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301.2: Fish Stories (OT Gospel Doctrine Lesson 33, Sunday School)

 Sharing the Gospel with the World

 

 

We all know Jonah as a fish story, but a close reading informed by literary and historical details reveals a profound, inspiring, and challenging message. This little book asks us foundational questions about the goodness of God and our responsibility to serve, love, and forgive beyond our prejudices.

 

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Class Member Reading: Jonah 1; 2; 3; 4; Micah 2; 4; 5; 6; 7

Additional Reading: None

 

David and Gretta provide a surprising and insightful discussion.

 

You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF).

You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF).

 

273.3: The Fall of Humanity (OT Gospel Doctrine Lesson 4, Study Notes)

“Because of My Transgression My Eyes Are Opened”

 

This portion of the episode discusses the Adam and Eve narrative in historical and literary context, proposes theories of the Fall across the belief spectrum, and brings in insights from psychology to the question of human nature and improvement.

 

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Class Member Reading:Moses 4; 5:1-15; 6:48-62; 2 Nephi 2:22–23; 9:6-10; Genesis 3:16–23

Additional Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20–22; 2 Nephi 2:5–30; Helaman 14:15–18; D&C 19:15–19; 29:34–44; Articles of Faith 1:2; “Fall of Adam,” Bible Dictionary

Other Reading: Genesis 2; 3

 

Heidi and Justin continue the discussion.

 

You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF)

You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF)

 

Timeline

Lesson Part 2

0:00 Overview

1:07 Genesis 2-3 (JPS)

3:53 1st Tim 2

Study Notes

7:06 Adam and Eve Historical and Literary Perspective

12:30 Different Interpretations of the Fall

16:58 Science and Philosophy of Human Nature

Discussion Part 2

31:41 Biblical Narratives

43:57 Flaming Sword and Cherubim

Discussion Part 3

47:35 Adam and Eve Down the Rabbit Hole: Eden in a Bubble

56:31 Adam and Eve Down the Rabbit Hole: Great Leap Forward

1:04:12 Adam and Eve Down the Rabbit Hole: Born Fallen

1:11:58 Adam and Eve Down the Rabbit Hole: Symbolic Fall and Atonement

1:16:03 All Interpretations are (equally) Sacred

 

Resources

The Fall

Human Nature, Morality, and Free Will

Change

 

Thanks to William Newman for content editing and James Estrada for audio editing, and to to Steven Nelson for the beautiful bumper music.

245.2: Law of Health (D&C Gospel Doctrine Lesson 22)

The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”

We are what we eat (Or even better in German, Man ist, was man isst). This proverb is quite literally true biologically, but also bears social truth–we are who we eat with. Food shapes us physically, spiritually, and socially. The Word of Wisdom is known as the “Lord’s law of health,” as well as creating social distinctions and emphasizing obedience. At the same time, too rarely do members consider the principles behind this requirement past the short list of “don’ts”. In this episode, we will discuss:

  • The role of the Word of Wisdom in contemporary Mormonism
  • The history of the Word of Wisdom
  • The underlying principles of wise stewardship of our bodies, spiritual and physical health, and agency
  • Addiction
  • Conspiracies. Not really kidding.
  • personal perspectives on living the Word of Wisdom–in other words, living well both physically and spiritually

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Student Reading: D& C 89; D&C 88:124; Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; D&C 59:17–20

Additional Teacher Reading: D&C 49:19–21; 59:15–21; Hebrews 12:1–3; Exodus 12; D&C 10:4; Mosiah 4:27

 

Look forward to an amazing and potentially life changing conversation with Matt, Liz, Paul and Libby.

Continue the conversation by posting your questions and comments here, in the facebook group, or email me at MormonSundaySchool at gmail.

 

You can access my Lesson Notes here.

You can access my Reading Notes here.

 

Resources (lots for you this time!):

Books

Movies:

 

Many thanks to Devin Roth for the beautiful bumper music. Check out his arrangement of hymns and other work at DevinRothMusic!

Thanks to James Estrada of Oak Street Audio for his timely and high quality post-production, and to Trent Oliphant for updating the episode.

236.2: What is Scripture? (D&C Gospel Doctrine Lesson 13)

“This Generation Shall Have My Word through You”

 

We usually don’t stop to think about it, but our conceptions of the nature of scripture play a key role in our understanding of spiritual reality. The fundamental question is: Do we use scripture to understand the rest of reality, or do we need to use other evidence first to understand the nature of scripture? Or is there a way where they can inform each other? So for example, do we take the scriptural descriptions of God at face value and try to understand life using that framework, or do we use our personal experiences and other sources to understand God and then use that understanding to engage with the scriptural accounts?

This lesson explores the scriptural contributions of Joseph Smith, and a key goal will be to explore the nature of Joseph’s revelations and the new scripture he brought forth, as well as their significance. This new scripture includes:

  • Book of Mormon
  • Book of Commandments–>Doctrine & Covenants
  • Book of Moses/Joseph Smith Translation
  • Book of Abraham
  • Lectures on Faith (remember, these were included in the D&C until 1921!)
  • Theologically significant sermons such as the King Follett Discourse
  • The temple endowment

Since we have already talked about the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants, we will focus this lesson on the Joseph Smith Translation and Book of Abraham, while also touching on the idea of scripture as a whole and Joseph’s other contributions.

 

Jessica, John, and Ben join the class.

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Student Reading: Bible Dictionary: Joseph Smith Translation, Our Heritage, pages 23–25, 41, 58 , Moses 1:40–41, 2 Nephi 3:11–15, D&C 84:19–25, D&C 88:15–24, D&C 76:50–112, D&C 93:29, D&C 107:23, 33, 35, D&C 124:37–42, D&C 128:16–18, D&C 130:22

Additional Teacher Reading: D&C 5:10, Heading D&C 67, Heading D&C 69, eighth article of faith, 1 Nephi 13:24–28, D&C 35:20; 37:1; 45:60–61; 73:3–4; 93:53, Genesis 5:18–24, Luke 3:37, Hebrews 11:5, Jude 1:14–15, Moses 6:21–68, Moses 7:1–69, Matthew 4, Heading D&C 76, D&C 76:15–19, Matthew 3:16–17; John 4:24; Acts 7:55,  Joseph Smith—History 1:17; D&C 130:1, 22,  Genesis 1:27,  Moses 6:8–9,  Ephesians 2:20; 4:11–16,  D&C 107:23, 33, 35, 39, 58; 112:30–32,  Hebrews 6:20; 7:17,  D&C 84:19–25; 107:1–8, 18–19;  Hebrews 7:11,  D&C 13; 84:18, 26–27, 30; 107:1, 13–14, 20, Matthew 3:16,  3 Nephi 11:22–26; Moroni 8:8–12; D&C 20:71–74,  Acts 8:17;  D&C 20:41, 43; 35:6; 121:46,  Jeremiah 1:4–5,  D&C 93:29; Abraham 3:22–26,  1 Corinthians 15:29,  D&C 128:16–18,  Job 19:25–26; John 5:28–29; 1 Corinthians 15:22,  Alma 11:42–45,   1 Corinthians 15:40–42,  D&C 76:50–112; 131:1,  Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 11:11,  D&C 131:1–4; 132:19,  Romans 8:17,  D&C 88:107; 93:20; 132:20–24

 

You can access my Lesson Notes here.

You can access my Reading Notes here.

 

Continue the conversation by posting your comments and questions here, in the facebook group, or email them to me at MormonSundaySchool at gmail.

 

Recommended Resources

Scripture

Joseph Smith Translation /Book of  Moses

Book of Abraham

Lectures on Faith

King Follett

Kinderhook plates

 

Many thanks to Devin Roth for the beautiful bumper music. Check out his arrangement of hymns and other work at DevinRothMusic!

Thanks to James Estrada of Oak Street Audio for his timely efforts with post-production.

199:2: Mission of the Sons of Mosiah (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 25, Complete) 

“They Taught with Power and Authority of God”

 

These chapters begin the story of the missionary efforts of the sons of Mosiah. Ammon and Lamoni take center stage, but the Lamanite woman Abish and her queen play key roles and Mormon emphasizes the contrasts between missionary and conversion experiences by paralleling the stories Ammon and Lamoni, Aaron and Lamoni’s father.

Highlights of this lesson include

  • Parallel stories of transformation of Lamoni and his father
  • Two of the strongest female protagonists in the Book of Mormon
  • Focus on the “Plan of Redemption”
  • An example of an “agnostic prayer”

Danielle, Gwenevere, Mike, and Paul join the class.

 

You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF).

You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF).

 

Art: Walter Rane, “Oh Blessed Jesus”

197: Theodicy of the Unbearable (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 24)

“Give Us Strength According to Our Faith … in Christ”

 

This lesson confronts us with hard, perhaps impossible questions. We read about a God who intervenes sometimes, but not others. Alma and Amulek are saved, but only after an extended time in prison. And the worst atrocity is not prevented at all–the murder of women and children. We are not equipped to handle the horrors that happen day to day, and yet we relentlessly seek some sense of meaning and stability. This final episode of Mormon Sunday School explores these difficult topics of God’s actions in light of agency.

Diana and Jacob join the class.

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Choose the Olam Institute as your Amazon Smile Charity

You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF).

You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF).

 

Resources

Theologizing in the Presence of Burning Children: From Theodicy to Lament, Jacob Baker

174: The Keystone of Our Religion (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 1)

“The Keystone of Our Religion”

What is your relationship with the Book of Mormon? Be honest. Start where you are. How can you improve it?

This episode encourages class members to honestly discuss the Book of Mormon, explains the importance of this Book of Scripture, and covers additional topics such as truth, inspiration, and the nature of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

Class Member Reading: 1 Nephi 13:38–41; 19:23; 2 Nephi 25:21–22; 27:22; 29:6–9; Mormon 8:26–41; Ether 5:2–4; Moroni 1:4; 10:3–5; Doctrine and Covenants 10:45–46; 20:8–12; 84:54–58; title page, the introduction, the Testimony of Three Witnesses, the Testimony of Eight Witnesses, and the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Additional Reading: The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4–7; see also Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 3–7).

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Bookmark this Amazon link to support the podcast

You can access the Annotated Reading here.

You can access the Lesson Notes here.

Resources

“Benjamin the Scribe’s” Overview of Lesson 1 including helpful links

Book of Mormon Lesson 1, Mormon Women Project: Our Cooperative Ministry

Evaluating the Book of Mormon Witnesses, Steven Harper

Thanks to Devin Roth for the bumper music.

166: Anything Praiseworthy (NT Gospel Doctrine Lesson 40)

“I Can Do All Things through Christ”

 

“I can do anything with Jesus” sounds more like a playground boast.

But Paul’s advice to live with joy, and to spend our time thinking about what is most worthwhile… those principles merit application.

 

 

Class Member Reading: Philippians; Colossians; Philemon

Additional Reading: “Pauline Epistles: Epistle to the Philippians,” 745–46; “Pauline Epistles: Epistle to the Colossians,” 746; and “Pauline Epistles: Epistle to Philemon,” 746.

Scripture Chain: Philippians 4:8; Articles of Faith 1:13

 

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Bookmark this Amazon link to support the podcast

 

You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF).

You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF).

 

Resources

 

“Deny Yourselves of All Ungodliness”, Elder Maxwell

Lesson 40, Mormon Women Project: Our Cooperative Ministry

Four rituals that will make you happier

 

Thanks to Marshal McDonald for the bumper music!

165: Ephesians (New Testament Gospel of Doctrine Lesson 39)

“For the Perfecting of the Saints”

 

Ephesians tells us to “put on the armor of God”; how do we integrate the principles of truth, righteousness, preparedness, faith, salvation, and the Spirit into our life? This eloquent work also urges us to fill our lives with goodness so that we can use our time well and become our best selves. The teaching on husbands and wives requires challenging however.

P.S. does it matter if the author lies?

 

Class Member Reading: Ephesians

Additional Reading: John 17:11; Mosiah 18:21–22; Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18; 38:25–27; Bible Dictionary, “Dispensations,” 657–58.

Scripture Chain: Psalm 133:1; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:11–16; 2 Nephi 1:21; Moses 7:18

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Bookmark this Amazon link to support the podcast

 

You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF).

You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF).

 

Timeline

00:00 Introduction
 
Sunday School
 
02:57 Framing
 
03:21 Two-minute take home
 
05:27 Reading commentary
 

19:02 “Household codes” and cultural influence

20:49 Transformation through focusing on strengths and positive actions
 
21:06 Armor of God
 

25:27 Ephesians chapter 1

 
29:02 Ephesians chapter 2
 
32:34 Ephesians chapter 3
 
35:09 Ephesians chapter 4
 
39:12 Ephesians chapter 5
 
42:57 Ephesians chapter 6
 
46:16 Additional reading
 
49:03 Scripture chain
 
51:24 Conclusion
 
Scripture Study
 
52:14 Book recommendation: Raymond Brown’s Introduction to the New Testament
 
53:11 To whom? The Ephesians?
 
56:32 From whom? Authorship of Ephesians
 
Study Notes
 
01:00:29 Implications of pseudepigraphy in the New Testament
 
01:04:26 Is the world really so wicked?
 
01:04:51 In groups, out groups, and Mormons
 
01:05:51 Armor of God II: Behavioral economics and good decisions

 

Resources

Lesson 39, Mormon Women Project: Our Cooperative Ministry

Recommended book: Raymond Brown’s Introduction to the New Testament

Resources on Ephesians, Powell’s Introducing the New Testament

No More Strangers and Foreigners, Conference talk by Elder Harold Hillam

No More Strangers and Foreigners, BYU Speech by Professor William Eggington

The world is getting better (Steven Pinker, Better Angels of Our Nature)

Sociology of In Groups and Out Groups (Jonathan Haidt TED talk)

Science and the Armor of God: Dan Ariely on Our Buggy Moral Code

Nudge: Influencing Context to Make Better Decisions

Blink by Malcom Gladwell

Meditation site (one of the few methods of actually changing the way we work) by Phil McLemore

 

 

Thanks to Marshal McDonald for the bumper music!