Lowell Bennion's book is well titled. He addresses Christian principles thematically, generally emphasizing Book of Mormon scriptures that highlight these principles. His book is comprised of three divisions: 1) Wisdom in Everyday Living, 2) Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel, and 3) Some Universal Concepts. Some of the chapters seemed like Sacrament meeting talks - they had a few stories, a few scriptures, and were centered upon a specific gospel principle. The book is insightful and inspiring at times, thus, it achieves its objective to some degree; of course the degree to which one is inspired or enlightened will depend upon the reader, but some of the more memorable quotations (in my opinion) are captured below. What it is not is an exegetical treatise. Context, author and editorial perspective, historicity, literary function, and other approaches to Book of Mormon studies are absent in this book - it wasn't written for these purposes, rather, it serves as a good representation of Bennion's reflections on Christian principles highlighted by Book of Mormon scriptures.
"Furthermore, no religious group, not even the Church of Jesus Christ, has a monopoly on truth and goodness. Other leaders of mankind--the Hebrew prophets, Confucius, Buddha, and others--have made unique contributions to the lives of their followers. We look to Christ for the fullest revelation of God to man. We also recognize his unique mission as the Savior of mankind, the redeemer from death and sin, but this does not mean that others were not also inspired of God. As a Christian, I have learned much--and have much to learn--about integrity from Confucius, kindness from Buddha, peaceableness from Lao-tzu, submission to God from Muhamad, and social justice from Amos and his fellow prophets in Israel....God inspires men and women of all nations and in all ages with his word to the degree they desire and are able to understand. It is consistent with his fatherhood and justice and with his goals regarding human life." (30-31)
"It is fitting that we are reminded to give heed to our leaders. They are not perfect in character nor in judgment. They err on occasion. They should be and are open to suggestion and question, but they have been chosen prayerfully and generally give their best efforts freely. They merit our support, all the more because we have raised our hands to sustain them." (46)
"In the Savior's wonderful "ways of life," the Beatitudes, the first four have to do with disciplining and educating the self: humility, repentance, meekness, and integrity. These are prerequisites to the last four which are expressions of love: mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and sacrificing for others. How can someone love if he doesn't have humility and integrity? Confucius, the moral sage of China, said, "The charge of oneself is the root of all other charges." (50)
"'Humility' that is externally induced by poverty, failure, disgrace, or suffering may not be humility at all. There is a marked difference between being humble and being humbled. Being humbled may be akin to feeling shame, guilt, or inferiority. True humility is awareness of our dependence on God, on fellow human beings, and of our spiritual need. True humility is a desire--even a need--to learn. An individual's 'humility,' when occasioned by external factors, may evaporate when the cause is no longer present." (58)
"Very typically, we ask the Lord to bless the missionaries, the leaders of the Church, those who mourn, and those who are sick and afflicted. I am quite sure that this has value and meaning. It is in God's interest to inspire missionaries and leaders of the Church. As our Father of mercy and compassion, he is surely concerned with those who are in pain. Why not, following the suggestion of Amulek [Alma 34:28-29], use prayer to motivate ourselves to help the Lord achieve his purposes? 'Father, help me to write and encourage missionaries, to accept callings from the bishop and carry them out cheerfully and wholeheartedly. Father, help me to turn off the television and visit the sick, afflicted, and lonely of my acquaintance. Help me to find the right things to say to the Smith family who have lost a son.' Prayer should not be a substitute for gospel living but a motivation to live it." (64)
"The LDS emphasis on baptism usually falls on its necessity and value to the individual. It is instructive to me that the Book of Mormon describes its social dimension and consequences [Mosiah 18:13, 26-29]. Baptism is the gateway to a Christian community wherein Saints fellowship, love, and support one another." (81)
"[Moroni 8:25-26] Note how simple yet logical is the sequence of principles Mormon enumerates: One who breaks the law needs repentance. Repentance leads to baptism. Baptism brings remission of sins. The remission of sins brings meekness and lowliness of heart. Because of meekness and lowliness of heart comes the visitation of the Holy Ghost. And the Comforter (Holy Ghost) filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer." (83-84)
"I am convinced that genetically there is a basic equality among the so-called races and cultures of humankind. Differences are usually due to educational and environmental factors. The Book of Mormon challenges us to set aside our prejudices and to consider all individuals precious, one as another, no matter what their condition might be." (118)
"True religion is more than piety, more than ritual, more than personal morality. These must be accompanied by social morality--by compassion and by wisely giving self and substance to others. True religion--say both Hebrew and the Book of Mormon prophets--is inseparable from high moral relationships with fellowmen. There is no true spirituality, no acceptance of man's worship by God, without genuine morality. God loves my neighbor just as much as he loves me. If I ignore my neighbor in his affliction, how can God accept my words of worship? No one who understands the character of God can fail to show mercy toward his neighbor." (120)
Overall, the book was a decent read, but a singular one.
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