Well, from THIS side it looks like...

This has probably been discussed in other places to death, but I'm a relative newcomer to the Blogasphere, and the Bloggernacle, so here goes. (Prepare for random bomb throw).

I wonder how many LDS members look at terrorist organizations like Al Qaida, and think "Gadianton Robbers"? Now, sure I agree that it's not a perfect likeness, and I'm sure people have thought this all through. (In fact, if someone can point me to something that discusses the similarities and differences, I'd really appreciate it.)

For those of you who just had your personal version of a "What the heck?" moment, here's a little catch-up. The Gadianton robbers were a "secret combination" discussed in the Book of Mormon (starting at Helaman 2, and discussed in various places thereafter) who used conspiracy, assassination, violence, and other methods in a bid for political power in Book of Mormon civilization.

There are the superficial similarities, such as a penchant for violence and an affinity for mountain caves. But the story in 3 Nephi gets particularly interesting, as the Gadiantons start insisting that they are the legitimate rulers of the country. The main difference between that story and the situation in which we find ourselves now lies in the relative strengths of the parties involved. Terrorists are not yet so strong that we find it necessary to gather together in a central area and essentially tell them to come and get us, a la Pelinnor Fields in the Return of the King. Here's hoping that the bad guys get thumped before we get to that point.

Anyway, I'll think about this some more...