Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
Keywords
Book of Mormon, Civilization, Economics
Abstract
One way that those who love God and others demonstrate their love and “at-one-ment” (the state of being one) and thereby qualify for blessings, is by imparting of their substance to the poor. When a people become of one heart and mind, there are no poor among them. The Book of Mormon describes two stages of at-one-ment that lead to a general economic equality: Complete at-one-ment (perfect observation of the laws resulting in no contentions or disputations with “all things common among them” 4 Nephi 1:3), and at-one-ment as evidenced by equality before the law (the ability to form and be governed by equitable and just laws wherein all status and social discrimination is eliminated). The love of riches and status increases divisions and separations among the people and brings poverty and iniquity.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Robison, Lindon J.
(2005)
"“No Poor Among Them”,"
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol. 14:
No.
1, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol14/iss1/9