more doctrinal questions, but we have his thoughts about the spirit world and the resurrection because they were key in resolving his son Corianton's concerns. Alma writes:

     "... for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead. Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection until after the coming of Christ. Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection." (Alma 40)

3. Some questions have to be answered by God, and not by other people

     One of the marvelous truths of the Restoration is that God does answer prayers and speak to man. It is certainly a good habit to look to revealed truth on any subject before foraying on to pursue the mysteries of God. Some questions must be answered individually however. While today's culture of global conformity does not always smile on a counter-current individual, the structure of the Church does afford great latitude in social, political, and even spiritual matters. Read the questions for the baptismal worthiness interview here, or the temple recommend questions here (last section). I also copied them onto this post below. These are the questions the Lord has prioritized for us to answer before participating in sacred ordinances. Before focusing on our own questions, I think it is important to have the foundation of answering the Lord's questions. 

Oh, the places you'll go...

      Questions do have a certain power to them. Asking a question points us in a certain direction. There are real consequences to asking questions. Any new employee knows the importance of asking good questions during a job interview. The questions we choose to ask and to pursue answers for change our life. Joseph Smith asked the question, "Which church should I join?" and his answer gave rise to movement of thousands and now millions of people. I hope that I can pursue worthy questions and follow their answers courageously.

PS - Here are some more thoughts, including the baptismal and temple worthiness questions

Ideas of places to discuss deep personal questions in the church:
1. Personal interview with the bishop or stake president
2. Personal interview with quorum or class president.
3. With your spouse in the temple (if married)
4. With home teachers privately (depends on teaching setting)
5. In Sunday School or with Sunday School teacher (more doctrinal questions)
6. With friends and family in an informal setting ("where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I also.")
** Notice the lack of references here - this is my personal opinion like everything else besides direct scriptural citations.

Immanuel Kant and the Categorical Imperative

When we are talking about big or heavy questions, we should have a reason behind asking them. When it gets hard to find the answer or the answer is just hard to accept or implement, we can go back to the reason behind the question. Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative suggested that conclusions should all be capable of becoming universal law. Applying this thought experiment to breadth of many people is interesting; also consider the time sequence. To what ultimate goal does answering this question contribute? Where will I go asking this question all the time?      There is a time and a place for idle questions. Why do they call them apartments when they are so close together? Why do you drive in a parkway and park in a driveway? How come there aren't B batteries (source)? Before we spend inordinate amounts of time, money, and resources in the question, we should think about where the answer is likely to take us.

Temple Worthiness Questions from True to the Faith (here)

Before we can go to the temple, we must be active, worthy members of the Church for at least one year. Men must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. We must be interviewed by the branch president or bishop. If he finds us worthy, he will give us a temple recommend. If we are not worthy, he will counsel with us and help us set goals to become worthy to go to the temple. 

After we receive a recommend from our bishop or branch president, we must be interviewed by the stake president or the mission president. We are asked questions like the following in interviews for a temple recommend:

1. 1. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost? Do you have a firm testimony of the restored gospel?
2. 2. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator? Do you recognize him as the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
3. 3. Do you live the law of chastity?
4. 4. Are you a full-tithe payer?
5. 5. Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?
6. 6. Are you honest in your dealings with others?
7. 7. Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and priesthood meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

When you ask for a temple recommend, you should remember that entering the temple is a sacred privilege. It is a serious act, not something to be taken lightly.

Baptismal Interview Questions From Preach My Gospel (here):

1. 1. Do you believe that God is our Eternal Father? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world?
2. 2. Do you believe the Church and gospel of Jesus Christ have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith? Do you believe that [current Church President] is a prophet of God? What does this mean to you?
3. 3. What does it mean to you to repent? Do you feel that you have repented of your past transgressions?
4. 4. Have you ever committed a serious crime? If so, are you now on probation or parole? Have you ever participated in an abortion? a homosexual relationship?
5. 5. You have been taught that membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes living gospel standards. What do you understand of the following standards? Are you willing to obey them?
   1. a. The law of chastity, which prohibits any sexual relationship outside the bonds of a legal marriage between a man and a woman.
   2. b. The law of tithing.
   3. c. The Word of Wisdom.
   4. d. The Sabbath day, including partaking of the sacrament weekly and rendering service to fellow members.
6. 6. When you are baptized, you covenant with God that you are willing to take upon yourself the name of Christ and keep His commandments throughout your life. Are you ready to make this covenant and strive to be faithful to it?

Why should we keep Lower Law?

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai and saw his people worshiping a golden calf, he threw down the tablets with the law God had written with his finger. He went back and came again with the Ten Commandments, which were according as, but different than the first set. In the LDS Church we frequently call this the lower law. We know that the Law of Moses still contained the gospel of faith, repentance and baptism, but it also had carnal commandments adapted for the Israelites and their struggle to keep God's commandments.



Lower laws are just as important to keep as higher laws.
This might not be intuitive from the typical teenage experience. When a parent sets a curfew, they might set it a few minutes early in case the kid is late. When designing a car or mechanical system, the engineer calculates the threshold of performance and gives additional leniency for errors in manufacturing, materials, and wear. However, God doesn't give commandments intending them to be broken. (See number 3 below about the Nephites)

Here are a few things we can learn from this "Lower Law" about obedience in our lives today.

We grow from grace to grace; we learn line upon line.
       Part of being human is having and overcoming failings, ignorance, and mistakes. Through John the Beloved, we know that even Jesus grew from grace to grace. This is a true principle for each of us as we repent and try doing our best. When we can keep the commandments we have been given, God allows us to repent by increasing our goals. His ultimate commandment is "Be ye therefore perfect" which shows us that he truly wants us to come to his level eventually.

We are accountable according to our knowledge.
       I believe knowledge and commandments are two major factors in determining our accountability. A third important factor is intent, a topic for another time. God has told us that he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation. This is a very merciful principle because the Lord doesn't give us all knowledge at once. If the Lord were to reveal all truth to us at once, we would immediately be accountable to be perfect as He is. Instead, he allows us to grow and learn from our mistakes. Being the Perfect Judge, he knows when we fail because of true ignorance and is merciful.

We are accountable according to the commandments.
     We are also accountable according to the commandments. The Nephites, for example, knew that the Law of Moses was given for wickedness and that there was no salvation only through the law of Moses. For more on this topic, see Abinadi's teaching here. Nephi writes:

 24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.

 25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

(2 Ne 25:24-25 emphasis added)

      The Nephites in the Americas kept the Law of Moses until it was fulfilled even though they knew it wasn't a perfect law. None of them was even alive when the Israelite wickedness brought these laws about, nor were they even in the same continent - yet they kept the law!
      Consider how Christ clearly demonstrated accountability to the law. He kept the Law of Moses every whit even as he fulfilled it (see here and here). Christ was the Giver of the Law, and he knew better than anyone its weakness - yet he kept the law. Wasn't he exempt because he knew that was a lower law? No, even Jesus was accountable for the commandment regardless of what he knew or intended. His agony in Gethsemane and crucifixion on Calvary are the ultimate example of how real the law of justice is and how necessary it is to keep and fulfill the law. Knowledge and good intentions cannot justify breaking any law, even a lower law.

We are accountable to others' knowledge
      The Jews had a tradition refusing the meat sacrificed to idols in an effort to have nothing to do with idols and idol worship. Christ rejected many unnecessary traditions of the Jews, and the question about eating the meat sacrificed to idols came up among the Corinthians. Paul's response illustrates the group nature of the gospel, and how living the gospel is intended for everyone. Paul says that in reality, idols are not deities or powers and therefore the meat is not cursed or blessed by them. We are at liberty to eat or refuse the meat, but...

  9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

According to Paul, other people's knowledge or lack of knowledge is a determinant of what constitutes sin. As an older sibling, this makes a lot of sense. I wasn't supposed to cross the street without my parents when I was younger. Even though I was old enough to cross the street safely, my siblings might have made bad decisions if they saw me crossing the road alone.
       
Conclusion
The idea of a law being lower or higher doesn't refer to the importance of obeying it. A law is lower when it is not true during all dispensations or if it will be fulfilled. I hope that you can recognize the importance of a lower law and how it is important to keep it. Lower laws in the church today might include the three hour church block and the Word of Wisdom (specifically tailored to the weakest of Saints!), and the missionary handbook while on a mission.  God gives us step-wise commandments to help us grow, to allow us to learn from smaller mistakes, to test our faith, and to test our self-control for the benefit of others.

Mormon - the Philosophical Soldier

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ..." - Mormon

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. 

Confounding Antichrists

ANTICHRIST  -  (See also Devil)   Anyone or anything that counterfeits the true gospel plan of salvation and that openly or secretly opposes Christ. John the Revelator described the antichrist as a deceiver (1 Jn. 2:18–22; 4:3–6; 2 Jn. 1:7). The great antichrist is Lucifer, but he has many assistants, both spirit beings and mortals. 

-- The Guide to the Scriptures

There are three Antichrists mentioned in the Book of Mormon by name: Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor.  This post focuses on what we know about Sherem (all found in Jacob 7). I hope that it will help you and me to identify similar teachings we may encounter.

Image from LDS.org

Sherem
Sherem's Doctrine (Jacob 7)

1. The law of Moses is the right way to worship God (v7)

2. There shall never be a Christ (v9)

3. No man knoweth of things to come (v7)

4. God does not communicate with man through the Holy Ghost (implied in v13)

Sherem seems to be a bit confused and has some contradicting opinions. He says no one can know of things to come, but he knows there will never be a Christ. He says the law of Moses is the right way, but doesn't believe in a Messiah. This is kind of like believing the Bible is true including Christ's Resurrection, but not believing in the Second Coming.

Here are some doctrines similar to Sherem's
- salvation comes by works
- God does not communicate with man today
- the future is not predictable or knowable

Lessons Learned

Jacob son of Lehi responded to Sherem like this:
1. Do you deny the Christ? (v9)
2. Do you believe the scriptures? (v10)
3. The scriptures testify of Christ. (v11)
4. I am a personal witness of Christ. (v12)
Jacob uses the first two questions to anchor his last two statements. I wonder if the exchange was really as short as these verses show, or if this is just a summary of the exchange. In my experience, interpreting scripture and establishing such opposing views from the scriptures requires much more discussion than we have in Jacob 7:6-14. We can respond to confrontations similarly - first asking questions to establish a starting point, then sharing our perspective, and finally giving the reason why we believe one way or the other.

Sherem's Biography

Sherem's begins teaching and laboring diligently to lead the people by "much flattery and much power of speech." Sherem persuades "many hearts" and then seeks out Jacob as the prophet and spiritual leader to try and shake his faith in Christ. The discussion doesn't go Sherem's way, as he ends up demanding a sign from Jacob of the Holy Ghost. The power of The Lord comes upon Sherem and he falls to the earth and is nourished for the space of many days. He knows he is going to die and calls the people together to speak to them. From his deathbed he spoke of a bunch of spiritual topics, in contrast to his earlier teachings about the law of Moses and his comment about the Holy Ghost.

Jacob and Enos - Methuselahs of the Book of Mormon

Life Overview of Jacob son of Lehi
600 BC - 592 BC born while his family journeys in the wilderness.
570 BC has already seen the glory of God and been ordained a priest and teacher.
544 BC takes responsibility for the plates, leads the church.
___ BC confounds Sherem the Anti-Christ

Life Overview of Enos son of Jacob
___ BC   prays and receives forgiveness of his sins
___ BC   leads unsuccessful missions to the Lamanites
420 BC records his life story in the small plates, passes them to his son Jarom

The incredible thing about Jacob and Enos is their longevity. Jacob was born as Lehi was wandering in the wilderness. 180 years later, Jacob's son Enos finishes his entry in the plates. On the news today there are stories of men up to age 96 fathering children. To put these stories in perspective, Gordon B Hinckley was 97 years old when he died, and he was born in 1910. If is father had been born in the 1820's it would have made the same collective 180 year span between father and son.

This also provides an interesting context for Enos' story about receiving a remission of his sins. Enos learned his father's language and remembered his words. Enos promised obedience to keeping the plates for his father before he passed away. Enos says he remembered "the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life and the joy of the saints." Enos was hunting, and it seems likely that his father had passed away while Enos was young. Enos was likely remembering his deceased father's words. I think this makes Enos situation more poignant and desperate than if his father was 20 years older than him and living.

I also wonder how old Enos was when he received responsibility for the plates. Mormon was 10 years old when he knew he would receive the plates, but that was in a time where the majority of the Nephite civilization was turning to wickedness. Mormon was told by Ammaron to wait to take the plates until he was "about twenty and four years old." If Enos was at least that age when he took the plates, it only makes his and his father's longevity all the more impressive!