Midterm REL 275 Brother Sharp

Four AIMS of a BYU Education

Spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, character building, and leading to lifelong learning and service.

Translation process description by primary witnesses

He would look into the hat at the stone and would see the words in English. He didn't have any other script to read off of and would pick up right where he left off.

Translation process description by Joseph Smith

By the gift and power of God.

Difference between three witnesses and eight witnesses

The three witnesses saw the plates by an angel; Joseph Smith physically showed the plates to the eight witnesses.

Three stated purposes of the Book of Mormon

1️⃣ To show the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord has done for their fathers. 2️⃣ That they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever. 3️⃣ To convince Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.

Time taken to translate the plates

About 1 year 9 months total; roughly 65 working days.

Role of the seer stone in translation

The stone became sacred through use—'written by the finger of God'; it functioned like the Urim and Thummim and symbolized sacred objects such as the tablets given to Moses.

Physical objects that became sacred throughout scripture

The Liahona, the plates of brass, and Mosiah's interpreters.

Martin Harris's experience in translation

He served as scribe, writing down words as Joseph Smith dictated the translation.

Most likely author of the title page of the Book of Mormon

Moroni.

Historiography

Study of how history is written; looks at the world behind the text—context, culture, and authorship.

Hermeneutics

The science of interpretation, especially of scripture, using exegesis and eisegesis.

Exegesis vs eisegesis

Exegesis = world of the text (author's context, what it meant). Eisegesis = world in front of the text (reader's perspective, what it means to you).

Source criticism

Identifying written or oral sources an author used.

Structural similarities and differences between the Book of Mormon and Bible

Bible = compiled texts; Book of Mormon = narrator-centered record with clear editorial voices.

Three primary editors/narrators of the Book of Mormon

Nephi (light on history, heavy on prophecy/interpretation); Mormon (historical narrative to teach moral lessons); Moroni (timid, quotes others).

Keystone of our religion

The church rests on its truth; it distinguishes us and underpins our testimony and doctrine.

Three ways the Book of Mormon is the keystone

Keystone of our testimony, doctrine, and witness of Christ.

Throne theophany and its eight elements in 1 Nephi 1

A vision of God on His throne: Lehi experiences most of these in Nephi 1 (1) Historical introduction; (2) Divine confrontation; (3) Reaction (fear/unworthiness); (4) Throne vision; (5) Commission; (6) Protest; (7) Reassurance; (8) Conclusion (begin mission).

Nephi's thesis statement in 1 Nephi 1

To show that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he has chosen (1 Nephi 1:20)

Hebraisms

Hebraic writing patterns. Construct state ("plates of brass," "river of water"). Cognate accusative ("dreamed a dream," "curse with a sore curse").

Key principles of personal revelation

Use agency and intellect; attitudes like pride can block Spirit; act without full picture; God speaks to mind and heart.

Nephi's decision to take Laban's life

God delivered Laban into Nephi's hands; obedience to the Spirit so the law (plates) could preserve the people.

Differences between Lehi's dream and Nephi's vision

Lehi = allegory, personal focus, uninterpreted, timeless. Nephi = apocalypse, interpreted, historical, Christ-centered.

Symbolism in scripture

- A medium to articulate truth, principles, and application.Teaches abstract concepts wellTimeless, culture-free, language free

- Usually remembered longer than when not using a symbol to explain

- Reveal or conceal spiritual truths

- Contributes to an attitude of searching the scriptures

Fruit of the tree of life

Sweet, white, desirable, beautiful, precious, joyous, pure.

Tree and fruit symbolism in Lehi's dream

Tree (9 times) and fruit (14 times) emphasize the joy of partaking of Christ's love and Atonement.

Lehi's teaching for those who struggle

Look outward in love and invite others to feel God's love and partake of the fruit.

God's intentions within the plan

Happiness, redemption, mercy, and salvation.

Scriptural example of open salvation

The veil of the temple was rent in twain when Jesus died, symbolizing open access to the Father.

Soteriology

The study of salvation; its message = 'Trust Jesus Christ.'

Consequences of the Fall according to Lehi

Because of the Atonement, all is made right; we are saved by grace and works.

What if there had been no Fall?

Adam and Eve would remain in the garden forever, no children, no good or evil, no progress.

Jacob's teaching on the infinite Atonement

Without it, flesh would rot and never rise; spirits would be devils forever—salvation requires a Savior.

Lehi's hope for Jacob

Because he knows the greatness of God and that suffering will turn to gain.

Nephi's final words

He is obedient and determined to fulfill God's will.

Context of Nephi's Psalm

Before Nephites and Lamanites separated; he felt divine discontent and desired greater capacity, Lehi dead, he's main prophet

Elements of Nephi's Psalm

Divine discontent, recognition of blessings, resolve to improve, trust in the Lord.

Teaching about enabling grace

It shows the Atonement strengthens us through discipleship growth.

Lesson from Isaiah on a consecrated heart

'Here am I; send me.' — be fully willing to serve the Lord.

Wiser purpose for Nephi's small plates

To replace the lost 116 pages and preserve essential spiritual records.

Meaning of Isaiah's name

Jehovah saves.

Frequency of Isaiah's quotes in the Book of Mormon

His writings persuade belief in Christ and teach His grace, justice, and power.

Key events from the Isaiah map

721 BC Assyria destroys Northern Israel; 587 BC Babylon exiles Judah; 539 BC Persia's Cyrus frees the Jews.

Reading 2 Nephi 17 and 20 exegetically

A = 8th century BC Israel (Ahaz should trust God alone). B = Dual fulfillment (prophecy applies both then and to Christ's birth).

Reading Isaiah with Nephi and Jacob

To see Isaiah through their interpretive lens of Christ and covenant; his words teach 'things which are and to come.'

Core doctrines

Unchanging truths of salvation.

Eternal doctrines

Timeless unchanging truths.

Supporting doctrines

Teachings expanding core.

Policy doctrines

Current applications.

Esoteric doctrines

Not fully revealed truths.

Baptism as Core doctrine

Essential for salvation.

Baptism as Supporting doctrine

Baptism for the dead.

Baptism as Policy doctrine

Temple proxy rules.

Baptism as Esoteric doctrine

How the dead accept it.

2 Nephi 25:23 interpretation

We are saved by grace even after all we can do; staying connected to Christ brings strength and life.

Purpose of understanding doctrine

To know the Redeemer and His doctrine so we can come unto Him and be saved.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement of Israel; focus on repentance and returning to God—symbolizes Christ's Atonement and our covenant path.

Symbolism of the tabernacle

Divine ascent from earth to heaven; goal = return to God's presence.

First Book of Mormon author comparing Israel to an olive tree

Lehi.

Symbolism of the olive tree

Peace and covenant people.

Grafting

Bringing souls to Christ.

Fruit of the olive tree

Righteous works; trees require long care.

Intent and focus in Jacob 4 and how that applies to Jacob 5

Asks, 'How can those who rejected the sure foundation ever build on it again?' Focus on Christ and salvation is him

Three approaches to Jacob 5

1) As a history of the house of Israel. 2) As the story of the Lord and His servant. 3) As four distinct visits in the allegory.

Four visits made by the Lord of the vineyard

1️⃣ Before Christ - tree pruned, fertilized, branches removed, withered burned. 2️⃣ Time of Christ - good fruit appears. 3️⃣ Great Apostasy - evil fruit, gospel scattered. 4️⃣ Gathering and Millennium - branches reunited, good fruit gathered, vineyard later burned after final corruption.

Lessons from Jacob 6

1️⃣ It's the last time — about the final gathering. 2️⃣ Pay attention to pronouns — 'He' brings forth the fruit; we merely assist. 3️⃣ God is merciful and grieves over lost souls; we should cleave to Him as He cleaves to us.

Comparison of Sherem and Nehor

Sherem: Message - there is no Christ. Method - scriptural debate, demands a sign; struck down and later confessed his deceit. Nehor: Message - all will be saved; no personal accountability; priests should be popular and paid. Method - prideful, ostentatious, contentious, practiced priestcraft; killed Gideon; executed, but his false doctrine spread.

Jacob's unshakeable faith

He had many revelations, saw angels, and heard the Lord's voice 'from time to time'; personal experience anchored his faith — 'a person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an opinion.'

Three witnesses Jacob cited in teaching Sherem

The scriptures, the prophets, and the power of the Holy Ghost.

Outcomes of Sherem's and Nehor's preaching

Sherem was struck down, confessed, and his repentance led others back to faith. Nehor was executed, but his teachings persisted and corrupted many.

Resilient faith

Faith that grows stronger through trials — resilient reintegration.

How where the plates described by the witnesses?

6 in high, plates being 8 in long, 6 in wide, ⅛ in in thickness. 40-60 pounds

Large and Spacious Field

the world

fruit

partaking of the atonement

River

depths of hell

Rod of Iron

word of God

A teaching from Lehi on helping those who struggle and may have wandered from the path

Teach, invite, and warn them, but then stop pushing it. You have already told them, pushing it can just make the situation worse. Give them "sacred space" for the Lord to touch them.

What Lehi taught in 2 Nephi 2 regarding the 3 pillars of eternity

Creation: the law is given Fall: law broken (this is an important part of the plan, more good things than bad things, and is needed for the progression of mankind) With the atonement we can become like God, have not only immortality but eternal life, have eternal knowledge, glory, progression, and families. Atonement: infinite atonement. Without it, all souls are not able to return to GodNeed to know 2 Ne. 2:3 for test - redeemed because of Jesus Christ

Meaning of Isaiah's Name

Jehovah Saves

Focus of Isaiah

Focus on Christ and His covenant with Israel

What is the three-level model taught by Elder and Sister Hafen, and what are some ways that model could be useful in issues of faith?

(1) Simplicity - seeing things in black-and-white, with clear right and wrong;

(2) Complexity - recognizing life's contradictions and imperfections, which can challenge faith

(3) Simplicity beyond complexity - a mature faith that understands life's difficulties but still chooses trust in God.

This model helps us see that doubt and questions are part of growth, encourages moving through complexity with faith instead of cynicism, and leads to deeper spiritual maturity and resilient trust in God.

What are the possible definitions of the term "anti" discussed in class?

Anything that is in opposition to Christ and His Gospel, or anything that tries to take the place of Christ and His Gospel.

What were the various modern-day philosophical arguments found in the teachings of Korihor?

Few examples: There should be no Christ (Anti-Christian), "No man can know of anything which is to come" (Agnosticism), "Ye cannot know of things which ye do not see" (Empiricism),"Whatsoever a man does is no crime" (Relativism)

What were the 4 approaches Alma takes in responding to Korihor?

Share the evidence

Bear's personal testimony

Attempts to reason and refute

Leave it in God's hands