Ben and Shiloh discuss Mormon's recorded sermon and his two epistles to Moroni. Throughout chapter 7, Mormon consistently uses Beatitude language in addressing the "peaceable followers of Christ." Faith, hope, and charity are invoked, as the Beatitudes also follow this same pattern. Chapter 8's discussion of child baptism almost seems a little out of place and strange to include at the very end of the Book of Mormon, but there is a lot of contextual evidence where this message fits in neatly and beautifully with the Book of Mormon narrative. Chapter 9 is an incredibly sad tale of how the Nephites and Lamanites treated each other, and we are left…

Shiloh and guest co-host Christopher Hurtado talk about Moroni's final last words. Moroni bids us "farewell" a few times, as each time he believes will be his last. There is much to consider concerning Moroni. The text offers us quite a bit of his personality and of his possible insecurities and obvious strengths. The Lord lightly chastises and liberates Moroni in Ether 12 from his worry and concern, as we see a change happen in Moroni's final message. Considering Moroni's plight and situation, having seen the ultimate destruction of his people, it is not an uncommon question to ask of ourselves what we would have included as our final witness…

Ben and Shiloh conclude talking about the Jaredite nation, as they spend time discussing several topics concerning faith, belief, charity, and reconciliation. Moroni, who is abridging the Jaredite text, laments that he was not powerful in writing like unto the brother of Jared, and he worries that the Gentiles (i.e., us) will not receive or believe his record because of his weakness in writing. Moroni's interpretation of the Lord's words on charity worry him that the Gentiles will not have sufficient charity. The Lord's response to both of Moroni's concerns demonstrate the kindness, love, and compassion that the Lord has with all of his children. The Lord reproves Moroni in…

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…