Just learned more about the tree of life with 60 minutes with RFM than I ever have in 40 years of going to church - listening and being bored through these lessons. It takes a "graduated" individual to explain and teach. I don't attend church anymore, but it's nice to listen to someone intelligent enough to explain the required material being taught. Thank you RFM for your preparation. It's encouraging to listen to both sides as I transition in my faith crisis. ❤
I remember teaching this symbolism to Catholics in Brazil. It was a way to connect mormonism to catholicism, and catholics were always more willing to listen after you speak positively of Mary.
As an institute teacher the manual said that JS seniors dream showing up in the B of M was a SIGN that his family was prepared and chosen for the restoration.
I finally found this TH-cam channel. I looked 2 other times and couldn't find it. You should add it to your community channels so we can find all your content. Thanks for this awesome idea this year. It makes attending church tolerable with my believing family.
RFM, cool to see the tree of life symbols as Mary, Jesus, etc. I was reminded when I taught New Testament seminary that when teaching the Good Samaritan to see each verse as a symbol for Jesus because he was The Good Samaritan. I can go for some religion in our Sunday School here, but as a non-believer, what will keep me tuning in here is more of the-how to say, juicy info, historical tidbits, ExMo slant. I can drink some of the old with the new, but I’d really dig a little less gospel. I do like your style so I’m sticking with this.
RFM, you appear to have a deep understanding of the BOM and maybe even a profound respect or love? of this book. Does your leaving the church include a disappointment in the BOM or is it due to the administration of the church and the long list of historical fallacies? I left the church several years ago and have not found anything of value to hold on to. Having spent thirty years in the church this is a real disappointment to me. I would appreciate anything you might have in way of response. Thanks from a dedicated listener.
Thank you for the time and effort you always put into your videos, RFM. I appreciate what you do and listen often. This video made me heart sick throughout because I spent so many hours and so much effort studying when I was a believing member. I could practically see into a window where you and I might be in the same ward, still believing, and studying in a Sunday School class. As a mom of two preteens who has discovered the pitfalls in LDS history and walked away, I struggle *because* the deep study and symbolism I had through religion isn't something I can provide for them. Any thoughts? It's so hard to know what to do. I continue to dig into LDS history and Christian theology (but I'm open to others), but my kids sit in ignorance. We are like Isaiah's sheep.
35 years in the church and im just now wondering how Nephi from Jerusalem would know what driven snow looksike and how he could use that metaphor. 🤦♂️
These passages were very confusing and disjointed to me! It’s probably because I’ve studied the Bible all my life and this stuff is so way off. It’s hard for me to approach this from a different angle because JS just butchers the Bible imo
After 42 years in the church, that thought struck me for the first time as he read it. Where, during his life in Arabia and Central America, did he learn what snow looks like?
Mind blown! This makes so much sense, I love it! With this level of complexity and cohesiveness it would seem the author was no illiterate farmboy and had a lot of time to think on how exactly to craft these symbols and verses.
The tree of life has always been a beautiful icon to me, similar to the Norse tree, Yggdrasil, as a symbol of connection, balance among all things, the life cycle, and the cosmos. The natural imagery also lends itself to some beautiful artwork, as does the myth of Joseph seeing God and Jesus while he was praying in the forest.
And now at 43:50 is the declaration that the book of Revelation was written by the apostle John. The best scholarship suggests that this book was not written by the Apostle John. So mormons need to either reject scholarship or question the authenticity of the book of Mormon
According to Bart Ehrman and Dan McClellan (and the consensus of scholars), the word that translates to virgin in the king James Bible is better translated as maiden. Just another example of where Joseph took the Bible text at face value from the English translation, and ended up writing himself into an anachronism corner.
I think the rod of iron is the Book of Mormon. 1 Nephi 13, the in-between multitudes 2 and 3 part of the vision, covers the Gentiles (Europeans) coming to America and not utterly destroying the seed of Nephi’s brethren. And then a book (the rod of iron, which is the word of God, which leads to Jesus fruit) shall come forth on metal plates and lead the third multitude to Jesus. The first group (Nephi and his immediate descendants) don’t make it to the tree (they die before Jesus comes). The second group meet Jesus and then fall away. But the record is buried and brought forth unto the remnant of the seed of Nephi’s brethren (1 Nephi 13:35-36). And then the third multitude (the seed of Nephi’s brethren in the last days who are not utterly destroyed by the Gentiles) are so grateful for the return of Jesus that they fall down. The iron rod is the word of God written by Lehi, Nephi, and Nephi’s seed (1 Nephi 13:38-41). I think the story is told chronologically and is an allegory for the Book of Mormon itself.
Interesting ideas. But to me it seems too clever by about a half. Nephi tells us what the tree of life is and it is not Mary. 21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? 22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. It is the “love of god”. I think it’s easy to become confused by the fact that I only knows three adjectives: pure, white, and delightsome.
@@jaymiebryson397 That's how it reads to me. Mary being represented by the tree seems to be one of those rare gems that only come along every five to ten years at church. Also seems to fit right in with the rest of Nephi and Josephs views at the time.
Haha. RFM says the Book of Mormon may be more complex than he previously thought. People can read unintended metaphors and themes into any work of fiction after being published.
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Just learned more about the tree of life with 60 minutes with RFM than I ever have in 40 years of going to church - listening and being bored through these lessons.
It takes a "graduated" individual to explain and teach.
I don't attend church anymore, but it's nice to listen to someone intelligent enough to explain the required material being taught.
Thank you RFM for your preparation. It's encouraging to listen to both sides as I transition in my faith crisis. ❤
The Mary/Tree of Life/Jesus as the desirable fruit epiphany was mind expanding. Thank you!
I remember teaching this symbolism to Catholics in Brazil. It was a way to connect mormonism to catholicism, and catholics were always more willing to listen after you speak positively of Mary.
Entertaining sunday school
I remember why I hated sitting through Sunday School. This stuff will put you to sleep.
Don’t forget to click thumbs up 👍
Lost 116 pages
Brilliant interpretation RFM! This symbolism takes the BoM to a whole new level.
I agree.
Awesome video RFM! Thumbs up!
I absolutely LOVE this series! Thank you guys for all of your hard work. ❤
As an institute teacher the manual said that JS seniors dream showing up in the B of M was a SIGN that his family was prepared and chosen for the restoration.
These episodes are great! Thanks RFM!
I finally found this TH-cam channel. I looked 2 other times and couldn't find it. You should add it to your community channels so we can find all your content.
Thanks for this awesome idea this year. It makes attending church tolerable with my believing family.
Thanks RFM!
Another fantastic episode! Thanks RFM!
I’ve always thought of the white and spacious building as being THE TEMPLE full of proud temple-goers dressed in white.
Oops a misquote: “GREAT and spacious building.”
Absolutely awesome!!! Thank you RFM for teaching this Sunday School lesson! I learned so much!
RFM, cool to see the tree of life symbols as Mary, Jesus, etc. I was reminded when I taught New Testament seminary that when teaching the Good Samaritan to see each verse as a symbol for Jesus because he was The Good Samaritan. I can go for some religion in our Sunday School here, but as a non-believer, what will keep me tuning in here is more of the-how to say, juicy info, historical tidbits, ExMo slant. I can drink some of the old with the new, but I’d really dig a little less gospel. I do like your style so I’m sticking with this.
RFM, you appear to have a deep understanding of the BOM and maybe even a profound respect or love? of this book. Does your leaving the church include a disappointment in the BOM or is it due to the administration of the church and the long list of historical fallacies? I left the church several years ago and have not found anything of value to hold on to. Having spent thirty years in the church this is a real disappointment to me. I would appreciate anything you might have in way of response. Thanks from a dedicated listener.
Absolutely stunning faith thank you for this most inspiring lesson
Fantastic!
Anyone else now have "the iron rod" in their head?
🎶 The iron rod is the wooord oooof god, twill safely guide us through 🎶
The symbolism is so powerful
Thank you for the time and effort you always put into your videos, RFM. I appreciate what you do and listen often.
This video made me heart sick throughout because I spent so many hours and so much effort studying when I was a believing member. I could practically see into a window where you and I might be in the same ward, still believing, and studying in a Sunday School class.
As a mom of two preteens who has discovered the pitfalls in LDS history and walked away, I struggle *because* the deep study and symbolism I had through religion isn't something I can provide for them. Any thoughts? It's so hard to know what to do.
I continue to dig into LDS history and Christian theology (but I'm open to others), but my kids sit in ignorance. We are like Isaiah's sheep.
I really like the picture book. Thanks for sharing that with us!
35 years in the church and im just now wondering how Nephi from Jerusalem would know what driven snow looksike and how he could use that metaphor. 🤦♂️
Woah. Good point
How about Prophet Isaiah that read in Isaiah 1:18 nad many scripture verses found in the OT and NT?
These passages were very confusing and disjointed to me! It’s probably because I’ve studied the Bible all my life and this stuff is so way off. It’s hard for me to approach this from a different angle because JS just butchers the Bible imo
Why did Nephi know what snow looked like?
After 42 years in the church, that thought struck me for the first time as he read it. Where, during his life in Arabia and Central America, did he learn what snow looks like?
I’m pretty sure the tapirs they rode to and fro, through the miracle of Moroni, told stories of snow.
How about Prophet Isaiah that reads in Isaiah 1:18
This episode is missing from the playlist.
Very interesting. I enjoyed your analysis.
Mind blown! This makes so much sense, I love it! With this level of complexity and cohesiveness it would seem the author was no illiterate farmboy and had a lot of time to think on how exactly to craft these symbols and verses.
As a progressive Mormon, I would have loved this.
Ok, just finished the video. I can respect that.
Mind=blown
The tree of life has always been a beautiful icon to me, similar to the Norse tree, Yggdrasil, as a symbol of connection, balance among all things, the life cycle, and the cosmos. The natural imagery also lends itself to some beautiful artwork, as does the myth of Joseph seeing God and Jesus while he was praying in the forest.
Have you ever wondered why most Christians are void of the spirit of prophecy?
And now at 43:50 is the declaration that the book of Revelation was written by the apostle John. The best scholarship suggests that this book was not written by the Apostle John. So mormons need to either reject scholarship or question the authenticity of the book of Mormon
The ‚whiter than driven snow‘ phrase seems quite poetic of Nephi. Almost Shakespearian.
Not to dismiss you or Shakespeare, but it has always reminded me more of Walt Disney and that princess of his with the poisoned apple. 😂
Is that one book or an entire set? It’s the blue books correct?
The fruit would be personal experience with the intended fruits of the Gospel
According to Bart Ehrman and Dan McClellan (and the consensus of scholars), the word that translates to virgin in the king James Bible is better translated as maiden. Just another example of where Joseph took the Bible text at face value from the English translation, and ended up writing himself into an anachronism corner.
1:30 - RFM, you missed an obvious milk before meat reference.
I think the rod of iron is the Book of Mormon. 1 Nephi 13, the in-between multitudes 2 and 3 part of the vision, covers the Gentiles (Europeans) coming to America and not utterly destroying the seed of Nephi’s brethren. And then a book (the rod of iron, which is the word of God, which leads to Jesus fruit) shall come forth on metal plates and lead the third multitude to Jesus.
The first group (Nephi and his immediate descendants) don’t make it to the tree (they die before Jesus comes). The second group meet Jesus and then fall away. But the record is buried and brought forth unto the remnant of the seed of Nephi’s brethren (1 Nephi 13:35-36). And then the third multitude (the seed of Nephi’s brethren in the last days who are not utterly destroyed by the Gentiles) are so grateful for the return of Jesus that they fall down.
The iron rod is the word of God written by Lehi, Nephi, and Nephi’s seed (1 Nephi 13:38-41). I think the story is told chronologically and is an allegory for the Book of Mormon itself.
This is not correlated RFM. I'm telling! -Hall Monitor Mormons
A knowledge of God is powerful, most of the world is preaching faith or simply believing in doctrine or teachings.
Interesting ideas. But to me it seems too clever by about a half.
Nephi tells us what the tree of life is and it is not Mary.
21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.
It is the “love of god”. I think it’s easy to become confused by the fact that I only knows three adjectives: pure, white, and delightsome.
Doesn't Jesus represent the love of God?
For God so loved the world that he sent his first born son. The way he sent his son was through Mary.
@@jaymiebryson397 That's how it reads to me. Mary being represented by the tree seems to be one of those rare gems that only come along every five to ten years at church. Also seems to fit right in with the rest of Nephi and Josephs views at the time.
So now , you’re saying the Book of Mormon is true?…make your mind!
Haha. RFM says the Book of Mormon may be more complex than he previously thought.
People can read unintended metaphors and themes into any work of fiction after being published.
So triggering;(