A Preparatory Redemption The Proceedings of the Mormon Theology Seminar series is based on a novel idea: that Mormons do theol- ogy. Doing theology is different from weighing history or deciding doctrine. Theology speculates. It experiments with questions and advances hypotheses. It tests new angles and pulls loose threads. The Mormon Theology Seminar organizes interdisciplin- ary, collaborative, theological readings of Latter-day Saint scripture. Seminar participants with diverse backgrounds closely explore familiar texts in creative ways. In partner- ship with the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, the Mormon Theology Seminar presents these experiments upon the word to foster greater theo- logical engagement with basic Mormon texts.

Series Editor Brian M. Hauglid Other Mormon Theology Seminar books include: Adam S. Miller, ed., An Experiment on the Word: Reading Alma 32 Joseph M. Spencer and Jenny Webb, eds., Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah: 2 Nephi 26–27 Julie M. Smith, ed., Apocalypse: Reading Revelation 21–22 Jeremiah John and Joseph M. Spencer, eds., Embracing the Law: Reading Doctrine and Covenants 42 Adam S. Miller, ed., Fleeing the Garden: Reading Genesis 2–3 Adam S. Miller, ed., A Dream, a Rock, and a Pillar of Fire: Reading 1 Nephi 1 Adam S. Miller and Joseph M. Spencer, eds., Christ and Antichrist: Reading Jacob 7

mi.byu.edu/pmts A Preparatory Redemption

Reading Alma 12–13

Edited by Matthew Bowman Rosemary Demos

Brigham Young University Provo, A Proceedings of the Mormon Theology Seminar book

Neal A. Maxwell Institute, Provo 84602 ⎢maxwellinstitute.byu.edu

© 2018 by Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, . All rights reserved.

Permissions. No portion of this book may be reproduced by any means or process without the formal written consent of the publisher. Direct all permissions requests to: Permissions Manager, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Mormon Theology Seminar (2016 : Berkeley, Calif.), author. | Bowman, Matthew, editor. | Demos, Rosemary, editor. | Mormon Theology Seminar. Proceedings of the Mormon Theology Seminar. Title: A preparatory redemption : reading Alma 12-13 / edited by Matthew Bowman, Rosemary Demos. Description: Provo, Utah : Neal A. Maxwell Institute, Brigham Young University, [2018] | Series: Proceedings of the Mormon Theology Seminar | Includes bibliographical references. Identifiers: LCCN 2018004461 | ISBN 9780842530255 (pbk. : alk. Paper) Subjects: LCSH: . Alma--Congresses. | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--Doctrines--Congresses. | Mormon Church--Doctrines--Congresses. Classification: LCC BX8627 .M67 2016 | DDC 289.3/22--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018004461

ཐ This paper meets the requirements of ansi/niso z39.48-1992 (Permanence of Paper).

ISBN: 978-0-8425-3025-5

Cover and book design: Jenny Webb and Andrew Heiss

Printed in the United States of America Contents

Introduction vii

Summary Report xiv

The Profession of Nehor and the Holy Order of God: Theology and Society in Ammonihah 1 Matthew Bowman

Conversing and Calling in Alma 12 and 13 13 David Charles Gore

Angels and a Theology of Grace 30 Rosemary Demos

The Heart in Alma 12 and 13 44 Robert A. Rees

Obtaining Divine Mercy 54 Sheila Taylor

Seams, Cracks, and Fragments: Notes on the Human Condition 64 Joseph M. Spencer

v vi Contents

A Preparatory Redemption 82 Adam S. Miller

Called and Ordained: A Priesthood of All Believers in Alma 13 93 Bridget Jack Jeffries

Contributors 104