belonging – Community Circle Europe

Book of Ether

Verse: ‘And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters’, (Ether 6:7).

As mentioned in a post from a while ago now, the Book of Ether is one of my favourite books within the Book of Mormon; quite possibly my most favourite. I think that this relatively small book deserves a chapter of its own for two reasons. The first being that is can often be ignored by readers, especially those starting out with the Book of Mormon, as it may at first glance not seem to be particularly relevant to the main story line of the wider works. The second is that it is a perfect, and tiny, encapsulation of the important teaching that can be found within the Book of Mormon and is therefore vital to understanding the importance of key doctrines within the Latter-day Saint tradition. The story itself appears to be a miniature version of the story contained in the wider Book of Mormon. In the Book of Ether, the Jaredites leave a sinful community and go to a promised land, in the same manner that the Nephites did. One of my favourite parts of this text is their journey across the ocean.

This story is interesting as, like the Book of Mormon, the fate of the inhabitants of this promised land is reliant on their following of God’s commandments and laws revealed to them. This is a resounding theme within the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon. Like the wider Book of Mormon wickedness does ultimately come forth and spread and the nation of the Jaredites is indeed destroyed. The story of the Jaredites travelling over the oceans in their boats always intrigued me, and was a fantastic example of faith prevailing over worldly fears – in this case the vast fathoms of ocean and colossal waves. This seemingly impossible journey can be translated into the issues we find in our own lives and the ultimate success of the Jaredites in reaching the shore safely can fill us with hope too that our own fears may be eased and we too may reach these shores of safety.

The Book of Ether is small, and while there are many lessons contained within its pages, I think that it is best to conclude that the best thing about it is that it is a short summary of the basic teachings of the Book of Mormon. For me, when I first started reading the Book of Mormon, I found the Book of Ether to be a nice segue into the wider story line and a simple book to begin my explorations. It is a mirror copy, albeit far less detailed, to such an extent that it is placed as being set before the Nephites even set foot in the Americas, so in this regard can be seen as a failed nation already having had a go at what the Nephites are setting out to achieve, and now what we are setting out to do in the name of Zion.

Importance Of Unity

Verse: ‘I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought’, (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Identity is very important, in religion as in any organisation, but it can also lead to problematic situations further down the road. As followers of Jesus Christ it is important, and often forgotten, to reinforce the concept that we are Christians first and foremost. By Christian I mean simply those who follow the teachings and example of the biblical figure that is Jesus Christ. As believers we have been called to, and initiated into, a fellowship with one another through Christ. We are part of a large collective who are unified in their devotion to the path and teachings of Jesus and His disciples.

If we examine the concept that each of us are in Christ, by that I mean each and every believer and each and every Church, then it is logical to presume that we are the ones who create the differences that separate us. It is not God who draws theological lines or philosophical treatises on which denomination or which abstract and obscure teaching is incorrect. In this bible verse Paul is reinforcing this point. He does not say that we all have to think alike, for what family is built of people with identical thoughts and ideas? Instead, he is insisting that disagreements do not have to mean divided families, divided churches.

Today, we see religion constantly featured in the news and on social media. Often with slogans campaigning for some sort of cause, or against a cause. At the time of writing abortion rights and freedom of choice are being widely publicised due to the situation in the United States. Lines are being drawn in the sand and people everywhere are finding themselves forced to choose a side. At the most basic level of debate, it may appear to not be about which denomination you belong to, but which ethical argument you find the most reasonable in your own heart and soul. For many though, this ethical dilemma is also complicated with church loyalty and religious membership.

When Christianity is studied, at the most basic level, three prominent branches are typically discussed. Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy. Granted the theological doctrines of each of these traditions are important and form strong foundations upon which each is built. In doing so they also create walls – and reinforced ones at that. For example, with certain historical and theological exceptions, Roman Catholic’s may partake in Orthodox and Roman Catholic communion but Orthodox Christians may only receive communion from within their own theological tradition. Protestants are not accepted at Jesus’ banquet in either of those traditions. We do not see the Jesus of the New Testament refusing Himself to those who ask, nor do we see Him turning people away.

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