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KnoWhy #380 - What is the Purpose of Democracy in the Book of Mormon? (Mosiah 29:27)

TitleKnoWhy #380 - What is the Purpose of Democracy in the Book of Mormon? (Mosiah 29:27)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2017
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsAccountability; Democracy; Government; Judgeship; Kingship; Sin
Abstract

The Book of Mormon reminds us that democracies allow societies as a whole to be held accountable for their sins. In the ancient world, most people assumed that the king was either semi-divine or, at least, a son of God. Because of this divine status, most of a king’s subjects would likely have been understandably nervous about disobeying him. This explains why, in some parts of the ancient world, the king bore the responsibility for the people’s sins. The judgeship, on the other hand, would leave the people without excuse. If they became wicked, they would be held accountable, and not the king.

URLhttps://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-is-the-purpose-of-democracy-in-the-book-of-mormon
Citation Key3561

Scripture Reference

Mosiah 29:27