Churches Built By Men, Part 7

Nephi gives a list of destructive qualities. The list is qualified by what these traits do to men: It makes them prideful. They are "puffed up in the pride of their hearts." (2 Ne. 28: 15.) Therefore, as you read the list keep in mind this corrosive pride as part of Nephi's warning.

The list includes:
-the wise
-the learned
-the rich. (2 Ne. 28: 15.)

It is possible to be all of these, and not be prideful. But if that is the case, then the wisdom, learning and riches of such an individual are used to elevate and serve others. They become advantages in helping the poor, the hungry, the naked and the infirm. In such cases the wisdom, learning and wealth do not become something that defines the individual. Instead, they become the tools of empathy and compassion.

In addition to the proud, Nephi adds another category, "all those who preach false doctrines." (2 Ne. 28: 15.) When it comes to corrupting the doctrine, pride is irrelevant. A person can be sincere, honest and devout, but if they preach false doctrine, Nephi condemns them. There is simply no excuse to justify preaching what is untrue or incomplete. Those doctrines will lead others to hell. Therefore, they are false ministers in the service of darkness.

There is a phrase that follows hard on preaching false doctrines. It is "all those who commit whoredoms." (2 Ne. 28: 15.) If read together, the result is this: "all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms." This may be a single thought, or a single description. Because to leave the Lord and follow after another false source for salvation - a false god - is often described as "committing whoredoms." If this is Nephi's intent, then the preacher of false doctrine is condemned because they are leading others away from God.

Nephi is clear about the fate of the preachers who preach false or incomplete doctrine and lead others away from God, "wo, wo, wo be unto them." A three-fold condemnation. They could not be saved because of their false teaching. This condemnation is not Nephi's. He attributes it directly to God: "wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty." (2 Ne. 28: 15.) This three-part name of God mirrors the three-fold condemnation, and it is the Lord who is speaking.

"For they shall be thrust down to hell!" (2 Ne. 28: 14.)

Be careful what you preach. If you do not fully understand the Gospel of Christ, then you take a fearful responsibility upon yourself when you pretend to tell the truth. (See D&C 11: 21-22.)