Reflections on the Book of Mormon: Vitality and Horror in Prophesy

As I reflect on my recent engagement with the Book of Mormon, I observe a subtle yet profound shift in how I perceive its inherent prophetic essence and its dark, terrifying aspects. Just as nitrogen is vital to the human body but dangerous in its pure form without proper containment, the prophetic world presented in the Book of Mormon can be seen as both essential and harmful.

The Essential and Toxic

Nitrogen is a component of proteins and other necessary life processes, yet it can be lethal when released as a free gas. Similarly, the prophetic elements in the Book of Mormon can be seen as integral to the narrative, yet their unchecked influence can lead to harmful outcomes. I have read through the text with a keen sense of recognition, acknowledging both its essential components and the damage it can cause when allowed to run wild.

Recognizing the harm, I find myself questioning the essence of prophetic guidance. Much like nitrogen, which is necessary within a controlled environment, prophetic guidance needs to be tempered with ongoing learning and critical evaluation. I live by a sense of guidance inspired by prophets, but now this guidance is inseparable from careful, ongoing consideration and validation. This process of validation is crucial for ensuring that prophetic claims are reliable and actionable.

Bravery and Uncertainty

While there is a sense of bravery in making decisions based on prophetic guidance, it also comes with the inherent doubt that follows such decisions. This duality is evident in the narratives of prophets themselves, where moments of faith and uncertainty are interwoven. Sometimes, actions are taken 'in faith,' and later, the careful, ongoing work reveals the true reality.

However, there is a clear boundary between true prophetic guidance and the overreaching claims made by those not aligned with the essential practices. The moment when prophetic guidance becomes noxious is marked by the assertion of 'And He spake unto me saying.' This phrase suggests a rigid, infallible prophetic voice, which is fundamentally different from the guidance I advocate for. It is not just a matter of communication; it is about the nature of the guidance itself.

The Unchecked Expansion of Principles

In the prophetic world depicted in the Book of Mormon, every aspect of life is elevated to a level of divine knowledge. This unchecked expansion of principles creates a bullet spray of unique, other-worldly entities, each claiming to represent truth and authority. This unchecked proliferation of principles and entities is detrimental to the essential functioning of the prophetic message. The original insight is lost in the chaos, making it difficult to recover and practice.

The Definition of Prophesy

The question remains: Is 'prophesy' the way basic functioning being comes out when the non-functioning (misinterpretation and misunderstanding) gets to define it? This is a critical examination of the relationship between prophetic guidance and the human condition. The prophetic voice is, in many ways, a reflection of the very humanity it seeks to guide. It is a mirror held up to the darkness, revealing the non-functioning that must be addressed.

Despite the potential for single-minded engagement with prophetic claims, there is a need for careful scrutiny and critical thinking. This is not to dismiss the value of prophetic guidance but to ensure that it is understood and practiced in a way that is both insightful and sustainable. In essence, the prophetic message must be aligned with the practical needs of humanity, rather than becoming a rigid, inflexible dogma.

Secular and Religious Horrors

Reflecting on these themes, I find that the horror of the prophetic world is not confined to a secular context alone. The religious aspect of this text adds an additional layer of complexity and despair. The idea that religious texts can become tools of control and manipulation is a deep source of sadness and frustration. The book, while honored on my shelves, serves as a reminder of the pettiness and reactive non-engagement that often accompanies religious claims.

The steps of basic functioning in prophetic guidance are met with a misguided interpretation where every step is questioned and dismissed. This defensive posture highlights the importance of not allowing ignorance to dictate the outcome. The result is a chorus of 'And He spake unto me saying,' creating a false sense of certainty and authority.

Conclusion

Thus, the Book of Mormon, like nitrogen, has a vital role in prophecy, but it must be contained and balanced with ongoing critical evaluation. The pettiness and defensive non-engagement it often elicits are reminders of the need for a more grounded, practical approach to prophetic guidance. It remains to be seen whether the insights gathered from this reflection will ultimately lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of the essential elements of prophetic guidance without succumbing to its more harmful aspects.

Let me know what you think, and please share your own insights on this topic.