For years there has been some confusion over the space of time between the natural destruction (apparently volcanic and other activity) in 3 Nephi 8 around the time of the crucifixion of Christ and the marvelous visitation of Christ to the Nephites and Lamanites in the New World recorded in 3 Nephi 11. The opening verses of that chapter report that the people were gathered together to discuss the "great and marvelous change" which had taken place--that sounds like they were talking about all the physical changes and destruction. That makes sense of they were gathering very shortly after the disasters had occurred. But comparing 3 Nephi 8:4 (the calamities began in the 1st month of the 34th year) and 3 Nephi 10:18, it seems pretty clear that it was at the end of the 34th year when Christ appeared. Clifford Jones digs into the issue with the skill of a lawyer (he is one) in what is almost a legal brief (actually a detailed scholarly analysis) for the case that the "great and marvelous change" was the Change brought about by the Atonement of Christ. The event was an organized event, led by priesthood leaders, held at the Temple, to focus on the Ultimate Change that Jesus Christ had brought about. He explores a number of subtle issues that support this reading, which, after considering Brother Jones' case, strikes me as clearly the most intelligent and natural reading of the text. Some of the arguments draw upon and illustrate the consistent use of terminology in the Book of Mormon. There is much to be learned from the detailed, carefully written article.
The Book of Mormon peoples may have been gathered together to seek further knowledge about the meaning of the Atonement. It was a religious, sacred event at the temple in Bountiful, with the top spiritual leaders present who would soon be called as the disciples of Christ. In this sacred setting, with the people and leaders pondering the scriptures and the Atonement and seeking further knowledge, the great revelation of Christ's personal visit was given. This was roughly a year after the destruction had occurred. Things had calmed down and the people in the land, humbled and seeking more, were blessed by the promised ministry of the Lord.
There is much to this story. I hope you'll read and digest what Brother Jones has written.
The Book of Mormon is an amazing text. It is "smarter" and more internally consistent than we recognized. It is vastly smarter than Joseph Smith or any of his peers, and smarter than any of us. There is much to be gleaned by digging into it in the way that Brother Jones has illustrated with this one issue.
Continue reading at the original source →