In 3 Nephi 6:12-14 Momon says:
And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great clearning because of their riches. Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God. And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.
My interpretation of these verses is that the church fell apart when some of the members chose to succumb to their pride and hold their substance as their own. This inequality in the land broke up the church. Why? Why can't everyone just go to church each Saturday? The church appears to an econmic and social order as well as a congregation of like-minded members. In fact, it appears that when some of the members dropped down to the regular dog eat dog, free enterprise system - that's when the "church" broke up. The were humble nephites but only among a few of the lamanites would depart from it (the church). Apparently these lamanites kept the consecrative order that was not had else where.
Could it be the members of greater capacity decided to withhold their substance? Some people can fare exceedingly well in this life. They are just good at it. Others don't seem to have the same gift from God. It looks like a domino affect occurs. One member starts to spend money on himself and his family. Others see what he is doing and say to themselves, if he's going to do it than I'm going to also. After this goes on for a while, all that's left is the poor and needy - or the people that aren't gifted in the creature management gifts. Those dropping out probably said in their hearts, "I made this money, it is mine. Why do I have to give it to them? They can work for it just like I did. In fact, I am living Providently and self-sufficiently. I don't believe in the dole and many of those poor members definitely look like they are on the dole."
Their logic is good from a telestial or even terrestrial vantage point. Fair is fair. But, the blessing of heaven begin to cease and matters always get worse and worse.
Disclaimer: today's church is not Alma's church. We are coming from a different approach working toward the day when we will have all things in common. Our great grand children will sit on our lap and ask many questions that preplex them. Why did everybody compete against each other, grandpa? Why didn't they want to help each other? Everyone now can get all they want! Why didn't anybody see the better way?
2 comments:
Funny, I came across this chapter in my regular reading this morning. As we discussed the other day. Provident and self reliant living is not hording substance and worrying only about your family. It is being able to provide for your self without the help of the church or government. Its also using your substance to pay an honest or generous fast offering, to serve when opportunities come around (like the ones on the clipboards). And to fulfill you callings in the church.
I think then and only then when we are able to get close to this lesser law we will be able to live closer to the way Alma's church was.
I guess I expect most members of the church to be more ready than they are. I think we as a society are so stressed that we can't think clearly. The foundations of our society make it so we don't even see the false economic principles we live by. We compete for everything causing us not unite together for a common purpose.
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