The Nephite Golden Age and Decline

Book of Mormon

This flow traces the rise of a peaceful Christ-centered society and its collapse through pride, hierarchy, violence, and forgotten covenant identity.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Unified Society Unified Society from "Book of Mormon". A People Made One Shared Life Nephites and Lamanites are converted, deal justly, and hold goods in common.

Unified Society from "Book of Mormon". A People Made One Shared Life Nephites and Lamanites are converted, deal justly, and hold goods in common.

A People Made One Shared Life Nephites and Lamanites are converted, deal justly, and hold goods in common. Social Healing There are no classes, contention, or ethnic labels. Conflict Development The gospel produces an alternative to inherited enmity and economic hierarchy.

Peaceful Prosperity Peaceful Prosperity from "Book of Mormon". Prosperity Without Pride Material Blessing The people rebuild cities and flourish under Christ’s commandments.

Peaceful Prosperity from "Book of Mormon". Prosperity Without Pride Material Blessing The people rebuild cities and flourish under Christ’s commandments.

Prosperity Without Pride Material Blessing The people rebuild cities and flourish under Christ’s commandments. Spiritual Practice Fasting, prayer, frequent meetings, and miracles sustain communal life. Conflict Development Prosperity remains stable while love of God governs wealth and identity.

Class Division Class Division from "Book of Mormon". Wealth Recreates Difference Emerging Pride Some begin wearing costly apparel and withdraw goods from common use.

Class Division from "Book of Mormon". Wealth Recreates Difference Emerging Pride Some begin wearing costly apparel and withdraw goods from common use.

Wealth Recreates Difference Emerging Pride Some begin wearing costly apparel and withdraw goods from common use. New Hierarchy The people divide into classes according to wealth and learning. Conflict Development Economic distinction becomes the first visible fracture in the postwar peace.

Churches for Gain Churches for Gain from "Book of Mormon". Institutional Fragmentation Religious Division New churches arise to obtain gain and deny much of Christ’s gospel.

Churches for Gain from "Book of Mormon". Institutional Fragmentation Religious Division New churches arise to obtain gain and deny much of Christ’s gospel.

Institutional Fragmentation Religious Division New churches arise to obtain gain and deny much of Christ’s gospel. Spiritual Permission Sacred practices are given to the unworthy, while persecution returns. Conflict Development The old cycle of priestcraft reappears inside a society once unified by charity.

Return of Hatred Return of Hatred from "Book of Mormon". The Golden Age Ends Moral Collapse Nephites and Lamanites become alike in wickedness, commerce, pride, and violence.

Return of Hatred from "Book of Mormon". The Golden Age Ends Moral Collapse Nephites and Lamanites become alike in wickedness, commerce, pride, and violence.

The Golden Age Ends Moral Collapse Nephites and Lamanites become alike in wickedness, commerce, pride, and violence. Lost Identity Only the disciples remain righteous as ethnic and political labels regain power. Conflict Development The society’s destruction begins long before the final battle, when shared love is forgotten.

thirty-sixth year after the coming of Christ

during the first century after Christ’s coming

two hundred and first year after Christ’s coming

two hundred and tenth year after Christ’s coming

three hundred years after Christ’s coming