“Alma 45–46: Moroni Raises the Title of Liberty,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)
“Alma 45–46,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual
Alma 45–46
Moroni Raises the Title of Liberty
When Moroni heard of the dissensions among his people caused by Amalickiah, he was angry. He created the title of liberty, and on it he listed important things for his people to always remember. Moroni’s words inspired the people to strengthen their commitment to God. This lesson can help you understand ways you can demonstrate your commitment to God.
Help learners remember the Lord. Remembering the Lord and His goodness is a consistent theme throughout the Book of Mormon (see 2 Nephi 10:2; Jacob 6:4; Moroni 10:3). Invite students to participate in learning activities that will help them remember Jesus Christ and reflect on how He has blessed and strengthened them.
Student preparation: Invite students to make a list of things that inspire or remind them to keep the commandments of God.
Possible Learning Activities
Do not forget
Display the following questions. Students could answer them with a partner or in a small group. You could also share a personal example from your life.
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When have you forgotten something important? What happened as a result?
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What are some things that you never want to forget? Why?
Today you will learn about a time when the Nephites failed to remember the Lord, even after they had experienced miraculous deliverance through Him. You might remember from studying Alma 43–44 that the Lord helped the Nephites defeat the Lamanites in a battle, despite the Nephites being greatly outnumbered (see Alma 43:51–54).
Read Alma 45:1, looking for how the Nephites reacted after this miraculous victory.
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What did you find?
During this time of peace, Alma’s son Helaman appointed priests and teachers over the Church throughout the land, and he preached the word of God with his brethren.
Read Alma 45:23–24; 46:1–5, 7–8, looking for how the people responded to these teachings.
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What stands out to you about the Nephites’ attitudes and behaviors in these verses?
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What is a truth we can learn from verse 8 about what can happen when we forget the Lord?
One truth we can learn from Alma 46:8 is that when we forget the Lord, we can more easily be led to do iniquity.
Think about how you have seen evidence of this truth in your own life. As you continue to study today, look for teachings that can help you better remember the Lord and demonstrate your commitment to Him.
Moroni creates the title of liberty
Moroni was angry with Amalickiah for causing these dissensions among the Nephites.
Read Alma 46:12–14, 19–20, looking for what Moroni did to inspire the Nephites to be faithful to God.
Before asking the following questions, consider listing these items from verse 12 on the board: God, religion, freedom, peace, family (wives and children).
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Why do you think Moroni chose to display these words for others to see during this difficult time?
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How do you see one or more of these items being forgotten or de-emphasized in the world today?
Like Moroni, leaders of the Church in our day have invited us to remember and defend these same values. Read the following statements, looking for modern-day teachings that relate to items listed on the title of liberty.
Distribute the handout below and give students time to study the statements on it individually or with a partner.
Or you could print the statements individually and display them on the walls throughout the room. Each statement could be printed or pasted onto an image of a flag to look like a title of liberty. Students could be given time to walk around and read each statement.
Modern-Day Teachings that Relate to the Title of Liberty
Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)—“Alma 45–46: Moroni Raises the Title of Liberty”
“In memory of our God”
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
There are many on the earth who know very little of Jesus Christ, and in some parts of the world where His name has been proclaimed for centuries, faith in Jesus Christ is diminishing. …
As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. (Neil L. Andersen, “We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88, 90)
“In memory of … our religion”
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
If we cease valuing our churches for any reason, we threaten our personal spiritual life, and significant numbers separating themselves from God reduce His blessings to our nations.
Attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences on the lives of others. In church we are taught how to apply religious principles. We learn from one another. …
… I pray that we will all be steadfast in these Church experiences as we seek eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Need for a Church,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24, 26)
“In memory of our … freedom”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
What is religious freedom?
It is freedom of worship in all its configurations: freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom to act on personal beliefs, and freedom for others to do the same. Religious freedom allows each of us to decide for ourselves what we believe, how we live and act according to our faith, and what God expects of us. …
I invite you to champion the cause of religious freedom. It is an expression of the God-given principle of agency.
Religious freedom brings balance to competing philosophies. The good of religion, its reach, and the daily acts of love which religion inspires only multiply when we protect the freedom to express and act on core beliefs. (Ronald A. Rasband, “To Heal the World,” Liahona, May 2022, 91, 93)
“In memory of … our peace”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
The Healer of every wound, He who rights every wrong, asks us to labor with Him in the daunting task of peacemaking in a world that won’t find it any other way. …
… I ask us to be peacemakers—to love peace, to seek peace, to create peace, to cherish peace. I make that appeal in the name of the Prince of Peace. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Reconciliation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 79)
“In memory of … our [families]”
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President, taught:
Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord’s plan described in the family proclamation. If it is the Lord’s plan, it should also be our plan! …
… Let us help build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths. (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Defenders of the Family Proclamation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 15, 17)
Invite students to share what stood out to them from these statements. Discuss specific ways they can remember and defend in a Christlike way the items listed on the title of liberty.
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What are some ways you can remember the values listed in the title of liberty?
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What are some ways you can defend them in a Christlike way?
The impact of the title of liberty
After being reminded of these important truths by Moroni, many of the Nephites made a covenant that they would never forsake God and would strive for peace (see Alma 46:21–22, 28–31).
Read Alma 46:36–38, looking for what Moroni did to help his people remember God and the other important things listed on the title of liberty.
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Which of the items listed on the title of liberty do you feel like you want to remember or stand up for more fully in your life?
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What is something you could do to better remember this topic or defend your beliefs about it?
Testify of the truths discussed today. Encourage students to make efforts to honor and remember God and the other items listed on the title of liberty.