Approaching the Tree, Interpreting 1 Nephi 8

by Benjamin Keogh (editor), Joseph M. Spencer (editor), Jennifer Champoux (editor)

"If the Book of Mormon is rather generally revealing itself to be a source for rich and sustained theological reflection, then the theological interpretation of Lehi's dream must become a load-bearing wall in the edifice that is now being built."

Approaching the Tree is an invitation to view again one of the Book of Mormon's best-known texts. From the fresh interactions of an array of artists and scholars, the theological significance of Lehi's dream emerges anew. Together these able guides show, once more, both book and dream to be rich and deep, and worthy of repeated reflection.

The book includes essays and artworks from Benjamin Keogh, Joseph M. Spencer, Jennifer Champoux, J. Kirk Richards, Rose Datoc Dall, Megan Knobloch Geilman and many more.

269 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[Tyler Critchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ambitious project to interweave new scholarship and artwork on 1 Nephi 8. I found each of the essays thought provoking and worthwhile to read. When you have insights from scholars like Kylie Turley, Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, Kim Matheson, Rosalynde Welch, Joe Spencer, Terryl Givens, etc., you won't be disappointed. I can guarantee I won't see Lehi's dream the same after this.

It's also been a good experience thinking about how art influences my perception of scripture and doctrine. Exposing ourselves to new artwork can help us avoid boxing ourselves into limited ways of thinking.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artifact of the book is beautiful. It’s paper, images, image quality the inclusion of artist’s voices, it’s thoughtfully interleaved discourses, the variety of image and thought, and the mind and heart expanding differences.

“Artists are visual theologians.”

“Visual art influences our understanding. It may both expand and limit our experience with meaning.”

As each artist brought / brings a lens of their own imagination to their rendering, so did / does each essayist. Interpretations shared freely without the burden of judgement that may accompany a too-often-imposed-one-right-doctrinal lens. Inviting. Inspiring. Aspirational. Moving … quite literally moving to change to think differently, to feel viscerally, to be something more.

One essay, was to me particularly moving. It was written by a fellow believer whose faith may on one hand be described by affiliation with a differently named entity than that I adhere to yet seems on the other hand indistinguishable from my faith. The artifact of the essay is itself a witness of God’s movement among humankind. That we (all) are moved together toward Him. His self and other aware candor and content nudges my heart and mind. I yearn and reach heavenward.

[Brady Kronmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Each [of the 4 Gospel] account[s]…has commendable things to contribute to an understanding of Christ’s work. However, none has proved sufficient. Neither can they be entirely reconciled…the variety in the presentation of Jesus is necessary if all are to come to recognize him as God’s Christ.”

[David Barney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had some deep thoughts. I am not sure many will enjoy or better understand the content. Lehi's dream is great to study and there is so much to learn and know. I really enjoyed the many paintings that depicted certain parts of Lehi's dream.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific entry into the scholarship of Lehi’s dream in 1 Nephi 8. The artwork was interesting, especially since so much of it was unknown to me.

[Brent Huntley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable set of essays. Some definitely better than others. I really liked the one by Givens, while some other felt like they were stretching pretty far to come up with something new.