“My Soul Is Pained No More” We all know the story of the conversion of Alma the Younger, but too rarely pause and ask the deeper questions that add richness and applicability to this narrative. Why did Alma want to destroy the Church? If God can send an angel ex machina to convince someone of… Continue Reading

“None Could Deliver Them but the Lord”   This reading is a study in contrasts–covenantal cooperation vs. exploitation, desperate vengeance vs. trusting submission. Alma’s baptismal covenants teach us to bear each other’s burdens, mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those in need of comfort. The contrasting stories of the enslavement of Limhi and Alma’s… Continue Reading

“God Himself … Shall Redeem His People”   Abinadi is like a Spy-Prophet-Debater-Theologian as he sneaks back into the land of Shilom, speaks out against wickedness of king and people, and finally digs into some hard-hitting theology as he debates Noah and his priests. These chapters address themes such as submission, the nature of God,… Continue Reading

“A Seer … Becometh a Great Benefit to His Fellow Beings”   Zeniff is a largely unknown but fascinating figure who went from spy to king… and had terrible judgment when it came to choosing a successor. The contrast between Zeniff and his son Noah teach important lessons about accountability and the way we see and… Continue Reading

“Ye Shall Be Called the Children of Christ”   The culmination of King Benjamin’s speech summarizes the entire gospel and provides the key to genuine conversion.  Benjamin’s main argument is that God has given everything, and we too must give. Caring for others physically, emotionally, and spiritually is the key to conversion and maintaining a… Continue Reading

“Eternally Indebted to Your Heavenly Father”   King Benjamin’s sermon is a rhetorical and theological masterpiece, addressing key questions such as the nature of humankind,  the suffering of hell, condescension of Christ, and what God exactly needs from us. Natasha, Jody, and Nathan join the class.   Class Member Reading: Mosiah 1-3     Recurring Donation:… Continue Reading

“For a Wise Purpose”   Between Jacob and Mosiah we have an intermission of sorts, a transition between the Small and Large Plates. The books of Enos, Jarom, Omni, and Words of Mormon cover eight main characters and eight hundred years. This portion of the Book of Mormon reveals striking complexity and illuminates the nature of… Continue Reading

“The Allegory of the Olive Trees”   Jacob 5 is long, but relatively transparent–it is easy to discern that the vineyard is the world; the Lord is well, the Lord; and that the trees represent people. It makes sense that the “tame olive tree” is Israel and the “wild olive trees” represent Gentiles. But even… Continue Reading

“Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God”   Jacob tears into his community over their pride, materialism, and sexual morality. This episode discusses personal responsibility, mindfulness, God’s will respecting wealth, how respect underlies chastity, as well as tackling the topic of polygamy.   Class Member Reading: Jacob 1 – 4   Recurring Donation: $10   $25   $50… Continue Reading

“Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ”   Nephi’s final words contain some insecurity-driven harshness, but also powerful treasures of gospel insight. This episode explores powerful ideas such as the relationship between scripture and a personal manifestation by Jesus Christ; the relationship between reality and our language and understanding; and nature of enduring to the… Continue Reading