Spiritual rigor: A brief study of 1 Nephi 6

This is a rather short chapter which Nephi uses to remind his readers of his priorities.  He tells us what purpose his record has, and what method he will use to do it.

The linchpin of this chapter is found in verse 5: "Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world."

What Nephi is doing is assuring spiritual rigor in his writing.  A scientist insures that his research is scientifically rigorous by reviewing relevant literature and experiments, by using the proper methods to study his topic, and by accounting for and holding constant other variables not studied.  Similarly, Nephi is insuring that there is spiritual rigor in his writings by concentrating on the relevant spiritual context (the Plan of Salvation and Atonement of Jesus Christ), by using the proper methods to study his topic (faith, charity, hope, etc.), and by accounting for and holding constant other variables (by understanding and mitigating the point of view of the world).

Let's use a different analogy.  Carpenters use a variety of tools in their trade: hammers, screwdrivers, planers, etc., each designed to accomplish a different objective.  Carpenters with few tools aren't as useful as those with more.  More dangerously, to the carpenter with only a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.

If we concentrate on thinking like the world does, we start limiting our spiritual perspective.  We start thinking that the world is full of nails, and can't understand what the Lord's people are saying when they start talking about screws.  Turn a nail with a hammer?  How?  That's completely foolish!

However, if we broaden our perspective to include the eternal, we find that the prophecies, teachings, sermons, and commandments we once found foolish become anything but.  With the proper context, we better understand what is happening to us, and what we must do.

That's why Nephi is making his record more than just a chronicle of the rulers of his people.  This isn't a history book; that's not what we need.  Most of all, we need a book that will "persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham..."  By concentrating on the things of God, Nephi's record (and the larger Book of Mormon) won't be acclaimed by scientists or historians. But it will contain spiritual rigor, and that's the sort of rigor we need most.