The Book of Mormon Made Easier, Part 2

by David J. Ridges

The Book of Mormon comes alive in this latest commentary by noted teacher and gospel scholar David J. Ridges. This highly anticipated fifth volume of the Gospel Studies Series takes you from Mosiah through Alma-with unique inverse notes to clarify passages and alert you to major concepts and messages. You will find the Book of Mormon Made Easier, Part 2 extremely helpful in your gospel studies.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Church, Reference, Spirituality, Inspirational

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series of scripture companion books. My way of using them is to have it alongside my BOM, and first read the chapter introduction, then read the whole chapter in my scriptures on my own, then go through the author's commentary on that chapter in this book. In this way, since the book includes all the scriptural text verbatim, I essentially read each chapter twice in a row, which I find is good for me. The first time through, I mark and note things that personally speak to me. During the second go -through, I notice things that the author points out which I may have missed.

I feel like this approach helps me to gain a fuller and more complete knowledge of the Book of Mormon, and while I probably won't reread these much, they're super helpful to go through nice and slowly at least once.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really pleased to be able to say I finished reading all three volumes of The Book of Mormon Made Easier this year. It's a really helpful study series and contains the entire text of the Book of Mormon, but with lots of additional material to help enhance your reading experience and improve understanding. I had the paperback copy and the Kindle version, and prefer the paperback because the Book of Mormon text and the author notes are more easily differentiated with font/italics/bold, etc. I can definitely recommend the series to anyone wanting to have a deeper study experience than just reading the Book of Mormon from cover to cover.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of David J. Ridges excellent scripture study companion. I love this series. It is like reading scripture with a knowledgeable Gospel teacher.

[Annalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this book because he gave examples that helped in understanding better what was being taught.
Indeed much should be derived by or understood while reading by the spirit , yet for me his comments and lessons helped clarify for me what I was learning.
Thank you for your time and efforts. . I loved institute and now that I am older and no longer close to the hub of the church, it is do nice to be put in an institute setting while reading and studying the scriptures!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridges is very helpful with background information and clear explanation of scriptures and references. Sometimes I just skip his insertions and then go back for more in depth study. Very helpful for me.

[LMoody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the insights I have gained from David Ridges in my study of The Book of Mormon this year.
Here is a sample of commentary from Mosiah chapter 11:
"Satan is a master of deception. He is a master psychologist. Let's watch now as Mormon points out a pattern which the devil sponsors to persuade people to avoid repenting. We will use bold to call it to your attention.
Step 1: Get angry at whoever is telling you to repent.
26 Now it came to pass that when Abinadi had spoken these words unto them they were wroth (angry) with him, and sought to take away his life; but the Lord delivered him out of their hands.
Step 2: Discredit the messenger.
27 Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said: Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction?
Step 3: Get rid of the messenger. Get him out of your life. One way to do this is to ignore him. Accuse him of having other motives for “attacking” you.
28 I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him.
Step 4: Avoid facing your need for repentance.
29 Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is study guide #2 for the Book of Mormon written by David Ridges, who worked over 35 years for the Church of Jesus Christ in the Church Education System. I enjoyed reading it very much as it contains a little prehistory for what you will read and includes meanings of words or customs that are not common. His commentary is right on the page so you don't have to look them up while you are in the middle of a scripture. It has given me greater understanding of what I have read. The full text of the scriptures are included so you don't have to go back and forth to a study guide or dictionary as you are reading. What you really learn from these books is this: what the scriptures are really teaching us, what messages we are supposed to learn as we read them and to help us gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon. All of his sources are listed also, which is a help if you want to study further.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good in-depth look at just a piece of the Book of Mormon. I've read the Book of Mormon enough times that there weren't many surprises, but still I found a gem or two. This would be a good read for a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Or for someone that wants to know what the Book of Mormon is all about.

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Ridges commentary make the Book of Mormon even more meaningful to me as I studied it these last few months. I really appreciate his insight and help in understanding the beautiful principles of our savior in this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get new perspective and understanding of the Book of Mormon.

[Joyce Lee Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I totally loved the insight given to help the reader obtain a deeper understanding of the Book of Mormon and what happened in this continent with those who were guided over here by the hand of the Lord. The wisdom of the prophets at that time in this hemisphere can teach the mankind of this present time so very much if we would but listen and do.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Volume 2 in the series. Studying the scriptures instead of just reading them has taken a long time to get through, but I have loved every minute of it. This gospel study series has helped me to understand things so much better, and I’ve learned to ponder and reflect, and make hundreds of notes! Starting Volume 3 tomorrow...

[Daniel Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of good content in here for those whom have never read the Book of Mormon before and would like some better rudimentary understanding of specific topics for the BOM. Was hoping for something a little deeper.

[Julia Southwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are helpful, but I feel like they don’t really add THAT many meaningful insights. I get quite a bit more out of following along with the institute manual instead. Still, this book has been worth using in my scripture study. 3.5 stars.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made this reading of the Book of Mormon more detailed

Love having this book to help me have layers of understanding that I previously have not had. I have enjoyed all go Ridges books.

[Cassaronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for help with basic understanding and some definitions. Definitely didn’t agree with all of his “interpretations.” It’s good for a seminary-student-level of inquiry. I would recommend Skinner or Welch for deeper scholarship.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so very helpful in ready the scriptures. I love the way Ridges explains tricky verses of scripture. I also really appreciate the comments from modern day prophets. My only complaint is I wish there was room for more information.

[Daisy Dandelion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good way for me to get a little insight and ponder different aspects of the gospel while reading the Book of Mormon.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate Ridges commentary and scriptural comparisons for deeper understanding.

[Joy K. Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I like being able to read and listen to the scriptures and he makes it so easy to understand. I Love all 3 volumes.

[Jason Comely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and inspired commentary on the Book of Mormon. Part 2 ends with the gripping and very tense Nephite-Lamanite battles and how it relates to our current day.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continue reading, there is more amazing insight.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy these books-a great insight into the Book of Mormon.

[David Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice companion to reading the Book of Mormon

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I are sharing Ridges books in our scripture study, and we have loved using them.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

He really does know what he is doing!!! Loved this

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are incredible! Amazing study companions to the scriptures. On to Book 3!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is helping me read through the Book of Mormon more slowly and thoroughly, but sometimes I quite disagree with the author's interpretations. That's fine, though.

[Jake Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets a bit repetitive but on some points alike a copy and paste because the concept comes up again but doesn't hurt repeating.

[Sara Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been so grateful for the insights that I’ve had through this study guide. I also love the books of Mosiah and Alma, so I’m grateful for any insights from them.

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are great, offering definitions to many of the "old" language words and explaining history and background that helps with general comprehension of the book.