Artworks for the Final Chapters of Alma
Our artistic journey through the Book of Mormon continues! Each month on our website, you can find artworks to accompany each of the coming month's Come, Follow Me readings. You can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world. Here are our selected artworks for July:
July 29 - August 4
Alma 36 is a chapter of contrasts. Misery and joy, sin and righteousness, pain and peace, damnation and salvation are all juxtaposed within its verses. At the crux of all these dichotomies is the repentance of Alma as he cried out to Jesus for mercy. But Alma’s redemption didn’t end at the miraculous moment shown here; he still had work to do. He explains that “from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste [and] the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors” (Alma 36:24-25).
We often speak of repentance as if it’s a chore, something to be dreaded. Reality is quite the opposite. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained, “’Repent’ is perhaps the most hopeful and encouraging word in the Christian vocabulary.” May we like Alma commit the work of finding joy by making amends through repentance.
August 5-11
The phrase “plan of happiness” is used only twice in the standard works, with both instances found in Alma 42. Happiness is a recurring theme in the Book of Mormon, even amidst its many conflicts and tragedies.
This sketch by Dean Fausett is simply called ‘Happy,’ and it’s easy to see why. A soft smile radiates from the subject’s face as she looks off into the middle distance. We don’t know the source of her happiness, but we can relate to the feeling.
What consistently brings you happiness?
August 12-18
War dominates much of the Book of Mormon, but while its authors honor righteous warriors who protect the innocent, it never celebrates war itself. Indeed, the book’s greatest warriors “were sorry to take up arms… because they did not delight in the shedding of blood” (Alma 48:23).
Minerva Teichert depicts the carnage of conflict in this painting. Though details of violence are obscured, the bodies of the fallen weigh heavily on the viewer’s mind. In this scene, even the successful defense of a city feels more bittersweet than celebratory.
What are you doing to be a peacemaker in a violent world?
August 19-25
The stripling warriors were not what you might expect from an elite military force. They were “very young,” completely inexperienced in combat, and led by a religious leader rather than a general. Nevertheless, they proved unconquerable in battle. Their source of inspiration was neither action heroes nor athletes, but the faith they had learned from their mothers: “They had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).
Take a look at this sculpture by Joseph Desantis, in which a mother and child embrace. The solid wood evokes strength, stability, warmth, and comfort. Though we cannot see the child’s face, it feels as though they are safe and happy, encircled by affection and maternal strength.
Who are maternal sources of strength in your life?
