Humanity, as referenced in the Book of Mormon, encompasses all of the progeny of Adam and Eve. This collective term enunciates the shared experiences and destinies of the human race in the context of the divine plan of salvation. Lehi taught that “all mankind” may be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, predicated upon the Atonement of Christ (2 Nephi 2:25). The doctrine of the Fall is central to an understanding of humanity’s need for redemption; Adam’s transgression led to the fallen condition, whereby individuals are naturally distanced from the presence of God (Alma 12:22).
Humanity has been granted agency, the ability to choose between good and evil, which further defines the human condition within the framework outlined in the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 2:27). The usage of the term “men” in the record often denotes both men and women, as the Lord has proclaimed equality and does not “esteem all flesh in one” (1 Nephi 17:35). Implicit within this view of humanity is the constant need for spiritual rebirth, to overcome the natural or fallen state, align with divine will, and pursue the joy intended for all of God’s children (Mosiah 3:19). The ultimate destiny of humanity, according to the Book of Mormon, hinges upon their response to God’s commandments and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ’s atonement (Mosiah 3:17-19).
Humanity in the Book of Mormon is depicted as experiencing a cyclical pattern of righteousness and wickedness, often portrayed through the narratives of the Nephites and Lamanites, whose histories and struggles serve as moral exemplars for all (Helaman 12:1-3). The record extends a universal invitation to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, participate in the saving ordinances, and join in the fellowship of the faithful, thereby allowing individuals to transcend their fallen condition and partake of eternal life (3 Nephi 27:20).