KnoWhy #76 - Why Were Genealogies Important to Book of Mormon Peoples? (Jarom 1:1)

Jarom and Omni both state that they were primarily commanded to write on the plates to preserve their genealogy. As the record is passed from down each generation, the lineage of the record keepers can be traced back to Jacob. This fits the pattern of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican lineage histories, which were kept by priest-scholars, served as symbols of power for the ruling elite, contained the group’s origin story. Such records are difficult to detect in archaeology. While few were part of the prestigious lineages, all are invited to become part of the lineage of Christ.