Who are the “bond”?

Thomas R. Valletta

Bond—the opposite of free—means more than slavery. It means being bound (in bondage) to anything from which it is difficult to escape. Bond includes those whose freedom is restricted by physical or emotional afflictions. Bond includes those who are addicted to some substance or practice. Bond surely refers to those who are imprisoned by sin—‘encircled about’ by what another teaching of the Book of Mormon calls ‘the chains of hell’ (Alma 5:7). Bond includes those who are held down by traditions or customs contrary to the commandments of God. … Finally, bond also includes those who are confined within the boundaries of other erroneous ideas” (Oaks, “All Men Everywhere,” 77–78).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

References