num_pages: 438
description: Like its two predecessors, this third book in the BYU Book of Mormon Symposium series brings together the scholarship, testimony, and insights of the symposium participants. Here twenty-two scholars comment knowledgeably on a variety of themes evoked by the prophetic words of Isaiah, Lehi, Nephi, and Jacob as given in 2 Nephi.An introductory overview shows 2 Nephi to be a major doctrinal part of this other witness for Jesus Christ. It brings forth contributor discussions on doctrines of Christ such as repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Fall, the Atonement, hope, endurance, the name of Jesus Christ as revealed to the Nephites, and the Nephite diligence in teaching and transmitting the gospel. Enemies of Christ come under examination, including pride, apathy, false doctrines, and false teachers. Agency and opposition, good and evil, are the subjects of stimulating comment that includes Elder Dallin H. Oaks's discerning remarks on free agency and freedom.In this book, sharply focused comment on the early Nephite period deepens our appreciation for Nephi's spiritual strength. Examination of Lehi's blessings to his sons increases our awareness of the laws and customs of the time. Analysis of the law of witnesses underlines its purpose and Nephi's use of it. Some of the Lord's promises to his people given in 2 Nephi, covenants by which they are both bound and blessed, evoke further illuminating comment: an analysis of modern religious trends in America vis-a-vis the "promised-land" covenant made to Lehi; an examination of the Isaiah prophecies, with emphasis on God's continuing fulfillment of his covenants with the house of Israel.Specific, interesting questions relating to the Book of Mormon are here addressed:What was the Lamanite mark and why was it given? What influence did the brass plates have on the teachings of Nephi? Why are spiritual records necessary? How did the Saints during Joseph Smith's time interpret the Book of Mormon, and how can these insights benefit us today? One chapter refutes the "expanded" Book of Mormon theory, which suggests that, rather than being translated from the ancient record, portions of the Book of Mormon were created by Joseph Smith under the inspiration of God out of the nineteenth-century environment. A discussion on key ingredients for finding and understanding the truth in science and religion presents several ways of acquiring knowledge but emphasizes that God is the source of all truth.
language: English
title: The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, The Doctrinal Structure
publisher: Deseret Book