Shiloh and Ben continue the discussion of the Jaredite narrative, as we segue from the literary epic of chapters 1 - 6 into the political discussion of the the Jaredite kings. Whereas chapters 1 - 6 denote an allegorical process of repentance in how to come to see God and God's nature in new, fresh, and more consistent ways, chapters 7 - 11 speak to the fallout in our own lives when we choose to return to our past, refuse to continue emptying the natural man, and consistently rely upon the arm of flesh for our support. There has been much talk by certain leaders of the Church pertaining to…

Ben and Shiloh start discussing the fascinating story of the Jaredite nation. With so many things going on, this episode is longer than most of the others. The beginning of Ether reads like many historical accounts of ancient nations, as the creation of the earth is mentioned, a need for a formal and unified language is identified, and the divine promise of a land of inheritance are all specifically invoked to justify the creation of the Jaredite nations. Allegorically, there is so much to unpack from these stories, not the least of which is how God manifests himself as a cloud before them in their journey's into a place where…

Shiloh and Ben discuss Mormon's finale chapter before he is killed in battle, as Mormon's son, Moroni, steps in to finalize Mormon's personal history. If all you had known in your lifetime was wickedness, death, carnage, and the extinction of your people, what would you feel are the most important messages to leave future generations who will one day read your record? Mormon and Moroni focus in on themes of repentance, baptism, the atonement of Jesus Christ, faith, and resurrection to name only a few. In our wickedness, we view the consequences of our actions as the punishment of a wrathful, vengeful, and violent God. But are these true descriptions…

Ben and Shiloh move into discussing the destruction of the Nephite nation and of Mormon's graphic description of their final extinction. What can we learn about who Mormon is, his life, and his experiences in these chapters that go into framing and contextualizing the rest of the Book of Mormon? Ben observes that Mormon 2 is basically describing the "Anti-Beatitudes," as Mormon witnesses the depravity, pride, and wickedness of his people. Mormon leaves evidences for us that he's trying to recreate Captain Moroni's defense of the Nephites, but Mormon soon realizes that too many elements in his own society and civilization are missing to be successful even to Captain Moroni's…

Shiloh and Ben finish their discussion of Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas. Christ quotes from both Isaiah and Malachi, and they explore themes from these scriptures using a Beatitude / Sermon on the Mount hermeneutic to more deeply understand both Isaiah and Malachi in seeing God in a new way. Jesus Christ teaches that the Father's purpose of sending Him to earth was "that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me" (3rd Ne 27:14), and we see that Christ's doctrine -- reflective of Jacob's prior desire that "we would…

Ben and Shiloh continue with the discussion of the Sermon at the Temple. When Jesus Christ visited the people in the Americas, he was doing more than bringing them a great new message. He taught, identified, and led them into a completely new way of experience and being. All too often, we unwittingly interpret scripture through the biased lens of our own language, culture, past experiences, and a host of other filters that often distort the intended message as it was given. Through this episode, Ben and Shiloh use Jesus Christ's message in the Sermon at the Temple as the lens to view and understand Isaiah, Malachi, and the rest…

Shiloh and Ben continue the discussion of Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas. It is incredible how naturally flowing the events of these chapters are, as one moment gives desire and experience for the next natural moment. Jesus Christ perceives that the people are "weak" and that they would not be able to "understand all of my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time" (3 Ne 17:2). The people are told to go to their homes to ponder on the Beatitudes and the Sermon at the Temple that He just gave them, but then, instead of leaving them, He leads them through…

Ben and Shiloh continue their discussion of the Sermon at the Temple, as they discuss the various vignettes that Christ reveals pertaining to what a Beatitude-living disciple of Christ looks like in various situations. They discuss various topics of the Sermon pertaining to alms giving, prayer, forgiveness, fasting, the doctrine of two masters, anxiety, seeking for the kingdom of God, judgment, the Golden Rule, action and iniquity, and the wise and foolish man. As the new Moses, Jesus Christ declares that the law of Moses has been fulfilled in him, as his life and example was what the law of Moses had looked forward to as a type and shadow.…

Shiloh and Ben embark on discussing a favorite topic: The Beatitudes and the Sermon at the Temple (equivalent to the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew in the Gospels) . The Beatitudes are the Preamble to the rest of the Sermon at the Temple, and it is impossible to really understand the rest of the Sermon if we miss the importance and setting of the Beatitudes. In both the Sermon on the Mount (in Matthew) and in the Sermon at the Temple (3 Nephi), the settings are symbolically the same: a high place / the temple. Whereas we often glance over the Beatitudes are simply random and…

Ben and Shiloh tackle really interesting and difficult chapters in the Book of Mormon where the sign of Christ's death comes to the Americas. Most Book of Mormon scholars conclude that a possible volcano is what caused every mentioned calamity from the mist of darkness, to the lightning, the geographic upheaval, the liquefaction of cities into the sea, fire from heaven and consuming cities, cities being covered with earth, etc. There are a few lack-of-congruence issues in the text concerning Samuel's prophecy of the signs of Christ's death and the interpretation of events of those who lived through it. A few ideas are discussed on how to resolve the congruence…