The Final of the Final- Oral Knowledge and Religion

The mediums of knowledgeconsistently change, and slowly and bring about a tradition to those that use them.Regardless of these changes, however, the previous forms of knowledge are neverfully abandoned. This was brought up in a discussion with Lauren and Summer aswe discussed the pros and cons of the transitions between knowledge mediums. Thetransition from oral knowledge to written knowledge within medicine technicallyoccurred thousands of years ago, but yet we still see both forms in our livestoday. In regards to religion, it is a nearly impossible challenge to pick amedium that is superior to others based on effects that it has had on religion because of it being such a vast topic spanning over thousands ofyears. However, there are many major events within the history of religion thatare based around an oral presentation or an oral event. Despite the fact that theBook of Mormon has and will continue to flood the earth, oral knowledge hasbeen most influential in religious practices due to the fact that major religiouschanges are brought about in an oral fashion including monumental speeches madein past times.

It is importantto understand that influences are subjective, and they can be positive to one butnegative to another. Religion has experienced all the types of mediums of knowledge. Nephites learned to pray because of the type of folk knowledge that was passed down from eldergenerations. Hand written letters were used frequently during the time thatChrist walked upon the earth, and of course the printing of the Book of Mormonhas allowed for thousands to read of its holy words. Although these are great instances, there arepivotal moments in the history of the LDS faith that mapped its course, andthese have specific ties to oral knowledge.

James Williams made a great comment referring to King Benjamin and the effects thathis eloquent speech had on those within the reach of his voice. Seeing that thegroup was sufficiently large, he caused that it should be written and undoubtedlyrecited to those who weren’t able to hear. “And there was no contention amongall his people for the space of three years.” As a class, we all recited thesewords and also felt of its power. I doubt that I stand alone in saying thatmy disposition to do evil was afterwards was evidently less comparatively to other times. Wesimply recreated this event, thus it is implied that the influence would havebeen that much greater to have experienced it firsthand.

A miraculousevent occurred in a more modern history that brought about great things in thechurch. Following the death of Joseph Smith there was great confusion as to whowould be the leader of the church in his place. Sidney Rigdon made futileattempts at sealing his position as leader and prophet, but this was trumped by aspecial meeting held August 8, 1844 where he and Brigham bothspoke. Nothing marked Sidney as the true leader. However, this is reportedfrom Brigham Young’s speech: “ As soon as he [Brigham Young] spoke Ijumped upon my feet, for in every possible degree it was Joseph’s voice, andhis person, in look, attitude, dress and appearance was Joseph himself,personified; and I knew in a moment the spirit and mantle of Joseph was uponhim.” (Article)

Theseare only a few instances, and due to length unfortunately I can’t elucidate intohow orality ties into the apostasy, or the time when Jesus Christ visited the Americas’ and certain things he spoke could simply not be recorded because of its magnificence. However, I cannot end without mentioning the importanceof the spirit. Regardless of the medium, religious practices could not progress inany form without the witness of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon could notimpact anyone without confirmations from the spirit that it is true, Alma wouldnot have risked his life to escape King Noah’s grasps if the spirit had notpierced his heart as Abindai orally enlightened all within his presence, andthen go on to recite those same words and convert thousands. Oral knowledge has a powerand influence that is undeniable. Brianne recorded a tender experience as shewas part of the cast in the church’s new “New Testament” movie which illustrates this very nicely.
"Actions speak louder than words." Everyone hasheard this expression at some time in their lives. In light of what I have learned this semesterand with my view on religion I would express this phrase slightly different. Onlyvarying in saying that “Verbal actions speak louder than written words.”