Monday Morning LDS Religion Class

Much of how we see Jesus' birth has come from the art work depicting those events. Based on facts, there are obviously a number of errors as well. But see through the eyes of Nephi in the Book of Mormon, what is the real message of that night?

Jesus showed the way with his great condescension for us. We also are under obligation to lower ourselves in the service of others. How we do that is the challenge!

This is an age old question: Does God send pain and/or death to correct or teach us? Lets look at how prophets such as Mormon and Joseph Smith believed. Look in Helaman 12

Joseph Smith restored to the world a view of a God with deep and tender passions. A God who weeps and wants his children--all of the them--home. This Nephi and Enoch both came to understand in serving their people.

Much of mortality consists of loving as a transaction: We love so that we get something in return. This is how we think in mortality. And yet, to become like God, we must learn to love even those who will give nothing in return. How did the prophets do it?

President Nelson has call Latter Day Saints to build Bridges of Understanding. How is that possible given our relative small size. And yet, we are.

Over the span of the Book of Mormon, prophetic understanding grew and evolved. That growth changed how they saw salvation and God's ability to heal his children.

Over time, Nephites prophets asked questions and received answers that grew their understanding of the Plan of Salvation. That growth runs in parallel with the faith journey many Latter Day Saints follow as they confront what they really believe.

In this episode, we look at a broader definition of sin as any action that separates from the nature of God. And what we do about that.

When Israel was attacked by terrorists, the cycle of violence it creates duplicates a similar round in Nephite History. Events are repeating themselves.

The Book of Mormon is a study in the art of conflict: how to chose between Fight and Flight. The young "stripling" warriors hold the key.

Captain Moroni had a distinct approach to dissenters. So did Joseph Smith. How do we help change the nature of another without alienating them?

History is messy. People of the scriptures were flawed and doing the best they could. Seeing them struggle and prevail should give us hope in our lives.

There has always been tension between Judging (or condemning) and Judging Righteously, which Christians are called to do. Does the parable of the Prodigal Son offer insights?

The long religious of Israel is one of bondage followed by deliverance, then back into bondage once again. Back and forth. Its also the story of our mortal existence. Alma seizes on these themes to teach us how to prosper.

If we are not careful, the words of the Savior can be used as a sword to hurt and divide. It can also be used to justify destructive behavior.

God so loves the world. He calls us to love it as well. Traditionally, as a church, we have been 'in the bunker' to avoid traditional persecution. We are now be calling to reach out join the larger community, and bring our gifts with us.

Those inside the church and outside talk around each other. Inside, the discussion is about authority and keys; outside the talk is about the ethics of leaders and the organization. Alma and Korihor addressed these very issues in Alma 30.

An "eye for an eye' simply returns hurt for hurt. And doesn't solve the pain of trauma. How does forgiveness do that instead?

In Alma 24, we discover the Rebellion Cycle; how hearts become rebellious. Also, how does God reclaim us?

Many have left the church due to a crisis of faith. How do help these people? Isn't it first about relationships? And how do we do that?

The Anti-Nephi-Lehi's never fell away. Remarkable! How did that happen? Can it be duplicated?

In this episode we will examine those spinoffs of Alma's church. They did some pretty inventive twisting of the basic doctrines

Ammon is the perfect Christ figure, who found a way to turn doubts into great love, perhaps the greatest love in the Book of Mormon

When we endeavor to change someone, we are walking on sacred ground. How do we do that? When should we do it?