The careful reader of the Book of Mormon observes a framework of thought and value expressed by the authors which is simple and plain, but which contrasts markedly with the thinking of both the opposition which those authors faced in their own time and which believers in the book face in our modern world. As a first approximation to this distinctive Nephite pattern of thought, the following five points are offered.
1. Patriarchal Society. The polar concept to the Nephite patriarchal society is not matriarchal but rather secular. Priesthood, divinely ordained and directed authority, was the key to the social functions of the society. Family affairs were administered by the patriarch of the family, not just until the children reached majority, but in the work of their adult lives. Priesthood authorities were responsible for education, industrial development, military affairs and legal authority during most of the Nephite history. In those times when the high priest was not the chief judge, the office of high priest was considered the more important function.
2. Historical Orientation. One principal function of the prophet presidents of Nephite society was the keeping of careful records, recording both happenings as they occurred and prophecies of the future. The initial story of Nephite history is the obtaining of the brass plates which were deemed of utmost worth, giving the Nephites roots to the past of their people and proper expectations for the future. All contemporary events of Nephite history were viewed by the writers as the expected unfolding of a panorama foreknown; the Nephites lived out a tragic drama, knowing full well the script from the beginning.
3. Lineage Consciousness. The “who” of their history was as important as the “what” to the Nephites. They knew themselves to be the offspring of God, but were acutely conscious of their estrangement from Him. They knew themselves to be children of Abraham, the Faithful One, and heirs to all the blessings of that righteous progenitor. They knew that though long eras of darkness and rebellion would see Israel unfaithful, there would be bright spots and that in the last days, the literal blood would again triumph over evil and prepare the earth for the coming of its king. This consciousness of lineage is reflected in the discouragement of intermarriage with the non-faithful, the tracing of various “ites,” and the careful keeping of genealogical records.
4. Gospel Paramount. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was used by the Nephites to solve every problem. They believed that faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sinning, taking the covenant of baptism and enduring to the end under the guidance of the Holy Spirit was the only successful and intelligent way to meet life. Whether to obtain the plates, find game in the wilderness, build a ship to cross the ocean, subdue a primitive land, vanquish enemies, locate armies of opponents in the wilderness, escape from captivity, or to come to stand face to face with the living God, all would be done, and was done by them, through the simple and powerful steps of living the Gospel.
5. Christ Centered. Though an isolated people, though facing ultimate destruction, though a minority group, the Nephites always looked with a brightness of hope on their Savior, Jesus Christ. They knew that no matter what happened to the group or the nation, no matter if they were killed, or scourged, or shamed, they had an Advocate in the Heavens, an ever-near Master who loved them and nurtured them in the troubles of the flesh. They taught of Christ, they hoped in Christ, they prayed in Christ, they served in Christ, they knew the Christ. The greatest hope any of them had was to learn His voice so well that they could think, speak, act and love in all things under His personal direction, and then to be folded in the arms of His Eternal Love forever.
As with the Nephites, so with us. Though most of the race may perish, the righteous lineage will be preserved, and every person who hungers and thirsts for the truth, the Christ, can be prepared to meet Him when He stands again on the earth in the latter day. The thinking of the righteous Nephite was his key to success. The Book of Mormon is given to us to bring to us the key to our success, to think likewise.