SYMBOLISM BRINGING THE SCRIPTURES TO LIFE SYMBOLS AND

SYMBOLISM BRINGING THE SCRIPTURES TO LIFE

SYMBOLS AND IMAGERY • Teach with Power • Abstract Ideas • Span Time/Language – Level of Understanding • Suggest Rather than Represent

USE SOMETHING AS LIKENESS OF OTHER The Book of Mormon prophet Alma used a seed to represent the word of God (Alma 32: 28). “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. ”

Example of Symbolism:

VALUE OF TEACHING WITH SYMBOLS • Abstract concepts can best be taught symbolically. • Symbols can be timeless, culture-free, and language-free. • Because of the visual nature of a symbol, it will generally be remembered longer than a description or explanation of the same concept without the symbol. • Symbols can be used to reveal or conceal spiritual truths, depending upon the spiritual maturity of the individual. • Use of symbolism contributes to an attitude of searching on the part of the student of the scriptures.

HOW TO FIND SYMBOLISM • Look for scriptural interpretation • Do the scriptures themselves give you clues for interpreting the passage? • Do footnotes or other references tell you what the interpretation should be? • Look up the symbol in the Topical Guide • Read to see how it is used in other scriptures • Use the Study Aids provided with the scriptures • Consider the particular context of the symbol • Note that the same symbol in one place doesn't necessarily mean the same thing in another place

HOW TO FIND SYMBOLISM • Ponder the characteristics of the symbol itself • Let the nature of the object used as a symbol contribute to an understanding of its spiritual meaning. • What is already known about the symbol? • Look for Christ in scriptural symbols • Look for the teachings of modern prophets

SYMBOLISM IN 3 NEPHI 14: 6 • What do you think the symbolism in 3 Nephi 14: 6 means? • Cross-reference 3 Nephi 14: 6 with Doctrine and Covenants 63: 64.

SYMBOLISM IN 3 NEPHI 14: 12. • What do you think the symbolism in 3 Nephi 14: 12 means. • What is the symbolism? • Check any cross-references.

FIND SYMBOLISM IN 3 NEPHI 12. • What do you think the symbolism means. • What is the symbolism? • Read the cross-references.