Samuel the Lamanite: That Ye Might Believe

by Charles L Swift

This third volume by the Book of Mormon Academy at Brigham Young University is a study of the sermon of Samuel the Lamanite through four analytical lenses. The first, a prophetic lens, discusses the roles of prophets, the prophetic promise of “prolonged days,” and Samuel’s prophecies. The second lens is pedagogical, providing readers with a greater understanding of how to teach the sermon. Readers who take advantage of the third lens, which is cultural-theological, will discover a useful framework for comprehending the ethics of wealth in the sermon, witness how Samuel stands up to Nephite discrimination, and benefit from a detailed reading of the sermon that will enable them to grasp how spiritual death divides both Christ and human beings. Lastly, the fourth lens, literary in nature, assists the reader in recognizing a newly identified type-scene, traces possible sources Samuel may have relied on, explores sources Mormon may have turned to as he abridged the work, and studies parallels between the ancient sermon and a form of early American speech known as the “jeremiad.”

Genres: Religion

432 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2021

Reviews

[Brett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was reading the end of the Book of Helaman when I received an announcement of its release. It seemed timely, so I bought the book. The intended purpose was to provide focused academic research and provide an educational foundation. My sense was that a group of academics grasping for as much low-hanging fruit as they could grab with some inspection. This is certainly about breadth about what person. A couple of chapters discuss racism among the Nephites, which is surprising only in that they approached the subject and more than one author touched upon this. I believe most, if not all, authors are white men, so depth or contextual perspectives would be available to them. One section consisting of one chapter exists on how one might teach the few chapters. The intended audience is certainly seminary or institute teachers, mostly in the how aspects of teaching. These are presented as possibilities, not as best practices or tried as action research projects.

I don't believe I will read other publications by this Academy.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book from the Book of Mormon Academy. I enjoyed the book particularly chapter 2.
It was prolongation of days. Interesting and very well thought out.