Moroni's Guide to Surviving Turbulent Times

by John Bytheway

The prophet Moroni, who spent at least the last twenty years of his life alone and wandering to avoid being captured and killed, has in the latter days become one of the symbols of our religion. His statue watches over nearly every temple and has been depicted on the cover of millions of copies of the Book of Mormon in dozens of languages.

In this book, best-selling author John Bytheway suggests that Moroni's last words were both intensely personal and universally applicable. In the closing chapters of the Book of Mormon we discover a wonderful formula for surviving today's turbulent times. Moroni's topics, and even the sequence in which he shared them, become a strategy for remaining steadfast and true in our day. John suggests that whatever latter-day challenges we face, we can successfully navigate them by "likening Moroni."

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Inspirational, Self Help, Church, Christian

159 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was pretty young (I think 7 years old) John Bytheway came to my elementary school as a motivational speaker. He was hysterical and really engaging for all the kids. I can't tell you exactly what he talked about but I can say that I remember how bouncy and fun he was, and how much we laughed. The other thing that really stuck out in my mind was this...his name. I couldn't forget his name. Maybe others of you who have heard him share that particular presentation will remember. He talked about playing pictionary with some friends. Not just any old pictionary, but name pictionary. So they all had to draw their names out. Hee Hee! He pulled out a big poster board and marker and proceeded to tell us how when he played that game he was pretty excited because his name was super easy. He drew a little roadway and off to the side drew a little outhouse, or a better name for it...a John. So there was a John, by the way (roadway). Ha! Yeah that stuck with me.

Years later, I moved about 5 hours away but still would have this image of this speaker name John Bytheway in my mind. Well in Jr. High, they announced one day that we had an assembly with a motivational speaker. Went into the gym and here he is, John Bytheway. I was pretty excited. And it was the same presentation he gave to my elementary school about 5 years before. Talk about funny coincidences, right!

I will say that I have been in on several more of his presentations since then (all different topics) and really enjoyed listening to him speak. Very fun and entertaining as well as very informative. One presentation he even pulled out a guitar and sang some songs for us (primary songs).

This is another audiobook that I listened to with my daughters while driving to and fro and all around town. I missed a few parts because I was answering questions but for the most part I enjoyed his breakdown of the book of Moroni (Book of Mormon scriptures) and the many important aspects that can be applied to us in our lives and the struggles we can/do encounter daily.

One that stuck out to me (maybe because he was talking about Mt. Hood in the story and I drive past that many times a year) was about a man on a plane(I want to say it was an apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) talking to a search and rescue person, who happened to rescue many people from Mt. Hood. He said that people who have been lost, and when they are found are very reticent to leave and go with the rescuers. Due to the fact that after being so cold, they have finally found a pocket (or spot) of warmth and don't want to leave that into the cold again. The rescuers can say anything to try to persuade them to move from that spot but they refuse. So this particular rescuer says he has to have the person do 3 things. First, he talks to them, gets to know them and makes them realize he's a friend and is interested in them personally. Second, he gives them a task. Usually to help hold something, help him (the rescuer with something) but usually to use the satellite phone to call their loved ones letting them know they've been found. Third, he gives them sustenance. Usually something to warm their body and that has sugar and calories in it, like hot chocolate or such. After those three steps the person trusts and feels needed and cared for and is finally able to move from that spot, allowing the rescuers to rescue them.

I loved that story and then how he applied it. I am going off of memory here so if I get the person wrong, forgive me. I believe it was Gordon B. Hinckley who said that all new converts to the faith need three things. A friend, a job(a calling) and further instruction. (or paraphrasing that again, sorry) John Bytheway said it was interesting how the two were so similar, Befriend them, give them a job and give them sustenance. I thought it was a great parallel. It's very important to truly befriend someone to help them as well as trusting them with a job and continuing to nourish each other spiritually.

There were several other great thoughts throughout that I enjoyed. I won't talk about anymore but this is definitely one that I think might be a purchase for my family to continue studying from.

Content: religious discussion relating to the LDS faith but I think it is relevant for anyone looking for daily lifting from Jesus Christ in their lives.

I listened to the audiobook through my Deseret Bookshelf.

Happy Reading!!!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always liked John Bytheway’s books because they’re usually brief but powerful reminders about how to live the Gospel more effectively. There is a lot to be learned from Moroni and how he stayed faithful despite strenuous circumstances. We currently live in times that consistently require more from us in terms of faith, focus, courage, and endurance. Indeed, Moroni knew of our day and provided a scriptural blueprint to surviving it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading and listening to John Bytheway. He takes gospel truths and shares them in a way that I can relate to and understand. This book focuses on the teachings and writings of Moroni in the Book of Mormon so it is obviously an LDS/Mormon specific title.
In this book, John Bytheway shows us how to liken the teaching of Moroni unto ourselves. Chapter by chapter he takes us through the writings of Moroni and shares insights and strategies for how we can use the word of Moroni to navigate the challenges we face in our day. Filled with many great quotes from latter-day prophets, apostles, and leaders this is a little gem of a book that I highly recommend to all member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop looking back, move forward, you might be by yourself but you are NEVER alone. Wow really needed this one today, great read and lovely reminders.
"I will not focus on things I can not control."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway “likens” the writings of Moroni to us, providing several tips based on Moroni’s experiences that can be applied to our times, and he does this for each chapter. A helpful, inspirational book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has read anything written or spoken by John Bytheway will be familiar with his straight forward and easy to absorb style. He writes in an engaging way that can be appreciated by all ages from young to old.

Have you ever stopped to ponder what life was like for Moroni? He saw so much devastation, but then spent the rest of his life as the lone survivor. Loneliness is something we can all probably relate to. Living in turbulent times is likewise something we can all relate to. Though our experiences will vary, the teachings of Moroni are on pointe with our own challenges and trials. His guidance is sure. It’s direct. John shares his outlook on the reasons why Moroni writes what he did, and shares some thoughts about his life, and calling that extended into the Restoration period when he appeared to and taught Joseph Smith. He held the keys, and he was the one to take on that role.

Starting with the final chapters of Mormon, through Ether and then detailing each chapter in Moroni, this book breaks down each part. The summary can be used to supplement your own Book of Mormon studies. Highlighting the main bullet points and helping us understand what Moroni was intending to teach us.

If anyone can understand how you may feel in the world today, it can be Moroni.

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway has long been a favorite author of mine. This latest book of his follows in the same style as his others: they give wonderful, true counsel with clarity and humor. He gives believable examples and personal witness of the principles he’s teaching. It’s fun to read, yet fills a spiritual need at the same time. This book was an audio experience, which added to my enjoyment because of his disarming personality. One thing that I really appreciated about this book was his positive, personal teachings at the end of each chapter that we could apply in our lives as a result of what was taught therein. I came away with a desire to be a better person and live closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wise man learns from experience
A really wise man learns from the experience of others

Br. Bytheway's Mission President: the Lord gets His work done through His people and he gets His people done through His work

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It helped me understand Moroni better. It was a good and fast read.

[Brynn Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I liked how simple the author made the concepts.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights into Moroni and handling hardship. I’ve always liked Bytheway and I enjoyed this book.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some good principles and teachings of the gospel. I read it as I was finishing reading the Book of Mormon. It’s got some insights worth noting.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Great gospel commentary, I was just looking for some Moroni commentary. He really could have used any person in the BOM and just taught whatever. He didn't really use Moroni as a guide, more as a catalyst to just talk about the gospel. So not quite what I thought it'd be. Still good.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was really interesting. he brought up things I hadn't thought of and I might listen to the book again. certain chapters grabbed my attention more than others, but there were a few chapters that had me taking lots of notes. it's a good book

[Trpusey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - 5

Love, love, love Moroni. If I ever feel alone, I remember Moroni - - he was alone, alone. Some really great ideas in this fast read. Getting the CD version from the library so Garrett can listen to it in the car with me.

[Alisa Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway, a well-known LDS motivational speaker, shares his insight, knowledge, and personal experiences to aid the readers of “Moroni’s Guide to Surviving Turbulent Times,” to develop a “Moroni mind-set” and liken themselves to Moroni as they face latter-day challenges.
 
This guidebook contains suggestions of ways we might apply Moroni’s situations and examples into our own lives as we struggle with similar trials.

I recommend this book to those who are seeking hope, faith, and the ability to conquer life’s challenges.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moroni, the final prophet in the Book of Mormon, has always been one of my heroes, and the few chapters he added to the end of the book are some of my very favorite (especially Moroni chapter seven), and so when I saw that John Bytheway had a book based on this section, I had to listen to it with my boys on our road trip. It was so well done, and breaks down each part and what we can learn from it, and how important it was for him to have added those chapters. (Just think of what we would be missing without them.) Very inspirational and I loved it.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Moroni, the son of Mormon. When I study the Book of Mormon, I treasure the books that he produced. I also love him in the history of the Church, as he worked with Joseph Smith. He is my hero. This book gives an excellent review of what Moroni taught the people of the Latter Days.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick run through of some important principles that make sense in any age.

[Jonathan Plowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway does it again with a focus on the Moroni portion of the Book of Mormon (Mormon 8 thru Moroni 10) and the lessons we can learn about his life and how he faced his problems.

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway has a gift for teaching scriptural concepts in the most practical of ways. I really enjoyed this book.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with some good insight for our own day. Really good insight on Moroni and how he was painfully familiar with things like feeling alone, being unmarried, wandering for 40 years for his own safety, and how his best work was one when he was a single adult (early 20's!), and how he kept this "journal" and the perspective he offers us - as "a voice from the dust". What he share is almost like a list of priorities for us, so we'd do well to heed that advise.

Part of the point Bytheway makes is the importance of gaining a testimony, directly from God, of the truth of the record known as The Book of Mormon. And I agree with him. It will be our main anchor in these last days.

One of my favorite quotes was: "I remember hearing a Jewish legend about a missionary in Sodom & Gomorrah. He preached and preached with no success, as you might imagine. (It was a hard area!) Finally someone asked him: 'Why do you continue to try to convert these people? No one is listening to you.'

"'At first,' the missionary answered, 'I preached so I might convert one of them; now I continue to preach so that they won't covert me.'" (chapter 12)

Love this idea, and appreciate it, because I can relate to it so much in these troubled times in which we live. I feel an almost urgency to help enlighten, educate, and warn about some faith matters as well as political matters, and as I have sought if I might quit at times (through prayer) I have felt impressed to continue doing these things, so this touched me. I reach out to others not always to enlighten/educate/strengthen *them* but *myself* too, so I can stay anchored in the truth, and not the changing theories and philosophies of mankind.

I really like Bytheway's casual, "talking with you" kind of reading (I listened on audiobook), and I like his style and way of thinking, and his spiritual insights.

I would recommend this book for good-reader-teens age 15 on up to adult.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy truth kindly and boldly spoken and so this book was an encouragement and an inspiration. John Bytheway was a favorite speaker of mine from when I was in high school but his book writing style is a bit more serious. This is not a bad thing, just a presentation difference. I appreciated the additional details offered which a one-hour talk simply doesn’t allow.

At the end of each chapter he includes ways to liken the truths he highlights to the reader’s lives. The review there and again at the end of the book was wonderful for me. As a listener over a period of several days I had forgotten some of the key points and appreciated the reminders.

I usually listen to books and am satisfied with the format. Only a few other times have I purchased the physical book to have to study or read the information again and to do so more deeply. This will be one of those books.

[Jackie Gommess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an uplifting read ❤️ I like how John Bytheway goes into depth for each of the chapters of the Book of Mormon written by Moroni and specifically applies them to our day now. I really liked the little takeaway boxes he put at the end of each chapter.

My favorite chapter was Moroni 9: Notwithstanding Their Hardness, Let us Labor Diligently.

"Because agency is involved in every human interaction, it is unwise to measure our success based on the reactions of others. Additionally, it is unwise to set personal goals that rely on the actions of others."

And the takeaways from that chapter:

"-Notwithstanding their behavior, I will act in faith.
-I do not focus on what I cannot control.
-I will not let events get me down; I will let Christ lift me up."

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

In a lot of ways what John Bytheway talks about in this book could be considered pretty basic. However, just because something is basic, doesn't mean it is not worthwhile.

I have been listening to the news over the last week or so, and I have been troubled, to say the least. I heard reference to this book on the Follow Him podcast and figured it was something I could use now. I liked his likening sections and there were some good takeaways. I especially needed the reminder to not let things of the world weigh me down. Instead look to Christ. I know it's there. I love it in the Book of Mormon every time I read it, but the reminder was very timely for me.

I will be adding some of what he said to my scriptures.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of John Bytheway when I was in college at USU and he came to speak to us. I love his positive attitude and insights into life and the gospel. Moroni's Guide is one more example of how stellar this man is. There are so many good thoughts in this short book. I want to share a copy with a bunch of people I know.
Chapter 10 I show unto you the way to judge was spot on for today's world. One of the refrigerator magnet quotes he shared got me thinking. It is "you can't change the past, but you can dwell on it until you're old and alone." Gulp. Definitely a vote for letting the last go.
This is well worth the time it takes to read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is packed full of good things. So much good in such a little book. The author goes through each chapter of Moroni in the Book of Mormon and finds things we can work on in our own lives. He "likens" each chapter to ourselves. At the end of each chapter he gives a brief synopsis of what he talked about and what we can apply in our own lives. Excellent. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to strengthen their testimony and live a Christ-like life.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read but with some great content that caused you to pause and think. I loved the deep look into Moroni’s life. So many things I hadn’t considered. So much of this book is relevant to my current circumstances.

I loved the insights/summaries at the end of each chapter.

Great book. It is well written. I would recommend to older teenagers or young adults.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Bytheway brings up some good points about lessons that Moroni teaches that I hadn't thought about before. He goes through each of the chapters that Moroni writes in the Book of Mormon and discusses the main gospel principles that Moroni is teaching. I have always enjoyed John Bytheway's books and CD's. He is funny and informative in a down to earth way.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how John Bytheway takes and likens the scriptures unto us. This book was no exception and we are surely in turbulent times. I am reminded of the Kingston Trio's "Merry Minuet" where it ends with "What nature doesn't do to us, will be done by our fellow man!" I found many things that I need to work on so that I can indeed find peace and strength in this day and time.