My missionary grandson, Caden, sent a picture of a sign on the front of a church in Texas which was a statement of their beliefs.  It was a statement of social activism devoid of any mention of Jesus Christ.  Caden’s astonishment was reminiscent of that of Alma and of his companions as they went among the Zoramites.  I have no doubt that if Caden had gone inside he’d have found their version of a Rameumptom.

That pastor and congregation at least have their articles of faith.  Up to this point I’ve been unaware of any church other than ours that has a succinct statement of beliefs.

I think of my Presbyterian brother-in-law who, with his wife, left the Presbyterians for a few years to serve as Methodist pastors in a congregation which needed someone to guide it.  Following their years of service there, they returned to the Presbyterians.  Tom diligently studies all the religious works he can get his hands on, but one day in my presence loudly lamented, “I wish someone would just tell us what we believe!!”

The problem is that none other than the true Church knows who Jesus Christ is.  All others doubt His divinity, His existence, and His message.  Churches are social clubs that have devoted themselves to social activism and to “false and vain and foolish doctrines.”  (2 Nephi 28:9).

I was astounded to read about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “one of the most influential Christian philosophers born since 1900.”  (World Book Encyclopedia).  He is revered in the Christian world as one of two modern martyrs to the Christian cause.  Hitler had him killed for resistance to the Nazi regime.  This influential Christian pastor/philosopher “wrote that the human race had ‘come of age’ and should create a ‘religious Christianity’ that could preserve Christian values without the traditional ideas of a supernatural God.”  (World Book Encyclopedia, pg. 471).

That leaves me gasping.  That sounds like a fine mix of the beliefs of the Zoramites, Nehor, Sherem, and Korihor.  I feel badly for these blind people who are stumbling around in darkness when so much light is available.

Our purpose is to shine the light of the Book of Mormon into every dark corner of the world, and to invite all to come unto Christ.  The Book of Mormon is the beacon and the searchlight and the tool that we’re to use to get people’s attention.  Even the blind can comprehend this light if they’re willing to open their eyes to see it.  Our challenge is to penetrate the prejudice and false traditions that cause people to keep their eyes shut tightly against the light.

I would like now to create my own personal articles of faith about the Book of Mormon:

1. I believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
2. I believe the Book of Mormon was written under the direction and inspiration of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. I believe the Book of Mormon is another testament, along with the Bible, of Jesus Christ.
4. I believe the Book of Mormon is the most correct book on earth, the most profitable to read and to study, and that it will bring us closer to God than any other book.
5. I believe the Book of Mormon was translated by a true prophet of God, and that it plainly and clearly shows in which Church the truth is to be found.
6. I believe that answers to every problem, comforts for every grief, and accurate directions for every decision can be obtained through study of the Book of Mormon, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
7. I believe that the Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph that Ezekiel prophesied of in chapter 37 of his book in the Bible, that the Book of Mormon is the voice speaking out of the dust prophesied of by Isaiah in chapter 29 of his book, and that the Book of Mormon is the beginning of the “marvelous work and a wonder” that Isaiah said should cause the wisdom to perish of men who are wise in their own eyes.  (Isa. 29:14).
8. I believe the Book of Mormon is a beacon to guide the lost, a searchlight to help us find them, a road map to eternal life, and a treasure worth more than all the riches of the earth.

I would now like to create a chiasmus to enumerate my blessings:

I am blessed beyond all measure.  I am blessed far beyond anything that I deserve.

Why was I born in this choice place in this free land?  Why was I born to such goodly parents?  Why was I privileged to find and to recognize the true gospel of Jesus Christ?  Why was I entrusted with the Holy Priesthood of God?  Why was I honored to be able to make sacred, eternally-binding covenants?  Why was I given the amazing family and wife that are mine?

I am astounded to have my wife’s love, trust, and devotion.  I am gratified to have faithful children who are raising my grandchildren in righteousness.  I treasure my covenants.  I am trying my best to magnify my Priesthood.  I love my Savior Jesus Christ and delight to serve Him in every way that I can.  I think that I can say that I look to Him in every thought.  I am grateful for my parentage, and count it a great privilege and honor to have been able to give my ancestors access to temple covenants.  I love my country, and I very much appreciate this beautiful, fertile, quiet nook where I’ve been able to spend my life.

I am truly the most blessed of all men.