Book of Mormon Introduction –Alma 29
Religion 121
D. Aaron Christensen
Taylor 229
496-1481
Course Description
This course will use the origin, content, and teachings of the Book of Mormon (Introduction – Alma 29) to help students:
- Understand and Identify a process for disciple-learning.
- Identify, Live and Teach messages from the Book of Mormon Prophets.
- Identify patterns of prosperity and destructions that serve as a warning for God’s children today.
- Prosper ☺
Why this Course?
There are three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.
Thefirst is that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion...A keystone is the central stone in an arch. It holds all the other stones in place, and if removed, the arch crumbles.
The second great reason why we must make the Book of Mormon a center focus of study is that it was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us.
The third reason that the Book of Mormon is of such value to Latter-day Saints is given in [a] statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon.) That is the third reason for studying the book. It helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.
Ezra Taft Benson, “The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Jan 1992, 2
Class Model:
LIFE MODEL: You will be treated in this class just like you are treated in life. To succeed in life you must have self-discipline. Every day of our life we are being graded based on our ability to manage expectations. In the LIFE model how you get a grade depends on three things.
- In LIFE – be on the job everyday!!! Be on Time!!! Be where you are supposed to be…If you can’t, then be responsible and inform those concerned BEFORE the committed time.
- In LIFE – You represent the employer, family, church, BYU-Idaho, etc.! Know what the employer expects and DO IT! Your appearance should represent the organizations you have committed to represent! Be Honest in all your dealings!!!
- In LIFE – BECOMING IS ESSENTIAL! What we persist in doing over time is what we become. In doing what is right you GROW, DEVELOP and PROGRESS! To do this you must PREPARE, PARTICIPATE AND PERFORM! Read the assigned readings before you come to class. Participate in the discussion. Perform well on your tests, papers and assignments
Bottom line…Be where you are supposed to be, look & act like you have committed to look & act, and Be Better…Grow…Become a little more like God!
Your Grade will take care of itself!
Required Text
Standard Works
Religion 121-122 Student Manual
Tests & Grading
During the Semester you will have 3 tests. Test #1 will be given in the testing center. (see course schedule for dates the test will be open.) Test #2 will be a two part essay test. Test #3 is a 4 part Insight Journal.(See the handout, “Insight Journal” for further instructions.)
Your Grade will be broken up as follows:
Attendance – Factored (Multiple absences will result a lower grade)
Test #1 – 25% (70pts)
Test #2 – 25% (70pts)
Test #3 – 50% (140pts) Including Daily Insight Papers (70 pts)
Final - 100% (280pts)
Office Hours
Brother Christensen will be in his office on Monday and Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, and on Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am to 12:30pm. You are welcome to visit with me during those times. If you need to meet with me outside of those times please call me or e-mail me to set up an appointment. I would love to help you in any way that I can.