This Generation?

[Traveler]

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 tells us that all things that happen have a type and shadow in the past. With this in mind what are the opinions of this current generation to which we belong? To which generation in scriptural history are we the most like?

The Traveler

[skalenfehl]

Personally I liken the current generation to the generation of the wicked in the Book of Mormon just before Christ visited the Nephites. They were very wicked and persecuted the righteous who prayed and worshiped faithfully and looked for the sign. I see this type everywhere I look today.

[NateHowe]

Personally I liken the current generation to the generation of the wicked in the Book of Mormon just before Christ visited the Nephites. They were very wicked and persecuted the righteous who prayed and worshiped faithfully and looked for the sign. I see this type everywhere I look today.

Although wickedness is widespread and the righteous are persecuted somewhat, I fear that parallel may apply much more fully to our children's generation if current trends continue.

[BandNerd]

I think that's a good parallel... we do know that we are in the last dispensation and that it will end with the Second Coming. I agree with Nate, though, it'll get worse before that happens. It's hard to pinpoint just one parallel generation from history, though, many are very similar. Even the time just before the birth of Christ and even into His life seems like a good comparison.

[rameumptom]

I see us, as does Skalenfehl, in that time period. There are interesting links to us and the times in Helaman/3 Nephi. They fought Gadianton robbers in the mountains, but were never quite able to get rid of them. We are fighting Islamic terrorists in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and can never quite root them out.

We seem to be getting leadership that is either incompetent or wicked, caught up in many of the secret combinations of our day. Whether they are selling our missile technology to China, or allowing poor trade agreements to allow China to take away our livelihood, it all comes back to the dangers surrounding the Nephites/Americans in very intense times.

These were periods of large populations that migrated and traded amongst each other. The Lamanites opening up trade venues with the Nephites is similar to free trade with Russia, China and the USA today.

As for migrations, just look at how Europe is being populated by Muslims and the USA by latinos. It isn't good nor bad that this occurs, but it does cause major cultural and political shifts of power. Suddenly, the Nephites no longer fought the Gadiantons, but supported them, in order to keep things peaceful and to enrich themselves. We see this occurring today - Spain pulls out of Iraq to limit the terrorist attacks, for instance. Many are willing to cuddle up to OPEC, because that is where the oil is. And oil means economic wealth.

Will there come a time when we will have to group together as did Lachoneus' people, in order to protect ourselves from the modern day Gadiantons? I believe so. We shall be forced to gather and establish a Zion people, if we choose to survive the last days.

[Misshalfway]

In our study of the NT last year in Sunday School, I realized how the culture and attitudes of Jerusalem at the time of the Savior are very reflective of our challenges inside of the church today. So much to learn from those earlier generations.

I was thinking also that I wonder if our time is not a culmination of all the dispensations. We certainly are facing the evil of the ages combined with the newest of Satan's concoctions today. Luckily it is the last days and those who are with us are more than those who are against us.

So important for us to keep close to the scriptures and be watchful.

[utcowboy]

I agree with Misshalfway, and I'd like to add, listening to the living Prophets. If we follow counsel, not blindly, but faithfully, we shall prevail. The Lord has shown us the way it is our responsiblity to follow his path and share that knowledge with those around us.

[Traveler]

In our study of the NT last year in Sunday School, I realized how the culture and attitudes of Jerusalem at the time of the Savior are very reflective of our challenges inside of the church today. So much to learn from those earlier generations.

I was thinking also that I wonder if our time is not a culmination of all the dispensations. We certainly are facing the evil of the ages combined with the newest of Satan's concoctions today. Luckily it is the last days and those who are with us are more than those who are against us.

So important for us to keep close to the scriptures and be watchful.

I think you are correct when you compare our generation to the generation that lived with Jesus. The elements are so powerful that it is my personal belief that the NT was perserved through time for the primary intent for our day.

The Traveler