Cameron Staley introduces his book, In the Hands of the Gadiantons, published by Covenant Communications. This Book of Mormon story takes place during the time of Christ’s birth in the land of Zarahemla from the untold perspective of the Lamanites.
What descriptors come to mind when you think of the Lamanites? If you are anything like me, you probably think of words like wicked, unrighteous, and stiff-necked. It can be easy to forget that even though there are Lamanites in the Book of Mormon that fit this description, there are also many Nephites that also fit that description. We often discuss the Nephites as being more righteous than the Lamanites. And yet, we are told by several Nephite prophets that the, “Lamanites had become, the more part of them, a righteous people, insomuch that their righteousness did exceed that of the Nephites, because of their firmness and their steadiness in the faith.” (Helaman 6:1)
The people of Laman associated with the people of Nephi and at times lived among them peacefully. The Lamanites even produced their own great prophets. Samuel the Lamanite testified of the coming of Jesus Christ and prophesied about many signs that would signify His arrival. The Lamanites were a proud civilization who honored the traditions of their fathers. Many of them also converted to the faith of the Nephites and accepted conflicting cultural influences.
The challenges encountered by the people in the Book of Mormon parallel the difficulties we face today. The Lamanite and Nephite nations struggled with issues of racial discrimination, wars and contentions, religious freedom, and corrupt government. There are life-altering messages written in the scriptures that are meant for our time. The Book of Mormon details the accounts of individuals who walked this earth, experienced joy and sorrow, and had the gospel of Jesus Christ among them.
The Book of Mormon details this tumultuous time in the land of Zarahemla before the birth of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the account is written through the eyes of the Nephites. The stories of the Lamanite people have never been told. For more than two millennia, the Lamanite records have been concealed, and their legacy has faded with the passage of time.
In the Hands of the Gadiantons is set in the land of Zarahemla shortly before the birth of Jesus Christ. For years Zarahemla witnessed many battles between the Lamanites and the Nephites. Eventually, the sons of Mosiah journeyed to the lands of the Lamanites and converted thousands of Lamanites to the gospel. These Lamanites joined with the Nephites in the land of Zarahemla. Although many Lamanites were converted, the more numerous part of them continued in conflict with the people of Nephi.
The city of Zarahemla experienced periods of prosperity during times of righteousness and endured many wars and bloodshed during times of wickedness. The land of Zarahemla was infested by a band of robbers named after their conspiring leader, Gadianton. Through secret oaths and combinations, the Gadianton robbers plundered, murdered, and betrayed both the Nephites and Lamanites. They infiltrated the government and undermined any virtue that remained in the city of Zarahemla.
The citizens of Zarahemla witnessed much turmoil in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many conflicts stemming from rejection of prophetic teachings and conflict with the Gadianton robbers ensued. Samuel the Lamanite testified boldly upon the city walls that the time of Christ’s birth was near. The Lamanites were forced to either believe the words of their fellow Lamanite or join with the unbelievers. The decision to believe in the words of the prophets was not easy. Defiance to the unbelievers was punishable by death.
In the Hands of the Gadiantons addresses themes of racism, the mental health impact of generations of war, and conversion. The Lamanites in the Book of Mormon who accepted the gospel were known as the most faithful individuals in the entire record. They had overcome tremendous hardships, tasted the beauty of redemption, and held onto it fiercely. Not out of fear, or tradition, they were converted because the gospel mattered to them. It nourished them. The gospel had led to a “mighty change” in their hearts. I have always admired the stories of the Lamanites and felt compelled to honor their legacy.
Dr. Cameron Staley is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals improve their mental and sexual health through counseling, education, and the development of accessible mental health programs. He enjoys writing articles for LDS Living on topics related to diversity, the Book of Mormon, and mental health. He lives in Idaho with his wife and four children and enjoys playing sports, especially basketball, and building Legos with his family.