August 26-September 1: Helaman 1-6
The Rock of Our Redeemer
Read the Center’s statement in support of Black, Indigenous, People of Color,
The study of the Book of Mormon shows the tragedy of a divided human family. We read about Nephites and Lamanites (and other -ites) that fall largely along racial lines of difference, and we wonder how a single family could become so filled with hatred that they would persecute and destroy each other. In some respects, it is not a question of good versus evil because both Nephites and Lamanites had periods of righteousness and wickedness. Ultimately, the message of the scriptures is to liken them to ourselves. So, here we are in 2020? How are we doing? "And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.” Helaman 3:34
Discussion Questions:
1. By the point of Helaman 6, large cross-sections of the Nephites and the Lamanites were getting along - "they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy" (Helaman 6:3). And "there was peace in all the land, insomuch that the Nephites did go into whatsoever part of the land they would, whether among the Nephites or the Lamanites. ...[a]nd...the Lamanites did also go whithersoever they would, whether it were among the Lamanites or among the Nephites'' (Helaman 6:7-8). There was trade between them and "they became exceedingly rich, both the Lamanites and the Nephites; and they did have ... exceeding plenty" (Helaman 6:9). How did the fellowshipping and peace between the Nephites and Lamanites positively impact their common good? What can we learn from this section about how to respond to others, including those of differing backgrounds and opinions, in a way that ultimately leads to unity and "great joy"?
2. Because of internal conflict and a naive belief that their enemies would not attack their strongest city (Zarahemla), the Nephites did not guard it. Consequently, Coriantumr was able to capture Zarahemla (Helaman 1:18-19). The Nephites then regrouped, and were able to take the city back, but it wasn't an easy take-back (Helaman 1:33). How does this relate to the part of your testimony that you think is most secure or the commandment that you feel is easiest to keep?
3. When Nephi and Lehi were in prison, a voice came to the Lamanites, above a cloud of darkness, telling the people to repent. The voice was not loud, "not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise," but "a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper" (Helaman 5:30). Those who had a change of heart were influenced by this "pleasant voice" (Helaman 5:46-52). What tone of voice best influences a change of heart? What can be learned from this about discussions in conflict?
Questions for Youth & Children:
1. There was a secret band of wicked men who went about doing wicked things (Helaman 2:4). They were clever and they were sneaky and did their evil work at night (Helaman 2:5-6; "the work of darkness," 6:28-30). Their evil work is referred to in the scriptures "secret combinations" (Helaman 2:8, 3:23, 6:21-22, 38). Why do you think they did their evil work under cover of darkness? Why do you think what they did was called a "secret combination"? What does all of this teach about how to avoid evil?
2. In Chapter 3, we learn that the Nephites found a land that was "desolate" because of the destruction of the trees in the area by people who were there before (Helaman 3:6). The people who had been there before were not careful with the natural resources, but the people of Nephi guarded the trees in the area that they "might grow up" (Helaman 3:9). What can you do to protect the natural resources around you?
3. Art project: Helaman taught his sons Nephi and Lehi about the Atonement and that to continue to stand when trouble circled around them, they needed to build their foundations on Jesus Christ (Helaman 5:12). Find a rock outside and wash it clean. Decorate your rock in a way that will remind you that Jesus can be the rock of your faith - use paint, glue, sparkles, beads, any decorations that you choose. Put your rock in a place to remind you of Jesus every day.
