Episode 107: "I Am" Statements in the Book of Mormon (Joshua M. Matson)

Episode 107: "I Am" Statements in the Book of Mormon (Joshua M. Matson)

Author: BYU Religious Education July 1, 2024 Duration: 49:57

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 thatI amthe 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 these statements in the Bible and Restoration scriptures. He outlines how the Savior utilizes two forms of "I am" statements—metaphorical(depicting what he does) andabsolute(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. 

 

Publications 

 

Clickhereto learn more about Joshua M. Matson 


Behind the academic papers and detailed studies produced by the faculty at Brigham Young University, there are personal journeys of faith and intellectual curiosity. Y Religion, from BYU Religious Education, opens a window into that process. Each episode sits down with the professor behind the research, moving beyond the published conclusions to explore the human questions that sparked the inquiry. Conversations delve into why a particular historical detail, scriptural insight, or theological concept demanded a closer look, and what it means for both scholarly understanding and personal belief. This isn't about dry lectures; it's about the intersection of rigorous scholarship and lived discipleship within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The podcast serves as a unique bridge, making specialized academic work accessible and relevant to anyone pondering deeper spiritual truths. You'll hear scholars articulate the challenges and rewards of their dual commitment to the mind and the heart, offering listeners a richer appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between faith and learning. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that illuminate how dedicated study can deepen, rather than distance, one's spiritual journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Y Religion
Podcast Episodes
Episode 87: Mental Health and Latter-day Saints (Justin Dyer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:00
Do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have better, the same, or worse mental health when compared to members of other religions, or those of no religion? Despite some popular narratives, what does…
Episode 86: Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (Joshua Sears) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:15
About one third of the book of Isaiah is quoted in the Book of Mormon. A challenge can arise, however, with what is known as Deutero-Isaiah. This is a theory that there were additional authors who wrote portions of Isaia…
Episode 85: A Guide to Book of Mormon Studies (Joseph Spencer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:17
Readers often approach the Book of Mormon spiritually, seeking for inspiration and application, or apologetically to know or defend its truthfulness. Those are excellent and needful ways to approach the text. But they ar…
Episode 84: Models of Motherhood (Avram and Thora Shannon) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:03
"Mother" is a role that takes on many forms as women guide and nurture the human family. While many of us have mother figures we admire in the present day, what about our motherly role models from the past? In this episo…
Episode 83: Names in the Book of Mormon (Brad Wilcox) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:46
Lehi, Nephi, Amalickiah, Korihor—These are just a few of the many names readers encounter in the Book of Mormon. Just where did these names come from? Research has shown that individuals have certain naming preferences.…
Episode 82: The Saints of Las Vegas (Fred Woods) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:05
The city of Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but there is also something to be said for its communities of Saints. In the mid-1800s this city was a hub for Latter-day Saints and others travelling from California to Ut…
Episode 81: Early Christian Worship Spaces (Matthew Grey) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:58
Throughout the history of the Christian church, people have found ways to create space for worship. But what did these worship spaces look like? And how do these ancient worship spaces connect to our Church buildings tod…
Episode 80: Living our Temple Covenants (Anthony Sweat) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:18
In the temple endowment ceremony, Latter-day Saints make sacred covenants with God. But what are the holy promises that are made therein? In this episode, professor Anthony Sweat discusses his recent book publication tha…
Episode 79: Becoming Like God (Daniel Becerra) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:02
The idea that people can become like God is not unique to Latter-day Saints, nor is it new. In this episode, Professor Daniel Becerra takes us back to early Christianity to learn more about ancient teachings of deificati…
Episode 78: The Most Correct Book (Nick Frederick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:19
Joseph Smith famously said that the Book of Mormon is "the most correct book" on Earth. But what does this really mean? Was he referring to the perfection of the grammar and English in his translation? Or was something e…