Today I read Alma 2. This is the story of where Amlici desires to be made a king over the people of Nephi. I have already spoken somewhat concerning those that desire power and the fact that such power is given only by those people who are subjected by it, either consciously or subconsciously.
I find it interesting however, that such people in the Book of Mormon only desire that kind of power in order to destroy the liberty of the people and to destroy the church of God. It begs the question what about the church do people find so threatening to their power base? Why is it that the first thing those people want to do is to destroy the church?
I honestly think it's because people in power find it easier to control those people who don't think for themselves. Think about all the tyrants of ages past, they burned all the books and lashed out at the intellectuals, because they are a threat to their base of power. Most Communist countries are also extremely quick to denounce God and religion. Because such things undermine their rule.
I believe it was the same for the Nephites. People who desired power desired to destroy the church as a means to stay in control. Also, as Gideon had evidenced in Alma 1, people in the church are more prone to stand up for what is right and speak out, a dangerous thing for people who have no love for truth. May we all stand up for what is right in our own sphere of influence. Until tomorrow.
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