2 Nephi 3-5 Part 2 • Dr. Jan J. Martin • Feb 12 - Feb 18 • Come Follow Me
Feb 7, 2024
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Dr. Jan J. Martin discusses modern research on difficult passages in the Book of Mormon, emphasizing the Savior Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon as the word of God. Topics include healthy boundaries, race and skin color, interpreting verse 22 of 2 Nephi 5, the significance of covenants, principles of happiness, and expressions of gratitude.
The importance of covenant in Nephi's pleas for deliverance and endurance of adversity, highlighting the blessings that come from keeping covenants.
The concept of setting healthy boundaries in relationships, recognizing the need for protection from mistreatment and prioritizing personal well-being.
Deep dives
The Focus on Covenant
In this podcast episode, the importance of covenant is emphasized. Nephi, writing from hindsight, keeps the focus on the covenant and pleads for deliverance from difficult situations. The principle of taking problems to God is highlighted, but the timeframe for solutions may vary. Nephi acknowledges that as a vassal in the covenant relationship, he must wait for direction from the Lord. The necessity of enduring adversity is highlighted, as Nephi patiently waits for the Lord's word and departs when it becomes clear his family won't accept him as the prophet. The chapter also emphasizes the blessings that come from keeping covenants, such as prosperity, obedience to commandments, and the ability to build a temple.
The Need for Boundaries
This episode explores the concept of setting healthy boundaries in relationships. Nephi separates from his brothers due to abusive behavior and endangerment. The importance of recognizing when boundaries are needed to protect oneself from mistreatment is emphasized. The discussion acknowledges the potential for hurt and misunderstandings when boundaries are established, but affirms the necessity of prioritizing one's well-being. The episode highlights the importance of differentiating between forgiveness and re-entering toxic or abusive relationships. The principle of forgiving while prioritizing personal safety and healing is discussed using Elder Holland's talk as a reference.
Understanding the Skin of Blackness
The interpretation of the phrase 'skin of blackness' is analyzed in this episode. Multiple alternative explanations for its meaning are explored, suggesting metaphorical interpretations, such as lack of divine favor or knowledge, self-inflicted marks or painting, tattooing, or describing cultural differences apartness. The context emphasizes the importance of focusing on behavior rather than physical appearance. It cautions against perpetuating harmful assumptions related to race and encourages a comprehensive study of different interpretations while being sensitive to the potential emotional impact on readers.
The Covenant Perspective of Happiness
The final part of the episode focuses on the covenant's role in achieving happiness. The importance of involving God in one's life is emphasized, highlighting the need for individuals to live after the manner of happiness by prioritizing their covenants. The Nephites' examples of keeping commandments, working hard, building a temple, and being industrious are discussed as factors contributing to their sense of happiness. The verse underscores the idea that true happiness comes from focusing on Jesus Christ and living in alignment with his teachings, regardless of external circumstances.
Dr. Jan Martin discusses modern research and study on several difficult passages in the Book of Mormon, while bearing testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon as the word of God.
Show Notes (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese): https://followhim.co/book-of-mormon-episodes-1-13/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-him-a-come-follow-me-podcast/id1545433056 YouTube: https://youtu.be/zjXfUoK9bDw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15G9TTz8yLp0dQyEcBQ8BY
00:00 Part I–Dr. Jan J. Martin
00:07 2 Nephi 5 Covenant and prayer
01:25 Taking problems to the Lord
04:49 Separation and boundaries
08:20 The pain of Nephi’s separation
12:03 The group left behind
13:11 2 Nephi 5:19-20 – the Lord’s promises to Laman and Lemuel
16:04 2 Nephi 5:21 - Breaking a covenant
20:38 Different verse breaks and careful teaching
23:44 Cursing or covenant breaking
28:28 Unpacking difficult topics
30:21 Darkness is metaphorical
32:42 Historical research regarding skin color and bias
36:24 Teaching with caution
39:10 Additional resources
40:03 Righteous vs unrighteous not Nephite vs Lamanite
42:27 2 Nephi 5:22 and making assumptions
45:09 Letting go of past assumptions
46:31 2 Nephi 5:25 covenant keeping and happiness
50:19 Dr. Martin shares her testimony of Jesus and the Book of Mormon
54:17 End of Part II– Dr. Jan J. Martin
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Annabelle Sorensen: Creative Project Manager Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonald https://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com
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