Lecture 25/24
Moroni’s connection with the Book of Ether
He abridged the Book of Ether. His life is very much like that of Ether's.
What was Moroni’s approach to abridging the record and how does that differs from Mormon’s and Nephi’s?
Microcosm of Nephite experience Second witness to the pattern of obedience and disobedience. Powerful nuggets of doctrine. Moroni = lightly edited chronicle checking off generations one by one. Mormon= well-integrated, carefully structured accounts, developed character and brief editorial comments. Moroni relies heavily on others
What was the object lesson we talked about as we discussed the circumstances in Bountiful just before Christ descended in 3 Nephi?
Mormon emphasizes how it was really dark for 3 days in 3 Nephi 8:19-23. The first thing Lord says is "I am the light"
The location of the Zoramites and why that matters
Land they called Antionum, which was east of the land of Zarahemla. Land of gold
Why do some scholars believe that the Amlicites and the Amalekites might actually be the same people?
amlicites disappear and amalekites appear with no explanatoon
both after the order of nehor
amlicites spelled “amlikites” in bom manuscript
Why Alma chose to give up the judgment seat:
Alma yielded up the judgment seat so that he might go forth "among the people of Nephi ... to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, ... bearing down in pure testimony against them" (Alma 4:19). to go preach the gospel
What was significant about the timing of Mormon’s referencing Abinadi’s face shining like Moses?
Remember that he begins to quote the ten commandments just before that reference and then he continues quoting the remaining commandments just after. It seems like Mormon wants to make sure we make that connection
A primary theme developed in the second half of the Book of Ether
Obtaining a kingdom - we can find a place in the Kingdom of God even if our situation now is less than ideal.
What was the original chapter structure of the Book of Ether?
6 original chapters, five beginning with "And now I Moroni, proceed to give an account of..."
What was the stated purpose Jesus gave for inviting the people to come and feel the prints in his hands and feet?
To know he is the God of Israel and the whole earth, and that he was slain for the sins of the world.
What “Rameumptom” means and what that teaches us?
It means the high/exalted place of standing. Zo-ram-ites: the ones who are high/exalted
What was the phrase King Lamoni’s father used that led to his experience with the Lord?
Yea, I a will believe all thy words. And thus he was caught with b-guile.
A basic structure of Alma’s sermon in Alma 5
Alma 5:3-13 [Remember how merciful the Lord hath been]
Alma 5:14 [Have you experienced this same mighty change]
Alma 5:15-25 [Thoughts on looking forward with an eye of faith]
Alma 5:26 [Do you still feel to sing the song of redeeming love]
Alma 5:27-30 [Are you presently keeping your covenants]
Alma 5:31-35 [Repent and come unto Christ]
Alma 5:36-42 [Warning if you don't choose to repent]
Alma 5:43-48 [I know of these things myself]
Alma 5:49-51 [Repent and be born again]
Alma 5:52-56 [Warning if you don't choose to repent]
Alma 5:57-61 [Promises if you choose to repent)
Alma 5:62 [Final Invitation]
What was Abinadi teaching when he was referring to Jesus as the Father?
1. Conceived by the power of God (15:3), therefore has
powers of the Father within
2. Creator of heaven and earth (15:4)
3. Father of our spiritual re-birth and salvation (15:10-13)
4. Faithful in placing the will of the Father above that of his own will, therefore claims the power of the Father—
Moroni’s stated purpose in Ether 12
To show that faith are things which are hoped for and not seen.
The book of Ether as a microcosm of the Book of Mormon.
Title page
What are some of the principles of ministering that Jesus exemplified as he ministered in 3 Nephi?
Done one by one
Jesus was never rushed,Even when people choose to reject the gospel message the Savior asks that we continue to minister.
What does Alma emphasize in his prayer
His desire to help others vs praying for yourself. He asked for help for himself instead of just praising how great he and his life was...humility
What did Mormon initially call the weapons which were buried by the Anti-Nephi-Lehies?
Weapons of war,
weapons of peace
The primary theme Alma develops at the beginning of his sermon
[Remember how merciful the Lord hath been]
the lord delivers his people at the start and people can really change
Which of the two “lamb” metaphors from Isaiah does Abinadi chose to emphasize and why might he have chosen it over the other?
Isaiah said, as a sheep before the shearer is dumb, so he bopened not his mouth. His Will is swallowed up in the Fathers
What were Moroni’s 3 attempts to end the record?
Mormon 8-9, Ether 12, Moroni 10
What is the significance of the genealogy in Ether 1
Gives a template for the rest of ether
Meaning of the word, “Hosanna” (from 3 Nephi 11)
Oh Great Salvation
What does Alma compare the seed to?
The Word of God
What do some scholars suggest regarding the name “Anti-Nephi-Lehies?”
It really means the one who is of Nephi-Lehi.
The significance of the waters of Mormon: 3 Nephi 5:12
3 Nephi 5:12 And behold, I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon, the land in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the first church which was established among them after their transgression.
There are places on earth that have become sacred because of what happens there. Alma and his people help us to see the beauty and sanctity of the places in which we come to know the Savior. Places can become sacred mormon named after this place
Alma 5:57-61
What does Moroni “exhort” in his final conclusion?
Chapter 10: V.30 I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ and lay hold upon every good gift and touch no the evil gift, nor the unclean thing
What were some of the concerns the brother of Jared brought before the Lord.
No air in the vessels
No way to direct their journey
No steering
No Light
What are Corianton’s concerns in these chapters (as perceived and stated by Alma)
Resurrection of the dead I perceived" statements
What was the question that led to Alma and Amulek’s sermon in Alma 32-34?
Behold what shall we do?
What does Mormon do when he makes a mistake on the plates?
Covers it up and corrects the mistake as he goes on.
The metaphors Alma employs to describe conversion (along with the insights from Greek/Hebrew)
Alma 5:7 repent and be born again
Alma 5:9 awaken to God
Alma 5:14, 19 received his image and his countenance
Alma 5:21 garments are washed white
Alma 5:15-25
Do ye look forward with an eye of faith?
What is the final invitation of the Book of Mormon?
Moroni 10:32 Come unto Christ and be perfected in him
What does the narrative of the Brother of Jared’s theophany teach us about revelation (and what theophany means)
Doesn't expect perfection he just wants us to bring something (ie rocks).
Lord will magnify what we have.
Theophany= a manifestation or appearance of God
What doctrines does Alma emphasize to Corianton and why does he emphasize them?
Restoration
Mercy
Justice
What is our understanding of the “infinite” Atonement?
Also the Intimate Atonement and is infinite in the divineness of the one sacrificed, power, time, coverage, depth, the degree of suffering endured by the Redeemer, love, and in the blessings it bestows.
The influence of Nehor in this story
*Because the city of Ammonihah followed the religion of Nehor, there were two significant obstacles to Alma's preaching:Universal Salvation,Priestcraft,The primary doctrinal point of contention between the two parties is in regards to
death/resurrection and judgment /salvation.
How Alma addresses those in Zarahemla who felt that had already experienced a change of heart
Alma 5:6 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
Alma 5:49-51
Repent and be born again
How does Alma the younger’s story act as an object lesson to the stated purposes from the title page of the Book of Mormon?
No matter how far off you have gone into the darkness, there is always hope.
1. Great things alma the younger has done for God
2. Was not cast off forever but repented and came into the covenants
3. Manifest to Alma
Compare and contrast redemptive faith and preparatory faith
Preparatory= experience from the past
Redemptive= exercised toward experiences in the future
How the word “Plan” is used in scripture
Plan of... (subject talking about or part they are emphasizing) 5:29 in lecture
Underscore the principal author is emphasizing
What did Amulek likely mean by “the same spirit?” (think exegesis)
You will struggle with the same things in the next life as you do in this one
If you are possessed by the Devil here you will be in the next life as well. Alma 34:35
Compare and contrast Zeezrom with other faith shakers
The primary difference is that Zeezrom experiences the great pivot we spoke about and becomes a missionary
Ancient American lawyer (one who is expert in the Hebrew Law, or the Law of Moses) who sought to destroy the liberty of the Nephites via his legal practice. He was converted to the gospel by Alma the Younger and his missionary companion Amulek.
Sherm: No Christ
Nehor: There is a Christ but everyone is saved
Zeezrom: Universal salvation and priestcraft
The distinction between how Alma addresses those who belong to the church and those who do not
Alma 5:62 I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life.
Alma 5:3-13
Remember how merciful the Lord hath been
What Intratextuality is found in Alma 36
1 Nephi 1:8 > Alma 36:22
Who Moroni’s audience is and an important lesson emphasized from the Brother of Jared’s experience in seeing through the veil
Rend the veil of unbelief. To show how mortal we are. View of himself limited, view of the Lord unprecedented
What unique doctrinal insight (meaning, not yet taught in the Book of Mormon) does Alma give in these chapters
Paradise/Prison in the presence of God/ existence of the Spirit World
The name title for Christ best captures why He was uniquely qualified to offer an Atonement which could be infinite and eternal?
The only Begotten Son
What eschatology is and why it is a focus in the story
*The part of theology concerned with death,judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.
-The Second Coming
-The Millennium
-The Spirit World
-Resurrection
-Judgment
-Kingdoms of Glory
Alma 9-12 gives us our first glimpse into these important issues.
The stated reason Alma gives the people in Gideon for Christ’s willingness to take upon Him the pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, death, and infirmities of His people
Alma 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
Alma 5:52-56
Warning if you don't choose to Repent
What is the Hebraic structure in Alma 36
Chiasmus: rhetorical or poetic device, type of inverse parallelism. AB-BA
How understanding Greek translations can enhance our understanding of the Sermon on the Mount (and be familiar with specific examples)
Poor = one who crouches and cowers; beggarly
Merciful = Love a mother has for a child in her womb
Agape : higher holier love - love your enemies
Perfect : mature, whole, developed, grown, completely, arriving at a destination
What Book of Mormon prophet does Alma quote extensively in these chapters and why?
Abinadi, trying to help Corianton recognize the Justice of God and recognize he needs to repent.
What Amulek means by “the great question” (He uses that exact phrase)
Is Salvation in Christ
Law of Accountability:
Alma 9:16-17, 23)We are judged according to our own knowledge and opportunities
Who was Abinadi’s initial audience?
The People of King Noah
Alma 5:31-35
Repent and come unto Christ
How the Sermon on the Mount invites us to greater holiness
Beatitudes. STRAIGHT OR STRAIT.
What do we learn from Alma about grappling with ambiguity as we seek further doctrinal understanding?
Doctrine is revealed little by little, even to prophets. It is ok to not know certain doctrines 100% and certain truths are more important that others.
Understand the progression from words, to the word to THE Word in Alma 32-24
He is preaching words, and then talks about the word of God, and then leads to Christ.
The Harvest
(Alma 9:28) All men shall reap a reward of their works
What is the difference between intertextuality and intratextuality?
Intratextuality: When someone draws upon the words of another author in the same text
Intertextuality: When someone draws upon the words of another author in a different text
Alma 5:27-30
Are you presently keeping your covenants?
How the sermon demonstrates that the pathway of discipleship narrows as it ascends
Begins with virtues that we should attain and end with a commandment to be perfect.
What textual criticism is and be able to provide an example from these chapters
Finding the earliest text. Alma 40:12 - etc. was added on the end of the original text of the book of Mormon.
The Restoration
(Alma 11:40-45)The resurrection is a restoration of spirit and body, and also "everything" being "restored to its proper frame"
Who are some of the people who quote Abinadi?
Alma, Amulek, Mormon, and Benjamin
Have you experienced this same mighty change?
What it means to be “perfect.”
Greek translation means whole. Not without flaw.
The Law of justice:
Alma 12:12-15) We must "acknowledge"...that all his judgements are just; that he is just in all his works"
According to Abinadi, what was the purpose of the law of Moses?
Salvation comes in an through Christ but the law points us to Christ
Alma 5:43-48
I know these things myself
Key changes in the JST
Matthew 4:2 " and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungered, and was left to be tempted of the devil"
Matthew 5:3 "blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me"
Matthew 5:50 "Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect.."
Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not unrighteously that ye be not judged, but judge righteous judgement."
The doctrinal understanding which caused Zeezrom to tremble
Alma 11:45
A consciousness of his guilt Resurrection
What were the two questions Abinadi is focusing on in his sermon?
Mosiah 12
What meaneth the words which are written
Does salvation come by the law of moses? What say ye?
Alma 5:36-42
Warning if you choose not to Repent
The 5 possible categories of the JST
Restoration of original text
- Restoration of what was once said or done but which was never in the Bible
- Editing to make the Bible more understandable for modern readers
- Editing to bring biblical working into harmony w/ truth in other revelations
- Changes to provide readers teaching that were not written by original authors
Why Mormon may have included the description of Nephite Coinage
→ To show the extent of Zeezrom's bribe
Why does Abinadi quote Isaiah 53?
Uses Isaiah to show what kind of Messiah Jesus will be
Do you still feel to sing the song of redeeming love?
The unique challenges of Amulek in the story
Amulek is pained by the women and children being burned.
What teaching led to Abinadi’s death sentence?
Mosiah 17:8 For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people.The idea of a suffering Christ. It was sacrilege
2 Questions in Abinadis Sermon?
1. What meaneth the words which are written?
2. Does salvation come by the law of Moses? What say ye?