In the problematic children's song, Book of Mormon Stories, the refrain mentions the Nephites (hereditary Jews) will be "given this land if they live righteously." Many if not most modern-day descendants of (white) pioneers identify with the Nephites and take this to mean America belongs to them.
But were modern-day white pioneers really given the land? Or are they being tolerated on it so long as they keep their covenants?
Let's dive in.
The first thing to note is that when the Nephites refer to their "land of inheritance" in the early chapters of the Book of Mormon they are always meaning Israel (see 1Nephi17:21). Later on, when Christ appears to them during the Resurrection we get the following backstory and new paradigm:
Abraham was promised his children (the Jews) would be blessed. When they go astray spiritually, they will physically lose their way when dispersed by the gentiles (AKA white folks). In an odd turn of events, the gentiles will come to appreciate the Gospel and preach it far and wide. By doing so, the gentiles will bring the Jews back to a knowledge of God and all those blessings promised to Abraham to which they are heirs. When it comes to Israel (the literal land) the gentiles will even provide a way for a Jewish homecoming; for the Nephites (hereditary Jews) their "Israel" won't be overseas, but rather on the American continent(s). For their work in making this happen, the American gentiles will be blessed... But nowhere here does it say they'll be given the land.
See for yourself, as spoken by the resurrected Lord on the American Continent:
7 But behold, thus saith the aLord God: bWhen the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be crestored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the dlands of their inheritance.
8 And it shall come to pass that they shall be agathered in from their long dispersion, from the bisles of the sea, and from the four parts of the earth; and the nations of the Gentiles shall be great in the eyes of me, saith God, in ccarrying them forth to the lands of their inheritance.
9 aYea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto them, and their queens shall become nursing mothers; wherefore, the bpromises of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who can dispute?
10 But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the aGentiles shall be blessed upon the land. (Emphasis added.)
So maybe you're thinking, okay, this was a preliminary chat with the Nephites about the Nephites. Surely the gentiles will get more mention, more blessings, and land inheritance later on? Okay, let's jump ahead to 3Nephi where again the Nephites are told that as members of the Tribe of Manasseh (House of Jacob) they will inherit a place in the Americas for all their trouble after being displaced. And you're right. The gentiles DO get more attention at this point, but buckle up for this one... The Nephites are promised that if the American gentiles (AKA white folks) happen to be unrepentant at the time of their inheritance, then they should tear them apart. Like a lion.
3Nephi20:
14 And the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you this land, for your inheritance.
15 And I say unto you, that if the Gentiles do not repent after the blessing which they shall receive, after they have scattered my people
16 Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
In all truth, at this point, I'm starting to think the song should sound like this: "Taking it back, thanks a ton. Watch out now, ROAR!"
Also, I've said it before and I'll say it again, white America grossly misinterprets 1Nephi13. As it pertains to this subject, especially verse 15 which offers the following description:
15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and aobtain the bland for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and cbeautiful, like unto my people before they were dslain.
These words are prophetic, giving an accurate telling of what white pioneers will do to carve out America, thinking its their destiny when it's really a staging ground for them to preach the Gospel, and ultimately belongs to the Tribe of Manasseh.
19 And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they might have received in the land, for* the aGentiles who shall possess the land.
20 But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall be driven and scattered by the Gentiles; and after they have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will the Lord aremember the bcovenant which he made unto Abraham and unto all the house of Israel.
21 And also the Lord will remember the aprayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them.
22 And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways?
23 Know ye not that ye are in the ahands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the bearth shall be crolled together as a scroll?
24 Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a aremnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a blion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver.
I think if more American Church members understood this we would have a lot less pride. We would treat this beautiful land as a garden that is being cultivated for those prepared to receive the Gospel, not as a carving board with spoils going to a victor in the American work-ethic sense. For we already know who the actual victor is, it is Christ and those with whom He covenants and calls His heirs.
*I honestly think this is a typo and should be "from" in order to stay consistent.
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