Alma 48:16-20

Questions

Alma 48:16-20: What does it mean that if we were all like Moroni "the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men" (vs. 17)? Does that mean we should seek to be like Moroni in every respect?

Alma 48:16-20: If the binding of Satan brings about a Terrestrial condition (cf. Rev 20:2, D&C 43:31, D&C 45:55, D&C 84:100, D&C 88:110), does that imply that Moroni's actions are an example of living the laws of the Terrestrial Kingdom?

Alma 48:16-20: If Moroni is living a Terrestrial law, is he a valid role-model in every respect for modern LDS members seeking to obtain a Celestial glory?

Alma 48:16-20: Do Moroni's actions differ in any significant way from the teachings or example of Jesus Christ?

Alma 48:16-20. Many LDS members admire Captain Moroni's valor and see verse 17 as a statement confirming his righteousness. While Captain Moroni certainly has many admirable qualities, his propensity for anger and possibly his propensity for seeking military solutions seem to contradict the Savior's teachings on contending in anger (3 Ne 11:29) and renouncing war (D&C 98:16).

Alma 48:16-20. From D&C 98 it appears that while wars can sometimes be "justified" under very narrow conditions, it is preferable to not fight even when attacked D&C 98:30. Since it is harder to allow oneself to be killed than to fight back, the Lord allows for self defense, though this violates what may well be the higher law and self-sacrificing example of the Savior.

Alma 48:16-20. Reading that Moroni's actions would lead Satan to be bound (vs. 17)--a condition of the Terrestrial Kingdom--shouldn't lead us see Moroni as the ultimate example for us to follow, especially in attempts to justify entering into our own modern wars. By recognizing that Moroni and his people were living a Terrestrial law, we can celebrate their valor and faith without seeing their actions as the ultimate standards for righteous living.