Mormon Chapter 8: Greater Things

Mormon has been killed by the Lamanites at the beginning of chapter 8, as his son, Moroni, takes over the writing of the “sad tale of destruction of [his] people” (Mormon 8). Moroni spends much of chapter 8 bearing his testimony of The Book of Mormon and the power that is found within. “Whoso recieveth this record,” he writes, “and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these” (Mormon 12). Next to the phrase “greater things,” a footnote is listed with several scriptures which include instances in which the words that were spoken were forbidden from being written, for the Lord sought to “try the faith of [His] people” (3 Nephi 26:11). Someone once explained to me that the reason why certain information is sometimes withheld from us is so that we are not held accountable for those things which we misunderstand. Perhaps this is an example of such a time. As our faith in The Book of Mormon grows, so will our knowledge and understanding, which will lead to the revelation of principles we would have otherwise not been ready to receive.

Towards the end of the chapter, Moroni calls out the hypocrites and asks why it is that so many seek praises of the world? It’s a great question, and one which he does not provide an answer for. It may be because of the instant gratification and succor that the world’s praises provide, particularly today, in the era of iPhones and technology. Man is so fearful of criticism, and other men are so much louder than the whisperings of the Spirit. It’s so much easier to ignore his guidance and follow the shouts of man.