I'm wondering, because of my relatives is LDS and a Native American and he says he is confused about whether he is still considered a Nephite-Lamanite.
2006-12-08 06:29:01 · 9 answers · asked by Brigid O' Somebody 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Brigid, the use of the term "Lamanite" in the Book of Mormon changed over the thousand year time period of history covered in the book. At first, it meant descendants of Laman and Lemuel, two sons of the first prophet in the book who did not follow thier father and were not righteous. The faithful were called "Nephites."
However, within 70 years, the term came to mean those who disagreed with the righteous leadership of the colony. Thus, those "Lamanites" who repented, and rejoined the group changed their name to something else, usually "Nephites."
Eventually, the righteous colony lost their faith, and were completely exterminated. The remaining peoples, called "Lamanites" in the Book of Mormon are those who are Native Americans now -- but that merely means they were not "Nephites."
The closest parallel is probably the word "gentile", which I understand means no more than "not Jewish".
2006-12-08 15:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by Larry L 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we do believe that. The earliest writers of the BOM had left Jerusalem around the time that Jeremiah began writing his section of the Bible and ended up in the Americas. The Native Americans are their descendants. And though I would never call the earlier Native Americans primitive, it is true that they didn't have a solid understanding of God. At some point, their forefathers had rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ and ceased studying the words of previous prophets. Without that guidance, more and more people turned away from God, eventually beginning to worship nature spirits instead. By the time the Europeans arrived many centuries later, the people had forgotten pretty much everything they'd once known about Christ and God. So, long answer longer, why did the Native Americans seem far worse to the Europeans than they were at the end of the BOM? More time had gone by, that's all. If the Europeans had come even later, perhaps the contrast would have been even more severe. Hope that helped.
2016-05-23 07:09:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I have a friend who is also Native American and LDS. She takes great pride in her Native American-ness and in coming from a people talked about in the Book of Mormon. She says it's like reading in the diary of a relative.
It's not like we go around calling Native Americans Laminites or something. I don't think it's really talked about at all. I have heard stories about some push by a Seventy or maybe a General Authority back in the 70's or 80's to really think of the Native Americans as Laminites and try to preach the Gospel to them with a concerted effort. But then I also heard that this same guy was soon excommunicated - I'm not sure why, or if it had anything to do with his "push" toward a more inclusive Native American mindset.
I don't see Native Americans any differently than I see any other group. I think it would be kind of neat to be a Native American Mormon - but that's just me.
2006-12-08 06:53:23 · answer #3 · answered by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, in a very broad sense. This doesn't mean that they are all literal descendants. Earlier groups were already established by the the time Lehi and his children came here. Other tribes arrived after. The first Hopi pueblo was built 1000 years ago, but the Navajo arrived in the area about 500 years ago. They migrated from what is now Canada. So if you wanted to find out whose people built a pueblo 1500 years ago, you would probably restrict your search. The Hopi will tell you about their white brother Pahana, and the Navajo may not. The Hopi will tell you they got here by sailing across the ocean, the Navajo won't. So one group is closer to the original story than the other.
2006-12-08 07:52:21 · answer #4 · answered by Isolde 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes. However, I do not believe they were of the Nephite or Lamanite groups, but of the other groups that came to the continent.
2006-12-08 09:31:25 · answer #5 · answered by straightup 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thata nd many hidden things are part of their doctrine. The younger generations are not taught this for it scares away the expectant proselytes and shakes the belief of the older victims.
1TI 4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
2006-12-08 06:34:37 · answer #6 · answered by TROLL BOY 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Lost Tribes were..caucasion"s.
2006-12-08 06:31:50 · answer #7 · answered by Royal Racer Hell=Grave © 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure. We don't have any good way to verify it one way or the other.
2006-12-08 06:44:57 · answer #8 · answered by Open Heart Searchery 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do. That is one of the key teachings of the church.
2006-12-09 03:59:40 · answer #9 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋