1st Nephi
I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents . . .
So begins the first book in the Book of Mormon, as the prophet Nephi brings us through the wilderness to a promised land where his family fractures rather than flourishes. But in spite of that tragedy, Nephi points us to the hope he found in his father’s inspired dream for the future. And driven by his father’s fears and faith, he sought and received his own revelations about how his people might someday find redemption—and might ultimately help bring about the redemption of Israel and the entire human family.
In this brief theological introduction, philosopher and theologian Joseph M. Spencer investigates the central themes and purposes of a book he calls a “theological masterpiece.” What was Nephi trying to accomplish with his writings? How can readers today make better sense of Nephi’s words? What can an ancient seer offer readers in the twenty-first century? Spencer introduces a Nephi for our moment, a complex prophet with an urgent message for a world in turmoil.
"Buy this book and read it. It’s a powerful addition to the resources we have for understanding the Book of Mormon. It will challenge and enlighten and uplift."
"It’s a pleasure to read scriptural commentary by someone who thinks critically while simultaneously loving holy text. Joseph Spencer’s excellent companion to 1 Nephi fills both these categories."
"Spencer starts by taking the text as a whole and allows it to funnel him towards its message—one that probably wouldn’t be at the top of mind for even avid readers of 1 Nephi."
"With the love and unrelenting inquisitiveness of a disciple-scholar, Spencer links together parts of the narrative which previously seemed unrelated, showing us a dazzling bigger picture."
"A powerful, compelling, and rich introduction to the book I thought I knew...It invites every reader to consider how Nephi’s perspective should shape our own personal and collective ministry."
“Spencer’s approach to the text is compelling and refreshing. 1st Nephi will never be the same for me after the questions and insights he raises throughout this book.”
"My copy is heavily marked up and littered with sticky notes, pointing to new insights and areas for further study."
"Joseph Spencer makes us look deeper...Instead of re-telling the 1 Nephi stories for the billionth time, he takes us by the academic hand and leads us around another way."
About the Author
Joseph M. Spencer
Joseph M. Spencer is assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He earned a PhD in philosophy at the University of New Mexico and has published extensively on Latter-day Saint scripture and theology in BYU Studies Quarterly, the Journal of Philosophy and Scripture, and the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies where he serves as editor. Spencer is co-editor of the book series Groundwork: Studies in Theory and Scripture. His other books include Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah and For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope.
Table of Contents
Series Introduction
Introduction
Part I: The Theological Project of Nephi
Occasion and Structure
The Remnant of Israel
The God of Israel
Part II: The Theological Questions
Laban's Death
Laman and Lemuel
The Women
Conclusion
Backmatter
Further Reading
Endnotes
Editions of the Book of Mormon
Index
Colophon
Publication Information
Subject: Book of Mormon
Publication Month: March
Publication Year: 2020
Language: English
ISBN 13: 978-0-8425-0007-4
Page Count: 148
Illustration(s): 13
Binding: Paperback
Price: $ 9.95
Imprint: Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship