What do you think?
Rate this book
The Book of Mormon: brief theological introductions #9
3rd, 4th Nephi: a brief theological introduction
“And now Father, I pray unto thee for them . . . that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one.”
Generations of prophecy are fulfilled when Jesus Christ visits the people of the Book of Mormon following his crucifixion and resurrection. In his short time among these “other sheep,” Christ teaches about the path of discipleship, inaugurating a centuries-long period of righteous peace and prosperity in Nephite society.
In this brief theological introduction, Daniel Becerra enlists 3 and 4 Nephi as aids in the disciple’s pursuit of Christ and Christlikeness. What do these books reveal about divine nature, human nature, and the means of bridging the gap between the two?
Becerra places Christ at the center of all theological thinking in his interpretation of these remarkable books of scripture. He proposes that the fullest expression of discipleship—Christlikeness—can only be found in community and collaboration.
Generations of prophecy are fulfilled when Jesus Christ visits the people of the Book of Mormon following his crucifixion and resurrection. In his short time among these “other sheep,” Christ teaches about the path of discipleship, inaugurating a centuries-long period of righteous peace and prosperity in Nephite society.
In this brief theological introduction, Daniel Becerra enlists 3 and 4 Nephi as aids in the disciple’s pursuit of Christ and Christlikeness. What do these books reveal about divine nature, human nature, and the means of bridging the gap between the two?
Becerra places Christ at the center of all theological thinking in his interpretation of these remarkable books of scripture. He proposes that the fullest expression of discipleship—Christlikeness—can only be found in community and collaboration.
114 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2020
14 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Becerra
2 books6 followersDaniel Becerra is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and is a scholar of early Christianity. He holds secondary specialties in New Testament and in Greco-Roman philosophy. He received a PhD in Religion (Early Christianity) and an MA in Religious Studies from Duke University, a MTS in New Testament/Early Christianity from Harvard Divinity School, and a BA in Ancient Near Eastern studies from Brigham Young University. His primary research interests concern moral formation in Late Antiquity (ca. 2nd–7th centuries CE), particularly within Christian ascetic contexts. He also researches topics relating to theology and ethics in the Book of Mormon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and the angle the author took in discussing certain aspects of 3rd and 4th Nephi.
September 18, 2024
Fantastic. One of my favorite in the series because of its moral persuasiveness.
October 26, 2024
Another book in this series offering depth and brevity on a section of the Book of Mormon. I like this book’s focus on utilizing thematic teachings found in 3rd/4th Nephi to help us connect to Christ and Christlikeness, within a context of broader Christian teachings. I will include some of my favorite insights below, but I especially liked his focus on community and connection in our pursuit of Christ and discipleship, as well as his discussion on seeing Christ in the marginalized and the “least of these.”
Favorite quotes:
-“Because humans are irrevocably implicated in one another’s moral formation, relationships are like a laboratory in which we are molded to God’s image. It is one thing to make plans for ourselves to help us to become better people: quiet scripture study, thoughtful prayer, regular fasting, and so on. It is quite another to allow the needs of others to dictate our daily spiritual exercise.” p. 53
-“Christ, nevertheless, privileges belief over this surer form of knowledge, declaring ‘more blessed’ those who believe and yet have never ‘seen me’ nor ‘know that I am’ (3 Nephi 12:2; cf. John 20:29). In these verses, Christ demonstrates again the degree to which God values fidelity in uncertainty. Uncertainty, Mormon argues, is a tool used by God to bless his children and to test their faith, so that ‘greater things’ might be revealed unto them (3 Nephi 26:9-11). Uncertainty is both natural and spiritually productive.” p. 62
-“Remembrance is often depicted as a means to motivate, to spark hope, to break the heart and make contrite the spirit, to build faith, or to instill fear. Remembering, therefore, is not only a manifestation of spiritual maturity but also a spiritual exercise, a way to enlist the past in the present struggle for transformation…They are to extend themselves back and to dwell, if even for a small moment, in experiences that have passed but that remain useful for orienting the soul to God.” p. 62
-“Mormon’s multifaceted portrayal of Christ raises an important question for the disciple: Does my current understanding of the Savior ever prevent me from seeing the bigger picture? Or, put a slightly different way, Does what I already ‘know’ ever limit what God can teach me?” p. 86
-“Mormon reminds us that knowledge of Christ also requires the cultivation of moral character. In this sense, knowing the Savior is as much experiential as it is cognitive; we come to know him through our experience of becoming like him…In the process of spiritual growth, the human soul becomes a medium through which Christ teaches us about himself. In our most noble moments, we can experience to some degree what it is to see, feel, and think like the Savior. Being one with him, we can know what it is to truly love a stranger, for instance, to forgive an enemy without reservation, or to abhor sin.” p. 87
-“In this passage Christ equates himself to the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned (i.e., the ‘least of these’). It is significant that Jesus sees himself not just in anyone but in the marginalized and disadvantaged of society…There is power in trying to see Christ in those we are more accustomed to ignore or look down upon.” p. 88
-“Coming unto Christ is a communal and collaborative endeavor. I believe Mormon would have us understand that the path to the Savior is more circuitous and scenic than one might expect…We make progress on the road not by speeding as quickly and efficiently as we can to our destination but by stopping to help others who have broken down along the way and by taking detours to search for those who are lost or stranded.” p. 88-89
Favorite quotes:
-“Because humans are irrevocably implicated in one another’s moral formation, relationships are like a laboratory in which we are molded to God’s image. It is one thing to make plans for ourselves to help us to become better people: quiet scripture study, thoughtful prayer, regular fasting, and so on. It is quite another to allow the needs of others to dictate our daily spiritual exercise.” p. 53
-“Christ, nevertheless, privileges belief over this surer form of knowledge, declaring ‘more blessed’ those who believe and yet have never ‘seen me’ nor ‘know that I am’ (3 Nephi 12:2; cf. John 20:29). In these verses, Christ demonstrates again the degree to which God values fidelity in uncertainty. Uncertainty, Mormon argues, is a tool used by God to bless his children and to test their faith, so that ‘greater things’ might be revealed unto them (3 Nephi 26:9-11). Uncertainty is both natural and spiritually productive.” p. 62
-“Remembrance is often depicted as a means to motivate, to spark hope, to break the heart and make contrite the spirit, to build faith, or to instill fear. Remembering, therefore, is not only a manifestation of spiritual maturity but also a spiritual exercise, a way to enlist the past in the present struggle for transformation…They are to extend themselves back and to dwell, if even for a small moment, in experiences that have passed but that remain useful for orienting the soul to God.” p. 62
-“Mormon’s multifaceted portrayal of Christ raises an important question for the disciple: Does my current understanding of the Savior ever prevent me from seeing the bigger picture? Or, put a slightly different way, Does what I already ‘know’ ever limit what God can teach me?” p. 86
-“Mormon reminds us that knowledge of Christ also requires the cultivation of moral character. In this sense, knowing the Savior is as much experiential as it is cognitive; we come to know him through our experience of becoming like him…In the process of spiritual growth, the human soul becomes a medium through which Christ teaches us about himself. In our most noble moments, we can experience to some degree what it is to see, feel, and think like the Savior. Being one with him, we can know what it is to truly love a stranger, for instance, to forgive an enemy without reservation, or to abhor sin.” p. 87
-“In this passage Christ equates himself to the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned (i.e., the ‘least of these’). It is significant that Jesus sees himself not just in anyone but in the marginalized and disadvantaged of society…There is power in trying to see Christ in those we are more accustomed to ignore or look down upon.” p. 88
-“Coming unto Christ is a communal and collaborative endeavor. I believe Mormon would have us understand that the path to the Savior is more circuitous and scenic than one might expect…We make progress on the road not by speeding as quickly and efficiently as we can to our destination but by stopping to help others who have broken down along the way and by taking detours to search for those who are lost or stranded.” p. 88-89
October 27, 2024
I learned many things from this author's perspectives on topics of great import. One of my favorites was the subject of allowing ourselves, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to be taught by Him, to let Him defy our expectations of Him, to allow that our ability to comprehend God is quite juvenile. And just the whole concept of what an ideal society might be like is fascinating. Why not 5 stars? I found the writing itself a little scattered and sometimes hard to follow because of the scholarly words and phrases, and jumps I didn't understand. Maybe my fault and not the author's.
August 23, 2024
This volume didn't stir me very much, unlike most of the others so far in the "brief theological instruction" series. Like the Book of Helaman, I think 3 and 4 Nephi are structured well for more of a chronological exegesis, but Becerra chose instead to treat the material thematically. I just didn't find it all that effective.
That's not to say that Becerra didn't uncover and present interesting angles on this chunk of scripture so central to Latter-day Saint theology. In particular, I found his focus on the centrality of community and interpersonal connections to Christ's teachings to be inspiring. But there just wasn't a lot of life here overall. Some of the other authors in this series wrote with clear passion and energy. Even Mark Wrathall, the formal philosopher that penned the volume on the second half of Alma, exuded a certain vitality in his writing that communicated deep investment in the material. Becerra, by contrast, comes across to me as a bit distant and detached. I had a harder time being interested in this book, which is a bit of a shame because there's clearly a lot of theology to mine here.
That's not to say that Becerra didn't uncover and present interesting angles on this chunk of scripture so central to Latter-day Saint theology. In particular, I found his focus on the centrality of community and interpersonal connections to Christ's teachings to be inspiring. But there just wasn't a lot of life here overall. Some of the other authors in this series wrote with clear passion and energy. Even Mark Wrathall, the formal philosopher that penned the volume on the second half of Alma, exuded a certain vitality in his writing that communicated deep investment in the material. Becerra, by contrast, comes across to me as a bit distant and detached. I had a harder time being interested in this book, which is a bit of a shame because there's clearly a lot of theology to mine here.
September 29, 2024
We started 3rd Nephi last week in priesthood/Sunday School, and I am continuing the Maxwell Institute's BTI series through the Book of Mormon. In style, Becerra takes a thematic approach as opposed to chapter by chapter. Perhaps it feels a bit like the Preach My Gospel challenge to read the Book of Mormon and highlight everything that pertains to Christ. Becerra's program is a model of human improvement with Christ as the exemplar. He also draws on other parts of the Book of Mormon, with the justification that Mormon as writer/editor builds on themes outside the book of 3rd Nephi.
There are some thoughtful and moving analysis that get you digging into the source materials. For instance, his section on sincerity in our actions-- which is emphasized in these pages-- helped me reflect on its importance. I was thinking about Nephi in his famous lament, "Wretched man that I am!" and how fake it seems coming from someone who seems convinced of his own righteousness, and why such appeals seem so fake to me. But it isn't hypocrisy, perhaps he is trying to express humility because it is so difficult for him. You have to fake it until you make it to some degree. I was also thinking about a different philosopher I have read semi-recently in "The Faith of a Heretic" where he questions Christianity's emphasis on right-heartedness, when it is the deeds themselves that matter (I can't find the exact quote). If you take all the time in the world to get yourself in the right mindset, all the while not addressing the suffering of others, what good is your right-heartedness, your sincerity? Becerra doesn't necessarily disagree with this-- getting your heart in the right place can only be achieved by serving and loving first, and the right-heartedness will come.
I like his scattering of quotes from poets, authors, and church fathers. Some interesting choices too. He manages to fit in a quote from Jonathan Haidt, one of my favorites that I believe comes from his description of "institutional disconfirmation" the idea that groups and societies work better when people with different viewpoints come together. They can challenge each other's bad reasoning, and ultimately come closer to the truth. He weaves that into his discussion of Nephite society, pointing out that it was the Lamanites who maintained the faith when the Nephite majority was bogged down in wickedness.
There are some thoughtful and moving analysis that get you digging into the source materials. For instance, his section on sincerity in our actions-- which is emphasized in these pages-- helped me reflect on its importance. I was thinking about Nephi in his famous lament, "Wretched man that I am!" and how fake it seems coming from someone who seems convinced of his own righteousness, and why such appeals seem so fake to me. But it isn't hypocrisy, perhaps he is trying to express humility because it is so difficult for him. You have to fake it until you make it to some degree. I was also thinking about a different philosopher I have read semi-recently in "The Faith of a Heretic" where he questions Christianity's emphasis on right-heartedness, when it is the deeds themselves that matter (I can't find the exact quote). If you take all the time in the world to get yourself in the right mindset, all the while not addressing the suffering of others, what good is your right-heartedness, your sincerity? Becerra doesn't necessarily disagree with this-- getting your heart in the right place can only be achieved by serving and loving first, and the right-heartedness will come.
I like his scattering of quotes from poets, authors, and church fathers. Some interesting choices too. He manages to fit in a quote from Jonathan Haidt, one of my favorites that I believe comes from his description of "institutional disconfirmation" the idea that groups and societies work better when people with different viewpoints come together. They can challenge each other's bad reasoning, and ultimately come closer to the truth. He weaves that into his discussion of Nephite society, pointing out that it was the Lamanites who maintained the faith when the Nephite majority was bogged down in wickedness.
February 25, 2021
What do the various facets of Christ we find in 3 - 4 Nephi teach us? In this book, Becerra focuses on a few of those "facets" (Christ as a scarred being, as an absent father, as a hovering mother) and provides some amazing insights that allow me, as an imperfect person, to still see myself in Christ. But more significantly, Becerra explores what we can learn by focusing on Christ's multi-faceted nature itself. So, the ultimate question Becerra answers is not "What do the facets of Christ teach us?" but "What does Christ's multi-faceted nature itself teach us?" In short, it teaches us that we can never be certain we know everything there is to know about being like Christ. Discipleship requires constant learning, growing, and changing.
Also, Becerra's chapter on what a Christ-like society requires is phenomenal. For example, using Mormon's summary of the fall of Nephite society found in 3 Nephi 6 (and 3 Nephi 6:12 in particular), Becerra brilliantly argues that equal access to higher education is a requirement of a Christ-like society.
Like some of the prior volumes, there were some problems with the footnotes (Chapter 4 appears to skip a footnote, making it difficult to know what works Becerra was citing toward the end of the chapter), but the reason I was so focused on the footnotes was because this book compelled me to read more about the development of Christian ethics. I will definitely be checking out some of the books listed in the "Further Reading" section.
Also, Becerra's chapter on what a Christ-like society requires is phenomenal. For example, using Mormon's summary of the fall of Nephite society found in 3 Nephi 6 (and 3 Nephi 6:12 in particular), Becerra brilliantly argues that equal access to higher education is a requirement of a Christ-like society.
Like some of the prior volumes, there were some problems with the footnotes (Chapter 4 appears to skip a footnote, making it difficult to know what works Becerra was citing toward the end of the chapter), but the reason I was so focused on the footnotes was because this book compelled me to read more about the development of Christian ethics. I will definitely be checking out some of the books listed in the "Further Reading" section.
September 4, 2024
"Mormon's emphasis on ethics, virtue, and the dangers of individualism and moral narcissism makes it clear that Christian discipleship does not offer a contemplative escape from life, a chance to be 'spiritual' but not 'religious'. Worshipping God is a commitment to consistently confront the needs of others in all their sanctifying inconvenience."
"What lessons might be learned in striving towards a currently unattainable ideal? Perhaps it is the case that our failed efforts to be perfect make us more aware of our dependence on God and on one another.... Perhaps it is that striving for perfection helps us to see the inherent value of the pursuit. It teaches us that discipleship in life is about progress, not perfection....[and] if falling to be perfect is the norm, then one of the disciple's most useful skills is the ability to learn from failure."
"What lessons might be learned in striving towards a currently unattainable ideal? Perhaps it is the case that our failed efforts to be perfect make us more aware of our dependence on God and on one another.... Perhaps it is that striving for perfection helps us to see the inherent value of the pursuit. It teaches us that discipleship in life is about progress, not perfection....[and] if falling to be perfect is the norm, then one of the disciple's most useful skills is the ability to learn from failure."
November 20, 2024
Beccerra sums up a disciples pursuit of “Christlikeness” in his conclusion.
1. Allow Christ to defy your expectations. Suspend certainty. See the big picture. We still have so much to learn about Christ, and much of that knowledge requires moral character and experience.
2. Human and divine identity are relational. Christ sees himself in us, especially the marginalized. Christ was one of them. See Christ in everyone.
3. Coming to Christ is communal and collaborative. “We make progress on the road not by speeding as quickly and efficiently as we can to our destination but by stopping to help others. . .Mormon’s focus on other-centeredness and outward-orientation invites the disciple to see salvation less as a goal that can be sought out for its own sake and more as a byproduct of trying to love and serve others” p.89.
1. Allow Christ to defy your expectations. Suspend certainty. See the big picture. We still have so much to learn about Christ, and much of that knowledge requires moral character and experience.
2. Human and divine identity are relational. Christ sees himself in us, especially the marginalized. Christ was one of them. See Christ in everyone.
3. Coming to Christ is communal and collaborative. “We make progress on the road not by speeding as quickly and efficiently as we can to our destination but by stopping to help others. . .Mormon’s focus on other-centeredness and outward-orientation invites the disciple to see salvation less as a goal that can be sought out for its own sake and more as a byproduct of trying to love and serve others” p.89.
November 13, 2024
I thought this was a good book about a few theological issues—the nature of Christ, the nature of humanity, and how we humans can become like Christ.
What this was not was any kind of treatment of these themes organically rising out of 3 & 4 Nephi. Becerra had a thesis and used scriptures from these two books in the Book of Mormon to bolster his thesis. The "Brief Theological Introductions" series has been at its best when it examines the assigned books and pulls its ideas and themes from those books. This felt more like imposing a theme on the books.
But it wasn't as bad as the Jacob volume, that imposed a completely alien series of themes onto that book in ways that, at least to me, directly contradict some of what actually occurs and was written in them.
What this was not was any kind of treatment of these themes organically rising out of 3 & 4 Nephi. Becerra had a thesis and used scriptures from these two books in the Book of Mormon to bolster his thesis. The "Brief Theological Introductions" series has been at its best when it examines the assigned books and pulls its ideas and themes from those books. This felt more like imposing a theme on the books.
But it wasn't as bad as the Jacob volume, that imposed a completely alien series of themes onto that book in ways that, at least to me, directly contradict some of what actually occurs and was written in them.
January 15, 2021
Lots to love in this volume! I found Becerra's discussion early on about Jesus as "father" particularly insightful. I loved the way that Becerra troubles the boundaries between father and mother in his analysis and the way that he draws out Jesus' own vulnerability and feelings of loss and abandonment at the hands of his own father. Powerful.
I also was intrigued and inspired by Becerra's analysis of what 'unity' means or can mean and its role in our salvation, both as individuals and as a community. Becerra writes clearly and succinctly, with a thoughtfulness that is an appropriate pairing with his chosen text.
Another excellent volume in the brief theological introductions series!
I also was intrigued and inspired by Becerra's analysis of what 'unity' means or can mean and its role in our salvation, both as individuals and as a community. Becerra writes clearly and succinctly, with a thoughtfulness that is an appropriate pairing with his chosen text.
Another excellent volume in the brief theological introductions series!
March 14, 2024
This one is for the intellectuals of which I am not. I did learn an interesting observation that Christ's New Testament Sermon on the Mount and His sermon to the Nephites regarding perfection differs and rightfully so. In the New Testament it states "even as your Father which is in Heaven" and in the Book of Mormon after the Savior's resurrection "even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" I shared this with my husband and he was already aware of this little tidbit. I'm a bit behind in my scripture reading/comprehending but I'll keep trying.
October 30, 2024
I’ve enjoyed and appreciated all the volumes in this series to greater or lesser degrees, and this dive into 3rd and 4th Nephi is no exception; where the books tend to differentiate themselves is in the level of engagement I feel with the author’s approach and style, and the influence the author’s insights have on my own testimony of Christ and my understanding of doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon.
Becerra’s approach is a little bloodless for me. I enjoyed his emphasis on the paradoxical nature of various aspects of Christ as a personage (human and divine, Father and Son, paternal and maternal, etc.) and the implications of such on humanity’s relationship with the Savior and each other, as well as on our eventual perfection and exaltation. However, it overall didn’t impact me in the way I would have liked, especially considering the transcendent quality of the account of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites. There is perhaps a little too much academic tendency here and not enough charismatic, to borrow a phrase from other Christian preaching traditions.
There is certainly food for thought here, but this hasn’t been quite as transformational an experience as reading other volumes in the series has been.
Becerra’s approach is a little bloodless for me. I enjoyed his emphasis on the paradoxical nature of various aspects of Christ as a personage (human and divine, Father and Son, paternal and maternal, etc.) and the implications of such on humanity’s relationship with the Savior and each other, as well as on our eventual perfection and exaltation. However, it overall didn’t impact me in the way I would have liked, especially considering the transcendent quality of the account of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites. There is perhaps a little too much academic tendency here and not enough charismatic, to borrow a phrase from other Christian preaching traditions.
There is certainly food for thought here, but this hasn’t been quite as transformational an experience as reading other volumes in the series has been.
Read
January 4, 2022This is one of the shorter volumes in the series, and it seemed to offer fewer insights and new ideas than some of the others.
It is well-written, but the arguments weren't always well-supported, and the reading experience wasn't always enjoyable.
It is well-written, but the arguments weren't always well-supported, and the reading experience wasn't always enjoyable.
September 10, 2023
Very insightful and thought provoking commentary of these books in the Book of Mormon. He really digs in to what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and what a Christ centered society should look like.
September 27, 2024
If …
… the count of citations embedded in my personal study notes are an indication of novel thought, articulate speech, content value, and profundity then this book rates high.
I love my religion, this faith practice which invites thinking and feeling and becoming.
… the count of citations embedded in my personal study notes are an indication of novel thought, articulate speech, content value, and profundity then this book rates high.
I love my religion, this faith practice which invites thinking and feeling and becoming.
December 30, 2024
It was good, a strong entry. I really enjoyed how he highlighted how it was Mormon, as narrator, connecting these dots….he was very intentional in dosing so and slightly changed the lens of analysis. Great insights.
October 26, 2021
This is a particularly awesome selection of this series.
March 30, 2022
Briefly thought provoking, but not great.
June 8, 2022
This whole series is excellent. And 4th Nephi is one of my favorite portions of the Book of Mormon. Well done!
April 12, 2023
2023- Apr
June 17, 2023
Some good things, but I lost interest part-way through. I'm sure I'll come back later and finish it.
December 31, 2023
Pretty good, although it felt a little short. More might have been done with the Sermon on the Mount stuff.
August 28, 2024
Some interesting and helpful ideas. Nice and short.
September 3, 2024
Beautiful book. Sometimes the writing got a little confusing, but how the author framed the purpose of communal worship and salvation was spot on.
September 25, 2024
Another great one in the series
October 11, 2024
I wish I was as smart as the author. Lots of good insights in this book.
October 18, 2024
This books focuses on what it means to be Christlike. He references scriptures throughout the Book of Mormon to support his position.
October 27, 2024
Lots of great insights
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews