Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price Reviews

• 
  Nikki Nielsen

  There are books I have loved, that I have truly enjoyed, that I have given 5 stars to. I have included my raving review with a lot of those ratings. This book is different. I haven't added a review because it will be so hard to give justice to, but I decided this morning that it is time to try.
  
  First of all, contrary to popular belief, Joseph Smith Jr. is not the 'author' of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets, just as the Bible was written by prophets and apostles of Christ. The writing was done by the spirit of revelation and prophecy. Many authors had contributed directly or were quoted in the final abridgment of ancient records compiled by the prophet, historian, and military leader Mormon near 400 A.D. Mormon recorded these writings on golden plates and they were translated by Joseph Smith Jr. There is an introduction by Joseph Smith explaining how the plates came into his posession so he could translate them, but that is the only part of the Book of Mormon that is truly written by him.
  
  Although I was taught from this book and the Bible my whole life, I didn't read this by myself until I was 27 years old. I attended seminary classes at school and read small sections at a time with my class, but that isn't the same. Before I started reading this on my own, I knew that people I loved and trusted had told me it was written by prophets. They had shared testimony with me that they knew it was really translated by a young un-educated chosen man through a higher power. And I trusted these people. But I needed to learn it for myself.
  
  I am a fast reader, but this book takes study and thought. It can't merely be plowed through. Every day for two weeks while my older children were at school, I sat down with my three year old, my Book of Mormon, and the Book of Mormon Student Study Manual. Before I read anything, I prayed that I would understand what I was about to read. Then I sat my son on my lap, and we read a few chapters at a time. After reading these chapters, I would go through the student manual for guidance, to help me understand. By this time my son would be asleep in my arms and I would sit there for a good hour and just think about the things I had read. What they mean. The direction of the people's lives I was reading about.
  
  On the last day, I changed my routine slightly. After I had finished reading, I put my son down for his nap in his own room, and I went to mine. I knelt by my bed, and I prayed to know for myself, that everything written in this book is true. And I would be un-grateful if I didn't share with the world, that I got my answer. And I am here today to tell you all that this book was really written by prophets. It was really translated by the power of God. It is another testament to the life of Christ.
  
  If anyone wants to read the book, I would be happy to send you one; I have quite a few copies.
  
• 
  M

  The LDS (Mormon) church does everything it can to instill the idea that if a person reads this book, prays with “real intent” and “faith in Christ” (and other loaded phrases) that she/he will receive a burning euphoric feeling. We are expected to believe that an experience like this is sufficient evidence to prove that the church behind this book is “true”. However, experiences like this are not exclusive to any one religion, and it is an astounding claim that powerful euphoric experiences are exclusive to religion at all.
  
  If you are looking for meaning in life, begin by understanding what genuine science and open-mindedness are (
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T69TOu... ). You may just find that the natural universe has more meaning than you had previously expected (
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyjNXd... ;
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-eo_K... )
  
  I do not recommend reading this book with the intent of receiving this religion’s idea of a “testimony”. With the tools that this church provides (phobias, behavior control, thought stopping, and cognitive biases) and some determination, the human mind is very capable of concocting such a thing. The fact that this is possible does not make this church or any other church’s claims true. Mind control is a very real danger.
  
  Subjective experience and its applied value should always be assessed with a critical mind. Bold demands for personal sacrifice must be made to stand up to scrutiny.
  
  "Irreverence is a most necessary ingredient of religion. Not to speak of its importance in philosophy. Irreverence is the only way left to us for testing our universe."
  -Frank Herbert, "Children of Dune"
  
  If you are looking for a meaning in life, begin by understanding yourself. Suspending such crucial parts of yourself that are screaming out with incredulity may only obliterate your self esteem over time (
  http://www.blairwatsontribute.net/Psy... ).
• 
  Melanie

  I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I was 8-years-old. I read the Book of Mormon for the first time all the way through when I was a young teenager. Since then, I have read this book many times. There is a promise in The Book Of Mormon in Moroni 10:4, "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." I have taken this challenge and know for myself, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that The Book of Mormon is true. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. It does not take away from the Bible. It enhances the Bible and stands as another witness of Christ and His central role He played for all mankind. I love reading from its pages. I notice a difference in my life when I am learning and reading. I am more at peace with life and my family. One of my favorite parts of The Book of Mormon is in 3rd Nephi when Jesus Christ visits the Nephites after His resurrection. His love and His teachings are beautiful and they have touched my heart. It is my most cherished and loved book of all time. I say that because it has the power to change hearts which in turn can and will change lives.
• 
  Amy Sanders

  
  The Book of Mormon:
  How does this book make a list as a recommend?
  Fiction cloaked as truth? And we wonder at our politics. The emperor is nude.
  If you are looking at it for literary purpose, it had over 5000 grammatical errors. The book of Isaiah is plagiarized, right down to the italics in the King James. Yes, God must speak King James.
  As for accuracy, where Isaiah is plagiarized, I am sure it is accurate. Watch for context errors. There are some serious errors though, ie: "Jesus was born in Jerusalem." ???? Try Bethlehem! For an author that was transcribing truth, this books data has no foundation. Not backed by archeology, history, or geography. Just a warm fuzzy feeling. I personally recommend Tums, a lack of truth cloaked as truth, gives me indigestion.
  For those who seek truth, this one blares out its error. If you have the time to read it, and then go and research the possibility of steel existing in 400 AD in the America’s, and then twist your mind to believe that, you may be a candidate to enjoy this book.
  Look to the Smithsonian to see if archeology gives any proofs to this book’s claim.
  So many errors, so many things are just flat inaccurate and not possible for the date it was supposed to have happened.
  For me, it is like watching a lunar landing on a television during the era of the Revolutionary War, well except that was only 200 years apart. This books errors date over millenniums, not centennials.
  FYI, part of Nehemiah’s wall still stands in Jerusalem. That was over 2700 years ago.
  The Western Wall of the Temple stands. 2000 years ago.
  Truth has a way of standing.
  The Pearl of Great Price?
  Please...
  The original document was an Egyptian papyri on how they buried their dead. It had nothing to do with the Book of Abraham. A complete embarrassment to the Mormon Church that had believed black people were cursed. Retracted after they found the original Papyri. The fact that they keep the book…well that speaks volumes.
  
• 
  David Menzies

  When I read the Book of Mormon for the first time I felt a profound sense of divinity such as I had never before experienced. My life beforehand had been one of selfishness and self-concern. I didn't care how I lived or even if I lied, cheated, or acted immorally; however, upon reading the Book of Mormon, and learning of The Saviour Jesus Christ, I began to feel a responsibility to both Him and His Father. I literally began to feel that I had been lacking the most valuable knowledge that existed, and that was that, "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." - Alma 34:32
  
  As a companion to The Bible, the Book of Mormon has helped me to understand the meaning of this life, and in so doing, has changed my life. I know now why the human condition is the way it is, I know what I can do to be happy, and I know how I can please the One who created me.
  
  I can promise that it will do that for all those who read it with the intent to learn and grow. It truly testifies of Jesus Christ, and is a physical evidence of his activity among mankind today, and God's concern for His children's eternal welfare. It taught me of my awful condition, and how I through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and remaining faithful can enjoy "peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come". - Book of Mormon introduction
• 
  John

  I mean no religious disrespect by rating this book so low but do so only from a literary standpoint. Honestly, how many times do you need to say "and it came to pass."? Here's one of my favorites:
  
  And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.
  Alma 47:11
  
  I found the book unreadable and completely devoid of history, philosophy and a coherent theology. Make me wonder if anyone has ever really read it, or if people are just relying on the Cliff Notes.
• 
  Sherry

  This book has taught me and teaches me of the things that will happen to a people who will not listen to the Lord. It is one book that lifts me up and helps me be a better person. It gives me insite as to how life can be if I will do what I know to be right and true. It takes me from darkness into light about the true nature of God.
• 
  David S. T.

  My goal to read most of the major religions scriptures lead me to read the Mormon scriptures, sheer will and stubbornness were the only reasons why I finished. Its been a while since the last time I read something I disliked this much and didn't stop. I rated this two stars only because I gave it an extra star for its importance in the lives of millions.
  
  A few years ago two Mormon missionaries stopped by my house to talk about a new testament of Jesus Christ, at the time I was too busy to have any real discussion with them, but they left me the book of Mormon, they asked me pray to the holy spirit to reveal himself and the truth to me while reading the BoM. I honestly assumed that the BoM would be more persuasive and challenging, I wasn't ready though for the boredom, repetitiveness, blatant racism, and plagiarism. The BoM is full of later stuff which makes me think that it surely was written in the 18th century and definitely not before the conquest of Babylon in the 6th century BCE. For example in the Hebrew bible, we have vague references to a future messiah, with the BoM we not only direct messianic mentions, they're actually told his name would be Jesus Christ (does Joesph Smith not know that Christ isn't Jesus's surname?). There are zero mentions of a church in the old testament, but the book of mormon is full of references to the great abdominal church, how on earth do they know what the church will be called? I mean honestly, I think all three Jewish based religions can agree that the Jews were (are) god's chosen people, you'd think if god gave this much information to the Nephites he wouldn't have been so vague with his chosen people (we can also agree that we have latter BCE evidence of the Hebrew scripture, but only Joseph Smith's word about the BoM). I can't imagine that if God told the old testament people that his only begotton son Jesus Christ is coming, he'd be god incarnate and to follow him, we'd have the division between the Jews and Christians today. Why would god trick his chosen people but reveal so much to a people he knew would be completely killed off?
  
  The most surprising thing to me was just how racist the LDS scriptures are. First with the BoM, god gets pissed at the Lamanites for being evil so he “curses” them with dark skin while he's pleased with the Nephites so he gives them an exceeding white skin. God seems to repeat this dark skin cursing several times, another example is found in the Pearl of Great Price where god once again gets mad at a decedent of Noah and curses him with black skin (which leads to the Egyptians). In the doctrines and covenants god has many things to say about slaves, nothing about slave ownership being wrong but more about how the white man should fear if the slaves have an uprising.
  
  An example 2 Nephi 5:21 “And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them”.
  
  Next the whole LDS scriptures are highly plagiarized, for example about half of the book of 2 Nephi is a word for word copy of King James's version of Isaiah. When Jesus comes to America to talk to the Nephites, people whom will be shortly killed off, he says nothing new, just somewhat repeats what's already in the KJV, why not at least throw something new in there? (You also get even bigger attempts to out do the new testament, for example when Jesus dies the sun stops shining for three days over the entire continents of the Americas).
  
  Next the entire LDS scriptures are a very dry read, the attempt at King James English only makes the read harder. This is pretty surprising because the story sounds somewhat interesting on paper, you have a group of Israelites whom God sends away because of the depravity in Israel and they happen to land somewhere in America where they quickly multiple into a massive civilization stretching from coast to coast. Later Jesus, after his crucifixion, shows up and allows all one million plus of them to touch the holes in his hands and delivers a few messages to them. Later the evil god hating Lamanites brutally kill all of the god fearing (but back sliding) Nephites and one Nephite named Mormon survives, and hides while he spends the rest of his life compiling the history of his peoples. His son buries the plates only to return as an angel 1400 years later to deliver them to Joseph Smith.
  
  The execution of this story is extremely boring though. Its long and extremely repetitive. Over and over again the Nephites and Lamites fight, someone preaches they repent then backslide and fight all over again. Sections are repeated over and over again to the point of frustration. The phrase “And it came to pass” is literally used over a thousand times. Commands and instructions are repeated over and over again hardly anything new is ever said.
  
  The doctrine and covenants seem very much like they're words from Joseph Smith. Repeatedly people question Joseph and all of a sudden god has a special word to them delivered by Joseph Smith. Someone wants the ability to translate scriptures also, Smith ask god, god tells Smith to tell them that only Smith can translate at this time. Someone gripes about spending too much money, Smith asks god, god tells Smith to tell them they're giving the money to god and god will bless them. I mean its really hard for me to believe that people actually believe this stuff. The most absurd one occurs in #132, Emma Smith is mad that Joseph Smith has taken other wives, god gives Joseph Smith a message, god commanded all of his great prophets to have multiple wives, Abraham, David, Solomon, and Smith should take many wives also. If Emma Smith doesn't accept this she'll be destroyed, so does this mean god allows Emma to take another husband, nope instead he says “And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her if she abide not in my law.” (Also notice the destroy part is repeated, this type of repetition happens over and over again in the LDS scripture, far worse than this mild example). I mean seriously does this seem like the work of Smith getting what he wants or a divine sexist / racist being.
  
  The only halfway redeeming work in the LDS scriptures is the Pearl of Great Price, I disliked it the first time I read it, but after slogging through the other stuff, this was easy to get through and way more interesting. In this, I have to think Smith was getting bored with his other stuff and just jumped off the deep end. In the book of Abraham, you have god talking to Abraham and god tells him about how god has his own planet circling a star Kolob where god sends spirits to earth, at least this absurd stuff was slightly interesting and its short which is odd for LDS stuff.
  
  In the end, obviously I'm not even close to becoming a Mormon. The holy spirit didn't speak to me through the LDS stuff and there wasn't any type of bubbling in my bowels. Having read some other scriptures, I can imagine that Paul, Mohammad, Siddhattha, ect all actually believed that they were having a spiritual vision (every person needs to decide for themselves how true they think these visions were), but I don't believe the same for Smith. I truly believe that he was disillusioned with the churches of his day so he completely made up the book of Mormon and claimed it was ancient to get followers. This 'holy book' gave me nothing but a couple months of torture.
  
• 
  Aaron

  I finished the Doctrine and Covenants on Sunday, August 16, 2009. I'm not sure how many times I've read the D&C. My best guess is four or five times. Reading it this time confirmed my testimony that it is in fact what it purports to be: a collection of revelations from God to Joseph Smith (and a few other men).
  
  I finished the Pearl of Great Price on Thursday, September 10, 2009. Re-reading the PoGP this time (probably my fourth or fifth time reading it) has revealed to me that I need to strengthen my testimony of this book (especially of the Book of Abraham). I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and thus, I know that the Pearl of Great Price is what it purports to be, but my testimony of the PoGP is derivative of my testimony of Joseph Smith. I'd like to be able to say that I've had independent confirmation of the truthfulness of the PoGP. That is something that I will need to work on.
  
  My family and I finished reading the Book of Mormon (after a nearly two-year effort) on October 27, 2009. To celebrate, we had rootbeer floats and talked about the best parts of the Book. My two middle children both liked the Jaredites travelling to the New World in airtight ships. My oldest liked the story of Nephi and Laban. As we talked, my children asked me how many times I've read the Book of Mormon. I can't say definitively. I haven't really kept track. But my best guess is somewhere around 15 times. My wife and I ended our "party" with the kids by telling them that we both know that the Book is true, and that they can know it is true to by doing what Moroni said in the last chapter. It was a very special night for us.
  
  I finished the Pearl of Great Price (I'm re-reading it with a commentary book) on March 18. I hope to finish the commentary book this weekend.
  
  The Tady family finished the Book of Mormon this evening (May 22, 2011), doing it this time in just less than a year. This time we celebrated by having mini-chip brownie sundaes and talking about our favorite Book of Mormon heroes. Mine is Mormon, Christa's is Alma the Elder, Lincoln's is Teancum, Sonoma's is Ammon, Lorin's is Captain Moroni, and Eliza just ate her ice cream while we talked (maybe next time we read she'll be a little better at paying attention). Our next pursuit? The Doctrine and Covenants.
  
  We finished the D&C as family on Saturday, reading OD2 on the way down to hand out backpacks, food, and hot chocolate to some homeless people in downtown Atlanta. I really enjoyed reading the D&C this time. Having just read several books on church history, I was able to spot connections and see insights that I haven't noticed before. I think my children enjoyed it, although I don't think they liked that there weren't very many "stories." We are now going to read the Pearl of Great Price and then read the Book of Mormon again. Our goal is to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.
  
  Finished the Pearl of Great Price as a family on Friday, January 20. It may be a while before we read that one with our kids again. Too disjointed and over their heads.
  
  We read Moroni 10 while driving to Kansas for Christmas (12/21/12). I've really enjoyed reading the scriptures as a family. I think we will try to do the entire New Testament (and not just the Gospels and Acts) next.
  
  We finished the Book of Mormon again as a family on 11/18/14. Reading in the morning before anyone leaves for seminary or school has worked out very well for our family. We've started reading the New Testament again.
  
  I finished reading the Pearl of Great Price on Sunday, September 9, 2018. I read the Bible last year, so I have read all four standard works of the Church within two years. I think I am going to start doing that repeatedly. As soon as I am done with the recently-published "Saints" book, I am going to start the Old Testament again. My goal is to finish all four standard works by the end of the year in 2019.
• 
  Sarah

  These books are amazing! I love reading them, and they are on my reading, read, and to read lists! Contrary to what others may think, I know this book is true. I'm LDS, and I sure hope we don't make anyone feel like they have to belong to our church. I've found answers I needed, and I've had comfort when I needed it by reading from these scriptures and praying about it. I had a really good friend die last month, and I don't know how I would be doing right now if I didn't have the gospel in my life. No matter what anyone says, I will never be dissuaded from my faith in these scriptures, my church, and God.
  I'm now a little older, and have had the chance to read the Book of Mormon several more times, with family, as my personal study, and now in seminary this year! My faith has continued to grow as I have learned more and really taken the time each day to study the scriptures. One of my favorite parts of the gospel is the hope it brings. The knowledge that God is always there for me and loves me more than I can truly comprehend gives me the courage and the strength to face trials. My love for my Savior has also grown so much as I have used the Atonement in my life. Christ has been there for me throughout my entire life, and I am so thankful for Him and His redeeming love!
• 
  Andrea

  The Book of Mormon
  The story of a civilization from beginning to end and the interactions between the people and God. There is a large section in the middle describing warfare strategies. Some thematic elements such as genocide, racism, corruption like the mafia, murder,etc. Some chapters of pure theology. Full of little gems of truth. A book that requires thinking.
  The Doctrine and Covenants
  The compiled revelations Joseph Smith received from God. Many start with something like "Thus saith the Lord." Can be read out of order. Arranged more or less chronologically. Full of gems of truth. Some of the revelations scold Joseph, others promise great blessings. Ends around the time of his assassination.
  The Pearl of Great Price
  The writings of Moses and Abraham translated from an Egyptian papyrus. An excerpt quoted from the Book of Adam is found inserted into the Book of Moses. Also another creation story similar to the one in Genesis. The books begin and end abruptly. Also includes a couple of Egyptian pictures with the text translated to the side. Very interesting.
• 
  Rachel

  
  
  This book more than any other has built my relationship with God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. It has given me peace in times of difficulty and testifies to me that God loves his children here on earth. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for my sins and open up the way to eternal life. This book has taught me to turn to God in prayer when I need his help, understanding, or peace. It has taught me to follow the living prophet and to ask for a personal witness that he is a prophet of God. Because of The Book of Mormon I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ and Savior of the world. I know they love me and are concerned with my eternal welfare. I know they have sent latter-day prophets to help us along this earthly journey. I know I have been happy when I live according to my beliefs.
• 
  Brenda Cregor

  Modern revelation rocks!
  
  Section 122:
  
  ( When times get tough...these are the verses I read.)
  
  5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
  6 If thou art aaccused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to bprison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like cwolves for the blood of the lamb;
  7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
  8 TheSon of Man hath bdescended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
  9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
  
• 
  KamRun

  جوزف اسمیت، در قرن 18 ادعا کرد که پس از ملاقات‌های پی‌در‌پی با فرشته‌ای که بر او نازل می‌شد، به منبع کتیبه‌های باستانی دست‌یافته که روشنگر افق‌های مسیحیتی راستین و متفاوت با تعلیم کلیسای جهانی مسیح است. با انتشار این کتاب و موعظه‌ی اسمیت و پیروان اندکش، کلیسای عیسی مسیح قدیسان آخرالزمان تاسیس شد و این چنین مورمونیسم شکل گرفت. اسمیت ادعا می‌کند تاریخ حقیقی این کتیبه‌ها به قرن‌ها پیش از میلاد بازمی‌گردد و مطالب این کتاب هرچند تا حدی دستخوش تغییر و تاویل حین انتقال و نگارش شده، اما نسبت به عهدین بهره‌ی بیشتری از حقیقت برده است
  کتاب مورمون تاریخ قومی به نام نافیان را که زیرمجموعه بنی‌اسرائیل هستند روایت می‌کند. تاریخی موازی تاریخ قوم یهود در عهد عتی�� و کلیسای مسیح در عهد جدید که بازه‌ای حدودا 100 ساله (600 قبل میلاد تا 400 میلادی) را در برمی‌گیرد. با این وجود قریب به اتفاق محققان بر این باورند که جوزف اسمیت خود نوینسنده‌ی این کتاب است و شواهدی بیرونی و درونی تماما گواهی بر این ادعاست. مثلا اقوام و مکان‌هایی که در این کتاب آمده، سبقه‌ی تاریخی ندارند و هیچ‌گونه شواهدی مبنی بر وجود داشتن چنین اقوام و رخ دادن چنین وقایعی در دست نیست. در کتاب از پیام‌آورانی نام برده شده که در هیچ کجای دیگر، حتی اشاره‌ای نیز به آن‌ها نشده است. سبک نگارشی متن و شیوه‌ی روایت هم تقلیدی کاملا شکست خورده از عهدین است. در مورد محتوا هم باید بگویم که در قسمت‌های قابل توجهی از کتاب، عینا از عهدین کپی‌برداری شده، مثلا تقریبا تمام باب‌های اشعیا در کتاب دوم نافی آیه به آیه نقل شده. محتوای تعلیمی کتاب را هم می‌توان به دو بخش تقسیم کرد. بخش نخست که شامل تعالیمی جدید است و بخش دوم که از ترکیب ناموزون تعالیم کتاب‌مقدس (بخصوص عهد جدید) بدست آمده است. تصنعی بودن کتاب، روایت‌ها و پیشگویی‌ها کاملا مشخص است
  خواندن این کتاب، آن هم بصورت گزیده و خلاصه، شاید تنها برای دین‌پژوهان مفید باشد و البته پیروان این مذهب نوپای آمریکایی
  
  پی‌نوشت
  بسیاری به اشتباه، مورمونیسم را فرقه‌ای از مسیحیت به‌حساب می‌آورند، در صورتی که نه مسیحیان چنین چیزی را می‌پذیرند ( تمام گرایش‌های مسیحی جنبش جوزف اسمیت را قویا محکوم کرده‌اند) و نه خود جوزف اسمیت چنین ادعایی دارد. در بسیاری از قسمت‌های کتاب مورمون با شدیدترین لحن ممکن به کلیسای رسمی و پیروان آن حمله شده و از آن با نام روسپی بزرگ زمین و کلیسای ابلیس به دفعات نام برده شده است
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  Brandi Snyder

  My eyes are continually opened.... This NON Fiction book is so dear to my heart. I am so grateful for the enlightenment given us from our Heavenly Father!
  
  And what a read.... It's got action, adventure, love, war, truth... I mean, even if it weren't so obviously inspired by so many different authors, it would still be an awesome book!
  
  Today we were studying in Alma where Captain Moroni and the Nephites are fighting against Zarahemnah and the Lamanites.... Wow! What bravery, what faith these people had. What's more exiting and encouraging than a war where the underdog prevails because of their obedience and faith in God? And the parallels we were able to come up with were amazing! Mandy Green (one of my favorite Sunday School teachers ever) made a chart: How Do We.....? One side says Lose and one side says Win. Then we went through the characteristics of both the Lamanites and the Nephites. One parallel I noticed was the fact that the Lamanites hatred for the Nephites (which was sadly passes down from generation to generation) put them in a "I'm a victim" state of mind, which fueled such anger and violence. But, the Nephites had loved the Lamanites and were always trying to help them to know Our Savior. They did not fight for power or revenge, to destroy or bring them into bondage as the Lamanites did. The Nephites "were fighting (to defend) their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they were doing that which they felt was the DUTY which they owed to their God". The Lord told them that they should, "defend (their) families even unto bloodshed." (Alma 43:45-47)
  
  The Book of Mormon is definitely an awesome book, full of the best examples to follow, including the Ultimate example: Jesus! A definite MUST read, then pray to God, see if it's true!
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  seth coleman

  The Book of Mormon claims to be an affirmation of the Bible and Christian doctrine, but with a closer read, I think the core teachings of who God is and how man experiences salvation is quite different. It seems to me one central point of the LDS literature seems to be focused on man's exaltation, showing how man can attain or earn his glory. Whereas the Bible is focused on how eternal life cannot be earned through obedience, but by realizing our personal failure to obey God's law, and fully depending on what Jesus did on the cross for mankind. The Bible says that Jesus shows mercy to those who recognize their need for him, for those who have realized that they have failed God; not to those who have earned his mercy through obedience. Jesus says himself, "I am the doctor for the sick, not those who think they're righteous." I find that these two approaches are very different. The LDS teachings are about people making themselves worthy to be with God by personal obedience, but the Bible teaches how rebellious mankind is made worthy because of Jesus obedience and sacrifice (Ephesians 2). In orthodox Christianity, salvation isnt something to be earned, but a gift to be received. . . Also the doctrine of who God is and where he came from is surprisingly different in the LDS teachings than orthodox Christian teaching. The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price is definitely interesting and full of intense stories, but I dont think it lives up to the Christian book that it claims to be.
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  Jan

  Just finished reading the Doctrine and Covenants as a family.
  
  When you read this book and turn around and teach it to others, you have a different perspective. It isn't just nice reading; it's doctrine that needs to be understood well enough to bring others to an understanding.
  
  The Doctrine and Covenants is a manual of revelations from God given to Joseph Smith on how to build His church, with very few complete stories in it. But the doctrines bring to light the same doctrines found in the Bible and Book of Mormon, adding details and insights that ultimately help us understand God, and his ways, that much better. And isn't that what we want: to understand better?
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  Emily

  I think it should be noted here, that this book is NOT by Joseph Smith, Jr. It is translated by him. There is a huge difference. This is a true book written by prophets centuries ago who lived on the American continent. It is another testament of Jesus Christ and goes hand in hand with the Bible! :)
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  Emily

  This book is the most correct book on the earth today. The translator, the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet of God, and he translated this book through the gift and power of God. If this book is read with an open heart, the Spirit will touch your soul, and help you gain a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ.
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  Jon

  Another fantastic book in the canon of scriptures that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses daily. I'll admit I haven't read through the entire book in a few years. The last time I read it was during my ride to and from work each day on the train. I've read many books that way, and now that I'm riding the bus and have an even longer commute I foresee reading even more books. Anyway, this book was great and using the LDS Church's official Institute Study Guide while reading this was very helpful.