Painting Out the Messiah: The Theologies of Dissidents

Title

Painting Out the Messiah: The Theologies of Dissidents

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2002

Authors

Clark, John L. (Primary)

Journal

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies

Pagination

16-27, 107-108

Volume

11

Issue

1

Terms of use

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Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

Despite the establishment of Christ’s church in the New World by the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi, many dissenters during its thousand-year history attempted to thwart the church and preach alternative theologies. This article first discusses the doctrine that Nephi taught to his people concerning Jesus Christ. Historical context then provides further understanding of the society in which Nephi and his descendants lived. Having come from Jerusalem in the Old World, the Nephites were still accustomed to the law of Moses, which certainly would have influenced their view of a Messiah. This, along with the political circumstances of the Nephite people, facilitated the dissension of many. The experiences of the Anti-Christ Sherem, the priests of Noah, and the Zarahemla dissidents demonstrate these points. Lastly, those who altered Nephi’s teachings appeared to do so for five specific reasons, which are discussed in this article, thus showing how the dissenters erased the doctrine of a Redeemer from their theologies.

Theology
Apostasy
Redeemer
Messiah
Antichrist
Law of Moses
Doctrine
Sherem
Priests of Noah
Nephi (Son of Lehi)
Amulonites

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