Author Archive
Posted by Robert C. on March 1, 2013
(See the introductory post to this series here.)
In the introduction, Jim first addresses some helpful background issues pertaining to the to Romans (pp. 1-6); then he discusses the structure and over-arching message of Romans (pp. 7-10); then he touches on some substantive thematic issues (pp. 11-20). I’ll first offer a quick summary with some thoughts on these first two sections. Then, I’ll discuss the substantive issues Jim raises, focusing first on faith and works, then on covenant. Finally, I’ll add a couple other thoughts about my own interest in these themes, and some other themes like universalism. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in On studying, Scripture topics | 13 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on February 2, 2013
(The lesson can be found online here.)
Overview and teaching strategy
The last two sections of this lesson were the most striking and meaningful to me, so I will focus my comments on just those two sections. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:AP/YW | 12 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on January 10, 2013
A couple Bloggernacle posts (here and here) have recently criticized the thematic structure of the Sunday School manual for the D&C this year. I think these posts make astute and insightful observations, and I am in agreement with most if not all of the points that are made, even though I disagree with their conclusion that a historical approach would have been better.
I worry this grumbling about the implicit slight to history made by the thematic structure of the manual will undermine efforts to charitably understand the virtues of this thematic structure. So, I’d like to offer some rather modest countervailing thoughts, mostly in a spirit of: Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Misc., On teaching | 9 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on January 6, 2013
These are some thoughts for the lesson Learning by Faith in the new Lorenzo Snow manual.
This is such a great lesson, and I think it stands by itself really well. So, for this lesson in particular, I’d recommend composing your own thoughts and notes for the lesson, before reading my comments on the lesson.
One question I’d be tempted to structure the whole lesson around is: Why doesn’t God just give us knowledge? Why do we have to work so hard to learn things?
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:RS/MP | 8 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on November 11, 2012
I just watched a very nice Israeli documentary (though it might also be unkindly accused of being propaganda…) called Israel Inside. It’s by a (former?) positive psychologist at Harvard. Though, perhaps a better credential to cite is the fact that he’s been a guest on the Daily Show. In the documentary, the author talks about the Jewish idea of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), an idea that I think nicely ties in with the topic of this lesson. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:RS/MP | 4 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on October 10, 2012
Click here for the lesson material.
I see a lot of practical wisdom in the Word of Wisdom’s prohibition on alcohol and tobacco. Frankly, I don’t see the wisdom of the prohibition on tea. In Russia, where I served my mission, the prohibition on tea was a big deal, since tea is so culturally pervasive. So, I’d like to reflect on the prohibition on tea, rather than focusing these lesson notes on ideas like the practical benefits to avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
From the manual: Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:RS/MP | 10 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on August 10, 2012
I am most struck in this lesson by the idea of what I will refer to as decentralized building (of the Kingdom). Pres. Smith writes: Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:RS/MP | 1 Comment »
Posted by Robert C. on July 7, 2012
On p. 135 of the manual, Pres. Smith noted that the Church’s members “are esteemed for their virtues” and that critics
are quickly divested of their unjustified prejudices, by coming in direct contact with the Latter-day Saints in their daily lives. . . . They then judge us by our fruits, from personal observation, and such information, as they impart it, can have but one effect , and that most favorable to us.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:RS/MP | 3 Comments »
Posted by Robert C. on June 6, 2012
I’ll comment on four quotes that struck me in the lesson. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Lessons:RS/MP | 7 Comments »
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