Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Welcome back to our early morning seminary teacher training series! In this video, we explore how understanding the context and content of the scriptures and the words of the prophets prepares you and your students to truly recognize their inspired messages.
Key Concepts Covered in This Training:
Stepping Into Their World: Context provides the necessary background information to bring a depth of understanding to scriptural stories, teachings, and doctrines. While the authors wrote as directed by the Holy Ghost, their writings were clothed in their own culture and imagery; therefore, to truly understand them, teachers and students must mentally “step into their world” to see things exactly as the writers saw them. As President Thomas S. Monson taught, we should learn the background and setting of scriptural events and study them as though they were speaking directly to us.
Historical, Cultural, and Geographic Settings: Knowing the specific settings adds tremendous depth and power to the doctrines being taught. We explore how understanding the historical setting of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, the cultural tensions regarding the Samaritans, or the geographic reality of Canaan can powerfully illuminate and clarify familiar scriptural events.
The Prompting Questions: One of the most powerful keys to scripture study is understanding the specific question or situation that prompted a parable, event, or revelation. The Prophet Joseph Smith shared his personal key for understanding the scriptures: “I enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer … ?” Furthermore, asking who is speaking to whom and why—such as realizing Alma's teachings on justice and mercy were directed to his wayward son, Corianton—personalizes and deepens the doctrine.
Where to Find the Context: You don't need to be an ancient historian to find this information! The scriptures, the study aids provided in the scriptures, and the seminary curriculum generally contain sufficient contextual information to assist you and your class in understanding the scriptural content.
Watch now to learn how to help your students step into the ancient world and uncover the rich, hidden depths of the scriptures!
Welcome back to our early morning seminary teacher training series! In this video, we explore how understanding the context and content of the scriptures and the words of the prophets prepares you and your students to truly recognize their inspired messages.
Key Concepts Covered in This Training:
Stepping Into Their World: Context provides the necessary background information to bring a depth of understanding to scriptural stories, teachings, and doctrines. While the authors wrote as directed by the Holy Ghost, their writings were clothed in their own culture and imagery; therefore, to truly understand them, teachers and students must mentally “step into their world” to see things exactly as the writers saw them. As President Thomas S. Monson taught, we should learn the background and setting of scriptural events and study them as though they were speaking directly to us.
Historical, Cultural, and Geographic Settings: Knowing the specific settings adds tremendous depth and power to the doctrines being taught. We explore how understanding the historical setting of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, the cultural tensions regarding the Samaritans, or the geographic reality of Canaan can powerfully illuminate and clarify familiar scriptural events.
The Prompting Questions: One of the most powerful keys to scripture study is understanding the specific question or situation that prompted a parable, event, or revelation. The Prophet Joseph Smith shared his personal key for understanding the scriptures: “I enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer … ?” Furthermore, asking who is speaking to whom and why—such as realizing Alma's teachings on justice and mercy were directed to his wayward son, Corianton—personalizes and deepens the doctrine.
Where to Find the Context: You don't need to be an ancient historian to find this information! The scriptures, the study aids provided in the scriptures, and the seminary curriculum generally contain sufficient contextual information to assist you and your class in understanding the scriptural content.
Watch now to learn how to help your students step into the ancient world and uncover the rich, hidden depths of the scriptures!
