In a recent podcast with the Church News, scholar Rosalynde Welch shared an approach for studying the Doctrine and Covenants that will not only help us interpret tricky scripture but also come to know the Savior.
Her recommendation? Tracing themes.
A Thematic Approach to Scripture Study
“Reading thematically is one quiver in our arsenal of ways that we can approach the scriptures,” she says. “And I think it bears real fruit.”
Rosalynde points to President Russell M. Nelson as an example of someone who applies such thematic study to the scriptures, particularly when it comes to hesed, the Hebrew word for God’s lovingkindness.
“Grabbing onto this theme of hesed, President Nelson walked us through the way that it’s developed in the Old Testament, and then into the modern day in the Doctrine and Covenants,” she explains. “So that’s a great example of how to read for themes in the scripture.”
What Themes Are in the Doctrine and Covenants?
Rosalynde lists several themes that readers can explore in the Doctrine and Covenants, including:
- Revelation
- The nature of Jesus Christ
- Zion and consecration
- Agency
- The Second Coming
- Time
- Visionary and spiritual experiences
- Ordinances and covenants for the dead
“All of these are some central themes that we can find in the Doctrine and Covenants when we look for them,” she says.
More articles for you about scripture study:
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▶ 6 genius ways to study scripture that anyone can do (from one of our favorite scholars)
▶ Ponder this compelling question next time you want revelation
