Righteous Warriors: Lessons from the War Chapters in the Book of Mormon

by John Bytheway

Book Overview

Why are there so many wars in the Book of Mormon? Could it be that a book written "for our day" would have to prepare us to survive in a time of "wars and rumors of war," a time when Satan is at war... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590382714
• ISBN13: 9781590382714
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.

Customer Reviews

"Why Are There So Many Wars?"

John Bytheway begins by asking why there are so many wars in The Book of Mormon. He reminds us that the content of this book was selected from a greater body of historical records by someone who had seen our time and was inspired to select what would help us. This is not an altogether encouraging thought! Reminding us that earthly wars occur as parts of an ongoing war between good and evil, the author narrows our focus to Alma 43 to 62. Twenty chapters of Bytheway's book cover these twenty chapters of Alma in a straightforward manner. First presenting the chapter heading from the scriptures, the author then follows with quotes and commentary. He highlights interesting observations, "mini-lesson" insights and major lessons in each chapter. Chapters end with a list of these "lessons learned." By book's end, readers will have absorbed 53 such lessons, drawn from the experiences of Captain Moroni, Helaman and their contemporaries. The book's many lessons are summarized in the final chapter. Spiritual lessons include: Repent first, prepare second; Prepare for attacks on your faith; Be wary of Satan's stratagems; and Be faithful, not fearful. Temporal lessons include: Remember that military strength without spiritual strength means weakness; Be sorry to take up arms; Elect and support righteous leaders; and When world events get you down, let Christ lift you up. I was particularly impressed by the author's analysis of Amalickiah as a type of Satan and practitioner of a recognizable pattern of deceit and betrayal in his quest for power. I recommend this book to those with LDS beliefs and willingness to learn some hard truths. I respect John Bytheway's work, but must confess that I sometimes find his sense of humor challenging when I listen to his audiotapes. His lightness can clash with more serious reflection in a way it would not if I were part of a live audience. The humor in this book is of the same sort, but does not get in the way. The reader-controlled pace allowed me to "take it or leave it" as matched my mood. I think I may take more of my Bytheway in book form in the future.

best book on the subject

I've learned sooo much on this subject that I never would have picked up on my own....this book is a Godsend. The lessons very much apply to our own times. By the end of the book, you also learn more about how to apply any scripture to your own life. It's also entertaining...he knows how to reach teenagers (and older people like me). I'd purchase any book by this author...his videos are great too. Cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Great insight on BoM war chapters

As someone who wasn't previously interested in the physical strategies of Captain Moroni's war with the Lamanites, reading this book by John Bytheway's helped me develop a great appreciation for the spiritual strategies, as well as the physical, in the war for the Nephites' continued freedom. I believe that all aspects focused on in "Righteous Warriors" are helpful to Book of Mormon enthusiasts and survivors of "the world" everywhere.

Surprisingly enlightening!

I loved this book! John Bytheway is great at incorporating humor with the spiritual to keep you interested all the way through. He looks deeper and helps you to see that the war chapters of The Book of Mormon are not just stories but that they are true and teach important helps for our day. I would recommend this book to anyone!