Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 11: Columbus Prophesied in the Book of Mormon

On Day 11, we look back on the Day 10 celebration of Columbus Day in the United States of America.

Did you know that the voyage and work of Christopher Columbus was shown to the prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon approximately 2,000 years before Columbus made his voyage?

10 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my brethren.
11 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.
12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.

Today, Columbus is revered by some, yet reviled by others. Is criticism of the man warranted? I guess that depends on one's point of view, cultural history, and/or ethnic background. You can read more about how we might see a wider perspective of the interpretation of those events and their significance in our day.