Monday, February 8, 2021

More Book of Mormon language in Doctrine & Covenants 10

Stisa's latest post outlines numerous examples of Book of Mormon language in Section 10.  As he notes, this is particularly interesting since this revelation predates the translation of the Book of Mormon text we currently have.

As I studied the examples he listed, I recognized some additional connections, which happen to center on topics I've been studying for the past several weeks in my most recent posts.  In this post, I'll focus on similarities between D&C 10:55-56 and 1 Nephi 22:22-23.


 



55 Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
56 But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devil—yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center. (D&C 10)

 



22 And the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not be confounded. But it is the kingdom of the devil, which shall be built up among the children of men, which kingdom is established among them which are in the flesh

23 For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet. (1 Nephi 22)


In these two relatively short passages we find five similar phrases in the same order. Yet, the passages are different enough for this common language to hide in plain sight.  I'm certain there are many more connections between Section 10 and the Book of Mormon.


What does this mean?


I'm not sure I have a great answer to this important question. It seems Christ is highlighting some key teachings from the Book of Mormon. This makes section 10 incredibly important as a key to understanding the purposes and themes of the Book of Mormon. This of course also has implications for any naturalistic claim on Book of Mormon authorship -- these themes must have been worked out long before the first draft was produced.