From Deseret News archives:
Liahona legends found in cultures
Book of Mormon compass relevant still, scholars say
Elder Robert E. Wells, an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke on "Language of the Liahona" and said he's still looking for cultural legends of the device.
The Liahona was a compass of sorts, given to Lehi, the first prophet in the Book of Mormon, to help guide his family on their journeys. Elder Wells said the Liahona operated only through faith, heed and diligence and that this is the same formula that can help humans return to God.
Elder Wells said he had a vivid dream years ago while living in South America that made him a "Liahona seeker." He even had a Mexican coppersmith create him a large model of how the Liahona may have looked.
Since the Liahona story was still told in Book of Mormon accounts some 500 years after Lehi, Elder Wells reasoned, "It should be found in South American cultures still."
Hugh Nibley, an LDS scholar, outlined some evidences of Liahona legends in one article, Elder Wells said, and there are other stories of the device that persist today.
Elder Wells also advised conference participants to look for their favorite stories in the Book of Mormon that outline the use of faith, diligence and heed.
"The Book of Mormon has converting power," he said. "We can study a myriad of subjects from it."
The Book of Mormon Lands Conference, sponsored by the Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum, continues from 8 a.m. through 4:45 p.m. today at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South.
The conference goal is to bring the best Book of Mormon scholars and archaeologists together for insightful discussions on topics related to the lands of the Book of Mormon.
More information on the group and conference is available online at www.bmaf.org.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com
Comments
- 3A: Hurricane 24, Park City 19 2:29 a.m.
- GameDay back in the MWC 2:19 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:49 a.m.
- SUU campus briefs 1:48 a.m.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:47 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake gameday 1:33 a.m.
- 5A: Bingham rolls to title game 12:59 a.m.
- Aggies hope for Spartan cure 12:57 a.m.
- 5A: Miners pull tricks to win 12:56 a.m.
- 5A: Davis runs over Hunter 12:54 a.m.
- Williams leaves, won't play tonight
- Unga family is making its mark
- Selfishness to blame for Jazz woes?
- Study: Divorce likely when wife ill
- ESPN suddenly loves MWC
- Trial begins in toddler death
- Historically, Utes have owned TCU
- Two killed in Iron County crash
- 4A: Thunderbirds dynasty lives on
- Man killed during 3rd I-15 crash
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
348 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
162 - Will state consider gay rights law?
145 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Celtics crush Jazz
103 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
102 - Hatch empathizes with Muslims
88
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
True. It's not terribly funny and if it has any effect on society, it won't...
What else would you expect to find in a book called "The Founders on Religion"?
Ok not to be rude here, but check the stats, Hinds isnt first in yards and...
t-hinds = best player in utah
Anonymous: Was that English? I though conservatives believed if you are in...
Wow! Glad the Lord kept you safe. Separate comment: That was a horrible...
I have never been to a Utah high school game before as I am not from the...
It would behoove the above commenters to recall that religion, including our...
Only 8000 attendance? BYU had 16,000+ tonight. What is wrong with Ute fans?...
ian you are the 3A MVP If you win next week so just do it that would be nice....

You can be the first to comment on this story.