2 Ne. 26:14-22; 28:2-32; Journal of Discourses 19:38; Gospel Standards, Grant, pp. 290-291; Conference Report, Oct. 1963, p. 107; Conference Report, Apr., 1971, p. 90
“The Book of Mormon was written for us today… . God who knows the end from the beginning, told (Mormon) what to include in his abridgement that we would need for our day… .” (Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Apr. 1975, pp. 96-97)
“The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. Mormon wrote near the end of the Nephite civilization. Under the inspiration of God, who sees all things from the beginning, he abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us. Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations [see 2 Ne. 25:21; Jacob 1:3; Enos 1:15-16; Jarom 1:2; Mormon 7:1; Mormon 8:34-35; 9:30] … . If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1986, p.5)
“The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious and philosophical concepts of our time.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1975, p. 64)
“Political unrest, warfare, and economic chaos prevail in many parts of the world, and the plagues of pornography, drug misuse, immorality, AIDS, and child abuse become more oppressive with each passing day. The media busily satisfies an apparently insatiable appetite of audiences to witness murder, violence, nudity, sex, and profanity. Is not this the day of which Moroni spoke when he recorded: ‘Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.’ (Morm. 8:35). And then he prophesied of conditions of the world as they are today.” (M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 31)
[Morm. 8:34-38] “I guess one of the greatest mysteries of mortality is why mankind fails to learn from history. Why do those who profess to be true followers of Christ so often become victims of the enticements of the world? … We see so many members seeking worldly pursuits contrary to the words of the Lord’s prophets through the ages. Many of us are more concerned about our fine apparel, the size of our homes, and our cars and their gadgets than we are about the needs of the poor and the needy… . We need to heed Moroni’s warning to avoid the fate which destroyed his people… . Who would not want to heed the voice of warning of one who has witnessed such heartache and misery? Moroni’s words are not just a voice of warning, but also a voice of hope, as he lets us know that every one of God’s children are precious to Him.” (L. Tom Perry, Ensign, Nov. 1992, pp. 16-17)
“Speaking of the last days, the Prophet Moroni declared, ‘Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth’ (Morm. 8:31). Sadly, the effects of this great pollution are perhaps most evident in the mass media, films, television, and popular music… . In most areas of the mass media there seems to be a declaration of war against almost everything the majority treasures most: the family, religion, and patriotism. Marriage is degraded, while premarital and extramarital relations are encouraged and glamorized. Profanity and the foulest of vulgar gutter language bombard the ears of all who listen… . Human life itself is trivialized by the constant barrage of violence and killings… . Parents who really want to receive assistance must return to the basics—the fundamentals of the gospel. Among all that could be said, here are four specific suggestions that, if applied, can make a positive difference: First, do not be afraid to set clear moral standards and guidelines… . Second, teach your children to work and to take responsibility… . Third, create an environment in your family in which spiritual experiences can occur… . Fourth, follow the counsel of the prophets.” (Joe J. Christensen, Ensign, Nov. 1993, pp. 11-13)