Warnings of the Consequences of Pride and Power Seeking

Over and over again, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been told that the Book of Mormon was written for our times. In the book itself, it explains how the prophets who were recording the history of their people had "seen our times" and that the book was written for people in the future to read. It was written to help and warn people in our time, and particularly, to warn the people living here in the Americas. 

I've felt how the Book of Mormon has helped me to come to know Christ more deeply, and I've appreciated how clear the gospel of Christ is explained in its pages. The thing I haven't understood is why so much of the book is spent telling about the people's government conflicts and struggles. Why is all that included in this book of scripture? 

Can Members Express Dissatisfaction with Church Leadership?

After reading some of the comments from this small dissident group who would not sustain the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ at General Conference last weekend, I felt I should write more. If you have heard anything about them, you probably have some questions. If you have been around a bit you are probably wondering if more is really going on here, and you would be right. 

Can Members Disagree with Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Some people think that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are controlled by their leaders; that we are kept in "lock step" and denied the opportunity to express our individual opinions. If this were true, I'd sure be in trouble since I have lots and lots of opinions on about everything!  But what about the people who where shouting their dissenting vote yesterday in General Conference?