“A Land of Liberty”

Brant Gardner

Lehi explains the land’s promise in relation to his own family but then includes others as well. The land of promise is open to those brought here by the Lord, and the promise of liberty also applies to them as long as they follow the commandments. This provision is both a blessing and a curse, for the land’s effect on its inhabitants is directly related to their righteousness.

The history of the Americas shows that this promise ranges far and wide, does not seem specific to any particular portion of the western hemisphere, nor does it apply only to specific periods. The Lehite land of promise might have been in Central America, but the land of promise for the Gentiles is North America. None of these interpretations excludes any part of the land.

Historically, many of the countries in the western hemisphere have not always enjoyed liberty, but that does not mean that liberty is either inaccessible or unachievable. It is also quite possible that the gospel itself provides some of the liberty promised to the faithful, even in lands where the current political leadership denies full liberty.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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