Comparing The Doctrine And Covenants
ENRICHING THE PRESENT, AND SHAPING THE FUTURE
“24 But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose. 25 Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed. 26 Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you.7 Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded 28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly. Even so. Amen.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 49: 24–28).
SUMMARY.– ANOTHER BOOK ON RELIGIÓN? – NEW CONNECTIONS. – THE PROMISE. – WHY LATIN AMERICA?
I. ANOTHER BOOK ON RELIGION?
Another book on Mormon History? Overwhelming as it is the number of the first and numerous the number of the latter, a new writing on these matters may seem of no consequence given its redundancy. However, we attempt to …show more content…
fill-in the existing vacuum among the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints —particularly those of Latin American origin or lamanites— given the lack of resources compiling and describing the fundamentals of their history in a comprehensive manner, as well as the why and wherefores that inspirit the Church to develop its spiritual work among them. In truth, we are not aware of any analysis and/or systematic studies in regard to such elements at this moment.
Fortunately, the Church created a Family and Church History Department methodically enriched day after day. This Department works with experienced personnel and state-of-the-art technology. Likewise, there is a constant recording of local history in some ecclesiastical units (regions, stakes, wards, districts and branches). Also, valuable historical resources of the Church at Brigham University Young (BYU) include the Harold B. Lee Library (which includes L. Tom Perry Special Collections preserving rare materials for research), the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History, Religious Education, the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), and BYU Studies
Additionally, the Church has its own History Library, the Museum of Church History and Art, the Church History Library, and the Church Archives. The latter includes manuscripts, Church records, local Church records, photographs, oral histories, audiovisual materials, and architectural drawings, some of which are offered to the public through a superb, functional website with several links to abundant resources. Thus, it is indisputable that the Church is committed to preserve and enhance its historical treasure. On the other hand, a large number of members have written and continue narrating their memories, notes of a diverse nature, documents, essays and books. It is refreshing to notice how the example set by Jose Smith, who bequeathed himself a great deal of documental history —particularly in Doctrines and Covenants— is followed at all levels of the Church in the United States.
Even though the number of writings on the history of the Church in this country is profuse, there is a palpable absence of comprehensive studies on the history of the Church in Latin America. In fairness, however, we must acknowledge that there are numerous documents and remarkable books on the history of the establishment of Mormonism in countries like Mexico, Argentina and Chile. It is possible to justify this situation to a certain extent. First, there is the youth of the religion itself, as well as the still fresh deployment of the Church in Latin America. Additionally, there is a lack of historical awareness among the members of that region, who at times appear indifferent even to their recent past.
To what can this seemingly indifference be attributed if the Book of Mormon —the fundamental book of the Church— is to a large extent the history of the Lamanite people during a period of one thousand years? Why should we allow this trend to continue, if at this point in history almost half of the world Mormon membership is made of individuals of Lamanite origin? In fairness, it is necessary to start by blaming the amplitude and difficulties imposed by the subject itself. We are talking about centuries of history of a whole continent! Besides, researchers of Anglo origin have to contend with sources written in Spanish, particularly ancient Spanish, or in European languages other than English.
On the other hand, there is a certain degree of cultural anglocentrism in the United States. As discussed below, the average Anglo has scant or no interest in the customs, History, Geography of Latin America. It is distressing to perceive that such tendency is not very different among those Latin Americans who have settled down in the United States. The United States is a country whose political, economic, social structures are constantly nourished by immigrants who are part of minorities.
Although American society is of a multicultural nature, it is not in any manner an integrated one. All minorities tend to adopt group customs and attitudes as a reaction against the challenges and demands forced upon by the new social context. Correspondingly, all the members of such minorities tend to think, feel, and identify themselves with the rest of the population. This phenomenon becomes more noticeable among the second, third and successive generations of descendants of foreigners. Among these the educational system, the media, the learning of a new language, etc. render both negative and positive effects. Naturally, one way or the other all the inhabitants of this country are the result of that influx. In general terms, among the Latin Americans living in the United Status, the obvious result regarding the culture, Geography and History of Latin America is their little interest in those subjects.
But a perpetuation of such ignorance and/or disinterest among Mormons —be they Anglo, Latin American or of any other origin— is not justifiable.
The Scriptures are unequivocal about the importance of the Lamanites and the promise made to them. Therefore, it is urgent and imperative to know it better, to understand its peculiarities, its tribulations, and its potential.
Also, the Scriptures insistently urge mankind in general, and the descendants of the Lamanites in particular, to turn their heart toward the Gentiles. The Church, always faithful to its commitment, makes immense efforts of a proselytizing, financial, political nature, etc. all over the world. It is possible to observe that the result of her actions is reflected not only in a constant increase in the number of adherents, but in their spiritual well-being and material blessings. It is of consequence that we register these actions and that we understand the context in which they take
place.
According to the Gospel, ever since the beginning of the world the Lord commanded that careful registrations and historical annotations were made. Adam, Enoch Lehi and Nephi set the example through their respective writings; the evangelists also wrote accounts of their own life and that of Jesus and His teachings. Furthermore, the Book of Acts provided a valuable historical account of Jesus and the early diffusion of Christianity by the Apostles. In modern times, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer and other leaders of the Church recorded and continue chronicling several events of their own lives and the life of the Church since its inception. Nowadays, the Church herself continues fulfilling its duty through her Department of History, and other organizations and entities, prominently those committed to the study and development of Genealogy.
Finally, it is important to note that amidst Mormons —or at least among those writing this piece— there is a latent fear to the ridiculing of the historical Mormon proposition regarding the presence, behavior, progress and origin of the natives on the American continent. To scholars (and even to the general public) the only theories worthy of consideration are those prevailing in the media and in more or less specialized publications. They offer a wide range of explanations: there are difussionist, evolutionist, even cosmological, theories. According to some specialists, the American aboriginals descend from immigrants who traveled from Asia, Africa, and specifically from Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indo River Valley, and even from the continent of Atlantis. Some authors even maintain that extraterrestrial beings planted life and established the foundations of the ancient peoples on Earth. To cut the matter short, there are proposals and theories for everybody’s taste, sometimes in a extravagant display of fantasy and imagination.
Mormons, on the other hand, believe that the American continent was populated by peoples of several origins when Patriarch Lehi and his family departed from Jerusalem 600 years before Jesus Christ’s coming to America, and that other groups also coming from Jerusalem and Babilonia had already visited this land much earlier, although some mixed themselves with other groups, while the remaining disappeared.
The attitude of disregard observed by scholars toward the Mormon proposal concerning the origin of part of the pre-Columbian peoples probably stems from a certain fear to the reactions by the followers of other religious beliefs.
In any case, save our intimate, personal certainty in regard to the presence of Jesus Christ among the Lamanites in America, and that of Lehi’s descendants, the rest of this exposition is mainstream, that is, the dominant trend on publications and historical laic resources.
As our kind readers may have already noticed, this is not a work of a scientific nature, neither it aims to be an erudite piece of in-depth research. This does not mean, however, that it is only a product of our faith or an arbitrary mix of facts and factoids. Additionally, this book does not speculate or justify the historical Mormon proposition.
Simply, this is only a compilation, a more or less comprehensive description of the Latin American environment, the actions of individuals and peoples, and the circumstances that one way or the other lead to the presence and striking advance of the Mormon faith amidst Lamanites. This work attempts, in conclusion, to provide a solid groundwork for the study of the History of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints in Latin America.
II. NEW CONNECTIONS
Those Latin American individuals responding to the spiritual calling of the Church feel in their hearts an inescapable identification with their own historical origins. However, this new vision about themselves, and in regard to the historical facts occurred in the American continent does not only connect them with their ancestors, but also with their own future, and that of their families and communities as well. This also allows them to perceive that the promise is certainly within reach: “the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose”.
Once such connections are established, references to the deeds of the Catholic church in the Continent become inevitable, for this faith is inextricable linked to Latin American History. The endeavors of the Catholic Church must be known and assessed in order to better understand the manner in which Mormonism reached Latin America —to the missionaries, it was an strange environment to say the least, and hostile and adverse for the most part.
We must admit that the Mormon faith is a newcomer in Latin America, and that as such, it lacks experience; also, we must acknowledge that given its youth, the Church’s action in Latin America is vital, strong, and very promising. Having reached this point, it is necessary to remark that other religious beliefs different from the Mormon faith are given absolute consideration in this writing, in accordance with the fundamental teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ, particularly the 11th article of the Mormon creed.
“24 But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose. 25 Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed. 26 Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you.7 Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded 28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly. Even so. Amen.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 49: 24–28).
SUMMARY.– ANOTHER BOOK ON RELIGIÓN? – NEW CONNECTIONS. – THE PROMISE. – WHY LATIN AMERICA?
I. ANOTHER BOOK ON RELIGION?
Another book on Mormon History? Overwhelming as it is the number of the first and numerous the number of the latter, a new writing on these matters may seem of no consequence given its redundancy. However, we attempt to …show more content…
fill-in the existing vacuum among the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints —particularly those of Latin American origin or lamanites— given the lack of resources compiling and describing the fundamentals of their history in a comprehensive manner, as well as the why and wherefores that inspirit the Church to develop its spiritual work among them. In truth, we are not aware of any analysis and/or systematic studies in regard to such elements at this moment.
Fortunately, the Church created a Family and Church History Department methodically enriched day after day. This Department works with experienced personnel and state-of-the-art technology. Likewise, there is a constant recording of local history in some ecclesiastical units (regions, stakes, wards, districts and branches). Also, valuable historical resources of the Church at Brigham University Young (BYU) include the Harold B. Lee Library (which includes L. Tom Perry Special Collections preserving rare materials for research), the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History, Religious Education, the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), and BYU Studies
Additionally, the Church has its own History Library, the Museum of Church History and Art, the Church History Library, and the Church Archives. The latter includes manuscripts, Church records, local Church records, photographs, oral histories, audiovisual materials, and architectural drawings, some of which are offered to the public through a superb, functional website with several links to abundant resources. Thus, it is indisputable that the Church is committed to preserve and enhance its historical treasure. On the other hand, a large number of members have written and continue narrating their memories, notes of a diverse nature, documents, essays and books. It is refreshing to notice how the example set by Jose Smith, who bequeathed himself a great deal of documental history —particularly in Doctrines and Covenants— is followed at all levels of the Church in the United States.
Even though the number of writings on the history of the Church in this country is profuse, there is a palpable absence of comprehensive studies on the history of the Church in Latin America. In fairness, however, we must acknowledge that there are numerous documents and remarkable books on the history of the establishment of Mormonism in countries like Mexico, Argentina and Chile. It is possible to justify this situation to a certain extent. First, there is the youth of the religion itself, as well as the still fresh deployment of the Church in Latin America. Additionally, there is a lack of historical awareness among the members of that region, who at times appear indifferent even to their recent past.
To what can this seemingly indifference be attributed if the Book of Mormon —the fundamental book of the Church— is to a large extent the history of the Lamanite people during a period of one thousand years? Why should we allow this trend to continue, if at this point in history almost half of the world Mormon membership is made of individuals of Lamanite origin? In fairness, it is necessary to start by blaming the amplitude and difficulties imposed by the subject itself. We are talking about centuries of history of a whole continent! Besides, researchers of Anglo origin have to contend with sources written in Spanish, particularly ancient Spanish, or in European languages other than English.
On the other hand, there is a certain degree of cultural anglocentrism in the United States. As discussed below, the average Anglo has scant or no interest in the customs, History, Geography of Latin America. It is distressing to perceive that such tendency is not very different among those Latin Americans who have settled down in the United States. The United States is a country whose political, economic, social structures are constantly nourished by immigrants who are part of minorities.
Although American society is of a multicultural nature, it is not in any manner an integrated one. All minorities tend to adopt group customs and attitudes as a reaction against the challenges and demands forced upon by the new social context. Correspondingly, all the members of such minorities tend to think, feel, and identify themselves with the rest of the population. This phenomenon becomes more noticeable among the second, third and successive generations of descendants of foreigners. Among these the educational system, the media, the learning of a new language, etc. render both negative and positive effects. Naturally, one way or the other all the inhabitants of this country are the result of that influx. In general terms, among the Latin Americans living in the United Status, the obvious result regarding the culture, Geography and History of Latin America is their little interest in those subjects.
But a perpetuation of such ignorance and/or disinterest among Mormons —be they Anglo, Latin American or of any other origin— is not justifiable.
The Scriptures are unequivocal about the importance of the Lamanites and the promise made to them. Therefore, it is urgent and imperative to know it better, to understand its peculiarities, its tribulations, and its potential.
Also, the Scriptures insistently urge mankind in general, and the descendants of the Lamanites in particular, to turn their heart toward the Gentiles. The Church, always faithful to its commitment, makes immense efforts of a proselytizing, financial, political nature, etc. all over the world. It is possible to observe that the result of her actions is reflected not only in a constant increase in the number of adherents, but in their spiritual well-being and material blessings. It is of consequence that we register these actions and that we understand the context in which they take
place.
According to the Gospel, ever since the beginning of the world the Lord commanded that careful registrations and historical annotations were made. Adam, Enoch Lehi and Nephi set the example through their respective writings; the evangelists also wrote accounts of their own life and that of Jesus and His teachings. Furthermore, the Book of Acts provided a valuable historical account of Jesus and the early diffusion of Christianity by the Apostles. In modern times, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer and other leaders of the Church recorded and continue chronicling several events of their own lives and the life of the Church since its inception. Nowadays, the Church herself continues fulfilling its duty through her Department of History, and other organizations and entities, prominently those committed to the study and development of Genealogy.
Finally, it is important to note that amidst Mormons —or at least among those writing this piece— there is a latent fear to the ridiculing of the historical Mormon proposition regarding the presence, behavior, progress and origin of the natives on the American continent. To scholars (and even to the general public) the only theories worthy of consideration are those prevailing in the media and in more or less specialized publications. They offer a wide range of explanations: there are difussionist, evolutionist, even cosmological, theories. According to some specialists, the American aboriginals descend from immigrants who traveled from Asia, Africa, and specifically from Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indo River Valley, and even from the continent of Atlantis. Some authors even maintain that extraterrestrial beings planted life and established the foundations of the ancient peoples on Earth. To cut the matter short, there are proposals and theories for everybody’s taste, sometimes in a extravagant display of fantasy and imagination.
Mormons, on the other hand, believe that the American continent was populated by peoples of several origins when Patriarch Lehi and his family departed from Jerusalem 600 years before Jesus Christ’s coming to America, and that other groups also coming from Jerusalem and Babilonia had already visited this land much earlier, although some mixed themselves with other groups, while the remaining disappeared.
The attitude of disregard observed by scholars toward the Mormon proposal concerning the origin of part of the pre-Columbian peoples probably stems from a certain fear to the reactions by the followers of other religious beliefs.
In any case, save our intimate, personal certainty in regard to the presence of Jesus Christ among the Lamanites in America, and that of Lehi’s descendants, the rest of this exposition is mainstream, that is, the dominant trend on publications and historical laic resources.
As our kind readers may have already noticed, this is not a work of a scientific nature, neither it aims to be an erudite piece of in-depth research. This does not mean, however, that it is only a product of our faith or an arbitrary mix of facts and factoids. Additionally, this book does not speculate or justify the historical Mormon proposition.
Simply, this is only a compilation, a more or less comprehensive description of the Latin American environment, the actions of individuals and peoples, and the circumstances that one way or the other lead to the presence and striking advance of the Mormon faith amidst Lamanites. This work attempts, in conclusion, to provide a solid groundwork for the study of the History of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints in Latin America.
II. NEW CONNECTIONS
Those Latin American individuals responding to the spiritual calling of the Church feel in their hearts an inescapable identification with their own historical origins. However, this new vision about themselves, and in regard to the historical facts occurred in the American continent does not only connect them with their ancestors, but also with their own future, and that of their families and communities as well. This also allows them to perceive that the promise is certainly within reach: “the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose”.
Once such connections are established, references to the deeds of the Catholic church in the Continent become inevitable, for this faith is inextricable linked to Latin American History. The endeavors of the Catholic Church must be known and assessed in order to better understand the manner in which Mormonism reached Latin America —to the missionaries, it was an strange environment to say the least, and hostile and adverse for the most part.
We must admit that the Mormon faith is a newcomer in Latin America, and that as such, it lacks experience; also, we must acknowledge that given its youth, the Church’s action in Latin America is vital, strong, and very promising. Having reached this point, it is necessary to remark that other religious beliefs different from the Mormon faith are given absolute consideration in this writing, in accordance with the fundamental teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ, particularly the 11th article of the Mormon creed.