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NOTE
A quick note before we jump into our first lesson. The first half of 2 Nephi 1, specifically verses 1-12 contain what I refer to as “The Promise of the Promised Land” and there are some important thoughts there. But I think I’m going to save those verses for later and pair them with some similar and additional thoughts from 2 Nephi 10 in a few weeks, so stay tuned for that. Our first lesson then, is going to be focused on the second half of chapter 1.
LESSON #1 ARISE FROM THE DUST AND BE MEN (2 NEPHI 1)
OBJECT
A Dictionary.
ICEBREAKER
For an icebreaker, I like to ask my students what the purpose of a dictionary is. And I’m sure they’ll give some from of the answer that it defines things for us. Tells us what things mean. Although, the dictionary may give the false illusion that we all agree what the definition of certain things are. But that’s not really the case is it? Oftentimes, the world defines things differently than God does. Perhaps we need two dictionaries. For example, let’s examine a few ideas that illustrate the difference. How would you say the world defines “success”? How does God define it? How about beauty? How does the world define it and how does God? How does the world define marriage? How does God define it? How does the world define happiness? And God? Now you’ll want to keep that discussion brief. Be careful not to get drawn into a long debate over these particular issues and definitions. If it starts to go that way, I would just say that the purpose of today’s lesson isn’t to resolve all these issues but to examine one particular definition.
And that’s the purpose here. Today we’re going to examine a concept that I believe illustrates this principle. Something that the world defines very differently from God. We’ll find this definition in 2 Nephi chapter 1. And some quick background here. 2 Nephi 1-4 are comprised of Lehi’s dying words of counsel to certain members of his family. And chapter 1 is mainly directed at Laman and Lemuel. And Lehi is going to say something very interesting and kind of ironic in vs. 21 to them. What is it? And if your students need a little more help with that question. You might add that he asks them to be something. What ironic thing does Lehi ask Laman and Lemuel to be in 2 Nephi 1:21? To be men. Now why is that ironic? Because they are men. At this point they are married and have children of their own. They are well into adulthood when Lehi says this to them. Therefore, what does that suggest about Lehi’s definition of manhood? To me that says that manhood is not a function of age. It’s about character. There is something about the way that Laman and Lemuel have been acting that is not becoming of men. So Lehi is going to help them and us understand what it means to be a “Man” and not just “Male”. There are a lot of “Males” in this world, but far fewer “Men”.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES-BRAINSTORM
Therefore, I would say that the world’s definition of manhood is very different from God’s. So I’d like to do a brief brainstorming session with you here. What are some measures of manhood in the eyes of the world? I’d invite you to pause the video for a minute and make a quick list of your own ideas.
I’ve done this activity many times with classes over the years and here is a sampling of the kind of answers that I’ve gotten over the years:
How much money I have in my bank account
How many people I have authority over at my job
How much rubber I can lay on the road when I peel out my sports car.
If I can slam dunk a basketball on top of you
How high my truck is lifted
How many women I can conquer or dominate
How smart and successful I am
How tough I am in a fight
How much alcohol I can handle
How big my house is.
How many curse words I can drop in a single sentence
How loud my bass can blast while I drive down the road
How many "toys” I have.
How bulging my biceps and chiseled my abs are
How effectively I can intimidate, bully, or demean those less powerful than myself
These are just some of the answers I’ve gathered over the years—some of the things that define manhood in the eyes of the world. Now don’t get me wrong here. Not everything on that list is something bad. There’s nothing wrong with being strong, smart, athletic, having money, or a lifted truck, but if that’s how we define our manhood, if that’s our priority, the basis of our identity, and where we get our sense of value, then I think we’re misguided. And some of the things on that list ARE contrary to God’s laws.
I like this quote from Bishop Richard C. Edgely
“Adulthood comes to us one way or another if we live long enough. True manhood, however, comes only if and when we earn it…You can describe a man in inches, pounds, complexion, or physique. But you measure a man by character, compassion, integrity, tenderness, and principle. Simply stated, the measures of a man are embedded in his heart and soul, not in his physical attributes . . .
. . . Satan has his man and God has His man, and Satan has his characteristics of manhood and God has His. Satan would present his characteristics as the true measurement of manhood and God's criteria as weak and wimpy. But one must understand that Satan's criteria will almost always be the easiest and the wimpiest. Satan's way takes no courage, no character, no personal strength, and it proves no manhood at all.”
Bishop Richard C. Edgly
(G.C. Oct 1999)
Also, most of the things on that list are all about the outward appearance. About appearing a certain way to others. And when you think about it. That is rather childish. I have little children and one of the things they love to say is “Watch me, daddy, look at me, daddy, look at what I did, or what I can do!” And we praise them and say, “Good boy, or good girl. That’s wonderful.” I’m afraid that some of us never grow out of the “ Watch me daddy, look at me” stage. Look at my car, look at my success, look at my muscles, look at my money. Look at me, look at me. Do we only get our sense of validation from others, from praise and recognition, where our center of self-worth lies outside of ourselves rather than internally. I argue that the things on this list do not make us Real Men. If I feel like I have to have these qualities, then I think I’m more like a little boy that needs that validation from others to feel like I’m a man. But true manhood, I believe, is something else. It’s character and a certain kind of character that derives its value from within.
Lehi is going to teach us what it means to be a REAL MAN. And women, this doesn’t have to exclude you, I’m framing it in terms of manhood because Lehi is speaking to men here. But these qualities are applicable to you as well. So don’t tune out. But parents and teachers of boys, I’ve found this to be a very powerful lesson for young men in particular, just like I would find the lesson found in Doctrine and Covenants 25 or the story of Esther or Ruth are particularly powerful for young women. Don’t pass up this opportunity to teach boys what it means to be a man in the eyes of God here.
SEARCH ACTIVITY
So that’s the challenge. Look closely in vs. 21-27 for qualities of real manhood. How many can you find?
Here are some that I see:
:21 Real men arise from the dust. They are clean. Spiritually and morally clean. They shake off the dust of the world and all its temporal and outward concerns. They don’t need those worldly measures of manhood to see their worth. Their worth is derived from within. From their commitment to eternal principles and a Christlike character.
:21 Real men are determined. They have drive, they have vision, they have a plan, and they work hard to fulfill it. They are not afraid of effort or facing difficult challenges or overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of a worthy goal.
:21 And they are determined in something, in one mind and in one heart, united in all things. One mind and one heart is the definition of Zion. They unite themselves with others in their efforts to build Zion. They don’t feel the need to try and do everything on their own. They're not contentious, they’re peacemakers. They don't put other people down to make themselves feel better or look better. They build people up rather than tear them down. They can be team players and work for the good of others, rather than just themselves.
:23 They are awake. They are anxiously engaged in a good cause. They’re not apathetic, or lazy, or just sit around playing video games or scrolling social media all the time. They are up and doing.
:23 Real men actually do dress a certain way I suppose, they wear something. The armor of God. They are warriors of God. They stand up to evil and temptation. They have righteousness, truth, the gospel of peace, salvation, faith, the Spirit, and the word of God with them at all times. They fight valiantly for Christ on the battlefield of life. They are warriors, but a different kind of warrior. They fight for truth and righteousness.
:23 they are not bound with the chains of sin. They aren’t shackled by bad habits and addictions. Drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, smoking, technology. They have full use of their agency and are free from the chains of these things.
:23 they come forth out of obscurity. They are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. They are willing to set their light on a candlestick for all to see. They don’t worry about the judgments or criticisms of others. They do what’s right, because it’s right. They’re bold in their testimony and in their actions. Captain Moroni comes to mind. He wasn’t worried about what others thought. He stood for something, and was willing to wave his beliefs and what he stood for in front of everybody else without shame. Real men don’t blend in with the rest of the world, they stand out.
Also in that verse Lehi repeats his charge to arise from the dust, emphasizing that particular idea. A real mean is not worldly.
:24 Real men don’t rebel. At least, they don’t rebel against those whose views are glorious and that keep the commandments. Yes, the world’s image of manhood often includes rebellion against authority. The man who nobody tells him what to do. Rebelling against parents, teachers, church leaders, law enforcement, or society in general. Real men don’t feel the need to rebel against authority figures just for the sake of rebellion. They can be great leaders, but they can also be great followers, and team members. They are humble enough to recognize the experience, good will, wisdom, and counsel of others. So they don’t rebel, especially against the prophets.
:24 Real men are instruments in the hands of God. As husbands, fathers, citizens, missionaries, employees, teachers, and leaders, they move the work of God forward and follow his instruction and counsel.
:25 they don’t seek power and authority over others, but the glory of God and the welfare of others. The world’s measure of manhood often includes authority, power, temporal success, and telling others what to do. Dominating through intimidation, muscle, or intellectual prowess. They seek authority for authority’s sake. But a real man uses his authority and power to bless others. He seeks to use it for the glory of god and for the eternal welfare of others. They build up God’s kingdom, not their own.
:26 However, a real man is not afraid to confront what needs to be confronted. They have courage to speak the truth and stand up for it. Think Jesus cleansing the temple or calling the Pharisees to repentance. They seek to be leaders of righteousness, and that sometimes that requires them to speak with sharpness and to be bold. That’s a part of being a man as well. It’s not about submission, holding back, people pleasing or letting other people walk all over you because we think that’s more kind or patient. A real man is not afraid to call a sin, a sin. They speak truth, even when it might not be easy for other people to hear.
:27 They have the power of God, and the Spirit. There’s another term for the power of God. What do we all that? Priesthood. A real man uses priesthood power. That’s the source of their power and authority, not personal charisma, not worldly success, not threats, and not money.
:27 And lastly they have the Spirit. Real men develop a close relationship and trust in the Holy Ghost. They follow the promptings of the Spirit and live their lives in such a way as to be worthy of its companionship.
Now a really great cross reference to this chapter to continue this discussion would be the last half of section 121 in the Doctrine and Covenants where we learn what true leadership in the priesthood looks like.
TRUTH
True manhood is measured in terms of character and godliness and not the measures of the world.
Men of God are different from the males of the world.
TAKING IT TO HEART
Who is somebody that you know that exemplifies real manhood—that fits at least one of the descriptions on Lehi’s list?
I WILL GO AND DO
As you stop and look at this list, compare it to the one we made at the beginning. Which of the two definitions of manhood do you aspire to?
Is there anything that you feel inspired to work on from that list?
VIDEO
If you would like to show a video that is related to the truths being taught in this section, you could show your classes this video entitled “Let us be men” with D. Todd Cristofferson. Encourage them to look for what Elder Cristofferson teaches are qualities that are becoming of real men.
THE TAKEAWAY
I have 3 sons, and I want them to understand the true definition of manhood and masculinity. I want them to be men, REAL MEN. And I know that there is a dangerous message that’s communicated to the men of today often through the media. It’s that spirituality, compassion, and vulnerability is somehow weak, or effeminate. I assure you that there is nothing more manly, more masculine than standing up for your convictions, than not caring about the judgments and pressures of the world, than centering yourself in eternal principles of truth. And if that definition of manhood still confuses us, if we’re still not sure what the real definition of manhood is, then all we really have to do is look to the most Real Man that ever lived. Jesus Christ. Now there was a man. Jesus was not concerned about the outward things. He didn’t care about wealth, and power, and prestige, and looking good in front of other people. Instead he was kind, willing to stand up to evil, he was compassionate towards women and children, resisted temptation, wept freely, served others, and was determined to obey the will of his Father. Therefore, especially to all the males out there, myself included, I’ll echo the call and challenge of Lehi, “Arise from the dust and be men.”
LESSON #2 LEHI, THE FIRST PHILOSOPHER (2 Nephi 2)
OBJECT
I like to bring in some philosophy books. I took some philosophy courses in college, and I still have some of my books with names like Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato on the covers. So I might stack those up at the front of my room.
ICEBREAKER
And then, I would also display the following piece of art as an icebreaker. It’s one of my favorites. Maybe some of you recognize it. It’s called The School of Athens by well-known Renaissance artist Raphael. I’ve actually seen the original in the Vatican and it is beautiful and so interesting. The idea behind it is that Raphael wanted to paint a picture of all the smartest people he knew of. The greatest thinkers of all time. So you have Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Pythagoras, Ptolemy, and being the humble man that he was, added himself to the picture as well, right here. And another interesting little side note, Raphael was a contemporary of Michelangelo, and after seeing the Sistine chapel, decided that he ought to add him in the painting as well.
But there is one individual that I feel he left out. He forgot somebody that would fit beautifully into this depiction of thinkers and philosophers. And that man is Lehi. I believe Lehi should be added to the School of Athens, and mostly because of one particular chapter in the Book of Mormon. 2 Nephi 2. Perhaps one of the most philosophical chapters anywhere in the scriptures. And yes, it can be a little tough to understand and to teach because the sentiments expressed here are theologically and philosophically dense. But I’ve got a way of presenting it that I feel makes it much easier to grasp. We do jump around a little bit in the chapter, but it think it helps to give the overall vision of Lehi’s philosophy, or rather, God’s TRUTH. Because, no, I don’t believe that this is just mere philosophical theory, but divine and eternal truth.
Special Guests
So I’d like to begin by inviting some guests into our discussion. Each one with his own unique philosophy and world view. And although these philosophies have been around for thousands of years I think you’ll recognize that they are still alive and well today. Lehi is going to have an imaginary discussion with each of these guests.
So first, let me introduce them to you. We have the Atheist, the Existentialist, the Hedonist, the Pessimist, the Relativist, and the Determinist. Do you know what these people believe? What their philosophy on life is? I’d ask my students to see if they could describe each one. But don’t worry if you don’t recognize these philosophies by name, because you’ll almost certainly recognize them by what they believe. Many are related but each has their own unique twist on explaining why we exist and what we should do about it.
Atheist: There is no God. Our existence and the existence of the universe is one big cosmic accident. Nothing divine, nothing intelligent behind it all.
Existentialist: Our lives have no meaning. We just exist. There is no purpose to life or the universe other than existing.
Hedonist: Does believe that there’s a purpose to life, and that is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die is his rallying cry.
Pessimist: Life is pain, all suffering, with no purpose. Life is miserable and then you die.
Relativist: There is no real right or wrong in the world. It’s all relative. There is no divine law or conscience, just societal ethics that have developed over the centuries. You can’t break commandments because they are just man-made statutes created to govern societies.
Determinist: This is a big one nowadays and one of the most dangerous. There is no such thing as real agency. We are all a product of our environment, upbringing, or genetics. We can’t really choose because our actions and beliefs have been determined by these influencing factors. Therefore, we aren’t really accountable for our actions either. This justification has been used in courts of law to justify crime, it’s been used by governments to shirk responsibility, and it’s been used by social activists to justify sin because hey, “I am determined” to act in such and such a way, I have no choice, that’s just who I am.
And then, we have one more mystery guest that is in the room. We’re not quite sure what his philosophy is at this point, but we’ll learn more about him later in the lesson.
SEARCH ACTIVITY-IN YOUR OWN WORDS
So there they all are. You can picture them in a room together, arguing and promoting their claims, when into the room walks Lehi. And Lehi has a response for each one of these individuals. Now as a teacher, the way I like to approach this lesson is as more of a classroom discussion and group study. And the outline for this is that you, as the teacher are going to explain and speak for each of the different philosophies that Lehi is going to confront. Then, a student is selected to read Lehi’s response to them from the scriptures. Then, after each reading, you’re going to ask them to explain “in their own words” how those verses of scripture counter or respond to that philosophy. Now, in the video here, I am going to also give voice to Lehi’s philosophy in my own words, just to help you see the flow of the conversation, but allow your students to try and explain their understanding of the points Lehi’s making, and if you feel you need to clarify, or add some thoughts to the discussion, then feel free to do that. But you want to give your students a chance to ponder and reflect on what they are understanding from the scriptures. And keep in mind, that we are going to be jumping around the chapter a bit to make the conversation and the points made by Lehi a little clearer in the context of this approach.
The Atheist
So #1, the first person to shout out their viewpoint is the atheist. And he says, “Lehi, there’s no point to even having this discussion here today. There is no God, no divine intelligence, no reason behind our existence, only matter. The fact that we exist at all is a fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it) accident. The reasons we do what we do or believe what we believe or act as we act are all just products of atoms and neurons and cells that have evolved over eons and have come to be as they are through infinite time and chance. No purpose, no spirit, no afterlife.”
Now, how does Lehi respond to the Atheist? We’re going to start about halfway through vs. 13 with the phrase “And if there is no God” Ok, and then we’ll include verse 14 as well.
. . . And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.
14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
After my students read those verses, I would ask them. In your own words, can anyone explain how those verses answer the Atheist’s claims? What is Lehi’s refutation of the atheist’s position?
He says, “If there is no God, then we are not. How can you explain the existence of creation without a creator. The fact of the matter is that we do exist. Therefore, reason would dictate that there is something behind it all. Now some may argue, “Hey, you can’t explain the existence of God, if there is one, where did He come from? How can there not be a beginning somewhere?” And We don’t have an answer to that question, do we? We don’t know when or how God and Time began. But neither do they. They might say, the Big Bang. And we answer, “Well, where did the materials for the Big Bang come from then?” One of the very first laws of science is that energy (and therefore mass as a function of energy) can neither be created nor destroyed. In other words, you can’t create mass or the energy within it. But we do exist. There is mass and energy. So if you can’t create it, we shouldn’t exist. Like Lehi says, “all things must have vanished away”. Interesting that one of science’s very first laws refutes or denies the existence of the universe. It IS, therefore, it must have been created. We’re on equal grounds then with those that don’t believe in divine or intelligent design. And my reason tells me as I look out over the earth and up into the night sky that you can’t have all that order and symmetry and logic and complexity and natural universal laws without something intelligent behind it all. I feel it requires a lot of faith to believe that all of this is one big accident. As Lehi argues here “If there was no God, all would have vanished away.” And I share Lehi’s testimony that “there is a God, and he hath created all things”.
The Existentialist
So our Atheist sits down, but our Existentialist stands up now and says, “Yes, Mr. Atheist, and Lehi, Whether there is a God or not, it doesn’t matter. One way or another we exist. But there’s no purpose to it, no meaning behind it all. We live and we die, and that’s it. If there is some God out there that created us, then we’re just mere creatures of his disinterested creation.”
Lehi turns to him now and says, “Not so" and then reads 2 Nephi 2:25.
“Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy.”
How does that answer the Existentialist’s claims? What’s Lehi’s argument to him?
Lehi says to him “Mr. Existentialist, we do have a purpose. There is a reason to our existence. And that purpose is joy. We exist that we might have joy.
As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught us, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; . . . (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56).
And so our Existentialist sits down.
The Hedonist
However, at this point the Hedonist jumps up and says, “Yes, yes Lehi, you are correct, that is our purpose, to be happy, to feel pleasure, enjoy life, avoid pain. So if it feels good, do it! Right!”
Lehi turns to him and says, “Not so fast, Mr. Hedonist, your definition of happiness and mine are not the same thing” and then he shares the beginning of vs. 13
“If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery.
So how does that answer our Hedonist’s claims? What’s Lehi’s argument to him?
We do believe the purpose of life is happiness or joy, but we know where true joy comes from. It comes from righteousness. Righteousness or obedience to divine law brings joy, not the pleasing of the natural man or the mere avoidance of pain. Not the “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die” approach to life.
To continue Joseph Smith’s quote from above:
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; . . . and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God”
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56).
This is the path to happiness.
The hedonist sits down.
Quick pause here. In summary to this point, can you see how Lehi’s philosophy is shaping up here. We exist, therefore, there must be a God, and that God has given us a purpose, happiness, and happiness is obedience to divine law—righteousness.
The Pessimist
Well now the pessimist pipes up and says, “Yes, Lehi, happiness is great, but we don’t experience it much in this life. Life is full of pain, misery, war, violence, trial, and tragedy. How can you say the purpose of life is joy when there is so much of the opposite in it. Life is hard.”
Lehi turns to him and says vs. 11-12
11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God.
Now this is a tougher one. How does that answer our pessimist’s claims? If the purpose of our existence is happiness, why is there so much pain and challenge and hardship and opposition in the world.” What’s Lehi’s argument?
There is a reason for that pain, that opposition, that challenge. Righteousness and happiness could not be possible if there wasn’t pain and suffering. This life, this temporary portion of our existence is about having the opportunity to experience that opposition. “It must needs be that there is an opposition in all things.” Without it, righteousness could not be possible because wickedness would not be possible. One day we will truly know joy because we have also known sadness. We will understand the sweetness of heaven because we’ve experienced some of the bitterness of mortality and also happiness, life isn’t all pain. We experience that kind of thing now. Happiness is the feeling you have that day when, the night before you were tempted to do something wrong, and you didn’t give in-how did you feel the next morning? Oh I’m so happy I didn’t do that. But the joy and happiness is only there because you had the possibility of doing otherwise. But let’s say you did give into that temptation. And how do you feel the next morning? Oh no, you feel guilt, and regret. Why? Because it could have been different. If you didn’t have that opposition, you wouldn’t have the possibility of understanding either side of that coin, and “wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation.”
The pessimist sits down.
The Relativist
Now the relativist gets up from his chair and says, “Ok Lehi, I have a problem with your theory. You say righteousness is happiness but how can people be righteous when there really is no such thing as right or wrong. What may be right in one culture can be wrong in another. There is no divine law that says how we ought to act. Societies have just made up these arbitrary rules.”
To that Lehi responds with 2:5, and the first part of 2:27.
5 And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
And
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. . .
How does that answer the Relativist’s claims?
Lehi says, “Mr. Relativist. You’re wrong. I contend that people fundamentally do know the difference between right and wrong. They are instructed sufficiently to know good from evil. And “All things are given them which are expedient unto man”. There is a certain intrinsic morality amongst all peoples, a conscience. Not that all cultures or people always follow those morals, but they seem to share a basic understanding of right and wrong. You could also add the beginning of vs. 13 to this argument which matches up with some of other arguments. A lot of these seem to overlap.
“And If ye shall say there is no law, ye shall say there is no sin (which is what our relativist is saying) If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.”
So Lehi’s conclusion is that there is Law, we as mortals have this sense of fairness and right and wrong. Even though we don’t always follow it, we always feel the need to justify why we didn’t follow it. Or why there is a very good reason or excuse in our case for not following it. You’ll hear people say things like “That’s not fair” all the time. What are they appealing to? They’re appealing to some universal sense of justice that we all seem to understand. This is actually the point that will change C.S. Lewis from an atheist to a devout Christian. He came to the conclusion that there was undeniable evidence of a universal LAW that individuals, across cultures, across times, across religions seem to recognize. Therefore, there must be something behind our existence, a God, a God that created a universe filled with divine law. You can read all about that realization, and he explains it much better than I’m doing, in his books “Mere Christianity” and “Surprised by Joy.”
So, our relativist sits down.
The Determinist
Now the Determinist stands up and says, “It’s my turn now. Lehi, even if there is a right and wrong out there, it doesn’t really matter, because we have no power to really make the choice which to follow. We are the way we are because of how and where we were brought up and our genetics. We were born the way we are. Nobody can really be held responsible for their choices because they can’t help but be who they are determined to be by these outside factors and forces.”
Lehi looks over at him and says, “Not so,” and continues with the end of vs. 14 by telling us that all of God’s creations can be basically broken down into two categories. "Both things to act and things to be acted upon"
Then vs. 16
16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself.
AND the second half of vs. 27:
they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil;
How does that answer the determinist’s claims?
There are two kinds of things God created. Things that act, and things that are acted upon. A rock cannot act, it is acted upon, a stick cannot act, it is acted upon, but a person was created to act. Because as humans, we are frequently uncomfortable with our failure to live up to the divine laws of God. So we look for ways to excuse ourselves for our actions. The only reason I did what I did, or do what I do, is because I’m a product of my past, my environment my genetics. I couldn’t have chosen differently.” This is a popular philosophy in our day. BUT, mankind is different from all other creations on the earth. Men and women can act. I can choose what I do with my time, with my life, with my actions, with my reactions. I am not an inanimate object with no control. We’re not even like animals that act only on instinct. We are children of God endowed with the gift of agency, to ACT. Yes, admittedly, genetics and environment can play a strong role in our lives, but they don’t determine it. We can still choose. That was Victor Frankl’s conclusion presented in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning”. There is a gap between stimulus and response for humans. What lies in that gap? Agency. And we are free to choose the direction we wish to take in life. To choose freedom through righteousness or captivity through sin.
So now, Lehi squares up in front of all of our guests and outlines THE philosophy of God’s plan, countering each of their arguments with TRUTH.
TRUTH
We exist, therefore there is a God
And we know that that God has given us a purpose, that purpose is happiness,
And we know that happiness is only possible through opposition in all things
and we know what happiness is, it’s righteousness
And we know what righteousness is, it’s obedience to divine law
And we know that we are free to choose to follow that law or to disobey it.
The Disciple
Now each of them sit silently before Lehi. But then we hear one more voice speak up. Our mystery guest who has been quietly sitting in the corner. And who is this mystery guest? The disciple. The Believer. He slowly stands up and says: “Lehi, I agree with everything you’ve just said here. I believe it’s true. But, sigh, I don’t always choose righteousness. At times I disobey. I’m not trying to excuse or rationalize my actions. I want to do what’s right, but it’s hard and I often fail to do so. Is there any hope for me?
And to this Lehi smiles and says, “Yes, there is hope.” And he responds with 6-9
6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.
How do those verses respond to the disciple’s concerns? Which, I hope includes all of us.
Lehi looks at us lovingly and says “Yes. We will sin and God knew that we would. But redemption is available!” Lehi smiles, “He sent his Son as a sacrifice for your sins. Jesus “answers the ends of the law” for us. I think that’s an interesting phrase. What does it mean to answer the ends of the law. Well if you draw a line and say that it represents the law, what is going to be at its ends? Obedience runs in one direction and disobedience the other. At the end of the obedience side you find Joy and reward and the Spirit. At the other end of the law you have misery and punishment and a loss of the Spirit. Jesus knew perfectly, better than anybody else, the happiness of obedience, because he lived a perfectly obedient life. He lived his entire life on that end of the law. Yet, what happened in Gethsemane and on the cross? He descended below all things. He traveled completely to the other end of the law and understood it more deeply than any other human being the agony and depths of hell, and guilt and punishment, and physical pain, and withdrawal of the Spirit. He answered that end of the law, and therefore offers to us the opportunity to let his answer stand for us. So we don’t have to travel all the way there ourselves. And because he has traveled the entire road, he is able to take us by the hand and show us the way to the other end of the law. How can he do that? Because he’s been there before. He knows it deeply. We can now dwell in the presence of God, through the merits, and the mercy, and the grace of the Holy Messiah. But what is our part? What’s our responsibility? We must have a broken heart, and a contrite Spirit and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. And believe in Him. That’s Lehi’s answer to the disciple of Christ. You must have a humble heart and Spirit, you must have a desire to walk that path, you must have a willingness to accept God’s law and strive to follow it. If we do, Christ will answer our end for us, and bring us completely to the other end.
TRUTH
Therefore, we can add one more phrase to our “TRUTH” slide here.
And when we fail to obey his commands, if we believe in Christ and offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then we can be redeemed and saved through his merits, and mercy, and grace.
TAKING IT TO HEART
Now that’s a lot to soak up, isn’t it. I told you that this was a very theologically dense chapter. That’s a lot of truth. Profound truth. But to help my students take the lesson a little more to heart, I might give them the following handout that lists the different truths we just discussed and ask them to put a star next to the truth that they most needed to hear today, which one resonated with them most deeply, and then at the bottom, explain why they chose the one they did. And a final pondering question: What helps you to know that that principle is true? Maybe it’s that you have had experiences with God that have helped you to know that he is real. That he’s there. That his creations testify of his reality to you. Or maybe it’s the principle that happiness is righteousness, that you’ve discovered through experience, that obedience to the commandments makes you happier. Or maybe it’s the principle of agency that most inspired you today—that you have the power to choose to act and not just be acted upon. Or maybe it’s the principle that we have a mediator who has answered the ends of the law to help us overcome our failures and our spiritual shortcomings. That we have access to the merits, and mercy, and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hopefully, if you give them some time to ponder and think about one of those truths on a more personal level, perhaps some of them would be willing to share their conclusions with the class.
I WILL GO AND DO
All right, therefore what? How does this knowledge, an understanding of these truths change us? Can they prompt us to action. What’s our “I will go and do” for this chapter? We have Lehi to help us answer that question. He tells us what we should “go and do” in verse 28. My suggestion is that we follow Lehi’s parting advice in verse 28
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
And if we make that choice with our God-given gift of agency, then I hope that at the end of our mortal probation, that we will be able to say what Lehi said at the end of his life in verse 30: I have chosen the good part. That we may choose that good part, eternal life through the power of the great Mediator, is my prayer for all of us.
THE TAKEAWAY
Now, back to the School of Athens. Do you agree with me now? Do you think that Lehi would be a worthy addition to that painting? I believe he would. And he predates everyone in that picture. Therefore, I would dub him “The First Philosopher”. I hope we’ll listen to him, and believe him. His teachings are just as relevant in our day as they were in his.
LESSON #3 GOOD FALL, BAD FALL?
ICEBREAKER
One more lesson, but a short one. A quick look at an important doctrinal idea that is taught in 2 Nephi 2. A doctrinal idea that has been greatly misunderstood by the bulk of Christianity for centuries. I have no object for this lesson, but for an icebreaker, I like to show my students some short video clips. And for each video I show, I ask the question: Is this an example of a good fall? Or a bad fall? So I first show a short video of somebody skydiving and obviously having a blast doing it. Good fall, bad fall? Good fall! Then I show a couple of what the kids are calling these days “Fail Videos”. These are just funny videos of people falling. And of course those are bad falls. Then I show a video of a waterfall. Good fall. Somebody falling off a skateboard. Bad fall. I show a video depicting a scene from the season “fall” with somebody walking through a beautiful landscape of leaves turning red and orange. Good fall. Then some more fail videos. Bad falls. But the final picture I show is of Adam and Eve partaking of the fruit in the garden of Eden and asking, “Good fall, bad fall?” And let my students share their thoughts on that question and why they think it was good or bad. Well, 2 Nephi chapter 2 is going to help us to answer that question with some certainty.
SEARCH ACTIVITY/HANDOUT
To cover this idea, I give my students the following handout that has a large list of possible effects the Fall of Adam and Eve had on mankind. Their job is to read 2 Nephi 2:19-26 and look for which effects are mentioned by Lehi in these verses. If they are, they check the box. Also, in the space following the effect, they should write the verse where they found it.
They will then go down and check the boxes of the ones they find. Let’s go through the answers together.
1. It caused them to have to leave the Garden of Eden to inherit a fallen, telestial world.
We can check that box and write in verse 19 which says: 19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
2. It made it possible for them to have children.
We can check that box and write verse 20 in the space. It says: 20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
3. It made it possible for everyone (the family of all the earth) to experience mortality.
We can also check number 3’s box from verse 20 because we are all a part of Adam and Eve’s posterity, we are the family of all the earth. The fall made it possible for all of us to have a mortal experience. When we are born, we too are born into conditions of mortality, into a fallen world. Now that may sound negative on the surface but let’s continue.
4. It made it possible for God’s will to be accomplished for his children.
We’re definitely going to mark that one. It’s one of the most important. And we can see that in verse 21 which tells us at the beginning of that verse that: 21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God. This is a key idea here. The fall was “according to the will of God”. It was a part of the plan from the beginning. An intentional and necessary part. Why? Let’s continue.
5. It gave everyone a chance and time to repent for the sins and mistakes they commit during mortality.
We can mark that one and cite verse 21. “ that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.” So, yes, we become lost during mortality-or in other words, separated from God, subject to both sin and death (2 Nephi 9 is going to go into much more depth on that idea) But, significantly, we are not irredeemably lost, we are not hopelessly lost. What kind of father would send their children to a fallen world to experience death and sin with no hope of returning? So there’s got to be a deeper meaning behind that “sending”.
6. It made it possible for all things that were created to progress, advance, develop, and improve.
We can mark that one. Verse 22: 22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. Now the way in which Lehi is saying that is suggesting that THAT is not a good thing. Part of the reason for God sending us to a fallen world is so that we could experience progress, so that we wouldn’t plateau in our spiritual development. We were not complete in our pre-mortal condition. The experience that we have on earth is intended to move us past that state. The key word for me in that verse is “remain”. Does God intend us to just remain the way we are or were. Would it have been good for Adam and Eve to have remained as they were in the Garden of Eden? Would it be good for any of us to just “remain forever” like we were with no end? Lehi suggests no.
7. It made it possible for everyone to experience and understand joy because misery was possible.
8. It made it possible for everyone to choose to do good because sin was possible.
Therefore that leads us to check numbers 7 and 8 and cite verse 23 which is really going to explain the major purposes of the fall: 23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
That’s the key verse in my mind. Once again, the fall made having children possible which gave all of us the opportunity to come and have a mortal experience. And why is a mortal experience so important for our progress and advancement. We came to experience that opposition in all things that we talked about earlier. You can’t know joy if you have nothing to compare it to. You can’t know good, if you have nothing to compare it to. Experiencing a world where misery and sin coexist with joy and goodness matures us spiritually. It gives us understanding. It provides meaning to goodness and joy. For those of us that are parents, we understand this concept perfectly. A child can’t learn to walk until it has been given an opportunity to fall down. A person can’t learn a new skill unless given the opportunity to fail while learning it. A young person will never become an adult unless given the opportunity to go out into the world on their own and experience all of its ups and downs, goods and bads, successes and failures.
9. It made it possible for God’s wise purposes to be fulfilled.
So let’s mark number 9 and concede that there is a wise purpose behind an experience with a fallen world. The fall is evidence of God’s wise purposes. That’s in verse 24.
10. It made it possible for a Messiah to be sent to redeem everyone
Although, it wouldn’t be wise to send mankind into these conditions without providing a way back. That’s why Jesus Christ is so important and meaningful and key to what we believe. He came to redeem the children of men from the fall. That’s verse 26: 26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. Therefore, He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. He made it possible for us to be redeemed from our fallen state and saved—brought back into the presence of God, but different.
11. It made it possible for them and all of us to know the difference between good and evil and use our agency to develop.
How? Let’s mark number 11. We see that in the second half of verse 26: And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon . . . . So we are free to come back to our heavenly parents with understanding, experience, knowledge, advancement. We are better off having had this fallen, mortal experience.
Therefore, the final activity at the bottom of the handout is to determine, after looking at their list of checked boxes and, based on what they studied, circle whether they feel the fall of Adam and Eve was a good fall or a bad fall.
And I believe the evidence is clear. The fall was a good Fall, a necessary Fall, a designed Fall.
TRUTH
The Fall was an essential part of God’s Plan of Salvation. It was a fall forward, not a fall down.
THE TAKEAWAY
Therefore, hopefully we can be grateful to Adam and Eve. We can revere and honor them, not bemoan or condemn them as some Christian faiths do. We can thank them for making the plan possible, our spiritual advancement possible, our mortal experience possible. Some falls are good, especially when we are able to get back up, stronger, smarter, and better because of it.
Which of the following are mentioned by Lehi as effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve?
If it is mentioned, write which verse you found it in the space provided.
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