Sunday School After Dark

Mosiah 1-6

Date: 06 May 2024
AI-generated summary: Welcome to a new episode of "Sunday School After Dark," recorded on May 6th, 2024. In this intriguing episode, our hosts Kevin Black, Jake Henderson, and Ian Fillmore take a deep dive into the first six chapters of the Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. Highlighting the context of the Book, the conversation offers unique interpretations and potential underlying themes beyond plain readings.
The discussion puts focus on King Benjamin's humanity and his potential political consolidation, shedding light on the complexities of religious teachings. This episode brings an enriched understanding of scriptures, exploring themes of baptism, rebirth, and salvation, with the aim of foster an intriguing theological exploration that goes beyond the conventional.
Fusing theology, speculation and historical context, hosts delve into the dense theological areas around the anticipation of Christ’s arrival and the shift from the law of Moses to a Christ-focused outlook. From the overlooked aspects of King Benjamin's teachings to potential signals indicating the beginning of a new gospel dispensation amidst the Nephites, span an enlightening discussion.
This episode doesn’t stop at mere interpretation, but rather emphasizes on the lessons learned and their application in daily life. It elucidates on the concept of spiritual gifts as a commandment and a blessed promise from God. The discussion urges the need for more attention towards these spiritual gifts and stresses on the power of compassion and service in validating one's state.
In an inspiring conclusion, the episode underlines the relevance of activating and actualizing spiritual gifts through service and enacting transformation through taking upon the name of Christ. Listen in, to embark on a theological journey that looks beyond the religious texts and delves into the actual implications and applications in real life.

Enos to Words of Mormon

Date: 21 April 2024
Topic: Enos through Words of Mormon
AI-generated summary: Welcome to this intriguing episode of Sunday School After Dark, hosted by Kevin Black and joined by Ian Fillmore and Jake Henderson. Dive deep into explorations of the short books of Enos through Words of Mormon, offering a comprehensive look into a 300-year journey of the plates passed down from father to son, culminating in the reign of King Benjamin. This episode grants a fascinating insight into the fulfillment of God's covenants as portrayed in the Book of Mormon.
Our panel begins with an overview of the narratives and goes on to illuminate how the Book of Mormon is key in accomplishing God's promises, evidenced strongly through Enos's impactful prayer. Gain an understanding of how leaders like Lehi and Nephi paved the way for fulfilling covenants such as the Abrahamic covenant.
We venture into the importance of journaling and the challenges faced by God's chosen authors, bearing testament that every effort in journaling is worth it. Uncovering thoughts on spiritual growth, the episode underscores that enlightenment often manifests through real-world experiences, and that spiritual development is not an abstract concept but firmly rooted in practical life narratives.
Our discussion highlights the value of grounding sermons in their storytelling framework, and the richness it affords. We delve into well-known doctrines, the human need for storytelling, and using stories to comprehend the teachings and ministry of Jesus. We further probe into the concept of soul immersion in Christ's teachings, the paradoxes within the doctrine, and the irreplaceable role of faith in our spiritual progression.
In conclusion, the episode presents an insightful self-critical reflection by Omni highlighting the potential of fallibility even amongst those chosen by God, yielding powerful learnings about obedience and the significance of our divine tasks. Tune in for our upcoming episode on the first six chapters of Mosiah, scheduled for Monday, 6th May.

Jacob

Recorded: 14 April 2024
AI-generated summary: In the latest episode of Sunday School After Dark, join hosts Kevin Black, Ian Fillmore, and Jacob Henderson as they provide a profound analysis of the Book of Jacob from the Book of Mormon. Gain enlightening perspectives on wealth, humility, equality, and the pursuit of a righteous society as perceived through the teachings of Jacob.
The hosts examine the life of Nephi's brother, Jacob, who was divinely chosen to correct those deviating from the righteous path. Integral themes such as repentance, the allegory of the olive tree, and the encounter with the Antichrist, Sherem, are thoughtfully discussed. Listen as the team interprets commonplace elements like clothing and riches and their spiritual and societal implications.
We also explore the application of Jacob's teachings on pride in expensive attire to our contemporary world and its relation to modesty and the aim of a righteous society. The hosts also dissect themes of equality, consecration, humility, and the formation of an equitable society while avoiding the traps of pride and prosperity."
This episode is a blend of meaningful exploration of spirituality, emphasizing missions, fostering connections, and personal growth. Beyond merely focusing on self-improvement, it delves into the significance of establishing meaningful connections with others as we navigate our spiritual journeys.
The importance of service to others, building relationships with imperfect beings, and the contrasting comparison of inner spiritual practices with the inherent chaos of human interaction are focal points of the discussion. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we unravel complex elements of spirituality in the modern world.

The various modes of revelation

Recorded: 31 March 2024
AI-generated summary: Welcome to an intriguing 5th Sunday "wild card" episode of Sunday School After Dark: an enlightening exploration of divine communication. Join us as we delve into the varied channels through which God has communicated with His prophets and followers throughout history, and how these channels resonate with our modern world. From Joseph Smith's teachings about revelations from the Holy Ghost to divine communications through visions, this episode promises an engaging and insightful discussion.
We also examine diverse means of divine communication such as the 'burning in the bosom', the use of seer stones or the Urim and Thummim, inspirational prayers, and the influential role of music in revelations. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between seeking signs and aligning faith with our lived experiences. The complexities of distinguishing divine inspiration from personal thoughts or emotional responses are also considered, with the understanding that embracing multiple channels of revelation can lead to deeper comprehension.
Our discourse further extends into the realm of folk magic in Joseph Smith's era and its modern adaptations, dissecting false spirits, and the practice of discerning divine revelations. We delve into personal revelations within the scope of one's stewardship, emphasizing the personal over the communal or global significance. The teachings of Alma the Younger also find their way into the exploration, illustrating the pivotal role of faith in acknowledging and leveraging divine guidance.
Through this enriched episode, we venture into the essence of divine revelation and how it profoundly impacts personal growth, understanding of the truth, leading a happier life, and in the evolution of better individuals. Join us as we discuss the attributes of true revelations, the traps of confirmation bias, the role of intuition in revealing divine messages, and the importance of making mistakes to foster growth. We dare to ask some thought-provoking questions: How can we confirm if a perceived revelation is indeed divine? Can divine-like experiences result from certain brain stimuli? How to differentiate divine revelations from personal desires?
We underscore the power of faith and the necessity of striving to become like God, fostering a belief that genuine care for others and leading a fulfilling life are intrinsic parts of this divine journey. Whether divine revelations feel complex or shrouded in mystery, our discussion promises to encourage personal growth, deeper understanding of life's truths, and a happier life under God's guidance. Listen in as we attempt the intriguing task of decoding the essence of revelation.
Resources
“We all understand that the Lord answers prayers and provides inspiration in a variety of venues. It could be as we pray at the side of our bed, as we study the scriptures, as we listen to a general conference talk, or in a variety of other settings, but the Lord has made it clear that there are ‘great things’ (1 Nephi 18:3) reserved for those who are willing to pay the price and be worthy to ‘go up to the mountain of the Lord’ (2 Nephi 12:3). — Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, in the October 2021 YA Weekly article, “Are You Ready?”
Seer stones
See note 5 here re: revealed prayers and inspired translations
“The subject of enquiry being understood, the Prophet and Revelator enquires of God. He spiritually sees, hears and feels, and then speaks as he is moved upon by the Holy Ghost.” — Wm. McLellin, source

2 Nephi 6-19

2 Nephi 6-19, recorded 10 March 2024
AI-generated summary:
In this insightful episode of Sunday School After Dark, aired on March 10, 2024, Kevin Black engages Jake Henderson and Ian Fillmore in a compelling conversation. They dive into chapters 6 to 19 of 2 Nephi from the Book of Mormon. The discussion kicks off with the recounting of Jerusalem's history and the prophecy of the coming Messiah.
Ian Fillmore offers a unique viewpoint on the contrasting themes of the first and second parts of Nephi. His comparison of the initial part to the exodus story and exploration of the concepts of physical and spiritual death in the latter offers deeper insight. Amidst this discourse, he highlights God's subtle indications of family reformation and healing, tying these observations back to the teachings of Isaiah.
Jake Henderson further illuminates the talk with his exploration of vindication and comfort derived from faith-driven decisions aligning with God's guidance. His reflections on persisting on the path of faith and understanding the significance of God's actions leading His people towards Christ's recognition significantly contribute to the episode.
In our "Gospel Reflections" podcast, the conversation penetrates deeply into the spiritual aspects of the Book of Mormon, particularly 2 Nephi chapters 2 and 9. We investigate spiritual and physical death, resurrection, and the redemption offered by Jesus Christ. Emblematic references to the robe of righteousness, parallels to the Garden of Eden, and temple traditions enhance our discussion.
As we progress, we delve into understanding spiritual death, Jacob's outlook on 'knowledgeable' individuals, and the primacy of adhering to God's counsel. Jacob's discourse on social issues, such as poverty and vanity, and the damning consequences of sin, forms a substantive part of our conversation. Insights into the impact of Isaiah's writings on Jacob and interpretation of Elder Bruce R. McConkie's insightful quotations offer listeners a rich, multi-layered understanding of Latter-day Saint doctrines.

2 Ne. 1-5

Jake Henderson and Ian Fillmore discuss 2 Nephi chapters 1-5 with host Kevin Black. 
Recorded 2024-02-18.

1 Ne. 11-22

AI-generated title: "Guidance and Variance: An In-depth Exploration of Nephi's Vision and the Symbolism of the Liahona"
 
Recorded 04 February 2024
 
AI-generated description: In this riveting episode of "Sunday School After Dark," join hosts Kevin, Jake, and Ian as they journey through chapters 11-22 of 1st Nephi. They scrutinize Nephi's vision and his interpretation of the Tree of Life, reminding us of the importance of understanding scriptures from various perspectives and the power of personal meaning amidst chaos.
 
The hosts delve into the intertwining narratives of the Old and New Testaments and discuss the evolution of obedience to God's commandments. They emphasize everlasting themes of faith and spiritual preparation and notably explore the conflicted character dynamics within Nephi's family.
 
Engage in an enthralling conversation about the role of the Liahona — a divine tool for guidance — and explore the influence of cultural values and inheritance. Understand the complexities behind Nephi's boat-building story and learn why seeking divine guidance is crucial in our journey to celestial kingdom. Don't miss this enlightening study into one of modern Christianity's cornerstone scriptures!
 

1 Ne. 1-10

AI-generated title: "Exploring Leadership, Humility, and Faith in Lehi's Journey - Book of First Nephi"
Recorded 21 January 2024
Description: Get ready for an enlightening episode of 'Sunday School After Dark', as we dissect the first 10 chapters of the Book of First Nephi from the Book of Mormon. Recorded on January 21, 2024, the episode features Kevin Black, Ian Fillmore, and Jake Henderson offering their comments on the text.
One key focus is the narrative of Lehi, who embarks on a journey towards a new destiny. The trio also plumb the depths of the Tree of Life, tying it into the Latter-day Saints' idea of discipleship. They break down how staying true to spiritual paths despite external adversity is a recurring theme throughout scripture.
This episode isn't just about traversal through religious texts, it equally dwells on the impact of our contemporary lifestyles. The discussion points out how social media has amplified negativity, yet underlines the power we have to adapt and mute such negativity. The narrative also delves into family dynamics and how the Book of First Nephi teaches lessons applicable to real-life situations.
The podcast ultimately serves as a platform to delve into deeper interpretations of religious texts. By exploring elements such as healing of broken relationships and acceptance of unresolved issues, the conversation aims to provide lessons of leadership and faith, encouraging listeners to reflect on their spiritual journeys. Emphasizing Nephi and Lehi’s struggles with leadership, faith, and family harmony, the episode provides striking parallels between ancient scripture and modern lives.
Join us in this thought-provoking discussion as we shine a light on the story of Lehi's family, making connections from the obedience, faith, and humility displayed in their journey to today's concepts of faith. Tune in and challenge your perception of divine directives, obedience, and faith leadership, for a deeper understanding of your own spiritual path.
(note) The text above was lightly edited from the AI-produced version.

Introduction to the Book of Mormon

Jake Henderson and Ian Fillmore, with guest Charissa Black, discuss the prefatory material to the Book of Mormon, and the book as a whole, with host Kevin Black. 
Recorded 2024-01-07.

What’s official doctrine?

In the first of a series of fifth-Sunday "wild card" topics, Jake Henderson and Ian Fillmore, with guest Jonathan Black, discuss with host Kevin Black the question, "What’s the meaning and overlap of truth, official doctrine, canon, scripture, the gospel, …?" 
Recorded 2023-12-31.
Resources for this topic include:
New Era essay on when you disagree with the prophet
D. Todd Christofferson, The Doctrine of Christ, April, 2012
Ezra Taft Benson, Fourteen Fundamentals to Follow the Prophet, February 26, 1980
A looser definition of scripture: Doct. & Cov. 68:4 (2,4)
The president of the Church speaks for God: Doct & Cov. 21:4-5 and Doct. & Cov. 1:37-38
Dallin H. Oaks, Trust in the Lord, October, 2019