Class 2 – Learn of Me, Part 1
Suggested Pre-Class Readings
Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:33-36. What do these verses teach about what you can testify regarding the voice of Jesus Christ? What does this tell us about the importance of studying the scriptures?
How do The Bible and the Book of Mormon work together?
Option A: Read 1 Nephi 13:38-40 and Mormon 7:8-9. What do these passages teach about the relationship between the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Note that in 1 Nephi 13:38, the phrase “the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew” refers to the Bible. In Mormon 7:9 “this” refers to the Book of Mormon and “that refers to the Bible.
Option B: Watch this video that explains these passages.
Questions to focus on
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord provided a list of spiritual gifts. What is the very first gift listed? Are there restrictions based on gender or priesthood office for receiving that gift? How does one receive it?
Know what the website http://scriptures.byu.edu / the LDS Scripture Citations Index app is and be able to use it appropriately.
What was President Nelson’s 2017 invitation to young adults to learn more about Jesus Christ? (See more about this invitation here).
What is “canon”? When did the New Testament canon appear to become solidified?
Be able to explain the three criteria used to determine the New Testament Canon.
How does textual criticism relate to one reason why it’s okay to study Bibles other than the King James?
Provide two specific examples of how the New Testament and/or Restoration Scripture provide a Christ-centered perspective on an Old Testament account, where the focus on Jesus Christ is not present in the Old Testament itself.
What is meant by “LORD” in the Old Testament? Who does this refer to?
Why is it important to deepen our intellectual understanding of Jesus Christ?
What are some specific non-scriptural resources that you could use to expand your intellectual understanding of Jesus Christ?
Be able to share and explain at least two passages of scripture that teach specific ways that we can know Jesus Christ.
Explore ways to learn more about Jesus Christ.
Optional Post-Class Readings
Explore ways to learn more about Jesus Christ.
Choose a book to read about Jesus Christ.
In the video, I highlighted four great academic repository websites: BYU Studies, The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Studies, Book of Mormon Central, and the Religious Studies Center. Spend a few minutes exploring one or more of those websites looking for articles or videos about Jesus Christ. How do you think academic studies about Jesus Christ could help you learn more about him?
Acknowledgements
Dr. Joshua Sears taught a class called “Learn of Me,” which was very influential in the development of this class–both in the general approach and some of specific ideas used, both in this class and on the “Learn of Me” page. Resources from Dr. Frank Judd were also used in this class. Insights and resources from Dr. Matthew Grey, Dr. Jason Coombs, and Dr. Mark Ellison were used in this class.