“The People Began to Depend Upon Their Own Strength”

Alan C. Miner

Mormon records that "there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled. And angels did appear unto men" (Helaman 16:13-14). Yet despite all this, "the people began to harden their hearts, all save it were the most believing part of them . . . and began to depend upon their own strength and upon their own wisdom, saying: Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but behold, we know that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken. . . ." (Helaman 16:15).

Regarding this lack of acceptance of the many signs of the Lord's work, at the end of his book containing many cultural ideas shared by the American Indian natives and the Book of Mormon, Ammon O'Brien makes some interesting statements. He states that we must acknowledge, that there is assembled a potential wealth of evidence which demonstrates the veracity of the Nephite record known as the Book of Mormon. In spite of this, we arrive at a paradox: It seems that no matter how many examples are listed supporting a given aspect of the Book of Mormon, these are all forgotten, negated, and disregarded upon the slightest unanswered question.

If we shall contend therefore, that the information presented is insufficient to be taken as proof or at least evidence that the Book of Mormon is true, then we must ask, What is wanting? Perhaps more proof, would convince us. I don't think so. . . . [After presenting what should be veritable evidence] we turn to Mr. Skeptic saying "there is the additional proof you requested. All is settled now isn't it?" "Well, those things don't really prove anything." says Mr. Skeptic. [Ammon O'Brien, Seeing beyond Today with Ancient America, pp. 369-370] [See the commentary on Moroni 10:4-5]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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