In the Language of Adam

Reading Scripture Like the Book of Mormon's Visionary Men

By: D. John Butler

Narrated by: David Butler

Nephi puts us on notice in his very first sentence that The Book of Mormon was written by temple worshippers and for temple worshippers. He and the other prophets of The Book of Mormon, who called themselves the visionary men and the peaceable followers of Christ, knew and practiced a mystery, an ordinance by which they ascended through the temple and entered into the presence of God. This ordinance was embodied in a dramatic representation of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden and their return to it, in which initiates played the roles of Adam and Eve or their descendants.

The drama expressed the great doctrines of the visionary men about the purpose of life, the fall and redemption, Adam and Eve’s choice, and Christ’s triumph. It contained the moral commitments of the visionary men, and it taught them spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, washing, and anointing. It brought them to share a feast with the Lord and then to petition at the veil of the holy of holies to be admitted as one of the children of God.

The Nephite prophets used the sights, experiences, furniture, architecture, sounds, and even tastes of their temple experience to inform their writing. In the Language of Adam explores that complex constellation of information as a language--as a symbolic vocabulary for communicating and perceiving important truths. The more we understand about the temple practices of the visionary men, the better we can read The Book of Mormon, as well as the writings of visionary men in the Bible and elsewhere.

©2024 David Butler (P)2024 Plain and Precious Publishing

Deep Israelite Doctrine

So far , I’m only part way through for the first time, and I know LDS pretty well and this is helping me to understand more about the correlations between early Israelite temple worship and the similarities to modern temple worship. Focusing on much of the symbolism and the similarities.

Comprehensible yet profoundly deep

Thank you, Dave Butler for distilling a magnitude of gospel teachings into a cohesive, all-inclusive guidebook. Your ability to see the big picture and convey it to your readers is as impressive as the ideas shared. Very well done! I will have to revisit this book regularly because it helps me see more clearly the plain and precious jewels of God’s plan of happiness and especially the beauty of His Beloved Son who is our guiding star and truest friend leading us safely home.

Fantastically thought provoking

Butler eloquently describes an underlying narrative found throughout scripture which seems to jump off the page only once it is pointed out. With very few necessary examples and many more to eliminate all doubt, the author both informs, entertains, and testifies. The ideas he puts forward are invigorating and demand greater diligence in my own studies. Well done, Brother Butler, and thank you.

Great Invitation To Adventure With The Lord

Thank you Dave! This was really helpful to expand my mind and to seek and deeper connection with the Divibe!

Heavenly Parents

Can be confusing to follow him on all the twists and turns. How does this information get me close to God?

Well worth reading

This book is definitely worth reading. I'm slow to adopt several of the conclusions Butler reaches but he makes some very interesting points too and I learned a lot.

resonates with me.

very well articulated hypothesis rings true in a lot of ways. deeper meanings family throughout the book of Mormon and other scriptures and apocryphal literature back up this thesis.

A Welcome Addition

The information and thoughts presented provided rich ground for the Spirit to prepare my mind and heart for many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God

awesome book and incredible things to consider

Butler did a great job reading his own book but I suspect he also edited that recording himself and that's clearly not his forte. totally worth listening to, just ignore the poor edits.

Wow! I will never read scripture nor experience the endowment the same

Terrific narration by the author and his voice literally makes you feel like you are totally understanding and with him. Edits to the Audio are needed but don’t distract. Fabulous book. The Book of Mormon is in deed written for our day and a person will get nearer to Jesus Christ by abiding by its precepts than by any other book!