Last year, I became semi-obsessed with one particular verse in the Book of Mormon. I thought about it - on and off - all year. Recently, I found a verse in the Qur'an that helped me understand it even better.
But I'll get to that in a minute. First, a little back story.
I've long been interested in figuring out what is going on with God. What is he up to with having so many religions? And why do they seem to disagree? I've read a few books on the subject and spent many hours in contemplation.
The thing is, I've been raised to know that my church is "true." And although I believe it is true, I haven't known how my church fits in with other churches because I believe they are good too, and help people so much.
I have especially struggled when I've seen others discount - or be ignorant of - the great contribution of other faiths and other incredible people. There is so much I don't know about how God does his work, but I am coming to a strong conviction: We are all in this thing together.
Then, last year, as I said, I ran across a scripture that really jumped out at me.
It's in Alma, chapter 29, verse 8 it states, "The Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have."
Wow! That absolutely struck me. I had to read it slower, and deconstruct it so I could understand it better:
To me, "all nations" means ALL NATIONS, all countries, all continents.
In their "tongue" means in their native language, in a culturally understandable way.
"His word" seems to mean helpful teachings of some sort, revealed and written down, I would assume.
And "all that he seeth fit" means whatever quantity or quality of information that is the best fit for the needs of that locality.
So.... God speaks to every continent and every country on the earth. He speaks to them in their native language and in a way that is comprehensible to them considering their culture and level of understanding.
Isn't that stunning? Isn't that lovely? All of the people on this earth have access to a portion of God's teachings to help guide them. This tells me that the Book of Mormon recognizes the truth and beauty in other religions, that are helping guide people all over the globe.
This felt like an answer, to see that idea in print.
This was a piece of the puzzle to what I'd been pondering on... about what God is up to. He's reaching out to everyone, in a way that helps them best. I'm in Utah, and I'm a member of the LDS church, and that is what I need. So probably someone living in a place with access to different teachings is what they need too. Not that missionary work wasn't important... that's not what I'm thinking about... but that all people are being watched over by God. This is incredible.
You see, I have been raised in the "Utah bubble." I've fallen prey to being unaware of the big world of people doing wonderful things outside of my church. (It's something I'm actively trying to remedy since small-minded arrogance is not attractive...)
Even knowing that God is reaching out to all of his children, I have often wondered why his teachings are in contradiction from one religion to another? That's where the Qur'an comes in and explains this in a way that makes sense to me.
I came across this verse in a book about Islam, and it struck me with every bit as much force as the scripture did in Alma 29. The author points out, "The Qur'an itself suggests a way of living peacefully together despite our differences:
'If God had willed, he could have made you a single community. But he desired to test you in what he has given you. So, compete with one another in good deeds. You will all return to God, and he will inform you regarding the things wherein you used to disagree.'" --Qur'an 5:48, compare 2:48
What if this is true? Could God have made us all a single community if he had wanted? Of course he could. He's God.
I think it does stand to reason that he could provide, or allow, conflicting information to see what we would do. And it also stands to reason that we are MILES ahead if we simply "compete with one another in good deeds" rather than getting lost in who is right and who is wrong.
Compete in good deeds.... what a lovely thought. Go about doing good. That is what Jesus did. That is what he would want us to do.
No, I haven't read the Qur'an, just some commentary and a few passages, so don't take what I'm about to say too far. But I do believe it contains many moral teachings that mirror what we believe, along with some stuff that doesn't align.
I picture it this way. I think if the Book of Mormon and the Qur'an were kids on the playground, they would probably play together quite nicely. Maybe one would win in 4-square, or the other would skin its knee or tattle tale to the playground monitor, but on the whole, I think they would at least be friends.
And they could both be friends with other kids and help them out. If one kid took help from one and not the other, well, at least the kid was getting help. I think that's what matters.
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