Y Religion Episode 107 - "I Am” Statements in the Book of Mormon (Joshua M. Matson)

Throughout the Book of Mormon, the Savior pronounces fifty-three “I am” statements as he details his purpose and declares his divine identity. In 2 Nephi 29: 8 - 9 he explains that he does so for a particular reason, “Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. […]. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever […]” (emphasis added). In this next episode Dr. Joshua M. Matson, assistant professor of ancient scripture, discusses his recent article “Coming to Know Christ through the ‘I Am’ Statements in the Book of Mormon” and explains the significant presence of the “I Am” statements in the Bible and Restoration scriptures. He outlines how the Savior utilizes two forms of “I am” statements-metaphorical (depicting what he does) and absolute (his titles or depicting who he is)-throughout the scriptures to proclaim his role and character. Professor Matson explains that the “I am” statements in the Book of Mormon serve as another witness of Jesus Christ, alongside similar “I am” statements presented in the Old and New Testaments, and that they are spoken by both the premortal Jehovah and the resurrected Jesus Christ. In studying the “I am” statements we may come to know the Savior in his own words and through his own perspective.
Each year, Brigham Young University Religious Education professors produce hundreds of publications on subjects related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This podcast brings this research into one place to enlighten the everyday seeker of truth. Interviewing the author, we discuss why the study was done, why it matters, and why the professor chooses to be both a scholar and a disciple. This is Y Religion: Research to Enlighten Your Mind.
Y Religion podcast episodes are available every two weeks and can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and on the web at rsc.byu.edu/media/y-religion

[@dinocollins720]

Another fantastic interview. Thank you!

[@marciaparker9751]

Beautifully spoken!❤

[@dinocollins720]

I really loved the idea of working on taking a different name of Christ every time we take the sacrament!