Book of Mormon 6: Major Themes

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Book of Mormon 6: Major Themes 684 South 700 East, St. George, UT 84770 435-773-7366 www.ascent advantageacademy.com Email - aa a faculty @ gmail.com Subject: SCRIPTURES BOM Level: 6 Lesson No. Intro-180 Book of Mormon 6: Major Themes INTRODUCTORY “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105 Mary C. Kessler, Curriculum Director ©2018, 2020 Beehive LDS Schooling, LLC. BOOK of MORMON 6: Themes of the Book of Mormon – INTRODUCTORY Scope This course concentrates on appreciating in greater depth the major themes of the Book of Mormon. It involves reading the volume twice during the course of the school year; once in a round robin marathon and a second time, book by book for a deeper analysis. Objectives 1 – To have a greater appreciation of the major themes and message of the Book of Mormon by reading it through within a short period of time: a day or two or over a week. 2 – To learn the major themes of the Book of Mormon. 3 – To be able to delineate the main themes of the Book of Mormon and give several examples of these themes in the various books within the Book of Mormon. 4 – To be able to relate verbally – either oral or written, the information in #3 above. Materials A copy of the Book of Mormon A Journal or notebook Index cards Course Format The course begins with setting aside a “Day-Night-and-A-Day” for a Reading Marathon of the Book of Mormon with a special assignment to study the idea of sanctification. It continues with an overview of the main themes of the Book of Mormon. It then moves into researching the overall theme and two other themes in more detail. Finally, the course winds-up with a summary review of the main theme, its oral or written delineation by the student, and justification of two additional themes through tracing them through the books in the Book of Mormon. Lesson Format After the first fifteen lessons, the format settles into the following. Opening Prayer Reading of specific selections. Marking, using different colored scripture markers, the various themes in the reading. Journaling connections to our lives today. Closing Prayer Requirements 1 – To read the Book of Mormon through within 24 hours to 5 days and journal insights. 2 – To be able to recite the main theme of the Book of Mormon and relate this through teachings of the various prophets in the Book of Mormon. 2 Course Overview SECTION LESSON NUMBERS CONTENT Read-a-Thon 1 – 5 Instructions for the Read-a-Thon Themes 6 – 15 Introduction of main themes of the Book of Mormon I Nephi 16 – 30 Study of themes 2 Nephi 31 – 45 “ “ “ Jacob 46 - 60 “ “ “ Enos - Words of Mormon 61 – 75 “ “ “ Mosiah 76 - 90 “ “ “ Alma 91 – 105 “ “ “ Helaman 106 – 120 “ “ “ 3 Nephi 121 – 135 “ “ “ 4 Nephi 136 – 140 “ “ “ Mormon 141 – 150 “ “ “ Ether 151 – 160 “ “ “ Moroni 161 – 170 “ “ “ Course Review 171 – 176 Compilation of notes on the main and additional two themes. Final Assessment 177 – 180 Final Assessment and Certificate of Completion 3 Lessons 1 – 5: READ-A-THON Sub-topic: Sanctification Lessons 1–5 Book of Mormon in Total Why a Marathon Read? One, it allows for a better understanding of the text as it gives a complete and quick overview in a matter of a few hours or days. Two, it gives the student a boost of spirituality. Three, it helps to uplift the student and sets the tone for the year as he starts off on a success-oriented footing: “I read the Book of Mormon in ___hours or ___days.!” Four, it brings to mind those things forgotten from other reading and studying and serves as a good barometer of where we are, individually, in our path to sanctification. ASSIGNMENT – As you read through this time… Keep your journal handy. First… look-up “sanctification” in the INDEX. Second…READ the entries in the Doctrine and Covenants and Abraham to get a sense of what sanctification really is. Third, as you read, note the things that strike you as necessary for sanctification. Especially as you read the accounts of Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah, Nephi 3, Mormon and Moroni. Materials Needed One, have a nice, quiet, comfortable place – but not so comfortable that you are likely to fall asleep – especially if you are trying to pull a Day- Night-Day read. Two, have good lighting and temperature control. Three, let people know you do NOT want to be disturbed!!! Four, also needed are: a copy of the Book of Mormon, a journal in which to write and sharpened pencils or pens with sufficient ink. Five, set aside the requisite time. It is highly recommended that you conduct your read before the regular school year starts. Or, if you are 4 coming into this course in mid-year – just take the time off the other courses and let yourself enjoy a day or more just reading the Book of Mormon. It will be worth it. Optional, but good – a rebounder or jump rope. How to Conduct the Read-a-Thon The Book of Mormon Read-A-Thon may be conducted in one of two ways. First, it may take the form of a marathon read, commencing early in the morning of one day, continuing through the night – with plenty of treats – and into the next day. This is ideal for the faster reader or one reading 30 pages an hour. At this pace, the student has time for breaks periodically and for writing down impressions in his journal. Second, if the student reads at a slower pace, it is recommended that the read-a-thon be conducted over the course of up to 5 days. The number of days required for the read is determined by the student’s reading speed. We highly recommend that you read the Book of Mormon over as little a time span as possible. Two day Read – For those reading 25 pages an hour Day 1 – 1 Nephi - Alma 22 Day 2 – Alma 23 - Moroni 10 Three Day Read – For those reading 20 pages an hour Day 1 - 1 Nephi - Mosiah 15 Day 2 – Mosiah 16 - Alma 57 Day 3 – Alma 58 - Moroni 10 Four Day Read – For those reading 15 pages an hour Day 1 – 1 Nephi - Jacob Day 2 – Enos - Alma 22 Day 3 – Alma 23 - Helaman 12 Day 4 – Helaman 13 - Moroni 10 Five Day Reading Schedule: For those reading 10 pages an hour Day 1 – 1 & 2 Nephi Day 2 – Jacob - Mosiah Day 3 – Alma 1 – 42 Day 4 – Alma 43 - 3 Nephi 7 Day 5 – 3 Nephi 8 – Moroni 10 5 Ten Day Schedule: For those reading 5 pages an hour Day 1 – 1 Nephi Day 2 – 2 Nephi 1-25 Day 3 - 2 Nephi 26 – Mosiah 2 Day 4 – Mosiah 3 - 29 Day 5 – Alma 1 – 20 Day 6 – Alma 21 - 42 Day 7 – Alma 43 – 63 Day 8 – Helaman 1 – 3 Nephi 9 Day 9 – 3 Nephi 10 – Mormon 7 Day 10 – Mormon 7 – Moroni 10 Take Breaks After every 50 minutes to an hour – take at least a 15 – 20 minute break. Eat your treats, or have a meal. But, no sugar, sweets or high sugar carbs. Use the restroom. Exercise by jumping on the rebounder or jumping rope or doing some jumping jacks or your Brain Gym exercises. All of these will help to revitalize you for the next phase of reading. At a break every 3 to hours or so, LIE DOWN, with a warm cloth over closed eyes – for at least 5-10 minutes. RELAX and rest. This will help your eyes – and your brain - not to get ‘burn-out’. About Treats These should NOT have a heavy sugar or oil content as this will dull the intellect as the read progresses. This means Twinkies, cookies, donuts, sodas, chips and the like are OUT. It does mean that fruits and veggies are IN, as well as lemon water, just plain water and a moderate amount of fruit juice – especially citrus. Having fresh orange or grapefruit juice periodically will actually brighten the brain! Eating citrus, of course, has the same effect. The whole fruit is preferred. Veggie sandwiches are also good, but avoid much milk or meat products or overdosing on grains or high carb veggies. The latter can put you to sleep! Go for salad, veggie stir frys, etc. The point is to stay as awake and alert as possible – naturally. Bodily Preparation A few days before your read-a-thon, get PLENTY of Sleep. Eat right – follow the “About Treats” section above as the effect of inappropriate eating 6 will linger for a few days. So don’t chow down on chips the day before or have excess amounts of grains or high carb veggies. Also, follow the advice given to us in the Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 – “…cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorate.” If you get up early and have I Nephi read before breakfast – WOW! You will be well on your way to a read-a-thon success. Journaling As you have an insight or thought, write it down in your journal. Take the time you require to do this. Don’t rush it. COMPANIONSHIP – Invite a best friend or your best friends or your family to join you in the read-a-thon.
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