LDS Books: Mormon - Mighty Man of God

Few men have left behind so lasting a legacy as Mormon. Though few heeded his words during his own time, countless others have treasured them since the Restoration. In Mormon, Mighty Man of God, Angus Belliston chonicles the life of Mormon, following him from his youth as a 16-year-old commander of armies to his stewardship over the sacred records to his courageous death after the Nephites' final battle. Belliston places Mormon in his historical context to give readers a more thorough understanding of the man, his teachings, and his sacred duty for the continuation of the gospel of Christ.

Although his life was often filled with pain, grief, and frustration, his faith never faltered. Through the tumultuous times leading up to a catastrophic war, Mormon remained faithful, courageous, and committed to his faith. His story shows that though the hard times will come, the gospel allows us to remain faithful and strong.

Reviews-

This is a wonderful opportunity to either discover or rediscover the man who did so much to bring the Book of Mormon into existence. "In all the world's history, there has never been a commander of armies who led his troops for as long as seventy-five years &.. I don't know of any writer in all the world's history who has been so prolific in his achievements and so unique in the kind of history he wrote. Prophets often experience limited results during their own time, and Mormon was no exception." (pg. 1) What a great way to hook my attention and interest.

The book is divided into two main sections with part one being "Mormon, the Man" and part two, "Mormon's Teachings." In "Mormon, the Man" there are five aspects of his life discussed: "the Life of Mormon", "the Mighty Warrior", "the Historian", "the Prophet", and "the Father". None of the sections are long, but they do provide insights that I had never connected before. Angus Belliston weaves the information from these sections into an amazing and accomplished man.

Part two opens with a chapter entitled "The Teacher". I feel like this is a bridging chapter and in some ways belongs in the previous part of the book. In this chapter Belliston explains Mormon's writing style. He used "five methods to emphasize the things that he felt were most important: (1) highlighting the teachings of others, (2) drawing lessons from the words of others, (3) inserting commentary, (4) including complete texts from others, and (5) adding his own discourses." (pg. 38) This leads into his teaching chapters which are: Freedom and Equality, the Fruits of Righteousness, Beware of Pride, Beware of the Evil One, Basic Christian Virtues, Faith Hope and Charity, and Repent and Come Unto Christ.

This is a book for anyone who is ready to learn more about the prophet Mormon and his many accomplishments. Mormon is an individual who is worth the extra time it will take to learn about. Even though Mormon downplayed his own role in the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon, his contributions to the effort and a study of his life will profit anyone who takes the time to study them. I was able to complete the mental picture of Mormon and "flesh him out" into a complete and very busy person. I knew quite a bit about Mormon but before reading this book I had never taken the time to consider all of the different roles that were at play in his and many of them simultaneously. Now I have a much greater appreciation and love for this man who has done so much in recording the history of his people. This is one incredible man who is worthy of the extra attention this book brings him.

--Karen Hamilton