The Book of Mormon Study Guide Quotes

“What is the relationship between spiritual and physical sickness? (15:3–4) “There is another part of us, not so tangible, but quite as real as our physical body. This tangible part of us is described as mind, emotion, intellect, temperament, and many other things. Very seldom is it described as spiritual. “But there is a spirit in man; to ignore it is to ignore reality. There are spiritual disorders, too, and spiritual diseases that can cause intense suffering. “The body and spirit of man are bound together. Often, very often, when there are disorders, it is very difficult to tell which is which” (Packer, “Balm of Gilead,” 59).”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish, Revised Edition

“Why did Lehi explain his doctrine regarding “opposition in all things” in such detail? (2:13) “The law of opposites creates a condition in which there are ‘things . . . to act [or] be acted upon.’ “Lehi’s essential teaching is not simply that opposites exist but that they function to create situations in which ‘things’ either act or are acted upon. While we typically concentrate on the opposed conditions, it is really this ‘acting’ that is the point of Lehi’s argument. The opposites merely provide the field in which ‘acting upon’ occurs” (Gardner, Second Witness, 44). Why couldn’t man “act for himself” without opposition? (2:15–16) “One of the principal purposes of mortality is for man to have the opportunity to learn the difference between right and wrong and between good and evil. This knowledge is necessary to gain the spiritual maturity to make righteous choices. . . . We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It is part of the plan for our eternal progress. Without temptation, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy. The law of opposition makes freedom of choice possible” (Teachings of Howard W. Hunter,”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish, Revised Edition