Sunday School After Dark

Alma 36-38

Date: 04 August 2024
 
AI-generated summary (edited):
Welcome to the August 4th, 2024 episode of Sunday School After Dark, hosted by Kevin Black with friends Jake Henderson and Ian Fillmore. In this episode, they delve into Alma chapters 36 through 38 from the Book of Mormon, exploring profound themes and personal insights.
Jake provides an overview of Alma's counsel to his sons, emphasizing key messages such as repentance and the significance of scriptures, symbolized by the Liahona. Ian shares his experiences teaching youth Sunday school, highlighting how the scriptures serve as a guiding compass in our lives.
The hosts discuss the meticulous chiastic structure of Alma 36, the commands to each of the three very different sons to "be sober" and teach the gospel, and the concept of "bridling passions" to be filled with love. They also reflect on the importance of sharing personal failings and the beauty of redemption, as illustrated by Alma's own transformation.
Join them for an insightful discussion that brings to light the enduring relevance of these ancient teachings.
A diagram of chiasmus in Alma 36 is available here. From brother Welch's study notes here.

Alma 23-35

Date: 28 July 2024
AI-generated summary: Join us in this episode of Sunday School After Dark as Kevin Black, Jake Henderson, and Ian Fillmore dive into some of the most powerful chapters in the Book of Mormon. Covering Alma 23 through 35, the discussion centers on themes of faith, repentance, and the enduring challenges faced by the early missionaries.
Listen as Jake provides a comprehensive summary of the material, detailing the conversion of the Lamanite king and his people, the struggles of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, and the profound teachings of the missionaries. Ian and Kevin add their insights, reflecting on the relevance of these ancient stories in our modern world.
From the trials of Korihor to the humble faith of the Zoramites, this episode offers a deep exploration of the principles of endurance and faith. Whether you're familiar with the Book of Mormon or new to its teachings, this discussion provides valuable perspectives and thought-provoking insights.

Alma 13–22

Date: 09 July 2024
AI-generated summary: In this episode of Sunday School After Dark, host Kevin Black is joined by Ian Fillmore and Jake Henderson to delve into the famous chapters 13-22 of the Book of Alma. The discussion highlights the unpredictable nature of missionary work, the importance of adaptability, and the profound impact of faith and repentance.
Jake kicks off by summarizing the journeys of the sons of Mosiah among the Lamanites, including Alma’s miraculous escape from prison, Ammon’s dramatic encounter with King Lamoni, and Aaron’s teachings to the Amalekites. The conversation explores the varied outcomes of their missions and the lessons learned about perseverance and divine guidance.
The trio also reflects on the heart-wrenching events of Alma chapter 14, where Alma and Amulek witness the martyrdom of their followers. They discuss the complexities of faith in the face of suffering and the importance of trusting in God's larger plan.
Additionally, the episode touches on the cultural and historical contexts of the Book of Alma, the nature of priesthood authority, and the ongoing relevance of these ancient scriptures to modern missionary work and personal spiritual growth.
Join us for an in-depth and thought-provoking discussion on the unpredictable and often challenging path of sharing the gospel.

Mosiah 7-17

AI-generated description:
In this eye-opening episode of Sunday School After Dark, hosts Kevin Black, Jake Henderson, and Ian Fillmore take listeners through a captivating exploration of chapters 7 through 17 of the Book of Mosiah. Delving into the lives and times of Ammon, Limhi, Zenith, and Noah, the hosts bring to light the compelling themes of societal decay, the perils of unchecked power, and the use - and misuse - of religious practices.
Starting with Ammon's encounter with Limhi, the hosts sketch a gripping narrative of Zenith’s valiant protection of his people contrasted with Noah’s descent into the abyss of corruption. The episode intricately weaves together themes of leadership, corruption, and societal decline, drawing striking parallels with our contemporary world.
Listeners are invited to traverse back to the land of Nephi with Zenith's people, examining the complex amalgamation of the law of Moses, pagan idolatry, and hedonism that tainted their religious practices. The hosts discuss the transformation of sacred symbols, the dangers they pose, and the ill-fated reliance on earthly power, leading to the creation of Noah's tower.
The episode concludes by reflecting on the story of Abinadi, a prophet of great courage and faith. The hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion about the potential impact of sermons and speeches, drawing from the experiences of Abinadi, who delivered a powerful sermon that deeply moved just one listener. The discussion unfolds the idea of individual contributions in faith and service, emphasizing the inestimable value of individual efforts.
Make sure to tune in to this insightful episode of Sunday School After Dark as the hosts enlighten us with timeless lessons from the Book of Mosiah, exploring the resilience of faith amidst decadence and power.

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.