411: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Jul 18, 2022
I can’t believe we have been producing Engaging Gospel Doctrine for ten years! This special episode discusses the purpose and past of the podcast as well as milestones in my own journey and process. I also discuss the future of the podcast and the Olam Institute and its projects.
Judges is one of the most memorable books of the Bible, but also one of the darkest. We must first grapple with the moral ambiguity of these stories before we can learn from the power and courage of Deborah, the vulnerability and trust of Gideon, and appreciate Samson for the antihero he is portrayed to be.
409: Deliverance and Resurrection (April 17; Old Testament Lesson 16)
Apr 12, 2022
Covering the Old Testament this year in Sunday School means that we get to study the Exodus, Passover, and Easter at the same time. This striking alignment invites us to explore where in our lives we are in need of Liberation (Exodus), Commemoration (Passover/Sacrament), and Resurrection (Easter).
408: Reversals and Fortunes (Old Testament Week 12; March 20)
Mar 20, 2022
While Joseph seems tricky and somewhat annoying, a deeper reading of Genesis 37-50 reveals themes of accountability and reconciliation. These chapters invite us to reflect on how we can remain true to ourselves and make the best of difficult situations, and how we can live in such a way that we are ready for whatever may come.
407: Finding Your Fit (Old Testament Lesson 10; March 6)
Mar 05, 2022
In these chapters we read about the inter-generational machinations and drama around the family of Rebekah and her twin sons Jacob and Esau. We are invited to reflect on marriage and family, culture, mindset, relationships, and reconciliation.
406: The World Who Weeps (Old Testament Lesson 6; February 6)
Feb 06, 2022
How do we move forward when the world feels like it is ending? How do we bear the pain of feeling the pain of the world? We learn from Noah and Enoch in this episode, who teach us lessons of preparation and compassion.
405: Fall and Freedom (Old Testament Lesson 3; January 16)
Dec 23, 2021
This episode grapples with the fundamental questions of human nature and purpose. How do we increase and responsibly use our agency, given human limitations?
Reading: January 16: Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5 January 9: Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5
404: Perspective and Potential (Old Testament Lesson 1; January 2)
Dec 09, 2021
We have our greatest chance to progress toward our divine potential when we take seriously our human nature.
This introductory episode for Come Follow Me 2022 reviews the schedule and approach of the podcast for next year, reviews the nature and approaches to scripture, explores the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price.
Celebrating Easter and resurrection is incomplete if we do not also celebrate the Holy Week, which is full of not just life and resurrection, but also disappointment, betrayal, and death. Easter invites us to increase our acceptance of death, which allows us to increase our engagement with life. We, like the women at the tomb, must learn to prepare both for death and for new life that can come powerfully and unexpectedly.
This is a time to celebrate renewal and resurrection. In this bonus episode I explain the purpose and contribution of Engaging Gospel Doctrine, comparing its approach to other Sunday School podcasts. There are so many great resources out there!
I also reread Carol Lynn Pearson’s Holy Week, which applies the Easter message to our every day lives, our “little deaths”, as well as the larger message of Resurrection.
401: March 7; True and Living Church (Come Follow Me Week 10, Reissued)
Mar 07, 2021
It is a shame we shorten this phrase to “The only true Church”, because I think “living” is a very important part of the statement. What does it mean to say the LDS Church is the “only true and living Church”? How do our Heavenly Parents interact with their children? What is the relationship between the different religions of the world? Why does it matter if we are a member of one religion rather than another?
400: Re-Engaging Gospel Doctrine (Come Follow Me Bonus Episode)
Mar 07, 2021
Thank you to all of you who have continued to support the podcast! My goal is to create a library of content indexed to scripture sections so that the podcast will be useful for the foreseeable future.
That said, I will also continue to produce the podcast while you continue to support it! This Bonus Episode outlines my plan for this year, as well as explaining what else I have had going on!
399: Dec 20; Faith, Hope, Love (Come Follow Me Week 50)
Dec 05, 2020
So much to discuss as we conclude our study of the Book of Mormon this year. Points we will explore this lesson:
Mormon’s sublime letter on faith, hope, and charity in Moroni 7
Moroni’s promise in chapter 10–perhaps the most read section of the Book of Mormon. How do we know what is true? What does it mean if this promise doesn’t pan out?
Relatedly, a discussion of good and evil. How do we discern between the two? What role does intention play? More importantly, how do we “cleave unto every good thing”?
Spiritual gifts
Mormon’s diatribe against the baptism of “little children”. What do we learn about theology from chapter 8? What does this letter teach us about agency, choice, accountability, covenants, and salvation?
Emily, Danny, and Davey provide a satisfying and thoughtful discussion to conclude our study of the Book of Mormon.
398: Dec. 6; Remembered and Nourished (Come Follow Me Week 48)
Dec 05, 2020
These chapters are straightforward–Moroni, shocked he hasn’t been killed yet, shares information about the organization of the church. He introduces:
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Ordination of priests and teachers
The sacrament prayers
Baptism and Church order
This is an ideal time to discuss the question: Why do we go to Church? What is the purpose and value of a religious community? Why isn’t the increasingly popular “spiritual but not religious” adequate? Join a satisfying and motivating discussion with Emily, Chelsea, Rolf, and Jared.
397: Nov 22-29; An Eye of Faith (BoM Come Follow Me Week 46)
Nov 18, 2020
This lesson contains one of the crown jewels of the Book of Mormon–the sublime verse on weakness and strength in 12:27. There are other gems worthy of study, discussion, and application in this chapter. We have the idea that we can be the angels whom God uses to answer prayers, and Moroni comments on how God speaks to us within our language and limitations (12:39; cf. 2 Ne. 31:3), and of course his treatise on faith.
We also have the story of another civilizational collapse: through generations of political intrigue, captivity and war the Jaredites destroy themselves. Other points include the New Jerusalem in Ether 13 and once again the relationship between the Book of Mormon and the Bible.
Open your hearts and prepare yourselves for an amazing and vulnerable conversation with Jessica, Aaron, Brooke and William. It will touch your heart and may change your life.
Reading: Ether 6-11 (7-15 covered in this episode)
396: Journey to the Promised Land (BoM Come Follow Me Week 45)
Nov 18, 2020
In this lesson we get to discuss the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon (which made up the bulk of the plates as Joseph described them)! What is contained in the sealed portion? What can we learn from the instructions regarding how to access them?
We are going to examine these chapters on several levels.
Theological: The insights we gain from the brother of Jared’s amazing interaction with the pre-mortal Jesus, especially regarding the relationship between personal responsibility and divine assistance
Allegorical: How we can apply the narrative of the Jaredite journey to our own lives
Historical: How do these chapters relate to the Bible? If the Biblical narratives turn out not to be historical, what does that do to the Book of Mormon?
Other points of discussion include the importance of adversity and the idea of everything good as part of Mormonism.
395: Last Nephite Standing (BoM Come Follow Me Week 44)
Nov 18, 2020
After Mormon’s final plea to the House of Israel, Moroni takes over the record. His despair and loneliness is palpable and touching in the beginning of Mormon 8. There are several thought provoking gems in these chapters about weakness, pride, caring for the needy, and theological points about the nature of God and judgment.
Moroni’s main points present more of a challenge however. These chapters are filled with judgments and warnings. He condemns latter day Churches and those who do not believe in Christ or miracles. Who makes up the audience for these warnings? What can lessons can we learn from the final Book of Mormon prophet’s inaugural words?
Amanda, Derek, and Laura join the class discussion.
394: The Problem of Evil (BoM Come Follow Me Week 43)
Nov 18, 2020
Poignantly placed after the description of the Lehite utopia, these are the darkest, most disturbing chapters in the Book of Mormon. It seems a fitting time to wrestle with the human potential for evil, the reality of the terrible things we do to each other, almost as a rule. And after reading his life’s work, we get to meet Mormon as a main character. He reluctantly leads the Nephites in battle, refuses, and then returns. This is the end of the Book of Mormon civilization. In addition, we also read a haunting letter that I don’t think Mormon actually intended to include in the Book of Mormon (If you notice, Mormoni has an inferiority complex and actually contributes very little to the Book of Mormon. Most of his content is letters from his dad and then he edits Ether because his dad said he would and never was able to). We will also look at what we learn from Mormon’s shining example in the midst of such terrible circumstances.
This is not going to be a pleasant lesson, but it should be an important one. What is the root of human evil? Why do we commit such sickening atrocities? What factors remove our native empathy? When is rehabilitation possible? Is there hope to become better as cultures and a species?
Reading: Mormon 1-6
Natasha, Emily, and Allen provide able discussion of an extremely difficult topic.
393: Utopia and Collapse (Come Follow Me, BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 42)
Nov 11, 2020
These chapters include an account of the happiest, most righteous, productive years in all of Book of Mormon history, the model utopian society that endured almost two hundred years after Jesus’ appearance. Unfortunately, we only read about that time period (which surpasses the time covered by Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, and 3 Nephi!) for eighteen brief verses. Why don’t we have more about this ideal period? How much could we learn from such a successful society? What can we apply from the details we have?
In addition to talking about this Zion society, we will also discuss:
The Three Nephites!
Fun thought exercise: If you could ask God for any “desire of your heart”, what would it be? What do you think are reasonable constraints for this question?
The idea of “gospel” and “Church” of Jesus Christ
The sobering end-times admonitions in 3 Nephi 29-30
This episode is longer than the rest, but the wide ranging, engaging and satisfying discussion with Sara, Jenne, and Carl is worth “staying after class” for!
For those who are interested in more ideas about the value of religious myth along the lines of the Paul Tillich quote I mentioned, this site with sermons by Richard Holloway is great.
392.2: All Things Revealed (Come Follow Me, BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 41, Part 2)
Nov 11, 2020
These chapters function as a sermon and reflection about the scriptures. Jesus quotes from Isaiah 54 and Malachi 3-4. He recommends the writings of Isaiah and urges Nephi to supplement his own records. Then in a bittersweet twist, we are excluded from the climax of the story–Mormon tells us that Jesus reveals all things, that the mouths of children and infants are opened and they also teach the people. But he is forbidden to record these sublime teachings even though he wanted to.
In addition to going over the meaning of these quotes both in their Book of Mormon and Biblical context, we will take this opportunity to explore the question of scripture. What is scripture? What are the implications of our “open canon”? Can we have personal scripture? How do activities like journal writing and family history tie in? Oh, and we talk a bit about the end of the world and tithing too. Join an engaged discussion with Emily, Whitney, Michael and Jeff.
392: Gathering and Scattering (Come Follow Me, BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 41)
Nov 10, 2020
Am I correct in concluding that these chapters fall in that category of scripture that most members read without comprehension? When we think “Isaiah chapters” 2 Nephi comes to mind, but 3 Nephi has its share as well, with some Micah thrown in.
These chapters in brief talk about how in the latter days Israel (including the descendants of the Nephites) will overthrow the Gentiles if they don’t repent. If you noticed that was in the Book of Mormon, well done.
In this lesson we will explore
How we can apply these chapters as individuals and societies–in this scriptural choose your own adventure, are we moving towards Zion or destruction?
The idea of “salvation history” including its presentation in the Book of Mormon
The role of “Israel and Gentiles” in the last days
Conditional prophecies and promises in these chapters
Worship: the sacrament and prayer
The Biblical context of these passages
Join Jessica, Emily, Brian and Michael for a thoughtful discussion.
391: One by One (Come Follow Me BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 40)
Nov 10, 2020
These chapters of the Book of Mormon contain some of the most moving and tender moments in all of scripture. Jesus heals the sick, one by one. The crowd weeps with joy. Jesus blesses little children and the scene becomes ineffable. Angels minister to the children and Jesus weeps. All take the sacrament and Jesus teaches about prayer and fellowship. The people work all night to bring even more to the place where Jesus will return. Jesus offers a parallel to his “Intercessory Prayer” of John 16 and prays for oneness and purity, and all are united in this spiritual experience.
390: All Things New (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 39)
Nov 10, 2020
These chapters give a literal chance to “feast upon the words of Christ” since they consist almost exclusively of Jesus’ teachings. Chapters 12-14 parallel the Sermon on the Mount and focus on issues of the happy life (Beatitudes), discipleship, the relationship of Jesus to the Law of Moses, and proper prayer and fasting. Other points we will focus on include:
The commandment to “be perfect” (the answer is more encouraging that you might expect!)
The relationship between the King James Bible and Book of Mormon
Listen to an engaging discussion with Jennifer, Ali, Carl and KC Reading: 3 Nephi 12-15
389: A Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 38)
Oct 28, 2020
Nephi 11 is one of the most familiar chapters in Mormon scripture, shared by missionaries daily in countless languages. 3 Nephi 11-28 recount the personal ministry of Christ to the Lehites. Some of the most touching and powerful chapters in the Book of Mormon are found in this section.
But before that ministry, there is destruction. Lots of cataclysmic destruction. The combination of devastation, divine pleading, and then personal visitation provide rich material for discussion on the nature of God. Who is the God of the Book of Mormon? What do we make of these passages? Is Jesus the vengeful God paralleling the activity in the Old Testament? Is Jesus the entreating, loving God (in striking imagery of Jesus as mother!). Is the the God who appears personally to each of us one by one? All of these?
This discussion will take center stage, as well as the following additional points.
The life changing power of cataclysmic events
Having a “broken heart and contrite spirit”
Biblical parallels (this will go into high gear next lesson)
388: From Unity to Collapse (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 36)
Sep 16, 2020
The beginning of 3 Nephi overflows with intense extremes as it describes the decades leading up to the appearance of Jesus to the Lehites. The sign of Jesus’ birth is given; people believe then disbelieve. A protracted war with the Gadianton robbers forces the people to prepare and unite. Society is rebuilt and then collapses. Discussion points will include:
Signs of Jesus’ birth
Lessons from the Gadianton war
Insights from Mormon’s autobiographical aside
What led to the collapse of society?
More comments on the devil
Wickedness and Righteousness at extremes
3 Nephi as a type of the Second Coming Look forward to discussion with TJ, Chawntelle, Wagner, and Aaron
387: Insiders and Outsiders (Come Follow Me BoM Week 36, Reissued)
Sep 03, 2020
These chapters are about Samuel the Lamanite posting to his wall (I know, bad joke, but some of us can relate to the stones and arrows). Samuel’s wall top preaching alternates between predictions of destruction, contrasting the Lamanite reaction to the truth, and prophesying concerning the coming of Christ. This lesson and discussion will focus on:
Samuel and intertextuality (the teachings he refers back to and prophecies he points toward)
Prepare yourself for a thought-provoking discussion with Natasha, Amber, and Kenton.
386: The Limitations of Human Nature (Come Follow Me BoM Week 35, Reissued)
Aug 29, 2020
Pretty much everyone is depressed in these chapters. The prophet Nephi and editor Mormon both complain about human nature and the state of wickedness of the people at this time. This is where the Lamanites become more righteous than the Nephites. Highlights will include
Lessons from Lamanite and Nephite reactions to the Gadianton Robbers
385: Aug 24; The Beginning of the End (Come Follow Me BoM 34, Reissued)
Aug 22, 2020
Even with the impending ministry of Christ among the Nephites, Mormon sees this section as the beginning of the end (Hel. 2:13). Helaman is a dark book with powerful highlights. This is a bad time to be a chief judge, and a bad time for the Nephites. The Nephites expand their territory, but wars divide the land–the Nephites to the north, Lamanites to the south. In this lesson and discussion we will cover:
Lessons from Helaman to his sons
A bright episode in dark chapters–the miraculous ministry of Lehi and Nephi
The beginning of an extreme “pride cycle” and Mormon’s commentary
Mormon’s provocative use of the term “church”
The connection between adversity and sanctification
Prepare yourself for a thoughtful and heartfelt discussion with Chelsea, Gwenevere, Whitney and Jonathan.
Art: Ave, Caesar! Io, Saturnalia! (1880) by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, with the Praetorian Guard hailing Claudius (veiling himself in a curtain) as the new emperor after the assassination of Caligula.
Hey, it seemed to fit all the king assassinations in these chapters.
384.2: Aug 9; Ethics and War (Come Follow Me BoM Week 33, Reissued)
Aug 14, 2020
The Book of Alma concludes with a bang as we read of wars of multiple fronts and severe internal turmoil and dissent. We can learn a great deal from the behavior of Moroni, Helaman, and their armies. And of course we can’t forget the 2000 stripling warriors and their mothers! There are several embedded letters in these accounts, from which we can draw many lessons. Look for an underappreciated gem in Pahoran’s response to Moroni, which provides a powerful model of interpersonal communication, trust, and conflict resolution.
Reading: Alma 53-63
Look forward to an engaging discussion with Danielle, Jared, Amanda and Jason.
Read an important and plausible interpretation of the Stripling Warriors story by a member of the military here. http://rationalfaiths.com/war/
383.2: Aug 9; Freedom and War (Come Follow Me BoM Week 32, Reissued)
Aug 08, 2020
With this lesson we march into the “War chapters” of Alma. Sometimes it seems readers of the Book of Mormon don’t know quite what to do with these twenty odd chapters, but there are many important lessons and intriguing details we can glean.
Reading: Alma 43-52
Highlights of this lesson include:
Important themes about motivation (which are not always so simple as they seem)
Observations about covenants and honor.
We spend time with amazing people (Teancum and above all Moroni)
and one pretty terrible one, Amalickiah
Look for some interesting details about Alma’s family, a reward of close reading “connecting the dots”
Preparation is a key theme
Reflections on coercion and freedom, and the ethics of war
383: August 16; Alma (Come Follow Me Catch Up!)
Aug 03, 2020
For my next trick, I will work through the entirety of Alma in one episode! It was a rewarding experience to look through the longest book of the Book of Mormon in one sitting, and I saw details and patterns that I had missed before. Alma is a rich and complex book that reveals some unexpected facets of Nephite society. More importantly, Alma has a great deal to teach us about life, relationships, and communication.
Reading: For August 9, Alma 43-52. For August 16, Alma 53-63.
Thanks to Trent for doing audio post-production on the episode!
382.2: Laws of Reality (Come Follow Me BoM Week 31, Reissued)
Jul 29, 2020
This core episode puts the provocative idea of God losing godhood in the context of the Plan of Happiness and its opposite, the Plan of Damnation. Reading: Alma 39-42
381: Challenge and be Challenged by the Scriptures (Bonus Episode)
Jul 22, 2020
In this bonus episode, I describe my process of preparing for the podcast and reading the scriptures, as well as make recommendations for scripture reading in general. I discuss literary, personal, intertextual, and historical approaches, and send scripture reading down the rabbit hole. The takeaway is that we can both find personal scripture that nourishes and speaks to us, as well as joining a community of scripture readers that stretches back millennia and covers the world.
380.2: July 26; Atonement and Character (Come Follow Me BoM Week 30)
Jul 21, 2020
Alma’s intimate words to his sons model a way to use honest sharing about the past to better the present and future. This core episode covers Alma’s path to peace, the principle that we cannot feel greater joy than we have experienced pain, the underappreciated figure of Shiblon, and finally, challenge to the unhealthy idea that all sexual sin is comparable to murder.
380.1: July 26; Atonement and Character (Come Follow Me BoM Week 30)
Jul 21, 2020
This lesson and the next provide a precious and intimate window in the family life of Alma, one of the great Book of Mormon prophets. These chapters fit into the genre of “Testament”, which records the wisdom and blessings imparted by the patriarch of a family (unfortunately, we don’t have any records of a matriarch sharing her wisdom or blessings that I know of). Alma’s counsel to his sons Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton provide us some of his final words in the Book of Mormon (before he gives his final blessings and mysteriously disappears in Alma 45).
Highlights of this lesson include
Alma’s reflections on conversion and the Atonement in poetic form (the strongest example of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon)
Gems on patience and trust, self-discipline, and humility
Tackling head on the idea that sexual sin is ranked “next to murder”.
Look forward to an engaging discussion with Carey, Joseph, Danielle and Jessica.
379.2: July 19; Experiment upon the Word (Come Follow Me Week 29, Reissued)
Jul 14, 2020
This reading proves not only interesting for discussion, but can be life changing. This core episode discusses the power and importance of experimenting on the word, the distinction between belief, knowledge, and faith, and how we can experience heaven on earth.
How many superstars of theology can we fit into a few chapters? Truth. Prayer. Atonement. These chapters contain some of the most memorable lessons and gems in the Book of Mormon. The “experiment upon the word” in Alma 32, Amulek’s powerful sermon on the Atonement and role of this life, as well as some overlooked treasures about prayer and mercy.
Highlights of the lesson will include:
Detailed exploration of the idea of Alma’s “experiment upon the word”. What are reliable ways to know a principle is true? What does “true” mean in this instance?
Discussion of prayer, worship, and mercy
Engagement with Amulek’s sermon as we discuss human nature, the Atonement, and role of this life
Look forward to an engaging discussion with Kristine, Matthew, KC and Greg. After you listen to the lesson and class discussion, please post your comments and questions here on the blog and continue the conversation!
378.2: Conversations about God (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 27, Reissued)
Jul 08, 2020
“All Things Denote There Is a God”
One of the problems with our beliefs is that they are obvious–to us. The familiar is so self-evident that often we can’t even imagine how anyone could believe anything different. Further, even if “all things denote there is a God”, we as humans are not equipped to understand God.
378.1: Conversations about God (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 27, Reissued)
Jul 08, 2020
“All Things Denote There Is a God”
I jokingly call this lesson “Apostates week”. The key exchanges this lesson are Alma vs. Korihor and then Alma and his companions vs. the Zoramites. We are going to push a bit in approach with this lesson, use these scriptures to challenge us a touch. Kind of like how so many enjoy likening ourselves to Nephi, but what can we learn by likening ourselves to Laman and Lemuel?
Key points in this lesson include:
What compelling evidence is there for the existence of God? Is there anything that might be problematic about God debates?
Sure it is easy to write off Korihor and Mormon wants us to, but what are the elements of his worldview?
What are the Zoramites’ shortcomings? Is there anything we can learn from them, perhaps even see elements familiar in our own Church culture?
What *is* the most productive way to interact with those who disbelieve?
Look forward to an engaging discussion with Jessica, Meredith, Sterling and Chris.
377.2: Burying Our Weapons of War (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 26, Core Reissued)
Jul 02, 2020
These chapters tell of conversions through miraculous and even troubling means, inspiring devotion to principle, and overwhelming joy. We also have angel-wannabe Alma teaching us a powerful truth about God calling prophets among all people.
Here is the full episode on Lesson 26. These chapters tell of conversions through miraculous and even troubling means, inspiring devotion to principle, and overwhelming joy. We also have angel-wannabe Alma teaching us a powerful truth about God calling prophets among all people.
376.2: Mission of the Sons of Mosiah (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 25, Updated)
Jun 27, 2020
The sons of Mosiah are not the only powerful characters in these chapters–or even the main characters. We learn much from Lamanite kings, queens, and servants.
This new core episode returns to Alma 17-22 and focuses on vulnerability and authenticity, meeting and serving people where they are, and coming to know God through letting go of our present selves (Originally produced in July of 2016).
These chapters begin the story of the missionary efforts of the sons of Mosiah. Ammon and Lamoni take center stage, but the Lamanite woman Abish and her queen play key roles and Mormon emphasizes the contrasts between missionary and conversion experiences by paralleling the stories Ammon and Lamoni, Aaron and Lamoni’s father (Original air date: July 2012).
Highlights of this lesson include
Parallel stories of transformation of Lamoni and his father
Two of the strongest female protagonists in the Book of Mormon
This lesson confronts us with hard, perhaps impossible questions. We read about a God who intervenes sometimes, but not others. Alma and Amulek are saved, but only after an extended time in prison. And the worst atrocity is not prevented at all–the murder of women and children. We are not equipped to handle the horrors that happen day to day, and yet we relentlessly seek some sense of meaning and stability. This final episode of Mormon Sunday School explores these difficult topics of God’s actions in light of agency.
374: Sustainable Sunday School (Bonus Episode)
Jun 13, 2020
It’s time to talk about podcast support! Funny how we don’t like talking about money details. The podcast is not currently sustainable, so please contribute how you can. And if you want to join the inner quorum of supporters, please email me at engaginggospeldoctrine@gmail.com
Alma and Amulek’s tag-team preaching raises profound questions about how we with our limitations can know anything. Truly we have need of “more than one witness.”
Alma has some impressive rhetorical skills on display in his interrogative sermon in chapter 5. He encourages his audience to access their past selves, future selves, ideal selves, and imagine dying and standing accountable before God.
Art: “Reflection and Introspection”, Patrick Kramer
371.2: May 31; Us vs. Them (Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Week 20)
May 30, 2020
More chapters about good guys vs. bad guys! Or is there more to the story? A careful reading of these chapters invite questions about Nephite power and conflict, as well as the nature of motivation, reform, and healthy communities. Who are the “good guys” and “bad guys”, insiders and outsiders?
In these chapters, we need to challenge the narrator. Mormon assures us that Alma is right and Nehor is wrong, that the Nephites are just and the Amlicites are wicked. But a closer reading challenges, or at least nuances these claims, giving us an opportunity o explore bias and the critical question of how to constructively reach those who disagree with us.
370.2: May 24; Breakdowns and Breakthroughs (Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Week 19)
May 22, 2020
God made Alma the Elder’s burdens light… but it appears Alma the Younger did not have the same experience. Alma the Younger’s conversion experience transformed the most difficult period of his life into the fuel for his ministry. We can act rather than react, even in the most difficult circumstances. And even when we act poorly, we can change our stories and use our experience for good.
370.1: Breakdowns and Breakthroughs (BoM Week 19, Reissued)
May 19, 2020
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 their existence, why doesn’t that happen more often? What other lessons can we draw from Alma’s dramatic conversion?
369.2: May 17; Covenant, Surrender, Deliverance (Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Week 18)
May 17, 2020
God delivers us *in* our trials before God delivers us *from* our trials. It has to be that way. The only choice is whether we choose to submit ourselves from the beginning, as Alma as his people do, or whether we fight the process until we have no other choice, as Limhi and his people did. These chapters teach us powerful principles of showing up for each other and increasing freedom in our own lives.
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 people bring up poignant insights about the cost of surrender, but also bear the promise that God strengthens us in our trials.
368.2: May 10; Will and Wellness (Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Week 17)
May 07, 2020
Abinadi is a pretty amazing spy-prophet-debater-theologian, but his message also applies to us personally. How can we hold ourselves accountable? What would our personal commandments be? In what way are we both “Divine Parent and human child?”
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, dealing with criticism, and understanding our legacies.
367: May 3; Wisdom and Liberation (House Church/Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Week 16)
May 03, 2020
Limhi and his people had suffered, been enslaved, and been decimated by war for generations by the time Ammon found them. His courageous honesty, hope, and diligence can teach us about bondage, liberation, and “effectual struggles” in our own lives.
366: April 26; Spiritual Rebirth… Sustainably (House Church/Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Week 15)
Apr 23, 2020
We must claim and care for each other for God to care for and claim us–King Benjamin makes the connection very clear. Yet order of operations is essential, as is wisdom. We don’t improve so we can be loved; we improve because we love ourselves and God. This sermon maps our path to a virtuous cycle that leads to rebirth and the desire to “do good continually”.
365: April 19: No Other Way (Come Follow Me/House Church Book of Mormon Week 14)
Apr 18, 2020
King Benjamin begins his sermon emphasizing the condescension of God, the depravity of human nature (less than dust and an enemy to God), and urges us to be grateful as we serve God and our fellow humans. These chapters invite reflection on the relationship between the human and divine, the role of Jesus, and how we are all connected.
364: April 12: Easter (House Church, Book of Mormon Week 13)
Apr 07, 2020
Celebrating Easter and resurrection is incomplete if we do not also celebrate the Holy Week, which is full of not just life and resurrection, but also disappointment, betrayal, and death. Easter invites us to increase our acceptance of death, which allows us to increase our engagement with life. We, like the women at the tomb, must learn to prepare both for death and for new life that can come powerfully and unexpectedly.
363: March 29: Soul Hunger (House Church, Book of Mormon Week 11)
Mar 29, 2020
Enos, Jarom, Omni, Words of Mormon… never before have I so appreciated these short books that take up so much room in the Primary song. Not only does Enos provide a powerful example of spiritual devotion and transformation, but his descendants hint at cataclysmic cultural shifts among their people. I place this discussion in a House Church context between a discussion of the Corona pandemic, ideas for isolation, and devotion. God can transform our hardest moments, and we are in such a time.
361: House Churches (Come Follow Me, Special Episode)
Mar 15, 2020
Covid-19 has disrupted our lives both personally and globally. I hope we are all taking care of ourselves and each other as best as we can. The secret to disruption is that it can be an invitation to lasting change and nurturing of relationships. I have issued this special episode to provide resources to support Church leaders’ suspending of all Church meetings. I will therefore upgrade Engaging Gospel Doctrine from a Sunday School podcast to a House Church podcast.
360: March 8, 15: the Path to Perfection (Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Weeks 8-9)
Mar 02, 2020
Nephi maps out our path from here to God: faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. He also emphasizes that God speaks unto us as we are, which brings up important questions about the relationship between revelation and reality. And sensitive, anxious Jacob praises the Lamanites and condemns the Nephites relating to family love and fidelity.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
359: Feb 23; Mar 1: Loss and Restoration (Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Weeks 8-9)
Feb 27, 2020
The Isaiah chapters baffle most of us, but they really do come down to a few fundamental questions that all of us grapple with: How do we deal with loss? Specifically, how do we deal with loss when it feels as if our promises and hopes are shattered and burning? How do we move forward after failure and devastation? The promise of the the gospel is that God will claim and comfort us.
358: Feb 9, 16: Laws of Reality (Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Weeks 6-7)
Feb 14, 2020
The Book of Mormon is a story about dysfunctional families and intergenerational trauma. These masterful chapters at the beginning of 2 Nephi teach us about the importance of agency and the quest for joy. Our reading will be most constructive as we take seriously the fact that the Book of Mormon is about and shaped by the human experience.
357: Jan 26; Feb 2: Adversity and Opportunity (Come, Follow Me, Book of Mormon Weeks 4-5)
Feb 01, 2020
As a rule, it is the most difficult experiences that shape us the most. We don’t like that fact, but we can’t avoid it! The story of Lehi’s family in the wilderness provides a model (positive and negative!) of our own lives and relationships. Everything is an opportunity to grow closer to God and salvation.
356: January 12, 19: Pay Attention. Follow Through. (Book of Mormon Weeks 2-3)
Jan 18, 2020
One of the most interesting thing about Lehi’s dream is what he notices and when. These first chapters of the Book of Mormon teach us a great deal about the power of attention and follow through.
355: The Real Book of Mormon Beginning: The Lost Pages with Don Bradley
Jan 09, 2020
We’ve all started 1 Nephi, but not one of us has read the actual beginning of the Book of Mormon! In this bonus episode I discuss the lost pages of the Book of Mormon with scholar Don Bradley. Watch until the end to listen to his inspiring testimony of the Book of Mormon and restoration.
354: Reading the Book of Mormon (Book of Mormon Week 1)
Dec 27, 2019
Before we dig into the Book of Mormon this year, we should ask some introductory questions. Turns out the most important question is about you! What is your relationship to the Book of Mormon? After that, it is helpful to know what the Book of Mormon is and how we can constructively read it. Because above all else, the Book of Mormon is worth reading.
Reading: Title Page; Introduction; Testimony of the Three and Eight Witnesses; Brief Explanation about the Book of Mormon
353: Understanding the Book of Mormon (Gospel Doctrine Lesson 0)
Dec 27, 2019
I am reissuing the wonderful conversation I had four years ago with Grant Hardy and McArthur Krishna about the nature of and relationship to the Book of Mormon. Before we begin the Book of Mormon Sunday School year, I sit down (virtually) with Grant Hardy and McArthur Krishna (In North Carolina and India respectively) to review topics important to Book of Mormon Study.
We discuss:
Personal experience reading the Book of Mormon
Approaches to the Book of Mormon
Devotional
Theological/Doctrinal
Literary
Historical
Reading the Book of Mormon from different perspectives
How did we get the Book of Mormon?
Translation process
Discernable sources
What is scripture?
What is inspiration?
Suggestions for teaching Book of Mormon in Sunday School
What is most important as we study the Book of Mormon?
Thanks to Jonathan Cannon for helping with the discussion outline and to Trent Oliphant and William Newman for audio editing.
352: Dec. 22: Christ Mass (New Testament Week 51)
Dec 15, 2019
The way we celebrate Christmas… with lights on trees, sharing gifts, carols with loved ones… is a mix of different traditions, and its present form is surprisingly recent! All traditions go back to Winter Solstice festivals… the hopeful celebration of the power of light in darkness, and the return of life after death and darkness.
Resources History of Christmas History of Santa Claus History of Winter Solstice Christmas and Consu Historical Details in the Nativity Video, Book of Mormon Central
351: Dec. 15, 29: Encountering the End of the World (New Testament Weeks 50; 52)
Dec 12, 2019
Revelation may be the most attention-getting book of the Bible. What could be more dramatic and exciting than the end of the world!! Revelation is also a book easy to misunderstand and misapply… I believe the most important lesson of Revelation is that we can live lives of faith and victory even in the midst of loss and catastrophe. We can feel and be faithful as we cry and wipe away each other’s tears.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
349: Nov 10, 17. A Better Covenant (New Testament Weeks 45-46)
Nov 15, 2019
Hebrews urges us to face the future with faith, not slide into the mistakes of the past, and above all, relationship with the ever-present living God. I hope this eloquent book will inspire us to move beyond “types and shadows” and improve our relationship to God and true principles.
348: Oct 27; Nov 3. Kingdom Come (New Testament Weeks 43-44)
Oct 31, 2019
I love gospel paradoxes, which are life paradoxes. What makes a good leader? The same characteristics that make someone a good servant or disciple. What makes us ready to die? The same principles that make us ready to live. How can we be prepared for Jesus to return? By doing the same things that make us ready for Jesus not to return. When we live well, these other questions matter little. Reading: 1-2 Thessalonians (Oct. 27); Philemon; 1-2 Timothy; Titus (Nov. 3)
347: Oct. 13, 20. Challenge and be Challenged by (New Testament Weeks 41-42)
Oct 04, 2019
How are you liking Church? The answer depends largely on your personality and context. One of the trickiest challenges about being human is that well-being exists beyond preference… Whether it’s going it’s exercising or serving our neighbor, it’s usually those things that we didn’t want to do that we are glad to have done! This lesson’s reading digs into proper relationships… how we should work with each other, and how God works within us.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
346: Sept. 22; 29. Weakness, Strength, Difference (New Testament Weeks 38-39)
Oct 04, 2019
When we read the letters of Paul we only hear half the conversation… and even that half not very well sometimes! It is easy to forget who Paul is arguing with. Well in Galatians, he makes his opponents very clear.. surprisingly, they include Peter and Jesus’ other brother James! 2 Corinthians and Galatians invite us to contemplate strength and weakness and how we can minister to those with different perspectives and needs (which is all of us)
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
345: Sept. 8; 15. Body and Spirit (New Testament Weeks 36-37)
Sep 14, 2019
Paul had a bit of a tortured relationship with the saints (who often were nothing but) in Corinth. We benefit from his struggles however, as he addresses these problems with gospel living. In these chapters Paul teaches about life in the spirit, sanctification and resurrection, and our daily new life in Christ.
344: Aug 25; Sept 1. Love is the Answer (New Testament Weeks 34-35)
Aug 29, 2019
Yes, I’ve had the Beatles’ song going through my head as well. The Corinthian Church has plenty of problems, from the rich gorging on the Lord’s supper, to confusion over meat sacrificed to idols, to Christians suing each other, to the bold man who married his stepmother. Paul’s answer is that a true understanding of Christian love is the only commandment we need.
343.2: Aug 11; 18. Trust, Grace (New Testament Weeks 32-33, Scripture Study)
Aug 17, 2019
In this Scripture Study section I read some introductory material on Romans from Raymond Brown’s superb New Testament Introduction, as well as the introduction to Adam Miller’s Grace is Not God’s Backup Plan.
343: Aug 11; 18. Trust, Grace (New Testament Weeks 32-33)
Aug 17, 2019
If we are saved by grace, what’s the point of going to Church? In his magnum opus, Paul wrestles with such questions as the relationship of faith and works, the fate of Jews and Gentiles, and sets the record straight about his own mission.
342: July 28; Aug 4. Paul the Defender (New Testament Weeks 30-31)
Aug 02, 2019
Paul tells us he is “all things to all people” (1 Cor. 9), and in these chapters we see the master at work. Watch for how he adapts his message to each audience. And underneath that adaptability is his resolution to follow God’s will and preach from Jerusalem to Rome.
Good thing my last episode was about being wrong… because I’ve been wrong! I asked listeners what they want, and most encouraged me to refocus on the scriptures. So that’s what I’m going to do! Let me know if you have any other feedback, questions, or thoughts!
340: July 14, 21; Being wrong (New Testament Weeks 28-29)
Jul 19, 2019
We like to tell conversion stories, but we don’t like to think about where conversion starts… with being wrong! And while we are painfully aware of the many ways we fall short and are wrong in our behavior, we are literally unable to know where we are wrong in our beliefs! These chapters teach important lessons about conversion and change in the lives of Paul, Peter, and the early Church.
Reading: Acts 6-9 (for July 14); 10-15 (for July 21)
339: July 7; Courage and Conversion (New Testament Week 27)
Jul 06, 2019
The beginning of Acts tells of conversion, courage, and community. Peter, now converted so he can strengthen others, powerfully testifies no matter the cost. People are “troubled in their hearts” and turn to Christ, and join an ideal community where all are cared for.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
338: June 30; Empty Tomb (New Testament Week 26)
Jun 28, 2019
Have faith in Jesus, even though you haven’t seen him. This is the message of each of the gospels. And Jesus’ message to us is to love each other during this life. In addition, each gospel has a distinct emphasis: Mark teaches us to overcome fear with faith; Matthew encourages us to tell the world that God is with us; Luke teaches us to recognize Jesus through faith and covenant; and John encourages us to live our love.
Reading: Mark 16; Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20-21.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
337: June 23; Even though it be a cross (New Testament Week 25)
Jun 22, 2019
Jesus’ crucifixion isn’t really about his death… it is about misunderstanding, humiliation, and the tragic subversion of Jesus’ proclamation that the Kingdom has come near.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
336: June 9, 16; Let this cup pass from me (New Testament Weeks 23-24)
Jun 11, 2019
Gethsemane. These chapters teach us some of the hardest, most essential lessons life requires. How do we deal with betrayal? How do we have the strength to show up for each other? And most importantly, how do we align what we want with what must be? How do we shift, turn, return, to God’s path?
Reading: Mark 14; Matthew 26; Luke 22; John 18 (Also John 13-17 from last week).
335: June 2; Apocalypse Then and Now (New Testament Week 22)
May 31, 2019
SECRET BIBLE CODE REVEALS THE EXACT DATE OF THE END OF THE WORLD!! As attention getting as that headline is (though would we really want to know? I doubt it), what these chapters teach is far more useful: How we can live so well, so awake, and so ready that it does not matter when Jesus returns, when the world ends, or when our own lives end. We can live ready to die tomorrow and ready to live a century. And I dearly pray we can transition to sustainability so human civilization can last another two thousand years if needed.
Class Reading: Mark 12-13; JST-Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Luke 21
334: May 26; Be What You Seem (New Testament Week 21)
May 24, 2019
Jesus’ protest in the temple got him killed. In these chapters we see him as the powerful Messiah, coming into the seat of power triumphant yet humble and then standing up to corruption in the holiest most powerful institution of his day. These powerful actions drive home Jesus’ teachings that we should align our principles and practices, and live in such a way that we can peacefully explain to others the choices we make.
Reading: Mark 11; Matthew 21-23; Luke 19-20; John 12
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
333: May 19: Was Jesus Married? (New Testament Week 20)
May 18, 2019
Most of our stories have to do with relationships, usually relationships that end “happily ever after”. In reality, marriage is much more complicated! This episode explores the idea, ideal, and history of marriage, as well as what makes a good marriage on earth as it is in heaven. And yes, I have a compelling answer to the question of whether Jesus was married.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
331: April 28; May 5; Insiders and Outsiders (New Testament Weeks 17-18)
Apr 26, 2019
In these chapters we have shepherds going to rescue the lost sheep, and a Priest and Levite who avoid the potentially dead man. In John, Jesus declares himself the water of life, the light of the world, and the Good Shepherd. Taken together, Jesus’ teachings challenge our insider/outsider tribal thinking.
Class Reading: Matthew 18; Luke 10 (April 28) John 7-10 (May 5)
The return address said “Your Friend Jesus.” I’d never heard from him this directly before, and my hand shook as I opened the envelope.
You are invited to join me
in a journey to the Holy Land
for an observance of
Holy Week .
I will knock.
RSVP
I accepted, of course, overwhelmed by the honor.
When the knock came, I opened the door. Reverently. Before me stood the Lord himself, his hand reaching out to me.
“I’m ready!” I smiled.
“No one ever is,” he smiled back.
I looked around for the car, the tour bus, the shuttle.
“This journey,” he said, “is taken step by step.”
“Where are the others?” I asked.
“This journey,” he said, “is always taken alone. Except for me. It’s a simple journey. I lead. You follow.”
“We are going to the Holy Land?” I queried, looking about at the ordinary, familiar paths I had walked every day, year after year.
“There is no holier land than this,” he replied.
“But it is–an observance of Holy Week?” I hoped I hadn’t misunderstood.
“It is,” he answered. “Holy Week. We will begin here, with Palm Sunday.”
I looked where he indicated, ready to see a depiction of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Lord being welcomed with waving palm fronds, garlands of flowers, a joyous celebration.
“But that’s–me!” I said, recognizing the scene. “That’s just last week when they gave me that award at work and that great promotion! And then–there it is!–that very night I got engaged to the love of my life! What a day that was!”
“Ah, a memorable Palm Sunday.”
“Wait,” I said, a strange feeling rising in my throat. “Isn’t this about Holy Week? Your Holy Week?”
“Not mine.” I could tell the smile came from his heart. “Yours.”
I froze and grasped his arm. “Mine?” My voice was thin, for I knew my Bible. Am I–like–going to die soon? Is that what this is about?”
“Not the big death,” he said. “That will come later, First come the small deaths.”
“Deaths?” I heard a crack in my voice. “You said deaths–as in plural?”
“Several, perhaps many.”
“But–small–right? Small?”
“They won’t feel small at the time.”
I turned and looked back, wondering if it was too late to change my RSVP.
“There’s no going back,” he said gently. “I played out my Holy Week–not only to assure your resurrection from the big death–but to give you a pattern of resurrection from the small deaths. Your Holy Weeks will come. Your only choice is whether you experience them alone–or with me.”
My hand tightened on his arm. “Not alone,” I whispered.
“The next day we observe is Maundy Thursday.”
I could not lift my eyes. I remembered the events of that day. The Last Supper. The Garden of Gethsemane. The betrayal. The anguish.
“Look!” The Lord gently raised my gaze.
Scenes in a private garden. No apostles. No soldiers. No olive trees. Me. And betrayal.
Alone in the garden with betrayal. I saw myself–alone on my knees, heart breaking, weeping. Weeping in the garden.
“All these?” I looked at the Lord in disbelief. “All these will come?”
“Betrayals will come,” he replied, “betrayals like these. You will kneel in your garden, and you will weep. You will not bleed, but, oh, you will weep.”
“You will be there?”
“Every moment.”
“You will not sleep?”
“I will not sleep.”
He took my hand and we walked on. “Good Friday,” he gestured.
I looked and saw myself, bowed down with a heavy weight. “Ah!” I said. “I am ashamed to bow under such small sorrow.”
“I was given my cross,” he said, “and you are given yours. Now hear. Surrender to the crushing weight. Your hands are tied, you are brought low, stripped of pride. When you fall, stand again. There is fatigue, there is defeat, but stand again. Loved ones along the way weep for you. Let them. Hands reach out to wipe your face. Let them. And let your words be words of forgiveness, for your betrayer knows not what he does.”
“You are with me still?”
“Every step, lifting, lifting the burden.”
“And then–I die?”
“Life as you knew it on Palm Sunday–is no more.”
“Entombed?”
“A heavy rock over the entry.”
“And now the darkness,” he said as we walked on. “Do not fight the darkness. Saturday of darkness is holy too.”
I looked. I was lying on my bed. So still, eyes closed, no will to rise.
“Rest,” he said. “Reflect. Wait. Trust the darkness.”
I waited. I watched my sad, still face on the bed. No lamp. No candle. So dark. So small and alone. I scoured the sky for a hint of morning.
“Easter will come,” he said. “Wait.”
We walked on. Through the darkness. Step by step. His arm around me.
A slice of light. Tiny. Another. Slowly as morning–ah, it was morning–becoming, slowly becoming. No moment to mark it, so slowly. The light–falling on my sad face on the bed–then coming from my face! My body rising from this small death. Sitting. Standing. Accepting the light. Becoming the light.
“I’ve never seen myself–look like that!” I murmured. “I’m more than I was before!”
“Ah, my friend–” I could hear sunrise in his voice–“this is the secret of Easter. Life after death–is always larger than life before death.”
“Resurrection.” I spoke the word in awe. Such freedom. A stone–rolled away.
“Observe the pattern,” he said. “Surrender. Carry your burden the best you can. Forgive. Trust the darkness. Especially–forgive. If you don’t, it can be a very long time until morning.”
“But however long it takes,” he said, “however painful your Friday, however dark your Saturday, I will be with you every moment–promising the celebration of Easter morning. For Holy Week I came into the world.”
We walked further down the path.
He led. I followed.
329: Atoning Human Nature (Bonus Episode)
Apr 19, 2019
The idea that we humans are “enemies to God” is disturbing, but the deeper and equally troubling truth is that we are mostly just disappointing. Paradoxically, it is by fully acknowledging our humanness that we redeem it through humble orientation toward grace, God, and goodness.
328: April 21; Easter (New Testament Week 16)
Apr 18, 2019
I think the most significant thing about Holy Week is that it fosters a holistic approach to Easter. It is not cheap celebration; it is full priced, high cost joy. It does not just celebrate life. It celebrates new, glorious, unexpected life after the agony of disappointment, betrayal, loss, rejection, and the death of everything we know.
Reading: Easter! Recommended: Mark 14-16; Matthew 26-28; Luke 22-24; John 12-20.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
327: April 14; Transfiguration (New Testament Week 15)
Apr 16, 2019
What would we think of ourselves transfigured? Are we prepared for the effort and pain that experiencing our better selves would require? These chapters teach us about cooperating with those who have common goals, transformation, and ask the provocative question: What are we purchasing with the currency of our soul? This episode follows the Come Follow Me Home Study week for April 14.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
326: March 31; Bread of Life (New Testament Week 13)
Apr 11, 2019
Jesus teaches that greater than the miracle of feeding the multitudes or even healing the body is feeding and healing the soul. And one key to feeding the soul is to nurture our personal relationship with the Bread of Life.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
325: March 24; Cycles of Virtue and Vice (New Testament Week 12)
Apr 11, 2019
Jesus teaches about priorities and virtuous and vicious cycles. In other words, if we make good use of what we have we will gain more; if we make poor use of what we have we will lose “even what we seem to have” (Luke 8:18). Once again, Jesus clearly emphasizes that we must pay attention to behavior rather than words.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
324: March 17; Bring the Kingdom Near (New Testament Week 11)
Apr 11, 2019
Jesus told the apostles to preach that the kingdom of God was near… and then make that happen with their deeds. And as always, Jesus warns that we must live the word rather than merely think ourselves righteous.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
323: March 10; Healing Ministry (New Testament Week 10)
Apr 11, 2019
What is religion for? What are people for? These are exciting, challenging chapters that tell how Jesus’ family thought he was crazy and the religious elite thought he was blasphemous, all for teaching that caring for our fellow humans is more important than religious observance.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
322: March 3; Live Well Today (New Testament Week 9)
Apr 11, 2019
My name is Jared, and I’m a recovering idealist. Anyone else? I used to waste so much energy being anxious. Well, Jesus said not to. These days I try to live each day well, to live with proper form. This is what Jesus taught–to live well each day, to be good for the sake of goodness, and to thus become good by internalizing and practicing gospel principles.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
321: Feb 24; Inner Law and Integrity (New Testament Week 8)
Apr 09, 2019
Jesus’ teachings get at the heart of the gospel: Be good. Be happy. Be whole. The tricky thing is, we humans are terrible at predicting what will make us happy and well, which is why it is so important to internalize the principles of the gospel. We become good as we practice goodness. When that goodness becomes who we are, we can’t lose.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for postproduction and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music! Thanks to Lisa Salisbury for donating our beautiful logo.
320: Feb 10, 17; Temptation and Vocation (New Testament Weeks 6-7)
Apr 08, 2019
If we have not faced our darkness, we are not good…merely fortunate. The account of Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness masterfully teach us to use our strengths to manage appetite, ego, and greed. We also learn the best way to manage temptation… to devote ourselves to the good we can do in the world.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for post-production and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music!
319: Jan 27; Feb 3; Jesus’ Ministry Begins (New Testament Weeks 4-5)
Apr 08, 2019
What are the first steps toward our vocation? Baptism reminds us that we can become new versions of ourselves, new versions that better align with that self that can improve the world. As we follow Jesus’ example, we invite others to “come and see” and bring the Kingdom near.
Thanks to Trent Oliphant for post-production, and to Marshall McDonald for the bumper music.
318: January 13, 20; Jesus’ Birth (New Testament Weeks 2-3)
Jan 18, 2019
Christmas comes a bit late! This first episode where we actually get into the New Testament covers the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke. I review the new, more devotional/ministry focused format of the episode, and focus the lesson on what we learn from members of Jesus’ family.
The Second Coming (or “Day of the Lord” in Old Testament language) is the blockbuster of scripture topics. But focus on the sensational aspects can distract us from more important questions. This portion discusses beliefs about the end of the world from a historical-critical perspective.
The Second Coming (or “Day of the Lord” in Old Testament language) is the blockbuster of scripture topics. But focus on the sensational aspects can distract us from more important questions. This episode explores three themes all important in an LDS context: the Second Coming, tithing, and temple sealings.
We don’t talk about this section of the Jewish Scriptures much–we have no primary songs about Ezra and Nehemiah’s contributions to rebuilding the temple after the Babylonian Exile. these events and the examples of Ezra and Nehemiah prompt discussion of remaining constructive and dealing with difference and opposition.
Jody and Brian continue the conversation.
Class Member Reading: Ezra 1-8; Nehemiah 1; 2; 4; 6; 8
Additional Reading: Haggai 1; “Ezra” and “Nehemiah”, Bible Dictionary
Other Reading: Look through the rest of Ezra, especially chapters 9-10; Haggai; Zechariah 1-8
We don’t talk about this section of the Jewish Scriptures much–we have no primary songs about Ezra and Nehemiah’s contributions to rebuilding the temple after the Babylonian Exile. these events and the examples of Ezra and Nehemiah prompt discussion of remaining constructive and dealing with difference and opposition.
Jody and Brian join the class.
Class Member Reading: Ezra 1-8; Nehemiah 1; 2; 4; 6; 8
Additional Reading: Haggai 1; “Ezra” and “Nehemiah”, Bible Dictionary
Other Reading: Look through the rest of Ezra, especially chapters 9-10; Haggai; Zechariah 1-8
Daniel interprets the vision of the stone cut out of a mountain without hands, but what does the stone mean, exactly? Is it the gospel? The Kingdom of God? The LDS Church? Is there a difference between these terms? This portion discusses Daniel’s vision in literary and historical perspective and continues to explore our role in healing our lives and world.
Daniel interprets the vision of the stone cut out of a mountain without hands, but what does the stone mean, exactly? Is it the gospel? The Kingdom of God? The LDS Church? Is there a difference between these terms?
The final three lessons of the year fit together quite nicely. Lesson 47 evokes the inbreaking of the kingdom, and the dominion of God… hoped for on earth, but more urgent in our souls. Lesson 48 focuses on restoration and our need to focus our efforts on worthy tasks. And Lesson 48 thrills us with the idea of God’s complete victory, making everything right… yet we must take care that our hope for God’s triumph does not prevent us from living sustainably and prepared here and now.
What is worth giving our lives for? This lesson uses the stories of Daniel and Esther to explore the topics of integrity and faithfulness. This portion examines the literary and historical context of Daniel and Esther and continues the discussion of integrity and sacrifice.
Julie and Kevin continue the discussion.
Class Member Reading: Daniel 1; 3; 6; Esther 3; 4; 5; 7; 8; D&C 89:18-20
The stories of Esther and Daniel invite a dramatic question: “What would you die for?” Dramatic stories and questions aside, the truth is that we answer this question every moment of every day. With each thought and decision we answer the questions, “What do we live for?” “What do we invest in?”
We talk about who we want to be, but our actions clearly communicate who we truly are.
Class Member Reading: Daniel 1; 3; 6; Esther 3; 4; 5; 7; 8; D&C 89:18-20
This lesson focuses on the temple, but I suggest we focus first on the water–the water that gives life and healing. The scriptures teach that this water, the tree of life and its fruit all represent the love of God. This portion discusses historical context as well as the relationship between temple and well-being.
Class Member Reading: Ezekiel 43; 44; 47; Revelation 22:1-3; 1 Nephi 8:10-11; 1 Nephi 11:25
This lesson focuses on the temple, but I suggest we focus first on the water–the water that gives life and healing. The scriptures teach that this water, the tree of life and its fruit all represent the love of God. This episode discusses the principles of well-being in the context of this reading.
Class Member Reading: Ezekiel 43; 44; 47; Revelation 22:1-3; 1 Nephi 8:10-11; 1 Nephi 11:25
What does it mean to be alive? What is the difference between surviving and thriving? How can we both sip and gulp the water of life, the love of God? These chapters of Ezekiel invite us to reflect on living abundantly, sacredness, and bringing together heaven and earth.
Class Member Reading: Ezekiel 43; 44; 47; Revelation 22:1-3; 1 Nephi 8:10-11; 1 Nephi 11:25
Turns out when you are assigned to care for sheep as a shepherd, eating them instead is not the recipe for success. This episode discusses the attributes of good leadership, how to support leaders, and what to do in the case of shepherds who make mistakes. This section explores Ezekiel in historical and literary context and the nature of leadership in the LDS Church.
Nancy and George continue the conversation.
Class Member Reading: Ezekiel 18; 34; 37; Psalm 23; Alma 5:7-14
Turns out when you are assigned to care for sheep as a shepherd, eating them instead is not the recipe for success. This episode discusses the attributes of good leadership, how to support leaders, and what to do in the case of shepherds who make mistakes.
Nancy and George join the class.
Class Member Reading: Ezekiel 18; 34; 37; Psalm 23; Alma 5:7-14
Is it better to be a shepherd or sheep? Is there another option?
As social creatures, we crave status. We love feeling important. Both Ezekiel and the Good Shepherd himself taught a better way… that we lead through service, and have authority through gentleness, persuasion, and love.
Class Member Reading: Ezekiel 18; 34; 37; Psalm 23; Alma 5:7-14
What motivates our actions? Is it better to “fake it until we make it”, or wait until we are sincere? This episode discusses the externals and internal aspects of living the gospel in the context of the “new covenant” spoken of by Jeremiah. This portion also discusses “new covenant” in historical and literary context and the psychology of change.
Anna and Mike continue the discussion.
Class Member Reading: Jeremiah 16; 23; 29; 31; Ezekiel 11:17-20; Ezekiel 36:24-28; 2 Corinthians 3:2-3
What motivates our actions? Is it better to “fake it until we make it”, or wait until we are sincere? This episode discusses the externals and internal aspects of living the gospel in the context of the “new covenant” spoken of by Jeremiah.
Is there any secret more important to discover than how to live well, and how to be better every day? This update digs into key questions of what is right, what should motivate us, and how to pull it off.
Jeremiah is a fascinating figure, both powerful and poignant. It all seems well and good to read about him now, but during his life he was punished for sharing the unpopular message that rather than God forever protecting Jerusalem, the Babylonians would prove the winners.
We can apply the example of Jeremiah to our own lives as we courageously own our truth, live according to our principles, and sustainably work to improve the systems of which we are a part.
Class Member Reading: Jeremiah 1; 2; 15; 20; 26; 36; 37; 38
These final chapters of Isaiah give us much more to think about than the name of our Stake Centers. This lesson discusses the need for community, how we can both feel comfortable within and foster our communities. These chapters make challenging points about insiders, outsiders, points that lead to the promise of a new creation. This section covers the historical context of these chapters and explores the psychology of us/them psychology.
Class Member Reading: Isaiah 54; 55; 56; 63; 64; 65; Alma 32:28
These final chapters of Isaiah give us much more to think about than the name of our Stake Centers. This lesson discusses the need for community, how we can both feel comfortable within and foster our communities. These chapters make challenging points about insiders, outsiders, points that lead to the promise of a new creation.
We can use the fertilizer of past and present grief and difficulty to tend future Edenic gardens in our lives. In these Isaiah chapters God consoles a suffering Israel and promises a covenant of steadfast love and eternal peace, and promises growth beyond what they can imagine. How can we clean out and stock our individual tents, in preparation for goodness we cannot now conceptualize?
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:
The “Servant Songs” in historical context
Vicarious sacrifice in Jewish tradition
Suffering Messiah
Jesus down the rabbit hole
Suffering and accountability
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
Rebecca and Jason continue discussing this important topic.
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
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
These chapters present poignant contrasts… abandonment and misery shift into reclaiming and vindication. Desert wilderness becomes Eden. And most importantly, suffering can bring redemption.
These chapters emphatically declare that there is no God but the God of Israel. Yet even in the Bible we have differing views on God, let alone throughout history, the world, and our individual lives. This section goes deeper into what we learn about God from these chapters, how our personal experiences with God differ, and the power of devotion to God.
These chapters emphatically declare that there is no God but the God of Israel. Yet even in the Bible we have differing views on God, let alone throughout history, the world, and our individual lives. This section discusses what we learn about God from these chapters, how our personal experiences with God differ, and the power of devotion to God.
These Isaiah chapters contain some of the most beautiful expressions by God–I love you, God says. Please come back, remember all the good things I have done, and together, we can move forward and bless others. God’s conversation with Israel provides a powerful pattern for our own relationships. Isaiah also encourages us to surrender our idols, and realize that even our belief in God can become an idol itself.
These Isaiah chapters are challenging, but full of gems about the nature of God. This episode explores gratitude, miracles, and the wonderful things done by both divine beings and fellow humans beings. This portion of the episode covers:
Literary and historical analysis of the reading
The nature of God
Spiritual personalities/gifts and experiencing God
Restoration and resurrection down the rabbit hole
Gratitude
Jody and Carl continue a rich, wide ranging discussion.
Class Member Reading: Isaiah 22; 24; 25; 26; 28; 29; 30; 32:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Alma 11:43-44; Moroni 10:27; D&C 4:1; D&C 6:1; D&C 138:12-16, 50; Joseph Smith–History 1:18-19, 63-65
These Isaiah chapters are challenging, but full of gems about the nature of God. This episode explores gratitude, miracles, and the wonderful things done by both divine beings and fellow humans beings. This portion of the episode covers:
Gratitude and emulation
Review of the Reading
What has Christ done for us?
What has God done for us?
How have others brought us closer to God?
How do we follow the examples of these heroes and mentors?
Jody and Carl provide a rich, wide ranging discussion.
Class Member Reading: Isaiah 22; 24; 25; 26; 28; 29; 30; 32:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Alma 11:43-44; Moroni 10:27; D&C 4:1; D&C 6:1; D&C 138:12-16, 50; Joseph Smith–History 1:18-19, 63-65
Wonderful sounds really nice, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who sometimes wonders if God knows what They are doing! The assigned chapters prove baffling, but do invite exploration of how the unexpected in life often leads us to repentance and transformation.
We know that Isaiah is important, but probably couldn’t say why, and almost certainly don’t understand it! This first of five lessons on Isaiah introduces the book. This portion of the episode covers:
The historical context of Isaiah
Dating Isaiah 1-30
More on Isaiah and the Book of Mormon
Isaiah in LDS context
Julie and Colby continue their enlightening discussion.
We know that Isaiah is important, but probably couldn’t say why, and almost certainly don’t understand it! This first of five lessons on Isaiah introduces the book. This portion of the episode covers:
The value of Isaiah
Isaiah as a testimony of Christ
Devotional and historical approaches to the scriptures
Isaiah, the KJV, and the Book of Mormon
Review of the reading and personal application
Julie and Colby join the class for an enlightening discussion.
Great are the words of Isaiah… and great is the Sunday School coverage thereof! We will be in Isaiah for the next FIVE lessons (10% of the year!). You aren’t excited yet? Hopefully this update will help… I review the whats and whys of scripture and then discuss lessons we can learn from the beginning of Isaiah, such as discerning our vocation and cultivating a personal relationship with God.
What is the “secret” that God reveals to his prophets? And what do we make of the fact that Amos was called from outside all institutional structure? This section explores how Amos’ critiques apply to our modern lives and institutions and how we can care better for each other and the world.
Jessica and Jeremy continue a bold, challenging, but important discussion
Class Member Reading: Amos 3; 7; 8; 9; Joel 2; 3; D&C 1:37-38
Additional Reading: Joseph Smith–History 1:41; D&C 1:14-28
Other Reading: The rest of Amos and Joel, especially Amos 4-5
What is the “secret” that God reveals to his prophets? And what do we make of the fact that Amos was called from outside all institutional structure? This episode explores how God speaks to us, the important message of social justice, the end of the world, and individual responsibility.
Jessica and Jeremy provide a substantial and important discussion.
Class Member Reading: Amos 3; 7; 8; 9; Joel 2; 3; D&C 1:37-38
Additional Reading: Joseph Smith–History 1:41; D&C 1:14-28
Other Reading: The rest of Amos and Joel, especially Amos 4-5
The marvelous thing about LDS doctrine is we learn that God reveals secrets to EVERYONE through personal revelation! Amos and Joel can be difficult to understand (so get your study Bible ready!), but at the core, these readings are about revelation, consequence, and responsibility.
Class Member Reading: Amos 3; 7; 8; 9; Joel 2; 3; D&C 1:37-38
Additional Reading: Joseph Smith–History 1:41; D&C 1:14-28
Other Reading: The rest of Amos and Joel, especially Amos 4-5
The book of Hosea presents a difficult mix of profound theology and historically situated abuse. Hosea teaches of God’s devotion to us and our responsibility to be faithful to Them and each other, but does so in the context of intensely troubling treatment of women and children.
This section covers the historical context of Hosea, prophetic symbolic actions, and implications of Hosea for our lives.
The book of Hosea presents a difficult mix of profound theology and historically situated abuse. Hosea teaches of God’s devotion to us and our responsibility to be faithful to Them and each other, but does so in the context of intensely troubling treatment of women and children. Jana and Natasha provide an insightful discussion on the themes of scripture and fidelity.
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