LDS Freedom Forum

Thought maybe we could share what works for each of us; what has helped....

Here's what has influenced me:

A few years ago, I listened to this excellent talk by Elder Bednar...
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,49 ... -1,00.html

I now want to review with you three basic ways or methods of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir: (1) reading the scriptures from beginning to end, (2) studying the scriptures by topic, and (3) searching the scriptures for connections, patterns, and themes. Each of these approaches can help satisfy our spiritual thirst if we invite the companionship and assistance of the Holy Ghost as we read, study, and search.

Reading a book of scripture from beginning to end initiates the flow of living water into our lives by introducing us to important stories, gospel doctrines, and timeless principles. This approach also enables us to learn about major characters in the scriptures and the sequence, timing, and context of events and teachings. Reading the written word in this way exposes us to the breadth of a volume of scripture. This is the first and most fundamental way of obtaining living water.

Studying by topic typically follows, grows out of, and builds upon our reading of the scriptures from beginning to end. For example, as we read the Book of Mormon we may identify and seek to find answers to important doctrinal and practical questions such as these:
• What is faith in the Savior?
• Why is faith in Jesus Christ the first principle of the gospel?
• Why and how does faith in the Redeemer lead to repentance?
• How does the Atonement strengthen me to do things in my daily life that I could never do with my own limited capacity and in my own strength?

Focusing upon such questions and studying by topic, using the Topical Guide and index to the triple combination, allow us to dig into and explore the depth of the scriptures and obtain a much richer spiritual knowledge. This approach increases the rate at which living water flows into our lives.
Both reading from beginning to end and studying by topic are prerequisites to the third basic method of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir. Whereas reading a book of scripture from beginning to end provides a basic breadth of knowledge, studying by topic increases the depth of our knowledge.

Searching in the revelations for connections, patterns, and themes builds upon and adds to our spiritual knowledge by bringing together and expanding these first two methods; it broadens our perspective and understanding of the plan of salvation.

He goes into more depth about these three methods of studying. It was a very influential talk for me in my understanding of the messages in the BoM.

This probably sounds crazy, but one of the ways I've gotten a handle on the basic narrative of the scriptures, was to read the LDS scripture stories from the church to my children at breakfast. Not only did it help familiarize them with the stories, but it gave a relatively fast summary of what happens, as well as a framework for the narrative so that when we studied from the scriptures themselves, it allowed us to explore the details more, because we weren't still absorbing the general narrative.

As for reading cover to cover, 5tev3 introduced me to this text of the BoM:
http://oneclimbs.com/2011/12/19/review- ... s-edition/

I can't say enough for this edition. I got it last month, and it has been so enjoyable to read. So many things have popped out to me. It reads more like the 'book reading' we're used to, and I love the formatting of the poetic passages. They really stand out, and are so beautiful and powerful. The prominence of the (lost to us) of Zenos and Zenoch in their own scriptures took on new meaning to me. Anyway, I can't help but devour the BoM in this format. Even though I 'know' what's going to happen, I still have a sense of anticipation.

I still use my quad, (for the other canons, obviously), for cross-referencing, but I love using the church website even more. Because it allows me to stay on the same page I'm referencing from, and uses pop-up windows for the references (unless I want to read it in context), it allows me to stay focused.

I also was intrigued recently by a comment from Elder Bednar's DVD in his book, Increase in Learning (which I also highly recommend). For topical study, he suggested buying a new BoM (the kind the missionaries give out), and after reading it and marking it according to your topic, rip out the pages you marked, and write a one page summary about what you gleaned/learned. That might be alot of pages, but I like the idea of writing a summary, since writing helps me retain what I've learned as well as solidifying the message(s) I've received from the Spirit.



So what has worked for you? Any ideas?

One of the ways I have enjoyed studying the scriptures the past few years is by teaching Primary. When you teach the kids in your class about it, you have to read the lesson, and the scriptures, they ask questions and you have to figure out the answers. Being a teacher in primary is as much an opportunity to be a student as it is to learn. And I Love that we are studying the Book of Mormon this year!

Last year I decided to read the entire Book of Mormon from cover to cover. I did this at work during my breaks, and it took a long time. But I still enjoyed doing it very much.

Another thing I did last year was reading a book on Isaiah, I forget the name of it now, but it compared the book of Isaiah to what we have in the Book of Mormon. I knew there were parts of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, but when you actually study it, see whats changed and what it all means, it is really interesting.

My appreciation for the Book of Mormon has grown so much over the past few years. It is an amazing book that truly testifies of Jesus Christ and the atonement. It is beautiful and simple to understand. I don't think there are any parts of it that are confusing or terribly difficult to read.

I guess the best way to study is whatever way you can find to keep you interested in it. Whether you watch the Scripture stories the church made, listen to it on MP3 in the car, or read it on Sundays. If you start to get bored you aren't going to learn as much, and will probably stop. Try to keep interested in it!

JulesGP wrote:

linj2fly wrote:
As for reading cover to cover, 5tev3 introduced me to this text of the BoM:
http://oneclimbs.com/2011/12/19/review- ... s-edition/

This is very cool! I LOVE 5tev3's website, but I missed this review. I think I'm going to own a copy of this soon.....

Thanks for passing this on linj2fly!

You're Welcome I forgot to mention...the author/formatter donates all royalties to the Church Humanitarian fund, so he does not make a profit off the BoM.

Lexew1899 wrote:One of the ways I have enjoyed studying the scriptures the past few years is by teaching Primary. When you teach the kids in your class about it, you have to read the lesson, and the scriptures, they ask questions and you have to figure out the answers. Being a teacher in primary is as much an opportunity to be a student as it is to learn. And I Love that we are studying the Book of Mormon this year!

Last year I decided to read the entire Book of Mormon from cover to cover. I did this at work during my breaks, and it took a long time. But I still enjoyed doing it very much.

Another thing I did last year was reading a book on Isaiah, I forget the name of it now, but it compared the book of Isaiah to what we have in the Book of Mormon. I knew there were parts of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, but when you actually study it, see whats changed and what it all means, it is really interesting.

My appreciation for the Book of Mormon has grown so much over the past few years. It is an amazing book that truly testifies of Jesus Christ and the atonement. It is beautiful and simple to understand. I don't think there are any parts of it that are confusing or terribly difficult to read.

I guess the best way to study is whatever way you can find to keep you interested in it. Whether you watch the Scripture stories the church made, listen to it on MP3 in the car, or read it on Sundays. If you start to get bored you aren't going to learn as much, and will probably stop. Try to keep interested in it!

Me, too I also find that teaching does so much for understanding, and it becomes more a part of me, as I have to seek more understanding in order to teach, as well as the Spirit witnessing it's truthfulness as I do. My husband has gotten a lot out of listening to the scriptures as well as GC mp3s. Sometimes changing formats helps me pick up things I hadn't before (probably because it's easy for me to go into 'autopilot' as I read).

In my personal study I read each verse deeply. I look for homilies, principles and chiasms. For chiasms, I also look at the entire chapter. Being a Sunday School teacher requires me to watch for things that my class might need.

As a family, we are focusing on the stories.

A really good book on scripture study is Treasure Up The Word by Jay E. Jensen. A bargain at any price.

I almost always read an entire volume front to back. I have done topical searches, but I would not say they were in depth studies.

One very cool experience I had was back when I did meditation for martial arts. There was a particular verse that I understood, but I had a feeling there was deeper meaning than I was getting. I decided to spend two weeks that when I did meditation that I would search for deeper understanding of this scripture.

I did indeed have several different meanings revealed to me. I should have continued the practice, it was very worthwhile.

Gideon wrote:In my personal study I read each verse deeply. I look for homilies, principles and chiasms. For chiasms, I also look at the entire chapter. Being a Sunday School teacher requires me to watch for things that my class might need.

As a family, we are focusing on the stories.

A really good book on scripture study is Treasure Up The Word by Jay E. Jensen. A bargain at any price.

What are homilies? (Thanks for the book rec!)

I am an extremely visual person. Therefore, when I read the BofM, I would see in my mind what is taking place whether it be Samual standing on the wall preaching, Nephi and what he went through in getting the plates from Laban or Moroni carrying the Title of Liberty throughout the land. Not everyone is visual so it can be troublesome and problematic.

When I was in Martial Arts I learned something that helped me to develop this attribute. I was told to close my eyes and visualize a lake surrounded with trees and other beautiful foliage, flowers, birds and insects. In one scenario one learns to visualize the lake itself in a state of calmness, the surface almost like glass, yet everything around it is in turmoil. Trees, grass and flowers are thrashing in the wind. Birds struggle to stay a flight.

In another scenario, switch the scene around. See the lake in a state of raging commotion, water is thrust up on the banks and flooding a lot of the area. But everything else is as it would be on a normal calm day. Birds fly overhead, flowers stand tall and bright. Trees stand majestically with their leaves gently fluttering in a mild breeze.

This exercise is not easy for everyone. This is a way to really develop enough concentration to read scriptures and get more out of them. And it doesn't hurt to read them more than once or twice.

Just some thoughts.

linj2fly wrote:

Gideon wrote:In my personal study I read each verse deeply. I look for homilies, principles and chiasms. For chiasms, I also look at the entire chapter. Being a Sunday School teacher requires me to watch for things that my class might need.

As a family, we are focusing on the stories.

A really good book on scripture study is Treasure Up The Word by Jay E. Jensen. A bargain at any price.

What are homilies? (Thanks for the book rec!)

Definition of HOMILY
1
: a usually short sermon
2
: a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme
3
: an inspirational catchphrase; also : platitude

Gideon wrote:In my personal study I read each verse deeply. I look for homilies, principles and chiasms. For chiasms, I also look at the entire chapter. Being a Sunday School teacher requires me to watch for things that my class might need.

As a family, we are focusing on the stories.

A really good book on scripture study is Treasure Up The Word by Jay E. Jensen. A bargain at any price.

http://www.ldsfreedomforum.com/viewtopi ... ms#p132841" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon ... s/Chiasmus" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

linj2fly wrote:

Gideon wrote:In my personal study I read each verse deeply. I look for homilies, principles and chiasms. For chiasms, I also look at the entire chapter. Being a Sunday School teacher requires me to watch for things that my class might need.

As a family, we are focusing on the stories.

A really good book on scripture study is Treasure Up The Word by Jay E. Jensen. A bargain at any price.

What are homilies? (Thanks for the book rec!)

Homilies are short phrases that mean a lot. The titles of Neal A. Maxwell's books are good examples.

Here are some I have marked:
2 Ne 2:7 "and unto none else".
Heb 5:14 "by reason of use".
Alma 37:40 "day by day"
Alma 37:47 "look to God and live"
D&C 19:19 "Nevertheless"

The last time I checked, the book was out of print, but some people were still selling it on the Internet.

freedomfighter wrote:

Gideon wrote:In my personal study I read each verse deeply. I look for homilies, principles and chiasms. For chiasms, I also look at the entire chapter. Being a Sunday School teacher requires me to watch for things that my class might need.

As a family, we are focusing on the stories.

A really good book on scripture study is Treasure Up The Word by Jay E. Jensen. A bargain at any price.

http://www.ldsfreedomforum.com/viewtopi ... ms#p132841" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon ... s/Chiasmus" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another good book is one on chiasmus called The Language of the Lord
http://www.amazon.com/Language-Lord-Dis ... 018&sr=8-5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It is an excellent indepth study of chiasmus with many examples from the D&C.

Here's what I think is a key. Read the scriptures, not the interpretations.

chasetafer0707 wrote:Here's what I think is a key. Read the scriptures, not the interpretations.

Ditto on that one! I try not to drink downstream, and when I do, I keep in mind whose lenses I'm reading from.

linj2fly wrote:Thought maybe we could share what works for each of us; what has helped....

As for reading cover to cover, 5tev3 introduced me to this text of the BoM:
http://oneclimbs.com/2011/12/19/review- ... s-edition/

Thanks linj2fly, I just ordered a copy for my family

linj2fly wrote:

chasetafer0707 wrote:Here's what I think is a key. Read the scriptures, not the interpretations.

Ditto on that one! I try not to drink downstream, and when I do, I keep in mind whose lenses I'm reading from.

I'm also pretty wary of commentaries for that reason, you never know when you might accidentally be reading through a dirty lens.

I have found that listening to it gives me much more flexibility to visualize and ponder what I'm listening to. It opens up my minds eye more. I've read it almost a dozen times, which I'm ashamed to admit, because I should have studied it much, much more, but I aim to rectify this. I've listened intently and prayerfully to it twice already this year and on my third time via audio. I can listen to it throughout my workday (production) and can get through the entire volume in about 30 hours, or three work days. I've done tons of research in the last couple decades and hope to write a book or at least a journal that I can publish. I can absorb so much more when i listen to it than when I read it and inspiration flows through me more, although, I want to read and listen to it many times for cross referencing before putting all my notes together. Some things that interest me so far about the book:

1. Nephi's eight years in the wilderness before sailing to the land of promise
2. Their landing in mesoamerica (I don't believe they were alone in the land)
3. The people of Mulek, he being the son of Zedekiah
4. Nephites and "Mulekites" joining and learning of the Jaredites
5. ALL of Abinadi's words (expounding the Law of Moses)
6. King Benjamin's sermon
7. The 14 year mission of the sons of Mosiah
8. A warning to us about secret combinations from Moroni, which was the downfall of the Nephite nation because of the Gadiantos to overthrow liberty and how it applies to us today
9. Same as 8, but with the Jaredites and Moroni's warning to us about our "awful situation"
10. The importance of Morni's inclusion of the battles between the Lamanites and the Nephites because of the Gadiantons and their expansion northwards
11. Christ's visitation, and all his teachings and something we need to be mindful of (3 Nephi 26:10-11) about the Book of Mormon being the new covenant and why we as a church are STILL under condemnation as mentioned repeatedly in D&C.
12. The fall of the Nephite nation and the final battles leading to Moroni hiding up the records.
13. Moroni's final words and a promise and what he meant, which brings me back to the rest of the list.
14. To a lesser extent, the geography, only in cases of reference. In any case, I do not believe that the entire record of the Lamanites/Nephites history occurred solely along the panama region. That's where it began with the Lehites, but it expanded westward toward Zarahemla, which I believe to be southwest of the gulf of mexico, which was one of the seas mentioned often. And then northward toward the land of Nephi, which had many cities in them, all of which were sunk by Christ at his death to cover up the wickedness of the Nephites, the entire land being what is the entire Carribbean Sea area. Just look at a Google map and lots of topograhical and ocean maps and you'll see what I mean. Anyway, I believe the sea that separates the land north from the land south is what is today the Gulf of Mexico. Forida is the narrow neck of land that pretty much connected what was once the land of Nephi, which again, is north of MesoAmerica, or the Panama Canal area, which by the way is where that Izapa Stela 5 stone was found, which depicts what many say is the tree of life. Anyway, I have a lot of data to put together, and nothing is definite and I'm no scholar, but I'm not going to worry too much about it either. There are some things that are facts (supported by Joseph Smith, revelations, etc) and they are what I'm working off of.

Download it on audio to your mp3 player and listen to it wherever you go! http://www.lds.org/mp3/display/0,18692,5297-41,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Does nobody else study the Book of Mormon?? It is the keystone of our religion and vital to our salvation. We are under condemnation as a church for our great neglect. "In 1829, the Lord warned the Saints that they are not to trifle with sacred things (see D&C 6:12). Surely the Book of Mormon is a sacred thing, and yet many trifle with it, or in other words, take it lightly, treat it as though it is of little importance."

More:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?v ... 004d82620a____" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3 Nephi 26

7 But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people.

8 And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.

9 And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.

10 And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.

11 Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.

Please share your thoughts about the Book of Mormon with us!

coachmarc wrote:Does nobody else study the Book of Mormon?? It is the keystone of our religion and vital to our salvation. We are under condemnation as a church for our great neglect. "In 1829, the Lord warned the Saints that they are not to trifle with sacred things (see D&C 6:12). Surely the Book of Mormon is a sacred thing, and yet many trifle with it, or in other words, take it lightly, treat it as though it is of little importance."

More:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?v ... 004d82620a____" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3 Nephi 26

7 But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people.

8 And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.

9 And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.

10 And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.

11 Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.

Please share your thoughts about the Book of Mormon with us!

Like Ammon, I do not boast in my achievements, I boast in my God. I have read the BoM 21 times...Great reading. I have read the New Testament 5 times, Doctrine and Covenants 5 times and Pearl of Great Price 5 times.

Alma 26:11,12
11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

Thank you for sharing, freedomfighter! I completely understand where' you're coming from.