What are we to understand about mankind being “a lost and fallen people”?

Thomas R. Valletta

“Ancient and modern prophets have taught that Adam and Eve’s partaking of the forbidden fruit had, and continues to have, significant consequences … .

“We know that the Prophet Joseph Smith … clearly acknowledged and taught of mankind’s fallen nature. … During a trip to New York City in October 1832, he wrote a letter to his wife, Emma, in which, in addition to describing the splendor of the city and the accomplishments of the people, he stated: ‘The iniquity of the people is printed in every countenance and nothing but the dress of the people makes them look fair and beautiful. All is deformity. There is something in every countenance that is disagreeable, with few exceptions’” (Judd, Fortunate Fall, 90–92).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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