Huh, the Book of Mormon is historical non-fiction isn't it? I never really thought about it that
way before. Maybe my mind places
religious texts into their own sub-genre automatically. When I read 2 Nephi 4:15-35 the profound
sincerity of the passage enriches my spirit.
When I add to that the thought of Nephi: the son whose father just died,
the brother of some real jerks, the man who has faithfully endured such extreme
trials, his words are utterly, beyond description, amazing. He wants to make sure his posterity has an
accurate understanding of his character.
He is a perfectionist, but he admits he is not perfect. He loves that which is pure, but confesses
his impurities. He loves his Savior and
he trusts his Father in Heaven, but he wants to be transparent. He balances his eloquence with relatable
flaws. I have noticed the precedent he
set using this type of rhetoric reflected in the talks of modern-day
prophets. President Monson practices
this technique with expert talent. Reading
this passage reminded me of a story told our current prophet’s recent talk in
which he recanted a tale from his early boyhood in which he started a forest
fire. Prophets immediately deserve
respect, but it is stories like this that gain the love of the people.
Nephi also uses powerful imagery to describe his struggles
and redemption. In verse 21 Nephi says
“He has filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.” He wants all the forthcoming generations to
know that it is possible to overcome earthly short comings. Nephi implements this classic Biblical
metaphor in verse 35, “I will cry
unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness.” This can be traced back to Deuteronomy 32:4 among other references.
