Does This Really Explain Lamanite Identity?

How broad can Lamanite identity become before we lose what makes it specifically Lamanite? I recently read a thoughtful new essay arguing that Lamanite identity should be understood more through covenant than ancestry alone. It really made me think about Lamanite identity. I think the essay is great when talking about general covenant theology. But I think it misses the point of part of its title: Identity of the Lamanites. I don't think we can talk about that without emphasizing the covenants to Lamanites. The Book of Mormon talks about specific people, land inheritance, restoration, and others being “numbered among” an existing covenant people. That seems pretty important if we're trying to define Lamanite identity. That distinction is important because the essay brings an approach to the 1830 Mission to the Lamanites that I don't think relates. Watch the full video on my channel and tell me how you think Lamanite identity should be understood.