Big plot hole/logical absurdity in Nephi-Laban story

[Brian]

Originally Posted by JohnnyLingo

Wow. Intriguing metaphor.

I'm not sold on the idea that it's not a literal event, but still... interesting.

why does it matter if it's literal?
I was overcome with emotion as strongly reading scripture when I read le mis. I had just become a father when I read it, and it made a huge impact on how I approached my responsibility.
And that was a totally made up story.

Reading is much more fun it doesn't have to be literal.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Brian

why does it matter if it's literal?
I was overcome with emotion as strongly reading scripture when I read le mis. I had just become a father when I read it, and it made a huge impact on how I approached my responsibility.
And that was a totally made up story.

Reading is much more fun it doesn't have to be literal.

If man can conceive an idea or a story, it may have occurred. Once planted inside the mind of man, it can serve to elucidate.

Les Miserable is truly a marvelous work on Redemption, a finer work may not exist.

[FMCoug]

The part we're missing here is the benefit to Nephi. Could God have gotten the plates to Lehi some other way? Of course. But the story is about Nephi's willingness to obey, not just the obtaining of the plates. God didn't have to tell Abraham to sacrifice Isaac either.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by FMCoug

The part we're missing here is the benefit to Nephi. Could God have gotten the plates to Lehi some other way? Of course. But the story is about Nephi's willingness to obey, not just the obtaining of the plates. God didn't have to tell Abraham to sacrifice Isaac either.

Every year, before we began the year, I would have my seminary students read from the title page (or whatever it's called) of the BoM, where it says the purpose of the BoM, and all scripture is to bring to Christ. There is no other purpose. And emphasize*no*.
I think anyway, the only way to read scripture is to look for the personal Christ message in every story. The story is a means to an end. The story is meant to hide and reveal truth. The story itself is of no worth.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Brian

Every year, before we began the year, I would have my seminary students read from the title page (or whatever it's called) of the BoM, where it says the purpose of the BoM, and all scripture is to bring to Christ. There is no other purpose. And emphasize*no*.
I think anyway, the only way to read scripture is to look for the personal Christ message in every story. The story is a means to an end. The story is meant to hide and reveal truth. The story itself is of no worth.

Bingo. The story isn't about benefit to Nephi but to the reader.

[FMCoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Bingo. The story isn't about benefit to Nephi but to the reader.

Either way, God taking a more direct / easier way to get the plates would omit that benefit.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by FMCoug

Either way, God taking a more direct / easier way to get the plates would omit that benefit.

You're looking at it as a literalist, not as an examination for literary or parabalic merit.

[FMCoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

You're looking at it as a literalist, not as an examination for literary or parabalic merit.

Whether the story is true or not, my point stands. Nephi as a character or Nephi as a literal human, the point was still him having to make the decision to obey.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Bingo. The story isn't about benefit to Nephi but to the reader.

ETB emphasized this point when he said that the BoM was of no benefit to the Nephites, who never had the book. It's only for us.

This hero worship attitude is one the reasons I have no desire to go on one of those mormon archeology trips to South America, and with awe, look at the sandal print that might have been made by Alma.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Brian

ETB emphasized this point when he said that the BoM was of no benefit to the Nephites, who never had the book. It's only for us.

This hero worship attitude is one the reasons I have no desire to go on one of those mormon archeology trips to South America, and with awe, look at the sandal print that might have been made by Alma.

I don't like those trips because none of those people really know what they're talking about. If we wish to discuss pre-Columbian MesoAmerica, then fine, but let's not take our religious beliefs and treat them as if they are academically established.