“How Beautiful upon the Mountains”
Class Member Reading: Isaiah 50; 51; 52; 53; Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 2:16-18; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Nephi 19:9; Mosiah 15:10-13; Mosiah 16:9; Alma 7:11-13; Alma 34:10
Additional Reading: Mosiah 14; 15
Other Reading: None
Past episodes have covered the Atonement and suffering, so this lesson specifically explores the ways our suffering can be redemptive. This section of the podcast covers:
- Understandings of the Atonement
- Review of the reading
- Distinguishing types of pain
- Causes of suffering
- When is suffering redemptive?
- Redemption and Atonement in our lives
- Balancing individual well-being and caring for others
Rebecca and Jason discuss this important topic.
You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF).
You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF)
Resources
Related past episodes
005: Book of Mormon Lesson 28: Alma 32-35
028: Doctrine & Covenants Lesson 2: Jesus Christ
056: Trials, Failure, and Purpose. D&C and Church History 27
057: Suffering; D&C and Church History 28
Carlfred Broderick’s answer to why children suffer, Ensign 1986
The Purifying Power of Gethsemane, Elder McConkie
Theologizing in the Presence of Burning Children: From Theodicy to Lament, Jacob Baker
The Uses of Suffering, Sandra Strange, Ensign 1987
Your Sorrow Shall be Turned to Joy; Elder Robert Hales
That They Might Know Thee, Elder Keith Edwards
Thanks to James Estrada for postproduction and to Steven Nelson for the bumper music!
Engaging Gospel Doctrine 
As always you’ve done a great job with this episode, Jared. One quick comment, when you mention Carlfred Broderick’s ensign article I can’t help but think of this post: http://novus-homo.blogspot.com/2014/03/on-abuse-and-magical-power-of-redemption.html by Joseph Broom. He sees Broderick’s idea as having been very damaging to himself. I’m not weighing in with an opinion, myself. Just wanted to point out another side of things.
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Thank you Jamie. I agree that Broderick’s ideas are potentially dangerous and damaging, which is why I tried to stress that we must, must protect ourselves, and I would never suggest staying in an abusive relationship. That said, I do think there is some truth to what Broderick says… truth that again must be carefully applied.
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I am glad you included the quote from Carlfred Broderick. He was describing the role of transitional character and it has been a concept that gave both my father and I great hope that we could break the cycles of abuse that ran in our family. Its a challengingly high bar to live up to and it can be discouraging at times. The pursuit and study is enriching however as I have had to come to know myself, my patterns, my natural tendencies and the why behind them. I am becoming a better parent through the process and I already see indications that my children’s lives will be better than mine was a child. I can see how it is possible to do without the church and the gospel but they do provide a useful framework to operate in.
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