Monday Morning LDS Religion Class

What is the opposite of the Atonement? If the great Atonement was to reconcile mankind with our heavenly parents, then separation brings pain for all parties involved. In 2 Nephi 5, Nephi is very clear about the dangers of separating ourselves from those things that bring us closer to heaven.

In 2 Nephi 4 we have one of the most poetic passages in the Book of Mormon: the great psalm of Nephi. Coming shortly after his father's death, Nephi pours out the struggle he has with the powerful things he's seen contrasted with the anger he harbors towards his brothers. What emerges is deeply tied to Isaiah and the prophet Zenos.

The Book of Mormon was given as a specific tool for a special reason: the restoring of an ancient covenant. This covenant, along with the plain and precious things, was lost and needed to be restored. All this is explained by Nephi at the end of 1st Nephi.

As Lehi's family plunged into a more severe wilderness, they required an instrument to help them safely make it to Bountiful. Have scholars discovered what that might be? Could it have been an astrolabe?

Nephi gives a chilling account of the damage created when critical truths and covenants are removed. What are those truths? Why were they taken? And, where can we go to find what was removed. Please note: This recording ends too soon at the 49:00 minute mark

In Nephi's great vision, we find a both a condescending God--and a condescending mankind. For Nephi, he had to be taught how the foretold Messiah would become the Lamb of God. He also came to understand better the Great and Spacious building and those who lived in it.

In order to fully understand the Tree of life dream, we must see Lehi in his world. Two specific groups, the Clingers and the Holders, demonstrate clearly the purpose of the Iron Rod and the word of God. Also, Nephi gives us a clear recipe for learning the mysteries of God.

Lehi's dream, as found in 1 Nephi 8, is a wonderful explanation of our journey in mortality. But for Lehi, the dream was very personal to his immediate family. The tree, and the fountain of water beside it, were deeply symbolic of the struggles that would befall his seed. But it also had great connection to the temple--then and now.

Early in the Book of Mormon, Nephi is confronted with a difficult choice-the killing of Laban to obtain the plates of Brass. How did Nephi view this. More importantly, how do we view the killing of an unarmed man when commanded by God? Decisions, directed by the spirit are not always as simple as it might look.

1st Nephi can sound like a morality play: the good guys versus the bad guys. Why Nephi write that way? Are there things he could have done differently? Lets look at how rods and plates help tell the story

As the Book of Mormon opens, Lehi is welcomed into the Counsel of God. Even though he sees the destruction of Jerusalem, he rejoices. His reason for that joy is the reason for the Book.

Miracles should protect us from trials. What do we do when the trial comes anyway--despite the miracle?

When loved ones leave the church it requires changes for everyone involved. But if love and ongoing relationships are our top priority, then we need to be aware of these four stages of faith transition.