Book of Mormon #4_14
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Brigham Young University *
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122
Subject
Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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13
Uploaded by EarlStarHummingbird39
HOMEWORK
“Moroni Invites All to Come unto Christ” [video]
This video follows an old Moroni traveling without family or friends, and trying to keep the plates
safe as he adds additional words to the end of his father’s work. This video has closed captions
if that helps you follow the narration.
1.
Even though the Lamanites are trying to kill him, Moroni finishes the Book of Mormon
with the hope that someday it will come to their descendants and turn them back to
Christ. However, Moroni knows that the Book of Mormon will not come forth in the latter
days through a Lamanite or a Nephite—the person who brings it forth will not even
identify with the house of Israel, religiously or culturally. It will “come forth by the gift and
power of God,” Moroni says, “in due time by way of the
Gentile
.”
Mormon 7
Mormon chapter 7 is the last text that Mormon wrote before he was killed by the Lamanites
(chapters 8 and 9 were written by his son Moroni). Mormon clearly knew these were his last
words, so he directs his attention to “the remnant of this people” (meaning the descendants of
the Nephites and Lamanites who will survive to the last days) and he summarizes the Book of
Mormon’s most important takeaway messages. It is as if he is saying, “Look, I know I wrote a lot
of books—Lehi, Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, Nephi, and Mormon—and there are a lot of stories
and sermons in there. So here are the most important ideas I hope you didn’t miss.”
2.
In Mormon 7:2–7, Mormon describes four ideas that he hopes his readers will have
learned from the Book of Mormon. Each starts with “Know ye that . . .” Summarize all
four ideas simply and in your own words:
a.
First idea: “Know ye that . . .”
ye the house of israel
(v.2)
b.
Second idea: “Know ye that . . .”
ye must come unto repentance
(v.3)
c.
Third idea: “Know ye that . . .”
ye must lay down your weapons of war
(v.4)
d.
Fourth idea: “Know ye that . . .”
ye must come to the knowledge of your
fathers
(vv.5–7)
3.
In Mormon 7:8, Mormon switches from things Book of Mormon readers should
know
after reading his book and says that based on those things (“Therefore . . .”) there are
now certain
actions
they need to take. What are the three actions Mormon commands
Book of Mormon readers to take? (look for the three verbs in the first half of v.8)
He says we must repent, be baptized, and lay hold upon the gospel.
Title Page of the Book of Mormon
The title page of the Book of Mormon was written by Moroni after finishing the rest of the record
(you heard part of it in the video above). Joseph Smith gave this explanation:
“I wish also to mention here, that the Title Page of the Book of Mormon is a literal
translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of
plates, which contained the record which has been translated; the language of the whole
running same as all Hebrew writing in general; and that, said Title Page is not by any
means a modern composition either of mine or of any other man’s who has lived or does
live in this generation.” (Link to image in Joseph Smith Papers)
For the 1840 edition, Joseph had the name “Moroni” added at the bottom of the title page to
indicate its authorship more clearly. (Link to image) When Orson Pratt prepared the 1879
edition, he decided to drop the name “Moroni” and just leave the title page as it had originally
been, so it does not appear in your scriptures today.
4.
Who wrote the title page of the Book of Mormon?
Moroni wrote the title page
5.
Who does Moroni say the Book of Mormon is written to?
It’s written to the lamanites, the jews, and the gentiles
6.
What does Moroni identify as three purposes of the Book of Mormon?
It's to show the great thing the lord has done for people, to show the covenants of the
lord, and to show that Jesus is the Christ.
Select Passages from Other Book of Mormon Authors
7.
Read 2 Nephi 25:21–26. For what purpose(s) does Nephi say that he writes?
He writes to persuade his brethren to believe in Christ.
8.
Read 2 Nephi 33:3–5. What four things does Nephi say the Book of Mormon will do
to/for those who read it. Each of the four is separated by a semicolon:
a.
“it persuadeth . . .”
them to do good
(v.4)
b.
“it maketh known . . .”
unto them of their fathers
(v.4)
c.
“it speaketh . . .”
of jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to
endure to the end , which is life eternal
(v.4)
d.
“it speaketh . . .”
harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth
(v.5)
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9.
Read Jacob 1:1–4. What did Jacob say he wrote upon the small plates?
A few things which he considered most precious.
10. Read Jacob 4:1–4. After describing the difficulties of engraving on metal plates, Jacob
states a few reasons why he and others labored diligently to write some words. What is
the hope and intent that Book of Mormon authors have for what they engrave?
That the history and gospel written will be passed down from generation to generation
Givens, “The New (and Very Old) Covenant,” 12–27
As we have seen, the Book of Mormon is “the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the
Lamanites.” But although the Book of Mormon is a historical narrative, it does much more than
preserve lost history. This chapter from Dr. Givens will explore the crucial role that the Book of
Mormon plays in God’s plan to save the human family. (You may note that the sections entitled
“Premortal Contexts” and “The Old Testament Covenant” largely reiterate what we have
discussed in previous classes.)
11. Both in Joseph Smith’s 1820 First Vision and in an 1831 revelation (see Doctrine and
Covenants 1:15), what did Jesus Christ say had been “broken”? (p.12)
His everlasting covenant
12. Many Christians have historically believed in a theological idea called “supersessionism.”
Explain this idea in a sentence or two. (pp.19–20)
the idea that “when Jews refused to receive Jesus as Messiah, they were cursed by God
and are no longer in covenant with God.”
13. Supersessionism led many Christians to misunderstand both the Bible and the entire
gospel of Christ (see 1 Nephi 13:26–29). To correct this, as Terryl Givens points out, “the
Book of Mormon is clearly intended, to a large degree, to further the Lord’s purposes in
bringing about a restored understanding of”
what
“foundational doctrine”? (p.22)
The atonement
14. One example of how the Book of Mormon challenges supersessionism has to do with
group vs. individual salvation. Many Christians noticed that in the Old Testament there is
a strong focus on the history of the covenant
people
, but they interpreted the New
Testament as shifting the focus to an
individualized
conception of covenant revolving
around
individual
salvation. How does the Book of Mormon treat this contrast? (p.24)
It portrays two distinct types of salvation that work together in harmony
Select Passages on Relation between Book of Mormon and Bible
15. Read 1 Nephi 13:20–34. The book that Nephi sees proceeds out of the mouth of a Jew
is presumably the Bible. We will discuss the “plain and precious” things removed from
the book later in the course (when we discuss Nephi’s vision). For today, note the effect
that the loss of those plain and precious things will have on the Gentiles. (13:27, 29, 32,
34)
As the gospel of the Lord was passed down over the years, some of the people who had
access withheld some of the teachings so that they might corrupt the right ways of the
Lord (blind the eyes and harden the hearts). “Satan hath great power over them”. But, he
will be merciful towards the gentiles because he WILL find another way to share and
teach the gospel.
16. Read 1 Nephi 13:35–42. The “last records” which Nephi saw appear to refer to the Book
of Mormon (13:40). What does the angel tell Nephi that the Book of Mormon (“these last
records”) will “establish” regarding the Bible (“the first” records)?
“These last records which thou hast seen among the gentiles, shall establish the truth if
the first, which are of the 12 apostles of the lamb, and shall make known the plain and
precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all
kindreds, tongues, and people, that the lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and
the Savior of the world; and that all e,m must come unto him or they cannot be saved”
17. Read 1 Nephi 19:23. Why does Nephi say he read (and wrote) the words of Isaiah?
Nephi says he read (and wrote) the words of Isaiah so the people could comprehend the
gospel and doctrine and how they can apply it to their lives and become more like our
Savior. “That it might be for our profit and learning”.
18. Read 2 Nephi 3:12. In this chapter, Father Lehi tells his son Joseph about a prophecy
that the Lord gave his ancestor Joseph, the son of Jacob/Israel. Part of Joseph’s
prophecy mentions the Book of Mormon (the writings of “the fruit of thy [Joseph’s] loins”)
and the Bible (the writings of “the fruit of the loins of Judah”). For what five purposes
does the Lord reveal that the Bible and Book of Mormon “shall grow together” (i.e., be
joined/read/studied together)?
Shall grow together, lay down contentions, establish peace, bring them to the knowledge
of their fathers of the latter days, and also to the knowledge of the covenants made with
the Lord.
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19. Read 2 Nephi 29:1–11. The Lord chastises the Gentiles (and, by implication, any of us)
who say, “A Bible! A Bible!” (29:3). Though often read by LDS missionaries as a divine
reason to study the Book of Mormon, the Lord’s follow-up questions in vv.4–5 should
cause us to pause and wonder if we have gone far the other way in focusing on the
Book of Mormon and (overly) ignoring the Bible. In 2 Nephi 29, does the Lord suggest
the Bible is a bad book to read? What is the Lord’s point in criticizing the view, “A Bible!
A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible” (29:3)?
I believe that the Lord is saying that the bible is an important ancient scripture, but it isn’t
the ONLY one. The Lord’s work did not stop. The bible isn’t a bad book to read, it just
didn’t contain all the information.
20. Read 2 Nephi 29:7–14. Does the Lord say that the Bible and the Book of Mormon
contain all His words? Who else does/will Christ speak to and who all will have access to
those words?
The Lord says that the Bible and the BOM contains true doctrine that will support one
another. It contains ALL His words. The jews, Nephites, and the lost tribes of Israel will
have access to the same gospel. Those who are in the house of Israel.
1 Nephi 1–7
With our background accomplished, let us begin diving into the Book of Mormon text. The first
seven chapters of 1 Nephi are among the most well-known stories in the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. They establish a couple patterns we will see throughout the semester.
21. The Book of Mormon begins with a story detailing Lehi’s belief in the Old Testament
prophets. Upon hearing the prophets' prophecy that those in Jerusalem must repent,
Lehi immediately goes out to pray “in behalf of his people” (1:5). As he prayed, what did
he see and experience? Afterwards, when Lehi returned home, what did he do and why?
What did Lehi then experience and thought he saw? (1:6–14)
When he prayed to the Lord, there came a pillar of fire that came before him, he was then
overcome with the spirit. He had a vision, he saw the heavens open, and he believed he
saw God on a throne. As he saw 12 others following Him, he couldn’t help but notice the
bright light that followed. They came down and gave Lehi (his father) a book. As he read
the book, he was filled with the spirit of the Lord. He read that Jerusalem was bound to
be destroyed and that people would be kept captive in Babylon. For his soul rejoiced and
his whole heart was filled because of the things which he had seen.
This opening story sets the stage for who Lehi is as a disciple of the Lord and explains why Lehi
will frequently be called a “visionary man.” It also prepares us to see how Nephi will repeatedly
prove to be a faithful son in not only his obedience to Lehi, but also his desire to be like his
father. Just like Lehi turned to the Lord after hearing the prophets, Nephi will turn to the Lord
after hearing his father. We will occasionally see how Nephi turned to the Lord before hearing
his father. There is a pattern in this for us to learn from.
22. After being commanded to leave Jerusalem and depart into the wilderness, the Lord
twice commands Lehi to send his sons back to Jerusalem. In 1 Nephi 3–5, what was the
goal of Nephi and his brothers on their first return trip to Jerusalem?
To get the engraved brass plates out of the hands of Laban who is Jerusalem. The brass
plates contained the genealogy of his father.
23. As you read 1 Nephi 3–5, take note of all that Nephi and Lehi state that the brass plates
contain and why the Lord wanted them to retrieve those plates.
It was wisdom in God that they should obtain those records. Upon the brass plates were
words having been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been
delivered unto them by the spirit and power of God. The law of Moses was engraved
upon the brass plates. It had the records of the jews. It contained five books of Moses,
which gave an account of the creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were
our first parents. It held the prophecies of the holy prophets, a genealogy of his fathers.
Lehi is a descendent of Joseph as well as leban. The lord wanted them to retrieve the
plates so that these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and people who were his seed. It is wisdom in the lord that the plates were to be carried
with them as they journeyed to the promised land.
The early focus on the brass plates emphasizes the importance of the Old Testament for the
Book of Mormon. Not only was it important to Lehi and his family, but they (and the Lord)
understood it to be important for all their descendants. As such, it was worthwhile for us to
spend time reviewing it before diving into the Book of Mormon, and it will continue to prove
valuable to reference the Old Testament throughout the semester so we can see how the Lord
engages with what they know to reveal further knowledge.
24. When Laban refuses to give the brass plates to Lehi’s sons, Laman and Lemuel murmur
because of how mighty and powerful Laban seems to be. What Old Testament story
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does Nephi remind his brothers about to persuade them that the Lord is far more
powerful and mighty than Laban? (4:2)
The story of how and why Moses parted the red sea. Laban had a lot of power, similar to
the pharaoh in Moses’ situation. This emphasizes that as you receive revelation from
God, if you believe and pray, he will help you despite how big an army is or how powerful
a person is.
25. While Nephi probably has more than one purpose behind the things he is writing, what
does Nephi state in chapter 6 is “the fulness of [his] intent,” the most important overall
purpose? (6:5)
“Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things
which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world”
The fullness of his intent is to SPEAK to those who are of God, those who do not live for
the world but for our Heavenly Father.
26. According to 1 Nephi 7, what was the goal of Nephi and his brothers in returning to
Jerusalem the second time?
The goal was to take Ishmael's daughters to be their wives, so that they may raise up
seed unto the Lord in the land of the promise.
Optional Readings
●
“Book of Mormon Translation” Gospel Topics Essay (online here)
●
“Seer Stones” (text and video) Church History Topics Essay (online here)
●
Mosiah 8:5–21
Lecture Objectives For July 3rd
1.
For what explicit reason(s) did the Lord bring Israel out of Egypt?
2.
What is the single most important act of deliverance in Old Testament history?
3.
Where did Moses receive the so-called “Law of Moses”? What is a better translation of
the Hebrew word for “Law” (torah) and why is this important for Israel’s covenant history?
Mount Sinai. Hebrew “law” = torah
This means “instruction” or “teaching” (these are better than “law”
By keeping and obeying the Lord’s teachings/instructions … we learn, become, we
choose to humble ourselves
4.
Be able to provide a basic description of how Israel's history from theri wilderness
wanderings through the kingship of both the northern and southern kingdoms reflects the
threefold meaning of the Hebrew name “Israel.”
5.
What are the three reasons Israelite leaders give Samuel for wanting a human king?
People’s reasoning: To govern us, to be like other nations, and to fight our battles
6.
What does the Lord say in response to their request?
7.
What kingdom destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel and when? What is the
significance of the destruction of Israel for Lehi and his descendants?
722 BC - Assyrians destroyed Samaria
-
Exiled 10s of thousands of israelites and imported foreign peoples
-
(in Judeans’ eyes) the resulting intermarriages “diluted” the Israelites’ faith
-
These samaritans = later samaritans
8.
What kingdom destroyed the Southern Kingdom of Judah and when? What is the
significance of the destruction of Judah for Lehi and his descendants?
9.
What historical events occurred within the decade prior to Lehi’s departure from
Jerusalem?
Lehi Left Jerusalem in 596 BC
586 BC - Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem
-
Zedekiah rebelled c. 588-587
-
Destroyed temple
-
Ended kingship and independent kingdom
-
Exiled thousands of Jews to Babylon
Israel
-
Let God Prevail
-
(He) contends with God
-
God contends (with us)
The Lord God of Israel (i.e., Jehovah) redeemed/saved/delivered His covenant people out
of Egypt. (Exodus Story)
Egypt might be a symbol of…
-
Captivity/ bondage
-
Oppression
-
Hardship
-
Evil
-
Sin
-
Anything that distances us from knowing our Father (Exod 4:22)
-
Anything that inhibits our ability to worship God
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Exodus = Divine Salvation
par excellence
Remnant = what is left over
-
No specific quantity necessitated
Replacement theology = supersessionist
-
Israel is no longer God’s chosen people
-
God has replaced them with Christians
Remnant theology
-
Israel has been, and will always be, God’s chosen people
-
They are never replaced
-
The “remnant (=lesser portion) are those who actively choose God
-
Anyone can become part of this remnant
God wants you to repent!
God does NOT want to punish you!