Shiloh and Ben discuss the conversation between Alma and Korihor, Korihor's teachings, and how Alma sees that all of creation denotes the existence of God. Alma is seeking to give Korihor an experience with God, whereas Korihor is looking for rational proof that -- in itself -- will never lead to true conversion and the experience of just sitting with and being enveloped in the love of God. Through this story we can also begin to see different ways of viewing God from transactional and transformative ways. In chapter 31, the Zoramites pray from the Rameumptom in glory of their separation from those less spiritual, as Alma prays to God…

Shiloh and Ben discuss the story of the Anti-Lehi-Nephis, the Doctrine of Perhaps, nonviolence, and the history of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has viewed and used the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis over the last hundred years. There is much more to the story and conversion of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, and we are very excited to have this discussion. We hope you enjoy!

Shiloh and Ben discuss the journeys of the sons of Mosiah as they take the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Lamanites. They discuss the myth of cosmology in how it relates to establishing authority, and how this may have been a familiar tool and understanding to convince King Lamoni of the incorrect traditions of his fathers. Both Ben and Shiloh want to know more about Abish, and Shiloh resolves to ask Mormon (at some point in eternity) why we have so much about geography and Nephite coinage in the Book of Mormon but we're left wanting to know more about Abish and the Zion-type people in…

Ben and Shiloh finish with the sad discussion of Ammonihah. What were Alma and Amulek trying to open up a space for with the people? Could it be that they were offering the people of Ammonihah nothing less than a Zion-type community? The angel of the Lord had sent Alma back because the people of Ammonihah were studying to destroy the liberty that God had given, as Alma and Amulek take this charge and bring a message of true liberty, justice, and mercy to the people. The response to this Christ-centered message reflects the injustice of Calvary, as we discuss the relationship between witness, testimony, and martyrdom that is seen…

Alma ventures to the city of Ammonihah where he is confronted for the first time with a people who adamantly reject his message. As he leaves the city, an angel appears and tells him to return, because the leaders were studying how to destroy the liberty of the people. Shiloh and Ben discuss the messages of Alma and Amulek in this context, and Ben finds some interesting parallels between Alma 8 and the Beatitudes that we hadn’t seen before.

Shiloh and Ben discuss Alma’s first missionary experience to the people of Zarahemla and to Gideon. Alma was not only the High Priest over the Church, but he was also the Chief Judge of the new Nephite government. Once Alma saw the social inequality going on in society, he abdicated the socio-political power to Nephihah and resorted to being a missionary -- seeing “no way” that he could reclaim the people except by bearing down pure testimony. But what value does testimony have to change the course of civilization and society? That’s what we’re here to discuss today… We hope you enjoy!

As the Nephite government transitions from kings to the reign of the judges, there are many subtle and nuanced narratives that are going on below the surface of the text. Alma the Younger is experiencing a transition in his own discipleship and growth, as he soon recognizes the power of what bearing down pure testimony has on the course of civilizations. How does Alma learn these lessons to apply them? This is the basis for our discussion in this week’s episode of LDPS Presents: Come, Follow Me.

Ben Petersen and Shiloh Logan are back from their time together podcasting for LDS Liberty, and they’re excited to start talking about Come, Follow Me every week.