Jonathan Jibson, Article 4, Page 1

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Article #4
Title
Compare the Word unto a Seed: Almas Sermon and the Creation Account
Growing a Seed and Invoking the Biblical Creation StoryHow We Can Learn from Almas Teachings (Just
another idea.)
Kicker (57 Characters)
If you dont see Genesis 1 when you read Alma 32, look a little closer.
Try reading Alma 32 again while keeping Gods Creation from the Old Testament in mind. (Just another
idea.)
Synopsis (215 Words)
The sermon on faith in Alma 32 is among the most iconic passages of all the Book of Mormon. But,
according to Hebrew Bible scholar Dr. David E. Bokovoy, Almas metaphor of growing a seed is not merely
memorable: it is a deliberate effort to invoke literary themes of the Biblical creation story.
The events of Genesis 1 emphasize Gods word as creator, whereas Genesis 23 focuses on his physical
planting and shaping. Speaking the word and planting the seed are the backbone metaphors of the creation
account in Genesis. Alma capitalizes on this understanding that would have been obvious to his Israelite
audience.
An angel drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. Alma teaches a powerful truth by turning this
event inside out. We were cast out from the tree of life, but we can only partake of the fruit of the tree of
life if we do not cast out the seed of Gods word.
God created the fullness of the earth, but he gave it to mankind to cultivate. In the same way, God has given
his word, but we have to decide whether or not we will nourish that word. Here, Alma suggests that we are
fulfilling the purpose of our creation when we are building faith.
Pull Quotes (Optional)
The connections between Alma 32 and the opening chapters of the Bible reveal that this Book of Mormon
sermon is . . . steeped in biblical formulas.
Expandable Summary (Optional)
Learn what other allusions Alma gives to the creation narrative and other Biblical traditions.
1. Quoting the creation story by saying that every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness
2. Beginning a hypothetical dialogue with Let us nourish . . .similar to the formulaic way God began
every creation
3. Using the term good repetitively to indicate the result of exercising faith, just as God did in his creative
work
4. Describing his audience as cast out from their society, reminding them how mankind was driven out
from Eden
5. Drawing on the ancient Jewish idea that word and light were related

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:44 AM

Comment [1]: Such a great read! Main
suggestion for this articleremember to keep nonmembers in mind. J

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:33 AM

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... [1]

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Comment [2]: Non-members may not be familiar
with this chapter. Perhaps provide a specific quote or
summarize the main aspects of the chapter.

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:45 AM

Comment [3]: Insert link to article in here
somewhere?

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:37 AM

Comment [4]: Great! So interesting and wellwritten.

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:38 AM

Deleted: were driven ut of the Garden of Eden.
... [2]

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:39 AM

Comment [5]: This paragraph seems to be the
weakest/least developed. Consider cutting it and
explaining Alma 32 in greater detail in paragraph 1?

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:39 AM

Deleted: it In the same way, God has given...his
[3]

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Comment [6]: End on a stronger note here.

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... [4]

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... [5]

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Deleted: , such that Isaiah could see the word of
the Lord in Isaiah 2:1

Jonathan Jibson, Article 4, Page 2

Source Information

David E. Bokovoy, The Word and the Seed: The Theological Use of Biblical Creation in Alma 32.
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 23 (2014): 121.

http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/23/jbms23-bokovoy-essay_wordseed.pdf
Byline
Jonathan Jibson, Mormon Insights
Graphics and Metadata (Optional)

All these images are public domain, I just dont know which one would be best.
http://pixabay.com/en/globe-flower-flowers-yellow-505799/

http://pixabay.com/en/flower-lac-du-bourget-mountain-223065/

http://pixabay.com/en/flower-nature-mountain-snow-close-565986/

http://pixabay.com/en/desert-flower-landscape-mountains-82403/

http://pixabay.com/en/big-bend-national-park-texas-263950/

LDS.org image
https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/genesis-761171?lang=eng&category=

Katie Hollingsworth 3/9/15 12:43 AM

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