Day 28 of 50: Book of Mormon Book Club

Today's Reading: "Alma 8–12" (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/8?lang=eng)

Whether you're a believer, former believer, nuanced member, investigator, scholar, or simply curious, you're welcome to participate. The goal is not to convince anyone of anything, but to read the text together and discuss it in good faith from a variety of perspectives.

Brief Synopsis

After the people of Ammonihah reject and expel Alma, an angel commands him to return and warn them again. There he meets Amulek, who shelters him and joins his mission. Together they confront a hostile audience and a legal system in which lawyers profit from conflict. Zeezrom attempts to bribe and discredit Amulek but becomes increasingly unsettled as Alma and Amulek expose his intentions. Their exchange expands into teachings about resurrection, judgment, the Fall, human agency, and mortality as a probationary period in preparation for redemption.

Discussion

Please share your thoughts and experiences with today's reading in the comments below. Some things you might consider:

- What stood out to you?

- Why does Alma return to Ammonihah after being rejected, reviled, and expelled?

- What role does Amulek play as a wealthy, locally respected convert who validates Alma’s message?

- What do you make of the text’s portrayal of lawyers, judges, legal incentives, and religious conflict?

- Is Zeezrom presented as a sincere skeptic, a corrupt antagonist, or someone whose motives begin changing during the debate?

- How persuasive do you find Amulek’s responses to Zeezrom’s questions about salvation, resurrection, and judgment?

- What does Alma mean when he says people receive more or less knowledge according to how carefully they heed what they have already received?

- How do these chapters reconcile God’s foreknowledge, human agency, and final judgment?

- Did anything surprise you?

All perspectives are welcome.

Yesterday's Coveted Award(s) Go To:

- u/TBD

Links to Prior Days

- [Master Index to all prior-day readings] (https://www.reddit.com/u/JesusPhoKingChrist/s/beBkOof9T9)

- Yesterday's Reading

Engagement Question:

Alma and Amulek respond to Zeezrom’s challenge by claiming to know his intentions and exposing thoughts he has not spoken aloud. Does this strengthen their credibility within the story, or does it allow the narrative to dismiss an opponent’s arguments by portraying him as dishonest before those arguments can be considered on their merits?

Tomorrow's Reading: [Alma 13–16] (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/13?lang=eng)