Alma 36 is a wonderful example of chiasmus. What is chiasmus, you ask? chi·as·mus – kīˈazməs/ noun: chiasmus; plural noun: chiasmi 1. a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form; e.g. ‘Poetry is the recordContinue Reading

In Alma 36-42 we read the advice of Alma to his sons Helaman (Alma 36-37), Shiblon (Alma 38), and Corianton (Alma 39-42). These chapters are an excellent source of information to those who want to practice principles of effective parenting. Alma 35 Look at the environment each of Alma’s childrenContinue Reading

I wanted to repost this as I am teaching Alma’s confrontation with Korihor. There is evidence that substantiates the claims of the Book of Mormon. While secular evidence will never prove the Book of Mormon to be true, it certainly will give us pause. Rational argument does not create belief,Continue Reading

I teach young people from the Book of Mormon on a regular basis. When I was a young person, anti-Mormon literature was difficult to come by. Today, in the age of the internet, even a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints who is innocently preparingContinue Reading

Alma 29 begins with Alma wishing to be an angel. He says, “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto everyContinue Reading

Trances in the Book of Alma I remember the first time I read the story of Lamoni in Alma 19 going into a “trance-like” state and thinking, “This is different! What is going on here?” Later we read that Lamoni’s father had a similar experience when he prays to God:Continue Reading

Aaron’s experience in Alma 21 is an illustration that can be used as a comparison to Ammon’s missionary work in Alma 17. While Ammon seeks first to serve, and to understand the people that he is sent to teach, Aaron takes a different approach. Aaron heads into the city ofContinue Reading

Alma 14 takes us to the situation faced by Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah – they are bound as those that believe in Jesus Christ are gathered and executed by the wicked leaders of the community. Amulek asks Alma if they should use their priesthood power and stop this assault,Continue Reading