The Book of Esther
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. ...
In approaching Genesis 3-4 and Moses 4-5, Ben and Christopher continue their discussion of these creation and fall accounts as temple texts. We are to consider ourselves as Adam and Eve, recognizing our life in their experience in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve are created as ontological equals, as priest and priestess in the presence of God. What is a serpent doing in the Garden and why do our narratives equate the serpent with Satan? What can we learn from the differences between how Adam and Eve converse with God versus how Cain converses with God? ...
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 in Alma 14 and as practiced by the earliest Saints after Christ’s ascension. ...
