Not just sitting upon his throne: my Book of Mormon hero
The commander and the governor: civic lessons from The Book of Mormon, part II.
Captain Moroni, a wartime leader who fought for his faith, is perhaps the most lauded character in the Book of Mormon (excepting Jesus, of course). This commander-in-chief was clearly the scriptural hero of Mormon, who compiled the whole volume. In fact, Mormon so esteemed this historical leader that he named his son after Moroni.
Here’s how Mormon describes his hero, hundreds of years later:
If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever (Alma 48:17).
High praise indeed. He describes Moroni’s every action in glowing terms:
“[Moroni] was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery.” (Alma 48:10-11)
In the record, Captain Moroni is indeed a great tactician, a fearsome fighter, and a noteworthy defender of his people. He has a lot of admirable leadership qualities. For one, Moroni has the foresight to prepare strong defenses before they’re needed (very helpful when trouble comes). Perhaps there’s a civic lesson there: setting up guardrails during good times can help protect when danger comes.
The modern reader can certainly respect how Moroni declares, multiple times, that he is genuinely “sorry to take up arms… because [he] did not delight in the shedding of blood” (Alma 48:23). On several occasions, the captain offers to spare enemies who will give up their weapons of war: if they meet his conditions, they can go home instead of being killed. That’s more than decent. (Although at other times Moroni is a bit too ready to use the sword against foes).
All this to say, I appreciate Captain Moroni—but he’s not my scriptural hero.
When perfect isn’t perfect
Although his biographer writes how perfect Moroni is, a discerning reader can see that the commander-in-chief isn’t without flaws. (Maybe this humanizing factor is actually good!)
Moroni’s temper often gets the better of him. He pens off angry letters to a bunch of folks. First, to the leader of his longtime enemies; later to Pahoran, the head of his own (Nephite) government. Let’s focus on this second letter.
In his epistle, Captain Moroni accuses Pahoran of a litany of offenses. He starts small (ha), accusing the governor and associates of “sit[ing] upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor” (Alma 60:6) while a war is ongoing. This anger progresses—as Moroni keeps writing—to telling Pahoran and ilk they’re traitors to their country and faith (v. 18 of the same chapter). Near the end of his epistle, the captain threatens to come home and fight them if the government doesn’t start funding their defensive effort.
I think it’s fair to submit that Captain Moroni likely had anger management issues. At minimum, he would have benefitted from a cooling-off period before his letters were sent. And a good editor. (Don’t we all!)
What never ceases to astonish me is the response of Pahoran, the chief civic leader of Moroni’s time.
How great leaders respond to criticism
Pahoran is the governor and chief judge. As two civically powerful men who belonged to the same faith, Pahoran likely knew Moroni before the war. It’s not hard to imagine that, not altogether so long ago, their two families were having dinner together, at a worship meeting, or meeting as allies to brainstorm on defensive strategies.
Yet here Moroni is, assassinating the character of his friend. Most of us would be livid! And respond in kind.
After being served this list of false accusations—because it turns out, Moroni didn’t know what was happening at home—Pahoran replies to anger with meekness.
“In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not” (Alma 61:9).
Whoa. How often do we see a powerful politician respond to any kind of criticism with introspection and humility? Much less unfair critique.
Moreover, Pahoran doesn’t discount the valuable suggestions he finds, even when coupled with faulty attacks. He overlooks the slight. Pahoran continues,
“I am not angry, but rejoice in the greatness of your heart.”
Not angry?! Not sure about you, but I do not enjoy being attacked. Having my integrity questioned is hard. Faulty accusations coupled with threats against your physical safety seems like the right moment for some righteous indignation.
But Pahoran goes high. He chooses peacemaking over personal vanity.
Pahoran’s response is level-headed. He meets fire with… water. (He reminds Moroni that “I do not joy in your afflictions… [they] grieve my soul.”) It puts out the anger. (For Christians like me, what a great example of the living water, Jesus Christ). He even chooses to find the wisdom hidden within the words.
Note that Pahoran does stand up for himself. He reminds Moroni—hey, friend, remember, I’m not seeking for power either. We’re in this together.
As Pahoran declares,
“My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.” (Alma 61:9)
Lastly, Pahoran calmly, rationally, even kindly finds common ground with Moroni. They both want freedom. They both want an end to their wars. They can work together to accomplish this.
He ends:
“And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni.”
Pahoran’s dedication to principle heals the potentially life-changing rift in his humble, loving response.
Meanwhile back at home…
During this time of civil strife and deep division in the Nephite capital, Pahoran has been driven out by the rebellion. The dissenters have installed a king in his place.
Pahoran has been figuring out his strategy while in exile. He sends out a proclamation “to those who love freedom.” It’s working: some people have flocked to the standard, and more are joining. But it hasn’t yet stopped the rebellion.
Understandably, Pahoran hesitates to take up arms against his own people.
“I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren.”
(Aside: A leader who cares about the people more than his own power? What a gift to the Nephite nation… or any nation!)
Moroni feels differently. He suggests using military might to quell the rebellion (a subject for another time). Moroni’s letter offers a rationale for reclaiming their rightful authority and resources: they’re not fighting with their countrymen for power—which at a future date they’ll willingly relinquish—but instead, they’re fighting in defense of their country and freedom.
At this moment in time, ending the internal conflict is just. Or at least necessary to continue to defend the liberty and autonomy against would-be dictators. Moroni’s imperfect letter is the answer to Pahoran’s prayers.
Together, they decide to calm the civil war before fighting with their outside enemies.
The power of unity
Even now Pahoran wants to resist evil first “with his words”—and faith in God—before turning to violence. (I appreciate this about Pahoran, because the bloodshed is a bit troubling). He’s thoughtful and strategic. His reply outlines a plan of action to quickly end the strife.
Shortly after this exchange, Pahoran and Moroni unite forces to reclaim their own government. Both seriously rejoice in the renewed partnership, even while “mourn[ing] exceedingly” for those who betrayed the principles they held dear.
During their campaign, they get anyone who will unite with them—no matter which party they may favor—to put principles over party and unite the nation.
Most hopeful to me: they’re successful. They retake the capital. Their people rejoice in their freedom, in keeping a usurper king out of power.
Following Nephite law, those who have committed crimes—who have broken the law, intentionally endangering their national security—are tried. Those who aren’t willing to defend their country meet their demise. (Again, not a fan of the capital punishment. I do appreciate that everyone was given a speedy, fair trial and a chance to change).
In the end, Pahoran and his compatriot “have restored peace to the land… [and] among their own people.” (Alma 62:11).
The finale
Ending the civil war begets greater prosperity and peace. The newly re-united Nephites band together and are successful not just in restoring principled government to their land, but also in defeating the external enemies that threatened them.
Moroni’s army is aided in these efforts in miraculous ways—preserving many lives. Many of their captured prisoners, soldiers used as pawns in the war, reform, yearning to “become a free people” like the Nephites (Alma 62:27). They are welcomed. These former enemy soldiers join an industrious (and faithful) immigrant group.
Many years of “wars, and bloodshed, and famine, and afflictions” are finally over.
What comes next? Moroni does a bit of defensive work with the military, then retires. Pahoran goes back to the judgment-seat to try to strengthen their government. They work together in peace and the economy booms—mostly because the people, for a time, stay humble and reliant on God.
I find many lessons, both spiritual and otherwise, from these characters. Notable is the power of a calm response to dissipate anger. The importance of uniting together to promote ethical leadership. The essential nature of humility, both for great leaders and the rest of us alike.
As a member of MWEG (Mormon Women for Ethical Government) who thinks a lot about what “peacemaking” actually means, I think often of Pahoran’s example. An imperfect guy stuck in a hard situation—for a time, lost as to how to proceed—who finds both meekness and courage to stand for principle. For truth.
May we all be a little more like Pahoran.