Joseph Smith described Mormon as a prophet-historian. Yet his abridged treatment of Nephite history offers more than history; it provides a detailed sociological account of how societies rise to heights of preservation or descend toward internal destruction. This book examines the depth of Mormon's offerings for today's age, ages past, and the trajectory of all civilizations. Connecting Mormon's observations and his narrative choices--those he deliberately emphasizes for readers--this book offers eleven new ways to understand the Book of Mormon. With the recognition that Mormon is spelling out specific, observable patterns, the takeaways from his writings give readers a discerning eye for their surroundings. Chapters focus on diagnosing these patterns--wars for resources and control, conspiring politics aimed at destroying enemies, immorality, and generational drift from the teachings of Jesus Christ. This book is meant to awaken church members, Christians within the larger family of faith, scholars, and students of history to Mormon's message for this time. The Book of Mormon is the biography of the Nephite civilization, and this book demonstrates its similar biographical relationship to readers today, making it permanently applicable and necessary for both individuals and communities.
