The PDF files below are designed to accompany an eight part series of lectures titled War in the Book of Mormon which looks at how the prophet Mormon uses war as a metaphor to teach his readers important doctrinal principles. All opinions and suppositions expressed in this work are entirely those of the author and in no way reflect the opinions, positions, or policies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
These files are free to download, but are to be used solely for personal study. They may not be reprinted, altered, adapted or otherwise utilized without the express written permission of the author.
Titles highlighted in red are available for download. All other titles are forthcoming.
The Book of Mormon is the only religious text in the world that is a single story with a beginning, middle, and end. This presentation explains the context for the beginning of the Book of Mormon and the overall story of the record in terms of geography, history, scope, and scale.
This is a discussion on the dynamic events experienced by Lehi and his family prior to their departure from Jerusalem. What was their experience with war and how is war in the Book of Mormon different? What was war like in the early parts of the Book of Mormon?
We are told that the Nephites learned much from the records that returned to Zarahemla with Limhi and Alma. What was it they learned about war?
War in the Book of Mormon - Part 4 - Alma and the Power of Missionaries
Alma is the great example of the warrior-leader. He led in war and as a missionary. The missionary work of this period led to a transformation of society and a transformation of war.
War in the Book of Mormon - Part 5 - Moroni at the Beginning
Moroni was a change agent. He changed warfare. He was the first professional soldier and the archetypal soldier of Christ. He changed armor and fortifications, he was proactive in attacks and preparations, he was predictive of the enemy, and he was the great example of the metaphor. Amalickiah is the Satan archetype and the great example of how Satan operates in our lives.
War in the Book of Mormon - Part 6 - The Amalickiahite War
The great war metaphor. This is a discussion of the details of the campaigns and battles discussed in the Book of Mormon—the richest battle narratives in the entire record.
War in the Book of Mormon - Part 7 - Gadianton Robbers and the Change in Warfare
Our world today is ruled and dominated by the Gadianton Robbers. We live in the world of Helaman and 3 Nephi. We discuss that world and what we can learn about how to come off conqueror in our world today.
War in the Book of Mormon - Part 8 - Mormon
Who was he? What do we know of him, his life, and his service? This includes a conclusion of the lessons taught by Mormon through his great metaphor.